Live & Linking #89 with Tom Griffiths
If you're a small business owner who avoids looking at your numbers, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Tom Griffiths, a fractional CFO who's on a mission to demystify the numbers and help business owners make smarter decisions.
We cover the difference between profit and cash (it’s not what you think), why so many people get into trouble with HMRC, and how a simple spreadsheet could stop your business going under.
Tom’s got a brilliant way of making finance feel less scary and more like a useful tool. Whether you're turning over £50k or £15 million, there’s something in here that will make your business better.
We talk forecasting, director’s loans, cash flow traps and even how to spot the best time of year to take a holiday—just by looking at your books.
Grab Tom’s FREE 13-week cashflow forecast tool here: https://cash-flow-forecast.gr-site.com/
About Tom GriffithsTom is a business owner and finance expert who helps small businesses build a growing, successful company. With over 10 years of finance experience from JPMorgan, he now works directly with business owners to simplify the numbers and make smarter decisions.
Whether it's M&A, exit planning, or everyday cash flow, Tom makes the complex feel manageable.
Connect with Tom Website: synergycfosolutions.co Free Cashflow Tool: cash-flow-forecast.gr-site.com LinkedIn: Tom Griffiths, CFO
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Live & Linking #88 with Jeff Wenberg
If your website or pitch isn’t turning heads or getting results, this week’s episode of Live & Linking is going to help you fix that. I’m joined by Jeff Wenberg, a full-stack marketer who’s helped scale some seriously big online businesses.
These days, he’s working with coaches and entrepreneurs to rebuild demand for their offers without changing a thing about what they sell. It’s all in the messaging.
We unpack what makes a pitch truly effective and why so many business owners lead with the wrong message. Jeff explains why your headline, your landing page, even your LinkedIn bio should focus on what your audience is already thinking about.
Forget clever wording or long explanations. If your message isn’t clear in the first few seconds, people will scroll right past. We also talk about the role of AI in marketing and how Jeff created PitchGPT to help people get out of their own heads and into the minds of their customers.
From his early days in Nashville to landing roles at Leadpages and Salesmsg, Jeff shares real stories with solid lessons. There’s something here for anyone looking to sharpen their communication, attract better clients, and create content that actually moves the needle.
Connect with Jeff:Website: https://jeffwenberg.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwenberg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjeffwenberg/PitchGPT: https://jeffwenberg.com/pitchgpt
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Live & Linking #87 with Anjie Carless
What colour are you?
This week, I chat with the ever-insightful Anjie Carless, founder of Cortex Training Ltd and a seasoned coach with a passion for helping people understand themselves and each other.
Anjie uses Insights Discovery. This is a colour-based personality profiling tool rooted in Jungian psychology. She uses it to help teams communicate better, grow stronger, and genuinely thrive. She’s been at it for nearly two decades and knows exactly how to spot a “Sunshine Yellow” from a mile away.
In our chat, we explored how knowing your personality colour can totally shift how you show up at work (and on LinkedIn). From figuring out why some people frustrate you to discovering how to find the perfect VA, Anjie breaks it all down in a super practical way.
She even shares what my profile says about me. Surprise, surprise, I’m Yellow with a dash of Green! Plus, we dig into the role colours play in leadership, business decisions, and even marketing (And why your logo colour might say more than you think).
If you lead a team, run a business, or simply want to understand people better, this episode is full of takeaways. And if you’re in Devon and curious about profiling, Anjie’s got some special workshops lined up.
Email Anjie: anjie@cortex-training.co.uk
Call: 07824 559724
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What happens if LinkedIn locks you out?
That’s exactly what happened to Melanie Goodman—and she had no idea why. In this episode, Melanie shares how her account was suddenly restricted, the hoops she had to jump through with support, and why it took over two months to get her profile back. For anyone worried about losing access to their LinkedIn, this is a must-listen.
We get into the common triggers that can cause restrictions (spoiler: it's not always obvious), plus the workaround Melanie used by transforming her company page to keep engaging with her audience. She also introduces us to Substack—what it is, why she chose it, and how she grew a list of 25,000+ subscribers in just a few months. It’s clever, practical, and might just change how you think about LinkedIn vs email.
Melanie runs Trevisan, a specialist LinkedIn consultancy for professionals in the legal, financial and regulated sectors. With her combined expertise as a lawyer and marketer, she helps leaders create smart, compliant, and effective LinkedIn strategies. If you want to protect your presence and build more resilience into your business, Melanie’s story is packed with tips and real-world inspiration.
Connect with Melanie Goodman:Website: https://www.trevisanconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniegoodman-training-marketing/Substack: https://www.linktank.pro/linktankEmail: melaniegoodman@trevisanconsulting.com
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In this episode of Live & Linking, I’m joined by Helen Young, Marketing Officer at the Growth Hub
Helen is someone who truly understands what it takes to support small businesses across Devon and Somerset.
They have even supported me. And you’ll hear all about it during the show.
We dive into Helen’s journey from running a family holiday home business to shaping marketing for one of the most proactive business support hubs in the UK.
She opens up about the real challenges business owners face (hello, bookkeeping!), how the Growth Hub helps solve them, and why face-to-face support still matters in this digital world.
We also talk about what makes a good event, why networking is a must for any business owner, and how Helen and her team are using AI to stay ahead of the curve. I
Connect with Helen Young and the Growth Hub: Email: info@heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk Website: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk LinkedIn: Growth Hub on LinkedIn Digital Support: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/digital-link Phone: 03456 047 047
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Taming the AI Overwhelm - Live & Linking #84 with Wendy Rogers
In this episode, I’m joined by Wendy Rogers, an AI and tech tools expert helping small businesses reduce overwhelm and feel more confident with all this newfangled tech.
Based in Liverpool, Wendy breaks it down without the jargon and shows us that you don’t have to be a techie to make AI work for you.
We dig into the stress a lot of people feel when they hear about AI.
“Should I be using ChatGPT? Or Gemini? Or Claude?” Sound familiar? Wendy shares simple ways to get started, how to avoid shiny object syndrome, and the one thing to do before you go signing up for yet another tool.
You’ll hear about practical things AI can help with—emails, social posts, recipes, spreadsheets—and how to use tools like Descript, Gamma, and Perplexity to get time back in your business. Wendy also shares how to create custom GPTs, keep your prompts tidy, and stop your ChatGPT from turning into a digital junk drawer.
Grab the free list of tools mentioned in this episode here: https://just.15mins.day/34079/files/68da9aaedca92_1759156910_ai-tools-from-live-linking-ashley-leeds-the-15-minute-guy.pdf
Connect with Wendy: https://www.savetimeinbusiness.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyrogers-ai/
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Money Confidence Starts With A Conversation
Here’s another cracking episode from the Live & Linking show, and this week I’m joined by Abby Birch. She is a financial wellbeing coach, motivational speaker, and all-round money mindset champion. We’re talking honestly (and practically) about something that affects all of us: money.
Abby shares why money is still a taboo in the UK, how shame plays a massive role in our financial decisions, and what we can do about it.
We dive into her 3Cs framework
Control
Clarity, and
Connection
This is a great way to get back in charge of your finances without judgment or overwhelm. Whether it’s budgeting, saving for a holiday, or just not panicking when the boiler breaks, Abby’s approach is simple, relatable, and full of easy wins.
We also highlight two brilliant support services—MoneyHelper and StepChange—for anyone needing free, trustworthy help. Abby’s big message? You’re not bad with money, you’ve just never been taught how to manage it—and that’s fixable. If you’ve ever felt confused, stuck, or ashamed when it comes to your finances, this one’s for you.
Connect with Abby Birch: Website – https://www.mymoneyexplained.com Email – abby@mymoneyexplained.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-birch/
Abby is a financial wellbeing and money expert with 25 years of experience helping people feel more confident and in control of their finances. She works with organisations, individuals, and neurodivergent communities to reduce financial stress and build financial resilience through practical, engaging, and stigma-free support.
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Live & Linking #81 with Stephanie Marshall
IIn this episode of Live & Linking, I chat with the unstoppable Stephanie Marshall. She is a multi-award-winning bookkeeper, accountant, podcaster, author, and community builder. If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too much, Stephanie’s story will resonate with you in all the best ways.
We dive into how she built her thriving practice ABCSUK during the pandemic, launched a podcast to help those who couldn’t afford premium services, wrote a book to fix the UK’s financial literacy gap, and even created a safe community space for introverted bookkeepers.
All in just three years!
This is a masterclass in making an impact without burnout.
We talk content, confidence, and community.
And if you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but feel nervous?
Stephanie shares exactly how she did it. Just by starting in her PJs, one episode at a time.
Connect With Stephanie
• Website/Links: https://linktr.ee/abcsuk
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-marshall-micb-pmdip-icpa/
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Do you prefer the buzz of a massive flagship show—or the magic of a local, friendly one-day event?
In this episode, I’m joined (for the 16th time!) by the brilliant Caroline Hobden, the powerhouse behind Accountex.
We’re talking all things Accountex Manchester 2025 and why it’s not just a smaller version of London, but a different beast entirely. Think more connection, more community, and less time sprinting between 13 theatres.
Caroline shares some of the surprises coming to this year’s event, including AI masterclasses, MTD prep, and a special Solo Traveller Lounge for first-timers. Whether you’re coming from down the road or all the way from Devon (like me), she makes a solid case for why Manchester might be the UK’s friendliest finance event.
Then we’re joined by Dermot Hamblin, creator of the Curly Wurly LinkedIn League, to chat about who’s smashing it online (spoiler: Grace Hardy), what inspired the list, and how it’s become a bit of a legend in its own right. It’s a proper feel-good conversation—with laughs, takeaways, and the reminder that big things happen when you show up.
🎟️ Register for Accountex Manchester: https://www.accountex.co.uk 📩 Caroline’s Email: chobden@divcom.co.uk 🔗 Caroline on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caroline-hobden-62888519
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Here’s Episode 79 of the Live & Linking podcast, and this week I’m joined by Craig Allen—aka the Black Knight—for a bold and brilliant conversation on mindset, growth, and leadership.
Craig is the founder of Different Mindset, where he helps business owners develop what he calls the Five Pillars Growth Method. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or just wanted someone to give you a kick up the backside this is for you.
We unpack the mental roadblocks that hold so many business owners back: imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, and the fear of standing out.
Craig explains how these thoughts take root, often from past experiences, and why they sneak up on us even when things are going well. He shares how he helps clients reframe their thinking, set bolder goals, and stop underselling themselves.
There’s loads in here about how to lead yourself first, before you try leading a team.
This episode is full of lightbulb moments, hard truths, and some top-tier banter from the comments section (thanks, Jeff and co.). Whether you’re just starting out or trying to break past a growth plateau, you’ll walk away with fresh tools and renewed energy.
Date & Time: 7/11/2025 17:55:57 Name: Craig Allan
Email: craig.allan@different-mindset.co.uk Website: www.different-mindset.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-allan/
YoutTube https://www.youtube.com/@DifferentMindset-CA
craig.allan@different-mindset.co.uk www.different-mindset.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/@DifferentMindset-CA "CRAIG THE COACH
I’m a Business & Executive Coach with deep, real-world experience in Business Management, Growth and Development across multiple sectors, over a career spanning more than 40 years.
Today I coach Founders, Executives & Business Owners to “Scale with Confidence.” I work with growth-driven leaders, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs who are often successful on paper but feeling stuck and overwhelmed by competing priorities.
I create a safe and secure environment where they can be as open and honest as they choose to be. I conduct a deep dive using my Reflections Workbook and make them think more about their life and business than they ever have before.
This helps me get them in the right mindset, ready to scale with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Through structured coaching, strategic planning, and proven tools, I help them gain perspective, identify roadblocks, and make better decisions.
Whether they're scaling up, leading change, or building culture, I’m there to challenge them, motivate them and hold them to account. This means I keep them focused, and ensure they follow through on what matters most. It’s about building momentum, not just in their business, but in their lives and their leadership.
It’s not about adding more, it’s about unlocking what’s already there.
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LinkedIn can be the biggest and best networking event you ever attend, and you do not even have to leave your house.
In this conversation with Tim Duncan from Profit First Professionals UK & Ireland, I explain how accountants, bookkeepers, and coaches can use just 15 minutes a day to grow their network, build trust, and attract clients.
We explore why LinkedIn works exactly like a great in-person networking event, minus the sweaty café and the three-hour round trip.
I share exactly what to do in those 15 minutes – from commenting on posts and sending connection requests, to sharing content that gets remembered – and why the aim is to start conversations, not sell.
You will learn how to make your profile instantly more appealing with four quick wins, how to use branding to become instantly recognisable, and why giving away useful content will actually win you more business.
We also look at how to stand out in a crowded market, why consistency matters more than any algorithm trick, and how to post without overthinking it.
If you have ever asked:
How do I get more leads on LinkedIn
What should I post on LinkedIn as an accountant or bookkeeper
How do I make my profile stand out
What can I achieve in just 15 minutes a day
This episode gives you clear, practical steps you can start today.
Connect with Ashley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/
Website: https://just.15mins.day
Name: Tim Seymour
Email: tim.seymour@profitfirstuk.co.uk
Website: Profit First UK
LinkedIn Profile: Tim J. Seymour
Facebook Group: Croissants and Coffee
Company Website: Profit First UK
Biography:Tim Seymour is the Joint Master Licence Holder (alongside Duncan) of Profit First Professionals in the UK. He supports members firstly through the certification programme and secondly by helping them determine how to offer all the techniques they have learned (and continue to learn) to their clients, while also attracting higher calibre clients into their business.
This week on Live & Linking, I’m chatting with the brilliant Judith Rafferty
She is a copywriter and content strategist who’s been quietly using my LinkedIn post ideas since 2022… without me knowing!
When we finally met, she showed me her spreadsheets, and I knew we had to bring her on the show.
Judith’s been in marketing for over 30 years, working across hospitality, events, and beyond, and she’s full of practical advice on making your content hit home.
We dig into why content isn’t about likes, followers, or vanity metrics. It’s not abou the numbers. It’s about connecting with the right people in the right way.
We also cover the power of personal quirks, the importance of scroll-stopping headlines, and why less content but more connection is the key to being remembered.
If you’ve ever struggled with what to say, worried your writing isn’t “good enough,” or felt drowned out by the noise online, this episode will help you see things differently.
Judith’s tips are simple, human, and easy to put into action right away, whether you’re writing for LinkedIn, your website, or just about anywhere else, this episode is for you.
Name: Judith Rafferty
mail: judith@fruitionventures.co.uk
Website: www.fruitionventures.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-rafferty/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruition.copywriting/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copywriter.manchester
Resident doyenne of business copywriting services. She is a Virgo, cat worshipper, Netflix binger, baker, and concert-goer.
You can call me Jude, J, or JR (throwback to my Dallas days in the ‘80s). Just don’t call me Judy. I spent years in sales within hospitality, events, and travel trade before returning to my original childhood calling – words.
When the hospitality and events industries took a hit (thanks, Credit Crunch and COVID-19), I took control and went all-in on business copywriting services. Oh, and did I mention my two children in furry jackets, Minnie and Nelson, keep me sane? And I’m obsessed with the Manic Street Preachers (seen them live 50+ times!).
What Judith can do for you
Website & Landing Page Copywriting
SEO Article and Blog Post Writing
Sales Emails, Letters, and Email Sequences
LinkedIn Post Writing
Case Studies
Done-With-You Copy Polishing for content you've already written or AI-generated text
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Contact InformationAboutSpecialisationsGet your free LinkedIn profile review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt
Marketing Isn’t Magic. It’s a Process
If marketing feels like a mystery or just another thing on your to-do list, this episode will clear the fog.
This week I’m joined by Mags Bradshaw, the founder of My Marketing Button and Red Button Marketing Training. She’s built a career showing businesses (especially accountants!) that marketing doesn’t need to be complicated.
We just need a proper process.
We get stuck into what’s really going wrong with most marketing strategies don’t work. Why your team already holds the key to your best content, and how Mags’ visual marketing framework helps business owners make better decisions.
All without hiring an expensive agency. If you’ve ever felt like marketing is “not for you,” Mags will change your mind.
Connect with Mags: Website: https://www.mymarketingbutton.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-marketing-button/ Red Button: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redbuttonmarketingtraining/ Email: hello@mymarketingbutton.co.uk
You can view the full YouTube episode HERE
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How to Lead with AI Without Losing Your Humanity – with Jamie Bykov-Brett
What if the future of AI isn't about robots taking over, but about helping humans thrive?
In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Bykov-Brett, an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, global innovation expert, and founder of the Executive AI Institute and Netropolitan Academy.
Jamie has worked with leaders across the world to help them understand and apply AI in practical, powerful ways.
We explore how AI can enhance leadership rather than replace it, what business owners need to know about tools like ChatGPT and Custom GPTs, and how immersive tech like digital twins and the metaverse is reshaping education and business.
Jamie shares real-world insights and breaks down the jargon, helping us see how small businesses can start using these tools without getting overwhelmed.
This episode is packed with practical takeaways and big-picture thinking. If you're curious about AI, wondering how to start using it, or want to understand what human-centric innovation really looks like, this one’s for you.
What you'll learn:
How to use AI to support teams, not sideline them
What Custom GPTs and agents actually are, and how they work
Why inclusion and accessibility are essential in digital transformation
Simple ways to bring automation into your business without losing your values
Subscribe to the show and get ready to see AI through a more human lens.
Connect with Jamie Website: bykovbrett.net
LinkTree: linktr.ee/jamiebykovbrett
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamiebykovbrett Socials: @JamieBykovBrett
Let me know what you think. If you’ve got a question for Jamie, drop it my way.
You can view the full YouTube episode HERE
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Live & Linking #75 | How to Run Webinars That Actually Sell, with Simone Vincenzi
Ever delivered a webinar that got great feedback but zero sales? This episode is for you.
Ashley is joined by Simone Vincenzi, founder of GTEx and a globally recognised expert in webinar strategy. With over 1,000 live events behind him, Simone shares how he went from running 25 webinars without a single sale to building a repeatable system that consistently converts.
This conversation goes behind the scenes of what makes a webinar truly work. Simone breaks down the structure, mindset, and presentation skills needed to turn interest into income.
What you’ll learn:
• The three questions every sales webinar must answer
• Why your pitch deserves more time, not less
• How to build content around objections, not just information
• The difference between training and selling
• How to create genuine connection and urgency without pressure
Want more visibility, leads, and confidence on LinkedIn?
Visit www.just.15mins.day and connect with Ashley on LinkedIn.
Guest Name: Simone Vincenzi
Email: info@gtex.org.uk
Website: https://simonev.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-vincenzi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonegtex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonegtex
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonegtex
Bio:
100 million new businesses start every year and 90 percent of them fail within 3 years. How do we create sustainable businesses?
Simone Vincenzi is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur and author who has helped people to launch more than 500 profitable businesses before he reached the age of 30. He writes for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine and regularly features on television and radio.
In this episode, Simone shares how you can become an authority in your field and get known, get paid, and make an impact.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt stuck, or told yourself “I’m just not confident”... this episode is for you.
This week I was joined by Jasmine Navarro, a certified family wellbeing expert and seasoned educator who now helps people around the world find their voice, build resilience, and feel enough—just as they are.
Together, we break down what confidence really means, why journaling and self-awareness are so powerful, and how to start making small mindset shifts that lead to big emotional breakthroughs.
What You’ll Learn:
Why confidence isn’t something you’re born with because it’s something you build
How emotional wellbeing directly impacts self-belief
Why tiny, consistent actions beat grand gestures every time
The link between past emotional baggage and present self-doubt
Practical tips to start tracking your progress—even when you can’t see it
What to do when your inner voice is holding you back
Try This Today:
Journal how you're feeling, no filter, no judgment
Ask yourself, “Would I talk to a friend the way I talk to myself?”
Take 60 seconds to scan your body and name the emotion
Reflect on how far you’ve come, not just how far you’ve got to go
About Jasmine Navarro: Jasmine is a certified family wellbeing expert and a qualified teacher with over 20 years of international experience. She's the founder of WithNava, where she helps teenagers, parents, and educators develop core confidence and emotional resilience through her Creative Confidence program. Her mission? To equip people with the tools they need to thrive—not just survive—in modern life.
She delivers workshops globally, supporting schools, teachers, and parents, and her coaching is used by educators, counsellors, and coaches around the world.
📲 Connect with Jasmine:
Website: www.withnava.com
Email: jasmine@withnava.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasmine-navarro
Instagram: @withnava
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When Opportunity Knocks: Show Up and Say YesReal Talk, Real People, Real LinkedIn – with G Haridy
This episode is full of warmth, laughter, and the kind of honest conversation you only get when two people genuinely click.
Ashley sits down with the brilliant and refreshingly real Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski to chat LinkedIn, showing up as your true self, and why we’ve got to stop overcomplicating it all.
From the stories behind G’s unforgettable book title (“From Satan to Sensational HR”) to how she helps small business owners find clarity and confidence in their LinkedIn presence, this is one of those shows that feels like a proper cuppa with mates.
Why LinkedIn is the best platform for real human connection
What holds people back from being visible online
How G supports clients with messaging and personal branding
The power of simplicity and using your own voice
Why "doing it your way" always wins
G is someone who knows LinkedIn inside out but still makes it feel like fun. She brings decades of experience in HR, training, and leadership — and now uses that to help others show up authentically and effectively. With warmth, honesty, and a few laughs, G supports her clients to stop hiding and start being seen.
Ashley and G talk about how their paths crossed (and how much G looks up to Ashley!)
G shares why so many small business owners feel frozen when it comes to LinkedIn
Why branding doesn’t have to be complicated
G’s tips on getting started when you feel overwhelmed
The behind-the-scenes of G’s transition from HR to helping people be seen
How support, humour and real conversations help unlock LinkedIn success
You don’t need to be polished to be powerful — just be real
If you don’t feel like showing up, there’s often a deeper story to explore
Finding your voice on LinkedIn takes support, not strategy alone
Good branding isn’t about logos — it’s about connection
Visibility is a muscle you build, not a switch you flip
Name: Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski
Email: gehan@goldensynergytouch.com
Website: goldensynergytouch.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gehanharidy
Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski brings over 20 years of experience in HR, recruitment, and leadership development with major brands like 7-Eleven and Sara Lee. Today, she helps small business owners and entrepreneurs bring their real selves to LinkedIn, supporting them to grow their visibility and confidence online. She’s also the author of From Satan to Sensational HR — a no-nonsense, deeply human take on her journey and her mission to make work (and life) better for everyone.
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What do you do when your planned guest cancels just hours before going live?
In this very real and unscripted episode, Ashley Leeds is joined by Tracy Irwin, the dynamic Time Freedom Alchemist, who stepped up at the last minute—and delivered pure gold.
Together, they dive into the power of accountability, the magic of saying yes to opportunity, and the mindset needed to grow your business with courage, clarity, and community.
Whether you're a business owner flying solo or simply in need of a reminder to trust your gut and show up, this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and real talk.
The power of having an accountability buddy
How to say yes to unexpected opportunities (even with zero prep)
What it takes to keep learning and growing as a business owner
Creating true financial independence (and why it matters)
Lessons from networking events and building authentic connections
How Tracy’s painful past fuels her powerful purpose
Tracy Irwin is a business mentor, bestselling author, and the founder of TI Accountancy. Known as the Time Freedom Alchemist, she teaches entrepreneurs how to take control of their day—and their future—by focusing on what truly matters. In this episode, Tracy shares her journey from running a successful accountancy practice to launching a new mission with heart, hustle, and salted caramel.
How Tracy and Ashley’s weekly accountability calls keep them grounded and focused
Why it’s so important to find someone outside your family to hold you accountable
Tracy’s recent experience flying to London for a two-day Global Woman event—and what it led to
Building relationships through curiosity and kindness at networking events
The link between lived experience and business purpose
Learning as a lifelong habit and why investing in yourself always pays off
Behind the scenes of Tracy’s Money Metrics Academy and who it’s for
Letting go of “shiny object syndrome” and keeping business simple
Using a spreadsheet (not a CRM) to track leads with impact
Accountability doesn’t need to be expensive—just consistent
When the right opportunity comes, say yes—even if you’re not ready
Your backstory can be your fuel, not your flaw
True financial freedom starts with understanding your own numbers
Keep learning, even on a flight—especially when it’s aligned with your mission
Small moments of connection at events can lead to lifelong friendships and new business doors
Name: Tracy Irwin Email: tracy@tiaccountancy.co.uk Website: www.timefreedomalchemist.co.uk
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracy-irwin-4482216
Facebook: facebook.com/timefreedomalchemist
Instagram: instagram.com/timefreedomalchemist
Tracy Irwin is a productivity and time freedom expert who helps business owners take back control of their schedules and their lives. She’s a bestselling author, founder of TI Accountancy, and now leads the Time Freedom Alchemist brand—teaching people how to focus on the metrics that matter. With a gift for making complex finance simple and a heart for supporting others, Tracy shares her own story of resilience and reinvention to inspire others to take action. Whether it’s building systems, creating clarity, or showing up for opportunities, Tracy is all in.
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My Website https://just.15mins.day
Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub
Brutally Honest. Totally Human. – with Nick Elston
How do you turn pain into power—and use your story to inspire others?
In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Elston, one of the UK’s most sought-after speakers on the lived experience of mental health. Described as “a BIG man with a BIG story and a BIG heart,” Nick brings raw honesty and insight to every stage he steps on.
We dig into how adversity can shape us—not break us—and why showing up as your true self is one of the most powerful business and life strategies you can embrace.
Whether you're a speaker, business owner, or someone just trying to figure things out, this is a must-listen conversation about courage, connection, and showing up anyway.
Nick’s journey from breakdown to breakthrough—and what he learned along the way
The impact of sharing your story (even when it feels messy)
Mental health in the workplace and why it’s everyone’s business
How to build resilience without pretending to be ‘strong’ all the time
Speaking from scars vs. speaking from wounds
What business leaders can learn from lived experience
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re “too much” or “not enough.”
You’ll get:
A new perspective on mental health and resilience
Tools to speak your truth without shame
Insight into turning adversity into connection and impact
Permission to stop hiding and start leading, your way
Nick Elston is one of the highest-profile inspirational speakers on mental health, known for his emotional storytelling, powerful delivery, and deep human insight. He shares personal stories of mental illness and recovery to help audiences across the globe open up, reconnect, and rise.
Website: www.nickelston.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickelston
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My Website https://just.15mins.day
Key Topics We Covered:Why You Should ListenAbout Nick ElstonConnect with NickConnect with the show The Live & Linking Hub
In this powerful episode, I chat with Sam Flynn—digital wellbeing specialist and social media trainer—about how to use social media without it taking over your life.
We’re talking phone addiction, digital burnout, and what it really takes to create a healthier relationship with your devices (without throwing your phone in the sea).
If you’re always “on,” struggling to switch off, or just want more focus and calm in your day—this one's for you.
We Dive Into:
Why most of us spend over 4 hours a day on our phones
How apps are designed to keep you hooked
Easy wins for building healthier digital habits
Creating boundaries that protect your time and energy
Why workplace culture needs a digital detox too
Sam Flynn has spent nearly 16 years teaching people how to use social media effectively. These days, her work goes deeper—helping businesses and individuals build better digital boundaries and reduce the stress that comes with being always on. Her approach is practical, empowering, and just what we need in today’s tech-heavy world.
Key Discussion Points:
The real cost of our screen time (spoiler: it’s months of your life)
Dopamine, addiction, and the science behind app design
Digital presenteeism: why so many of us feel pressure to “check in” on holiday
Simple ways to reduce digital overwhelm
The one setting you can change today that will improve your focus instantly
Why conscious use of LinkedIn matters more than ever
Tips for setting boundaries clients actually respect
Key Takeaways:
Awareness is the first step—track your phone use and how it makes you feel
Boundaries are powerful—but only if you communicate them
Turning off notifications can reduce phone pickups by a third
You don’t need the LinkedIn app (or any app) to run a successful business
Use timers, app blockers, or Sam’s favourite tool Forest to stay off your phone
Replacing habits with something creative (like crochet!) works wonders
It’s not about rejecting tech—it’s about using it with intention
Guest Details:
Name: Sam Flynn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samflynn/
Free Resource: 10 Steps to Reduce Your Phone Use
http://www.samflynn.co.uk
About the Guest:
Sam Flynn is a digital wellbeing advocate and seasoned social media trainer. She helps people rethink their relationship with technology—so they can work better, live more mindfully, and avoid digital burnout. Whether she’s running workshops or speaking on stages, Sam’s practical advice is helping individuals and businesses thrive in a tech-heavy world.
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