The show that's all about building a business in midlife, hosted by professional coach and entrepreneur Jo Glynn-Smith.
Each week Jo sits down with a different business owner to explore their personal stories and learn from their business journeys. These conversations are designed to inspire and motivate more people to find the courage and confidence to become a Midlife Entrepreneur.
Site
RSS
Apple
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
This is a show that’s all about building a business in midlife. At a time when many of us will be living into our 100s and possibly working into our 80s, career pivoting in midlife is not going to be just a trend, it will become a necessity. Each episode Jo will be sitting down with a different business owner to explore their personal stories and learn from their business journeys.
Inspired by her coaching practice, the goal is to have authentic and inspiring conversations that will motivate more people to find the courage and confidence to back themselves and become a Midlife Entrepreneur.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
EP3: Sasha Wilkins, Broadcaster, Journalist, Antiques Dealer and Founder of Found by Sasha Wilkins
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 59:43
Sasha Wilkins: From Fashion Journalism to Found by Sasha Wilkins
In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo speaks with Sasha Wilkins, a renowned journalist, broadcaster, author, and founder of Found by Sasha Wilkins, an antiques business specialising in 19th-century English ceramics. Sasha discusses her diverse career, from her pioneering days of blogging with Liberty London Girl to her latest venture in antiques. She shares her journey with dyspraxia and ADHD, the importance of curiosity, and how she has adapted her skills across various industries. The conversation delves into the challenges of starting a business in midlife, the value of personal branding in social media, and the practical aspects of operating an antiques business, including invaluable tips for new entrepreneurs.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:15 Introducing Sasha Wilkins: A Multifaceted Career
02:26 Sasha's Neurodivergence and Its Impact
03:11 Journey into Journalism and Broadcasting
05:20 The Birth of Liberty London Girl
10:46 Transition to Instagram and Found
13:58 Bootstrapping and Business Advice
21:38 The Importance of Mentorship and Learning
26:47 The Magic of Found and the Barn
29:03 Leveraging Social Media for Business
32:25 The Reality of Social Media Standards
33:16 Repurposing Content for Growth
33:55 Challenges of Running a Business
35:03 Balancing Work and Personal Life
36:12 Building a Business from Scratch
38:34 The Importance of Self-Belief
41:13 Navigating Career Transitions
45:16 The Power of Research and Planning
51:56 Investing in Health and Business
56:33 Family Support and Future Plans
59:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
EP2: Juliet Fallowfield, PR & Podcast Consultant and Founder of Fallowfield & Mason
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 41:04
Starting Over: A Midlife Entrepreneur's Journey with Juliet Fallowfield
In this episode, Jo interviews Juliet Fallowfield, a seasoned PR professional and podcaster with over 25 years of experience with luxury brands like Burberry, Chanel, and De Beers. Juliet shares her transition from a corporate career to founding her own PR and podcast consultancy, Fallowfield and Mason, in 2020 amidst personal and professional upheaval. They discuss the advantages of starting a business in midlife, the importance of self-knowledge and financial planning, and the unique challenges faced by midlife entrepreneurs. Juliet elaborates on how her podcast 'How to Start Up' was born out of her desire to help others by sharing her journey and the wisdom she garnered from numerous entrepreneurial friends.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:23 Juliet Fallowfield's Career Journey
02:40 The Turning Point: Personal and Professional Challenges
04:32 Starting a Business During a Pandemic
06:43 Launching the 'How to Start Up' Podcast
08:39 The Advantages and Challenges of Midlife Entrepreneurship
12:47 PR and Podcasting Services at Fallowfield and Mason
15:04 The Importance of Storytelling in Business
18:40 Navigating Sales and Client Relationships
22:01 The Importance of Asking for Help
22:37 Embracing Midlife Challenges and Blessings
24:18 Recognising Your Value and Pricing Strategies
26:06 The Power of Energy and Pro Bono Work
28:31 Navigating Business Growth and Economic Challenges
31:08 Self-Discovery and Financial Planning
36:21 Burnout and the Feather-Brick-Truck Theory
EP1: Jennifer Mo, Nutritional Formulations Expert and Co-Founder of Pura Collagen
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 59:32
Building a Nutritional Brand: Jennifer Mo on the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
In this episode, Jo interviews Jennifer Mo, a nutritional formulations expert and co-founder of the award-winning brand Pura Collagen. Jennifer shares her extensive background in sports nutrition, anatomy, and bioscience, highlighting her journey from a college athlete to a professional working with elite athletes and specialized military personnel. She discusses the inception and growth of Pura Collagen, a brand focused on scientifically formulated collagen supplements for skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Jennifer's story emphasises the challenges and triumphs of building a business in midlife, including the importance of PR, regulatory compliance, and investing in your team. The conversation also explores the personal sacrifices and resilience required to succeed as an entrepreneur, while touching on themes like the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, work-life balance, and the value of mentorship.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:14 Meet Jennifer Mo: From Sports Nutrition to Pura Collagen
01:39 Jennifer's Journey: From Aspiring Doctor to Nutritional Expert
03:06 The Science Behind Supplements: Jennifer's Early Fascination
06:19 From Retail to Military: Jennifer's Career Evolution
10:23 Corporate Challenges and Personal Growth
13:17 The Pandemic Pivot: Birth of Pura Collagen
14:32 Building Pura Collagen: From Kitchen Experiments to Market
26:42 Pura Collagen's Unique Approach and Market Strategy
29:15 Understanding Product and Packaging
29:48 Addressing Menopause with Innovative Products
33:04 Challenges of Starting a Business in Midlife
34:49 The Impact of the Pandemic on Career Choices
EP4: Anna Mason, Creative Director and Founder of Anna Mason London
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 55:23
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo interviews Anna Mason, a fashion designer and entrepreneur from London. Anna shares her inspiring journey, starting from her early aspirations to her education at the Royal College in London, and working with fashion giants like Karl Lagerfeld, Max Mara, and Valentino. Anna talks about the challenges and triumphs of launching her own label in 2012, juggling family life, and overcoming failures in her early career. She emphasises the importance of quality materials, the creative process, and the resilience needed to run a fashion business. Anna also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business in midlife, her inspirations, and her aspirations for scaling her brand. The episode concludes with Anna reflecting on the emotional challenges and proud moments of her entrepreneurial journey.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:15 Anna Mason's Early Career and Inspirations
01:28 Launching the Anna Mason Label
01:45 Defining the Anna Mason Brand
04:44 Balancing Family and Business
07:02 Overcoming Early Business Challenges
09:40 Creative Process and Inspirations
16:53 Navigating the Fashion Industry
27:45 Sustainability and Timeless Fashion
30:44 The Journey of Building a Fashion Business
31:00 Overcoming Challenges and Scaling the Business
33:31 The Complexities of Garment Production
36:11 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs
43:32 Reflecting on Success and Resilience
49:52 The Importance of Health and Fitness
51:20 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
53:42 Gratitude and Final Thoughts
EP5: Kirsty Raper, Instagram Specialist, Founder of Rebuildagram and Co-Founder of Reels Rockstars
Thursday, February 27, 2025 • Duration 45:33
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur, Jo sits down with Instagram specialist Kirsty Raper, founder of Rebuildagram and Co-founder of Reels Rockstars. Kirsty discusses her journey from a City career in PR and communications to launching a social media training business during the pandemic.
She shares personal stories including the tragic loss of her husband, the challenges of single parenthood, and how these experiences reshaped her career path.
Kirsty also delves into her passion for Instagram, the impact of her social media courses, and her successful partnership with Andie McDowell on Reels Rockstars.
The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of community in driving entrepreneurial success in midlife.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:15 Meet Kirsty Raper: Instagram Specialist
00:29 Kirsty's Journey to Rebuildagram
01:24 The Impact of Social Media Training
01:45 Kirsty's Passion for Instagram
02:24 From PR to Social Media Expert
04:20 Personal Tragedy and Career Shift
06:26 Starting a Business in Midlife
11:11 Balancing Work and Family
14:43 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
21:29 The Power of Cold Water Therapy
22:28 Collaborating with Andie McDowell
25:19 Running Courses and Workshops
25:40 The Joy of Collaboration
26:26 Different Skills, Same Goal
27:57 Instagram and Community Building
34:26 Success and Ambition
EP6: Abigail Wilmore, HR Specialist, CEO and Founder of People Flow
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 47:11
In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, Jo Glynn-Smith interviews Abigail Wilmore, a prominent HR leader, CEO and founder of People Flow. Abigail shares her career journey from starting at the shop floor to becoming a Chief People Officer at top fashion brands like Tom Ford and Stella McCartney. She discusses the inspiration behind her career shift to HR, the challenges she faced, and her dedication to heart-centered leadership. Abigail also delves into her healing journey over the past 15 years and how it has shaped her approach to leadership. Furthermore, she reveals how the pandemic led her to found People Flow, a community designed to support HR professionals by providing a space to discuss workplace challenges and mental health issues. This insightful conversation is filled with valuable advice for midlife entrepreneurs and HR professionals alike.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
01:20 Abigail Wilmore's Career Journey
02:37 Discovering a Passion for HR
03:47 Climbing the Corporate Ladder
10:47 The Birth of People Flow
14:57 Challenges in HR and the Importance of Community
20:28 Future Plans and Personal Healing Journey
28:27 Heart-Centered Purpose in PeopleFlow
29:39 The Gradual Process of Finding Purpose
30:59 Gender Dynamics in HR
33:06 Challenges of Running a Business
37:25 The Power of Community and Networking
40:27 Three, Two, Ones: Final Advice and Reflections
46:13 Conclusion and Farewell
Abigail's 3,2,1s
3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. Investing in my own healing and making sure I've got money to put to that.
EP7: Gabby O'Connor, Essential Oils Expert and Founder of Iris Organics
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 47:30
In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo talks to Gabby O'Connor, Founder of Iris Organics, an independent organic candle and diffuser business.
Gabby shares her journey from an HR and recruitment career in London to motherhood in Buckinghamshire, where she developed her passion for alternative medicines and essential oils into a thriving business. She speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, the importance of using natural products, and how she leverages social media and community connections to grow her business. Gabby also emphasises the significance of supporting small, female-led businesses and offers advice to those considering starting their own ventures.
Key highlight moments include a feature by ITV's beauty editor, Sarah Jossel and collaborations with influencers.
00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:37 Gabby's Journey from HR to Iris Organics
01:48 Discovering the Power of Alternative Medicines
04:25 The Birth of Iris Organics
08:32 Balancing Business and Family Life
12:27 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Small Business
15:52 The Importance of Technology and Learning New Skills
22:08 The Realities of Being a Midlife Entrepreneur
25:55 Pinch Me Moments: Reflecting on Success
26:09 The Journey to Unique Branding
26:55 Overcoming Business Challenges
28:01 The Power of Asking and Networking
28:59 Celebrity Endorsements and Media Highlights
32:47 Outsourcing and Business Growth
33:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
34:47 The Importance of Passion and Balance
EP10: Lucy Yeomans, Fashion Tech Entrepreneur, Founder and Co-CEO of Drest
Season 2 · Episode 1
Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 51:33
To kick off the second season of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Lucy Yeomans, founder and co-CEO of Drest, the innovative fashion styling app that’s transforming the way we interact with luxury fashion through gaming and technology.
They discuss her remarkable career and the innovative fashion styling app that's merging luxury fashion with gamification. From her transformative role as the editor-in-chief at Harper's Bazaar and Net-a-Porter to launching Drest in 2019, Lucy has continually reinvented herself and stayed ahead of industry shifts.
Lucy shares the lightbulb moments that led to the creation of Drest, the challenges of navigating the tech and gaming worlds, and the importance of personal well-being in entrepreneurial success. The episode also delves into Lucy's approach to building a supportive team, leveraging the fusion of real and virtual experiences, and the ultimate goal of making luxury fashion accessible to everyone.
00:00 Welcome to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:14 Introducing Lucy Yeomans and Drest
00:27 Lucy's Career Journey and Vision
00:42 The Birth of Drest
00:54 Challenges and Collaborations
01:01 The Evolution of Drest
01:33 In-Depth with Lucy Yeomans
01:38 What is Drest?
02:34 The Lightbulb Moments
02:46 The Gaming Inspiration
03:14 From Harper's Bazaar to Net-a-Porter
03:39 The Changing Media Landscape
04:09 The Rise of Gaming
07:52 The Drest Audience
10:24 Building Drest from Scratch
10:39 The Reluctant Entrepreneur
11:58 The Importance of the Right Team
EP9: Jo Glynn-Smith wraps up Season 1 with reflections on what she’s learned and the standout insights from her guests.
Season 1 · Episode 10
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 16:38
Reflecting on The First Season of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
Jo wraps up the inaugural season of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast by sharing heartfelt thoughts and insights from the show. She emphasises the importance of honesty, integrity, and authenticity and thanks her guests for sharing their journeys.
She discusses the purpose of her podcast: to inspire and motivate midlife individuals to pursue their business aspirations, whatever their age. Key takeaways include the necessity of having the right support team, the importance of self-care for maintaining energy and focus, and the value of continuous learning, especially in technology and marketing.
The episode also highlights Jo's personal journey from a corporate career to becoming a business owner, noting the challenges and rewards she has encountered along the way. Jo announces her intentions for season two, and invites listeners to contribute their stories or recommendations for future guests.
Closing remarks include a heartfelt thanks to supporters and a call to action for reviews.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor bookings: Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.comMUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to The Midlife Entrepreneur, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. Business card/ postcard hybrid - doubles as both, saves money and means I can write notes on them for customers
2. My physical health – I have a trainer once a week and see the osteopath once a month, I need to be fit for what I do, and injury would hold me back
3. My barn – not only is it a beautiful backdrop to my antiques, but 40% of my business is by private appointment
2 things you wish you’d done differently:
1. I would have done more research about my industry before I started the business, but timing was not on my side
2. I would have created more personal content around my brand right from the beginning
1 person you’d like to thank:
1. Lisa from the Miserden Estate who I wrote to in Feb 2021 and who got back to me in Sept 2021 with the offer of my barn – she saved my sanity! Thank you!
Found by Sasha Wilkins, Unit two, Manor Farm, Winstone, in the Cotswolds between Cirencester and Cheltenham, by appointment only www.foundbysashawilkins.co.uk Instagram @foundbysashawilkins YouTube https://youtube.com/@foundbysashawilninsantiques
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. Counselling to support her through grief and loss
2. The Team who are fantastic and inspire her every day
3. Flights, she loves travel
2 things you wish you’d done differently:
1. Looked after myself and not burnt out
2. listened to myself and my body more, prioritised self-care
1 person you’d like to thank:
1. The Graff’s for making me redundant, without which I wouldn’t be here with you today.
Fallowfield and Mason PR and Podcasting Consultancy www.fallowfieldmason.com Instagram @fallowfieldmason Juliet's podcast is called 'How to Start Up' listen wherever you get your podcasts
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
37:01 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Fear
38:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Team Building
43:36 Navigating Financial Challenges and Growth
44:52 Joining Forces with a Larger Brand
46:39 Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey
48:10 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts
Jennifer’s 3,2,1:
3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. PR – to help get cut through in a crowded industry
2. Legal experts to look at labelling and packaging information
3. Team – especially investing relationships outside of the workplace
2 things you wish you’d done differently:
1. Had a better understanding of equity and fund raising
2. Not allowed friends and family to invest – too much pressure, you don’t want to let them down.
1 person you’d like to thank:
1. CEO, 24 Hr Fitness, Mark Mastrov for understanding how to support women, for guidance and access to his knowledge. Also, Barry De Vilbiss, VP Retail at the same time – taught me about retail and shifting product.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. My pattern cutting table – it felt like huge investment at the time, but has been worth every penny.
2. The right people, they are worth their weight in gold and if I could pay them more, I would.
3. My commitment to health and fitness. I go to lots of exercise classes and have recently invested in a massage every six weeks or so – it’s rejuvenation for my soul!
2 things you wish you’d done differently:
1. I wish I had been able to invest more money at the front end of my business, it just never occurred to me that it would help so much.
2. Someone to run the business alongside me, I could really do with that logical analytical brain to back my creativity.
1 person you’d like to thank:
1. Jonathan Glynn-Smith, he’s an amazing photographer, friend and collaborator www.jonathanglynnsmith.com
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. People – we have a team of virtual PAs who are amazing, a brilliant web developer and a community manager - they manage all the stiff we don’t have time to do and we couldn’t live without them.
2. Tech – Canva is a life saver and so is Chat GPT
3. Cold water plunge pod – been a wellness game changer
2 things you wish you’d done differently:
1. I only have one – I wish I had started earlier!
1 person you’d like to thank:
1. Andie McDowell @dahliabeach my business partner and friend who makes me laugh every day and lifts me up when I feel down.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
3 things you’ve invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. Shopify – amazing for analytics and sales info
2. Web developer – Katie contact Gabby for her details
3. Social media training
2 things you wish you could have done differently:
1. Start earlier - but would I have had the confidence? Who knows.
2. I don’t think there was another one – oops, my bad!
1 person you’d like to thank:
Sarah Jossel, beauty journalist and broadcaster for mentioning my candles on This Morning during lockdown. It’s so powerful to have somebody advocating for you.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:
1. Good People, it's essential.
2. Time for myself, and investing in my wellbeing.
3. My child's education, it makes me so happy to know that she's somewhere that's looking after her when I have to work away (they have flexi boarding) and where she's really happy.
2 things you wish you could have done differently
1. More due diligence in the tech and gaming space beforehand. It slowed us down.
2. I wish I'd trusted my instinct more.
1 Person you'd like to thank:
My investor, Graham Edwards, for his excitement and belief in the vision.
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk
Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.
