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Startup Breakdown
Caroline Sumners, Milly Barker
42 episodes
1 day ago
Scaling a business can feel like a rollercoaster - and Startup Breakdown is here to ride it with you. Hosted by Caroline, a marketing strategist and Milly, a strategy and operations expert, this podcast combines real-world business advice with the hilarious and messy reality of running a startup. With decades of practical experience, more than a few war wounds, and hundreds of millions of pounds raised between them, Milly and Caroline bring you the insights you need to grow your business - without losing your mind. Expect practical tips, candid stories, and plenty of laughs.
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Entrepreneurship
Business
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All content for Startup Breakdown is the property of Caroline Sumners, Milly Barker and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Scaling a business can feel like a rollercoaster - and Startup Breakdown is here to ride it with you. Hosted by Caroline, a marketing strategist and Milly, a strategy and operations expert, this podcast combines real-world business advice with the hilarious and messy reality of running a startup. With decades of practical experience, more than a few war wounds, and hundreds of millions of pounds raised between them, Milly and Caroline bring you the insights you need to grow your business - without losing your mind. Expect practical tips, candid stories, and plenty of laughs.
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Entrepreneurship
Business
Episodes (20/42)
Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 39: In the words of Ronan Keating, Life is a Rollercoaster!

In this episode we talk about the stresses of travelling overseas, including missed flights and the rip off that is parking at airports. We also continued the chat on rebuilding client relationships, when there has been a comms breakdown. More customer service updates - and lack of it - with Vision Express. And as a listener bonus, we promise that If you rate, review and subscribe to this podcast, you get a picture of Percy in his Halloween costume. 😂

In listener questions we talked about how as a solo business owner you can improve consistency in marketing efforts.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠. 

Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠carolinesumners.com⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at beheardproductions ⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

Remember the source consider your motive* is courtesy of ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/HannahAlonzo

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6 days ago
47 minutes 25 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 38: Remember the source, consider the motive

In this episode we had a very long chat about what to do when an ongoing client ghosts you and doesn't pay you, and the myriad of challenges that brings to literally everything! Milly has also been cat sitting and has had a lovely time. And Caroline considers working in Waitrose! And we talked Linkedin Premium.

In questions, Milly covered how can someone know if they are making the right decisions in their business when the whole world feels so uncertain right now...

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at www.payasyougocoo.com. 

Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to carolinesumners.com to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at beheardproductions https://www.beheard.org.uk/

Remember the source consider your motive* is courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/c/HannahAlonzo

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1 week ago
47 minutes 47 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 37: Got to be in it to win it

In this episode we talk about our love of Beauty Pie and all things skincare. We also had a Vueling update with super customer service from Milly's recent flight to Spain. Also Physio update from Caroline and the frustration of how that worked out (or not) . The wonder of washable rugs was top news as well.

In business questions we covered what do do when you are ready to hire some marketing support into your business and what's the advice for a founder who feels they've hit the limit of their personal capacity and is struggling to lead the business's next phase of growth?


Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at www.payasyougocoo.com. 

Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to carolinesumners.com to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at beheardproductions https://www.beheard.org.uk/


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2 weeks ago
52 minutes 37 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 36: Overshare meets very little actual business advice on business podcast

In this episode we talk about Percy starting with his new dog walker, Milly's new reading glasses and the calamity that was Milly's trip to Spain. Caroline has been learning Adobe Illustrator and a foray into internet dating for Caroline (disaster waiting to happen). More to come on that and we did segway into a business lesson about Bumble!

We wittered on a lot this week so only time to cover one question which was all about meetings.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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3 weeks ago
49 minutes 20 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Start Breakdown Episode 35: Talk to me somewhere between I'm five and a degree in accountancy

In this episode we talk about both Milly and Caroline experiences of pictures falling off the wall, Caroline's search for a new accountant, (and a mini rant about that) and we gained a fascinating (and maybe terrifying) insight into Milly's process for packing for her holidays.

In business questions we checked out Caroline's recommendations for tools she loves as part of a marketing toolkit and why, and Milly chatted about how someone can make strategy suggestions in their company without feeling like an imposter.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how.

Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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1 month ago
53 minutes 32 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 34: Marketing Icks (and how to avoid them)

In this episode of Startup Breakdown we discuss Milly's bingeing of The Secret Lives of Mormon Lives. We also chat about our new fave topic - both Milly and Caroline trying to get fit. We also talked about alternatives to social media platforms, and experimentation with different marketing outreach opportunities.

We also talk about the biggest marketing icks and how to avoid how to them as well as manage performance in a small, early stage company .

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 

Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

Show more...
1 month ago
52 minutes 32 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 33: Half A Second Too Slow On The Uptake

In this episode of Startup Breakdown we are joined by guest Phil Walker. We of course chatted Taylor Swift engagement ( we forced Phil on this!) as well as the difference between fractional and NED roles. Is there any difference? We also talk about the toughest moments of running a business. We also talk about the flexibility of being a Fractional. Conclusion. Overall we all love it!

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

Our guest today is Phil Walker. Phil is the Co-Founder of Mettryx, a financial performance consultancy helping ambitious founders and leadership teams unlock growth, increase valuation, and make smarter financial decisions. With over 15 years of experience spanning FP&A, international groups, and M&A preparation, Phil combines strategic insight with practical clarity.

Previously International Finance Director at global tech firm InMoment, Phil delivered major finance transformation and exit readiness programmes across EMEA.

Today, through Mettryx, he supports high-growth UK SMEs in building investor-grade reporting, scalable financial systems, and data-driven strategies.

Passionate about demystifying finance for entrepreneurs, Phil is also a keen advocate for financial storytelling, and a champion of the English wine sector. You can connect with Phil at www.mettryx.com

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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1 month ago
48 minutes 30 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 32: Face Down on a Marble Tabletop

In this episode we are joined by friend and guest Dale Muffett and we talked a lot about flexible working and how important it is for giving access to the workforce to those that need more flexibility. This was such a wonderful conversation to have with Dale, about changes that have been made at Spinal Research to implement 4 day week and flexible working.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

We are joined by Guest Dale Muffett. Dale is an elite wheelchair marathon racer and Head of Operations at Spinal Research. Living with a spinal cord and brain injury has shaped the way I see the world, but also pushed me to keep finding new ways forward. Whether it is leading change in charities or pushing my chair up mountains, I am always exploring what recovery, performance, and determination really mean.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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1 month ago
46 minutes 39 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 31: Five Packets of Frazzles and a Dairy Milk

In this episode we talk about Milly's ultrasonic jewellery cleaner (yes we have stooped that low), gym update from Milly, favourite ice cream flavours. We also discuss rage at ULEZ charges, crowdfunding annoyance and Milly adulting and defrosting her freezer. We also chatted short attention spans and what the best way to approach investors for our upcoming fundraise.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

Show more...
2 months ago
51 minutes 10 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 30: Percy is Here!

After a few weeks of special guest episodes it is our first episode for a few weeks with just the two of us, so we spend a large amount of time talking about Caroline's new puppy Percy, Milly's exercise updates, a weekend trip to Seville, priority passes at airport lounges. And TV Talk is back with an oldie but goodie!

We talked for so long that we only had time for one question about what operational and strategic responsibilities should we have a potential new middle management team covering and how to we ensure they're effective? You will not be surprised at Milly's answer!


Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

Show more...
2 months ago
46 minutes 25 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 29: He's a doctor of fuck all

In this episode we are joined by another guest Kerry Nortcliffe. We talk about our changing requirements for bars, Kerry's essay on Andrew Tate, Reddit Marketing ( or not) and how to find alternative's to marketing on traditional social media platforms. We also had a great discussion around Kerry's knowledge of human drivers and transactional analysis.

We chat all about the pending arrival of Percy the cockapoo


Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠


Our guest this week is Kerry Nortcliffe: I became a Psychotherapist after over 20 years working in Media. My own positive experience of having therapy inspired me to retrain and change careers, I now provide 1-1 therapy and couples therapy. I founded Full Beam which aims to create more empathetic, better communicating, higher performing workplaces. I run workshops on Leading with Empathy, Communication and Emotional Awareness, Stress and Change and Supporting Menstrual Health/ Menopause at work. I also run programs on Returning to Work after Parental Leave and Navigating Redundancy. I also work with Co-Founders, Management Teams and Business Partners to create strong working relationships. You can contact Kerry at www.fullbeam.org

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2 months ago
59 minutes 29 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 28: Loud Women

In this weeks episode we hare joined by our first guest Felice Ayling. We talk dismantling the patriarchy and misogyny online, a little about that Coldplay concert (although not much as we are sick of it), the frustration of social media algorithms, and the impact of this on small business as well as the challenges of busyness v critical thinking.


Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


Our Guest Felice Ayling is the founder of Loud Women, a movement empowering women to embrace their unique voices, stand out in their marketing, and build authentic brands that resonate with their ideal audience.  With a deep passion for breaking down the walls of societal conditioning and embracing the full, unfiltered expression of who we are, Felice helps women to step into their power—fearlessly. Felice blends marketing strategy, personal growth, and a healthy dose of mindset coaching to help women own their space in the business world. Through the Loud Women Club and her signature programmes, she’s on a mission to disrupt the norms and redefine what it means to be a confident, bold woman in business. You can contact Felice here https://loudwomen.club/

 

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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2 months ago
48 minutes 16 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 27: The Trifecta

In this weeks episode of startup breakdown we talk about the hot weather again, Milly's anxiety spiral, another customer service win for Ikea, an ongoing quest to rescue a pup and Caroline's work on getting the creative juices going. And Milly watched Poop cruise!

And in business news we answer questions about market analysis, beyond just understanding direct competitors, and what considerations should a business take into account before starting google ads.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

Show more...
3 months ago
55 minutes 50 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 26: Caroline's Address is.... beep

In this episode we talk about Milly's 40th Birthday celebrations, a trip to see drag burlesque show, sound baths at a Lido and another customer service win for Ikea. And in things that make us seethe, using discovery call time to try and sell to us.


And we talk about what to do if you have been running marketing campaigns for months, but not seeing the expected leads and sales. Plus if you are getting worried about cashflow, what are some things you can do that can maximise impact and extend your runway, beyond cutting expenses.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠


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3 months ago
55 minutes 36 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 25: The Echo Chamber of Broness

In this weeks episode we talk about how Milly uses this very podcast to fall asleep to ( rude) Caroline's trip to Wimbledon, the ongoing trials of Caroline trying to re-home a dog and how to fire clients (thankfully not very often) .

We also cover how to market a business without feeling like you're just adding to the noise, and how to use operational data and metrics to make better decisions, especially when you don't have a dedicated data analytics team.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.

This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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3 months ago
48 minutes 27 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 24: Be More Jackie

In this episode we talk about Caroline's wild swimming retreat to Cornwall, a very unfortunate crayfish incident for Milly . (Listener discretion advised)

And with changing algorithms the best times to post on social are always top of mind. We chat about how much timing really matters these days, and what else should you focus on to keep your content visible? We also discuss Milly's advice for building a really robust internal communication strategy that keeps everyone on the same page.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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3 months ago
48 minutes 50 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 23: David Attenborough Is A National Treasure.

In this episode we talk about Caroline's tech woes, public transport in the summer, trawler fishing and sustainably sourced fish, Global Ocean Alliance and we go down a rat hole about David Attenborough.

In business news with so much noise in the digital space, how can purpose-driven businesses create marketing that actually cuts through, without resorting to hype or over-promising? We also talk about building a really robust internal communication strategy that keeps everyone on the same page.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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3 months ago
55 minutes 20 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Start up Breakdown Episode 22: Marriage Is A Scam

In this episode we talk customer service, and the good and bad shopping experiences we have had this week, how much we actually like our local MPs, and how to get support with domestic and emotional load.

In business news we talk about marketing when funnels and tactics that have worked in past don't seem to be working anymore and how to execute goals without getting distracted.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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4 months ago
57 minutes 24 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 21: The Power Of Nutritional Yeast

In this episode of Startup Breakdown we discuss Milly going semi-viral on LinkedIn (again), attracting a "new creep” and Caroline shares her frustration with social media, deleting Facebook from her phone due to excessive suggested and political content, prioritising mental well-being over FOMO.

We also discussed Caroline's Jonathan Groff obsession.

In business news we discuss evaluating new product lines or customer segments, with Milly advising a "brand new product" approach, emphasising demand, problem-solving, and alignment with existing strategy before market size. Caroline outlined her initial three client questions: identifying ideal customers, defining messaging and value proposition, and analysing current sales sources to ensure they align with the target audience.

Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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4 months ago
45 minutes 22 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Startup Breakdown Episode 20: The world didn't end!

HUGE NEWS: after two years of working together, we FINALLY met in person. And the universe didn’t im- or explode.


Since the world has to keep going (soz), we've got a cracker of an episode for you.


Caroline explains to us all how AI overviews are reducing website click-throughs and also simultaneously justifies Milly's love of overly comprehensive, long-form content. On the operations side of the coin, Milly's got some practical advice on identifying friction points in your day-to-day work.


Who are your hosts?

Milly: I'm a serial COO with an MBA from Imperial College London. I'm the ultimate cheerleader for early-stage companies and I've got the knowledge you need to take your brilliant ideas from the drawing board to the board room. I help companies across all industries build simple strategic frameworks to help them grow by focussing on the most important tasks without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for help to fight the overwhelm, communicate with your team, or raise money for your business give me a shout and we can have a free, no-strings Discovery Call over at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.payasyougocoo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 


Caroline: I’m  a marketing strategist and coach with a passion for making marketing simple, effective, and actually fun. I help entrepreneurs and small business owners cut through the noise, get crystal clear on their messaging, and create smarter strategies that actually move the needle. If you’re ready to build a marketing plan that feels good and gets results, you can work with me 1:1 through coaching or join the Smarter Marketing Club,  my community packed with training, support, and real-world marketing know-how. Head over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠carolinesumners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find out more and book a free Discovery Call.


This podcast is expertly edited by James Ede. You can check out his services at Be Heard Productions ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beheard.org.uk/⁠

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4 months ago
50 minutes 35 seconds

Startup Breakdown
Scaling a business can feel like a rollercoaster - and Startup Breakdown is here to ride it with you. Hosted by Caroline, a marketing strategist and Milly, a strategy and operations expert, this podcast combines real-world business advice with the hilarious and messy reality of running a startup. With decades of practical experience, more than a few war wounds, and hundreds of millions of pounds raised between them, Milly and Caroline bring you the insights you need to grow your business - without losing your mind. Expect practical tips, candid stories, and plenty of laughs.