Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
We can fight it as much as we like, but for many smallbusinesses, LinkedIn is where we go to meet our next new leads – or at least we hope it is. Often, the interactions wehave on social media platforms like this can leave a lot to be desired, and my guests Jodie Newman and Sasi Krishnan and I discuss the finer points of how you reach out to new connections, how to build a rapport with them before you go in with the big sell and in one case, how it is not advisable to engage with Harley Davidson riders.
Just before we head into the conversation I just wanted toput a shout out to founders everywhere listening in – I want you to come and join the conversation! I’m looking to bring as many new and seasoned founders onto the show, to give you a voice but most importantly, to help listeners hear the reality of running your own business and to feel less like they are theonly one going through it. If you want to come on or you have any questions, please reach out to us on Instagram @thestartupgamepodcast and we can get it sorted. Come and join us.
Now onto the episode.
Guests:
Jodie Newman, The Business Allotment
It's the place where businesses grow creatively.
It’s an Allotment, but for businesses.
It’s about growing, using the power of ideas.
It’s for business owners and freelancers who want a different way of looking at business growth.
I’ve been running the Business Allotment for over 23 years, building it on my belief that great ideas grow businesses. Creativity is the bedrock on which you can create a business that does things differently, stands out from the otherbusinesses around it, and let’s not be shy, allows you to have fun. (May the God of Gravitas strike me down, but there is no creativity without fun).
I'm not an expert in your business, but I am an expert in helping you see your business challenges in a whole new way, and working creatively with you to come up with shedloads of fresh, practical ideas to move your business forward.
Ideas that actually work.
A quick get-to-know me word collage: trained RCA furnituredesigner, mother of two family/business juggler, book writer (two so far), amateur ceramicist obsessed with cacti, craft obsessive.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodienewman/
Sasi Krishnan, Sasi Samyal
My name is Sasi Krishnan, and my passion for healthy livingand good friendship has always been connected with the kitchen. A healthy and well-presented meal of delicious food has always been the centerpiece of healthy and warm conversation and community. I am a passionate cook. Good food is my passion. I enjoy cooking for friends and family, sharing recipes and conducting forums for those who also love good food. Inventive cooking, injecting healthyalternatives without sacrificing brilliant flavour. This is Sasi Samyal. Whether you are curious to learn aboutIndian Food or to have a go at tasting and joining in the conversation, Sasi Samyal welcomes you to experience the very best flavors from the most natural and classic dishes. I’m also a speaker and love presenting on Philosophy of Indian food and/or mindset and motivation, where I share my journey from “Sasi to Sasi Samyal.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
Sometimes the conversation I have is so interesting it wouldbe hard to edit it down to the usual length of half an hour or so and today’s is one of those. My chat with CatherineAnn Reid of Doqit and Nils Welham started talking about the challenge of balancing business life and home life especially during school holidays, and ended talking about how maybe sometimes, telling people they are doing a good job would be a really good idea. Hopefully you have a listen today and decide to send that testimonial, give that feedback, make someone feel like what they are doing in their business is making a difference. Let me know if it does!
Guests:
CatherineAnn Reid, Doqit
Catherine Ann is the founder of doqit, a cutting-edge life admin management app designed to empower busy individuals, particularly working parents.
With over 30 years of experience in sales, businessdevelopment, and strategy within the communications industry, Catherine Ann combines her extensive expertise with a passion for alleviating the everyday struggles of life management.
A proud Scottish entrepreneur based in Berkshire, she drawsinspiration from trailblazers like Dame Steve Shirley. Her mission is to help people reclaim their time and mental space, enabling them to focus on what truly matters.
When not driving doqit forward, she loves spending time with her daughter, Chloe, and husband, Gary.
Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineannreid/
https://www.doqit.io/life-admin-app
Nils Welham, The Uncaged Existence
You're ambitious yet unfulfilled. My clients have itchy feet, innovative ideas and want to ditch the rat race. Breaking free from corporate shackles they're ready to live life on their own terms and experience more success, freedom, and joy.
https://theuncagedexistence.com/attend-a-workshop-3/#Bendingtime
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-welham-acc-icf-cpc-eli-mp-7929a051/
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
This week’s episode is on the topic close to so manyfounders’ hearts – social media and in particular, LinkedIn. My guests today are Nina Young of Surveyors UK and Vikash Chohan of Responza Marketing and we get into the nooks and crannies of using LinkedIn as a business tool – is it good to be seen, is it useful to your business to be recognised in real life and what to do with the chatbots and rage baiters that reside on the platform. I guarantee there is something in this episode that you will have seen from your own use of the social media, don’t forget to let me know in the comments!
Just before we head into the conversation I just wanted toput a shout out to founders everywhere listening in – I want you to come and join the conversation! I’m looking to bring as many new and seasoned founders onto the show, to give you a voice but most importantly, to help listeners hear the reality of running your own business and to feel less like they are theonly one going through it. If you want to come on or you have any questions, please reach out to us on Instagram@thestartupgamepodcast and we can get it sorted. Come and join us.
Now onto the episode.
Guests:
Nina Young, Surveyors UK
Championing the Surveying Profession with Community andCollaboration
As the founder of Surveyors UK, my mission is to unite, empower, and elevate the UK surveying profession through a dynamic digital platform. Surveyors UK connects surveyors, academia, and industry leaders, creating a vibrantecosystem that fosters promotion, collaboration, and growth.
"Our goal is not to replace professional bodies but to complement them by creating a space where the entire profession can connect, collaborate, and thrive."
We support surveyors at every career stage by offering 📚CPD resources, training, job opportunities, events and industry insights. By working with professional bodies, we amplify their great work while breaking down silos to connect the entire profession. We’re also committed to raising public awareness of surveying’s critical role in shaping the built and natural environment, enhancing its value and recognition.
This year, we are rolling out the Surveyors UK platform in carefully planned stages. These include professional directories, training resources, and 🤝 partner tools to deliver maximum value.
This phased approach ensures that the platform evolves into the definitive digital space for the surveying profession.
https://surveyors-uk.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-young-surveyors-uk/
Vikash Chohan, Responza Marketing
Struggling to get customers to buy again? Most brands lose85%+ of first-time buyers.
At Responza Marketing, we help self-care & wellness brands doing $30k–$3m/month turn one-time shoppers into repeat buyers with retention-focused email & SMS marketing.
Our 6-Point Retention System is designed to:
→ Recover 20–40%+ more revenue from repeat customers – guaranteed, or we work for free
→ Tap into lost traffic and turn it into long-term buyers
→ Reduce reliance on ads by maximizing customer lifetime value
What makes us different?
→ Fully done-for-you retention strategies tailored to your brand
→ Real guarantees (if it doesn’t work, we don’t get paid)
→ Proven track record: 41% revenue increase in week 1
If you want predictable, scalable revenue beyond traffic struggles, let’s chat.
→ Book a free call: https://calendly.com/vikjc-responza
→ DM me: Connect and message me
→ Email me: vik.jc@responzamarketing.com
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
Sometimes things just work out and today’s episode is justthat, when through random selection of founders, I chatted with Janine Coombes, a brilliant coach who is finishing up a book based on her methodology and Kaye Freeman, who runs an agency that supports and promotes speakers and – you’ve guessed it – writers.
Writing a book is seen as one of the steps to take to getvisibility for you and your business but it is not as easy as sitting down in front of the screen with a big mug of coffee – there is a lot more to it being effective. We had a great conversation about the process, the way to stay motivated and the essence of why writing your thoughts down matters so much. Let me know if it helps you can the writing bug
Just before we head into the conversation I just wanted toput a shout out to founders everywhere listening in – I want you to come and join the conversation! I’m looking to bring as many new and seasoned founders onto the show, to give you a voice but most importantly, to help listeners hear the reality of running your own business and to feel less like they are theonly one going through it. If you want to come on or you have any questions, please reach out to us on Instagram @thestartupgamepodcast and we can get it sorted. Come and join us.
Now onto the episode.
Guests:
Kaye Freeman, Andromeda Talent
Andromeda Talent was founded by Kaye Freeman when she saw a gap in the Speakers and Personal Appearances market for a more bespoke, personal approach to sourcing, suggesting and booking Talent, one that grew out of her Talent Management background. Andromeda Talent works with, books and manages Speakers, Performers,Presenters and Experts for all kinds of Events including but not limited to Conferences, Seminars, Awards Ceremonies and Comic Cons but also works across Radio, Television and other media. Kaye holds a MA from Royal Holloway, University of London and a BA (Hons) from UCN.She has spent over 17 years working in Talent Management and the Creative Industries, including The Artists Partnership and Ken McReddie Ltd. the agency home to talent such as Idris Elba, Emily Blunt, Aneurin Barnard, Joseph Fiennes, Anna Friel, Sue Johnston and David Suchet. She has worked across Film, TV & Theatre Talent, Commercials, Voiceover and Radio Departments, as well of course as Speakers and Personal Appearances. Alongside this she oversaw the re-brandingof TAP from the original KMA and set up one of the original ‘ethical’ Internships in London Talent agencies.
Website: https://andromedatalent.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andromedatalent
Instagram: www.instagram.com/andromedatalent
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/agentkayeandromeda
Janine Coombes, Marketing Coach
Janine Coombes is a marketing coach and an offer positioning expert for coach-shaped-people. She’s worked with big brands like EE, Orange and Europcar. She has a business degree, a post-graduate marketing diploma (CIMDip) and regularly speaks on stages like Atomicon, You Are The Media and MarketEd.Live.
She now offers marketing consultancy/ coaching for coachesand mentors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinecoombes/
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
After last week’s episode on the amazing Standing Tallcharity, we are very much back to normality with my two founder friends, Becca Teers of Healthy Habits Hypnosis and David Hatch of Griffon Consulting discussing the ins and out of using a whiteboard – yes or no?
I promise the conversation was a lot more interesting than itprobably sounds, as we were talking about we keep our massive to do lists straight in our heads and whether all of the time management technology out there actually helps. We also talked about how we effectively guilt ourselvesinto getting stuff done. There’s also a super interesting segment on project delivery and time tracking and how ittakes away from the value you are offering.
Enjoy!
Guests:
Becca Teers, Healthy Habits Hypnosis
Becca is a Rapid Transformational Therapy Practitioner,Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, Holistic Therapist and holds a certificate in EMDR Therapy and Coaching. She is the author of the book "Unlimited; 7 Habits to Unleash Your Full Potential & Get the LifeYou Want." Using a combination of RTT, cognitive behavioural and advanced hypnotherapy techniques, NLP and EMDR, Becca is passionate about empowering people to achieve their goals and full potential.
She is the founder of The Achievement Wound™️ Healing Method, supporting women in business to get unstuck and rewire subconscious blocks that may be holding them back.
https://www.healthy-habits.me/heal-achieve-program
https://www.instagram.com/beccateerstherapist/
David Hatch, Griffon Consulting
David has spent his career in small businesses & start-ups, primarily in the aerospace sector, previously co-founding a UK ‘new space’ company and more recently starting his own business and developing Leading with Integrity as a 'solopreneur'. He has broad knowledge in leadership, team-building, project delivery, satellite imagery, servicedefinition, and implementing innovative new services; as well as working with international partners. He's also a podcast host and enthusiast!
In his previous role as Client Services Director in a space sector start-up, David was a part of the executive management team and grew a new department while leading the delivery of the company’s contracts, a portfolio of ~£10 million total value, including commercial contracts and grant-funded projects working with organisations including the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and InnovateUK.
He has an MSc in Business & Management, is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership, and has completed several project management qualifications.
Today, David works with new leaders, first-time founders and emerging managers who want to improve their leadership skills, so they can become leaders not bosses, lead with integrity, and build happier, higher performing teams, more effective organisations, and, ultimately: successful businesses. To learn more about how, visit: https://www.leadingwithintegrity.co.uk/ or find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhatch-leadernotaboss/
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
This week we have a very special episode, donated as part ofthe Podcasthon that will be going on all week, where podcasts donate an episode for this week to a cause of their choosing. Of course, this meant a perfect pairing between the discussions we have on this podcast and the charity that is very meaningful to me as a trustee, Standing Tall.
Christy Acton is CEO of the Birmingham based charity, and we are joined by Mark Ashfield who is chair for the Board of Trustees. In the episode I wanted to use it to not onlyspread the word about the fantastic work that Christy and the team do on getting people experiencing homelessness back into work and housing, but to also drill into the realities of starting and running a charity, which is not that different to a lot of issues founders of for profit businesses experience.
It’s a longer than usual episode, but the conversation toucheson such great topics – the link between business, charities and society, the importance of proactive solutions that give everyone multiple ways of getting involved, and the reality of taking an idea from a concept to an organisation (in short, it takes longer than you think!)
It would be great for you to listen to Christy and Markexplain the work of Standing Tall and if you feel like donating or getting involved, the links are included in the show notes.
Enjoy!
Guests:
Christy Acton, CEO, Standing Tall
Christy Acton is the Founder and CEO of Standing Tall, asocial enterprise providing a real solution to homelessness. Christy previously set up and managed a night shelter in Birmingham for people experiencing homelessness and saw the potential for the talented residents to start and keepa stable job. Standing Tall matches the right person with the right stable job, the right safe home and the right support and 80% of the people the organisation helps are still off the streets and in the same job one year later.Standing Tall is helping 100 people across 8 cities this year.
https://www.standingtall.org.uk/
Mark Ashfield, Lime intervention Design
As a social entrepreneur, Mark is committed to usinginnovative business models to create positive social change, and he is dedicated to learning as much as possible about the intersection of business and social impact.
Throughout his life, he has witnessed the devastating effects of poverty and inequality and have always felt a deep desire to make a difference. He has been fortunate to work with organisations and individuals who share his vision.Through these experiences, he has developed a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that social entrepreneurs face, and he is eager to use this knowledge to create lasting change.
He is driven to create a more just and sustainable world, and value-centred social entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools to achieve this. Mark is excited to continue exploring new ways to use business as a force for good,and he is confident that with passion, dedication, and hard work, we can build a better future for all.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, I am joined by speaker extraordinaire ChrisWilson of Speak to Serve and Sell, and Capucine Codron, a holistic coach and cofounder of Holorise.
We often hear about the different challenges that men andwomen experience as business owners, but I think this conversation is prettyunique as it focusses, not on the stereotypes and social and political impacts,but at a emotional and hormonal level. Emotions, we all have them – but each genderexperiences them and their reaction to it in a different way.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to receive new episodesas they get released.
Guests:
Chris Wilson, Speak to Serve and Sell
Chris Wilson, is Founder and Lead Coach of www.speaktoserveandsell.co.uk. His mission is to enable you, or those you know, to use their voice to make an impact and influence change. When not speaking & coaching, you’ll normally find Chris outside, enjoying Triathlon, either cycling, running, (walking!) or swimming.
Enabling your voice to make an impact.
Speak, and Serve
Want to be a better networker? Grab the Ai Pitchmethod course. https://offersspeakandserve.com/sales-page-page-1782-9859-8427-4006-1136
Capucine Codron, HoloRise
Capucine Codron is the co-founder of Holorise, a dedicatedcoach and RTT Therapist, helping ambitious entrepreneurs achieve extraordinary success—without burnout, chronic stress, or self-sabotage.
An expert in personal growth and peak performance,Capucine blends psychology, business strategy, and transformational coaching to help clients break through limiting beliefs, optimize productivity, and build a thriving business and life. With a background as a startup founder and a proven track record in burnout recovery andflow-state mastery, she knows firsthand the pressure of scaling a business while juggling self-doubt, co-founder dynamics, and personal relationships.
Her approach isn’t about hustling harder—it’s about workingsmarter. Whether you need to rewire your mindset, recover from burnout, refine your business strategy, or balance success with your relationships, she’ll help you design a life where growth feels effortless, not exhausting.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and startmaking real progress, book a call today.
📍 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cap.and.jas/
📍 Book a discovery call: https://www.holorise.co/book-discovery-call
📍 Learn about Holorise: https://www.holorise.co
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, I am joined Lindsey Burden who is an intuitive business coach and designer Zainab Quresh of Zainab Quresh Design.
This week we went deep into the world of reading – what toread, who to read and how to use it to your advantage. We can always learn from others, but what matters most is how you use it to create your business.
What are you reading this week?
Enjoy!
Guests:
Lindsey Burden, Lindsey Burden Intuitive Business Coach
Hello 👋, this is Lindsey, an intuitive business coach dedicated to helping ambitious business owners buildthriving businesses their way. Whether reclaiming your evenings, improving your health and well-being, or reaching bold financial goals, she can help you succeed without the hustle.
Real Success, Real Stories.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-burden/
Zainab Quresh, Zainab Quresh Design
Zainab is a freelance brand designer with 7 years in andaround the creative industry, working with 50+ clients worldwide, including MNCs, hospitality brands, beauty and retail businesses, and service providers.
Before launching her business five years ago, she worked as a graphic designer and digital strategist at an advertising agency and interned at multiple print and digital studios.
Her mission is to help women entrepreneurs move from fear to fierce—building confidence, clarity, and courage through strategic brand identities.
She specializes in brand strategy, brand identity systems, and social media branding, crafting designs that makebusinesses stand out with impact.
Some of the brands she has worked with include Ramada Hotel’s Marco Polo branch in Miami, a beauty and cosmetics brand, a baby wear and retail brand, as well as wellness professionals, interior designers, and creative experts.
https://www.instagram.com/zainab.quresh.design?igsh=MWUxOGdkZ3owbWpxdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by Josh Fertel of J3 RevenueCycle Management and Sophia Bhaumick of EndorseMe, an agency and app designed for influencer marketing.
We talk about taking the jump from employment into lettingthe business generate your income – and knowing when to make that jump!
What are your thoughts?
Enjoy!
Guests:
Josh Fertel, J3 Revenue Cycle Management
After a successful 30+ year career managing car dealerships,I faced a life-altering moment when I was diagnosed with cancer.
During my recovery, I took the opportunity to learn aboutmedical billing and discovered a new passion.
This led to the founding of J3 Medical Billing, a companydedicated to supporting healthcare providers in managing their finances more effectively.
My journey from cancer recovery to transforming healthcarefinance is a powerful reminder of the resilience and innovation that drive progress.
We have created a company that not only supports healthcare providers but also sets new standards in the industry.
As J3 Medical Billing continues to grow and expand, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of medical billing and coding.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-fertel-439815b4/
Sophia Bhaumick, EndorseMe
Experienced technology marketer with an extensive background in startup, demand generation and brand awareness for B2B SaaS applications. Implemented best-in-class marketing processes, software, and engagement techniques to achieve results-driven campaigns. Expertise in progressive concepts regarding content creation, personalised marketing, sales enablement, lead generation, and more. Built brands and marketing teams from the ground up requiring a hands-on approach and creative strategies to produce immediate results.
EndorseMe is a pioneering agency distinguished by itscutting-edge and custom platform, providing a significant competitive advantage over other agencies dependent on resource-intensive and non-automated deal management processes.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by Daniel Moore of IronDragon Design and Lisa Chapman, of LC & V Venue Services
We talk about the amount of thinking involved in everythingyou have to do as a business owner, and how difficult or hard that can be. We might talk about spinning multiple platesof everything that needs to be done to run the business, but we don’t really talk that much about taking action based on the thoughts we have. Let’s face it, we are all waiting for the day when tech can just read our thoughts and get stuff done – but until then, the tech can just get in the way.
What are your thoughts?
Enjoy!
Guests:
Daniel Moore, Iron Dragon Design
With Daniel, you get three things: an Artist, Adventurer andWarrior.
🎨As an Artist, you get his creativity and innate curiosity to create stunninggraphics that reflect your values and attract your ideal clients.
🧭As an Adventurer, you'll get his ability to guide and discover - doing the hardwork and building a strategy based around your story.
⚔ As a Warrior, you get someone who will always fightto get the best out of your brand and unleash the fierce heart beating within.
https://www.facebook.com/IronDragonDesignhttps://www.instagram.com/irondragondesign/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-moore-branding-mercenary/
Lisa Chapman, LC & V Venue Services
I am Lisa Chapman, an event sustainability consultantdedicated to helping businesses create seamless, purpose-driven events that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. LC&V Venue Services, work with organisations to design, source, and execute events that are not only exceptional experiences but also responsible, ethical, and sustainable. Events should be more than just gatherings, they should be strategic, meaningful, and aligned with your company’s values.
Before founding LC&V Venue Services, Lisa led one of theworld’s largest graduate programmes, delivering a complex, blended learning experience across multiple streams for hundreds of participants each month, alongside an international conference that brought together global leaders and graduates. Her expertise in programme design, logistics and engagement has shaped her approach to event consultancy, ensuring that every experience is purpose-driven, meaningful, and executed with precision.
https://lcvvenues.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-chapman-lcv/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555661624653https://www.instagram.com/lcv_venueservices/
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes hearing the stories from another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by Felly Day of FD Studio,and Solicitor Alexis Goldfinch of Goldfinch Law.
This episode was recorded on a Monday morning and so we are very focused on getting our energy levels back up and going. But we also managed to chat about our journeys towards running our own businesses, the dreaded networking rears its head again and the importance of your social media voice.
A lot to pack in!
Enjoy!
Guests:
Felly Day
Content Repurposing Agency for Expanding Entrepreneurs that want to TRIPLE their Visibility with Unlimited Content | Podcast Host | Speaker.
https://www.instagram.com/fellyday
Alexis Goldfinch, Goldfinch Law
I am an experienced Commercial and IP/IT lawyer who offershigh quality, pragmatic legal advice whether you are a start-up navigating countless issues of getting a business up and running, a scale-up, or a larger innovative business needing expert legal advice. I offer Fractional GC services to businesses who are looking for ongoing legal support - often they may be preparing for a round of fund raising, or have just completed one and need to get their legal landscape on solid footing, or the business may be planning an exit.
Please visit my website to learn more: www.goldfinchlaw.com.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-goldfinch-09102530 https://www.goldfinchlaw.com/
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by hospitality specialist Nicolas Medicamento of Doctor Cocktail, and fitness trainer Sam Laurence of SLC.
Sam, Nicolas and I discussed the effect the support of friends and family will (or will not) have on your business, the good and the bad of getting advice from experts and the like, and how your attitude to why you started your business determines the strategy you follow to make it work.
A lot to pack in!
Enjoy!
Guests:
Nicolas Medicamento, Doctor Cocktails Ltd
With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality and
events industry, Nicolas is the CEO and founder of Doctor Cocktail, a company that provides bar and beverage consulting, training, and education services to high-end and luxury clients. He helps hospitality businesses to improve their efficiency, quality of service, and guest satisfaction, while also developing new products and collaborating with brands.
As a public speaker and trainer, Nicolas empowers and inspires individuals to become the best version of themselves and deliver top service. He shares his passion and knowledge for cooking and bartending, as well as the latest trends and innovations in the bar and beverage sector. He also participates as a spirits judge and a rum taster, demonstrating his expertise and credibility in the field. Nicolas’ mission is to make a difference and support anyone in need in the hospitality industry.
https://www.instagram.com/doctor.cocktail.uk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-medicamento-mih-49536394
Sam Laurence, SLC
Sam is the founder of Sam Laurence Coaching and has a true passion for health and fitness. Sam attended Millfield School and went on to study at The University of Nottingham Trent, where he graduated in Business. Sam also became an MNU Qualified Nutritionist.
Alongside Sam Laurence Coaching, Sam is a consultant nutritionist and lecturer at a private clinic in Surrey. He has a background in professional sport, having played professionally in Australia and was a fitness model during his earlier years.
With over 15 years experience in the fitness industry, Sam has worked all over the world, from LA to London to Sydney. Primarily looking after high net worth clientele and offering a bespoke programme to suit his clients lifestyle, he looks to encompass a holistic approach to health.
https://www.instagram.com/samlaurencecoaching
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by creative director Ian Firth of Bright Space Communications, and AI Trainer and consultant Anna Carina Berkman.
Today’s discussion is around the transition from working for someone to being your own boss and how that is not all about freedom and doing your own thing – your ‘boss’ is now the marketplace that can be far more difficult! We also discussed what risk means to us, and how everyone’s journey will be based on their context, not just a standard set of steps.
It's a meaty topic, but one that we acknowledged, needs to be talked about more.
Enjoy!
Guests:
Ian Firth, Bright Space Communications
Ian Firth is the Co-Founder and Principal of Bright Space Communications. He is a senior award-winning brand and communications strategist and a creative lead with over 30 years’ experience working with both international B2B and B2C businesses helping them communicate their value and achieve their growth ambitions.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-firth/
Anna Carina Berkman, Markitect
Architect, turned Marketing Executive, turned AI Trainer. I am now an Associate AI Trainer with AI for Non Techies. I also do AI consulting, workshops, and public speaking for businesses and schools through my business Markitect. The journey of entrepreneurship has not been an easy one, but I've learned more about myself on this path than any other before.
The best place to connect is on Linkedin, but you can also find me as Architect Anna UK on Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by customer service expert, Dan Pratt of DAP Consultancy, and publisher and awards organiser Lauretta Wright of Life In Magazines
We talked about how treating your customers can be a defining factor in winning more business, but in an environment where it really feels that customer service is taking a back seat. Are we really doing enough to give our customers a fantastic experience?
We also talk about the struggle when sales just aren’t happening, and how you keep yourself motivated when things are moving really slowly.
Join us and find out!
Guests:
Dan Pratt, DAP Consultancy
'Dan Pratt is an award-winning Customer Experience Consultant, and Founder & Director of DAP Consultancy. With over 15 years of experience, Dan helps businesses deliver exceptional customer experiences that help attract and retain customers, while improving customer loyalty, business growth and profits.'
LinkedIn URL: https://linkedin.com/in/dan-pratt-dap
Website URL: https://www.dapconsultancy.co.uk/
Lauretta Wright, Life In Magazines
Lauretta is the Publisher of Life In…Magazines and the Editor of Life In Orpington, Life In Bromley, and Life In Beckenham. She’s also the proud founder of the Above and Beyond Bromley Business Awards (The ABBBAs), an annual event that celebrates local business brilliance. When she’s not busy working, she enjoys travel and exploring new places, baking and catching up with friends and family.
@lifeinmags
Welcome to the latest episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
In this episode, we are joined by Bernie Wales of Honeybee Business Consultancy, as well as DrNY herself, Nupur Yogarajah, a behavioural scientist and relatively new entrepreneur.
Running a business has a lot of internal administrative and operational bits and pieces, and sometimes, not being able to organise them effectively can make you feel pretty useless. I find this out all of the time with my many diary dramas, but it is a common thread for business owners to not feel on top of the inner workings of their business – and it does affect whether they see themselves as successful or not. In this episode, we talk about those operational tidbits that can make you feel impressive or an imposter.
Join us and find out!
Guests:
Bernie Wales, Honeybee Business Consultancy Ltd
Having spent 40+ years creating, building, managing and selling businesses - I've now moved away from the world of leasehold property, into the world of business consultancy, mentoring and coaching. I am still passionate about fairness, transparency and value for money ... and I've carried those qualities from the property world into the wider business world.
If you’d like to find out more, start here https://honeybee-business.com/do-you-need-a-business-mentor/https://www.linkedin.com/in/berniewales/
Nupur Yogarajah, Dr NY
Behavioural Science Consultancy that is doctor led, designing and implementing evidence-based and bespoke employee health and wellbeing programmes unique to individual organisations. Services include the end-to-end design of programmes, implementation of programme through training/workshops and organisational coaching for all levels.
Welcome to the first episode of The Startup Game, where we have honest conversations about running a business – the incredible highs and the terrifying lows and how it takes another business owner to understand why on earth we do it to ourselves.
For our launch episode, we are joined by networking royalty, Kelly and James West of ONLE Network, as well as the owner of Untangled Creative, Lauren Simmonds, an entrepreneur since she was 17.
As you can imagine, the main focus of our chat was networking, and we really get into the pros and cons of connection. For many business owners, swimming in shark infested waters is preferable to walking into a room of strangers and talking about your business and many will avoid doing networking because of fear or bad experiences in the past. Is it worth gritting your teeth and doing it for the sake of your business, or is it possible that maybe, just maybe, you can learn to enjoy it as well?
Join us and find out!
Guests:
Kelly & James West, the ONLE Network
Kelly and James are the husband and wife team behind ONLE - the online business network for people who like people. They met at a networking event, built their previous businesses almost exclusively through networking, and are now welcoming business owners to a more accessible and enjoyable way to build connections and find sales opportunities through their growing online network.
Fancy a guest visit?
Message Kelly or James on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesonlenetworking/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-west-onle-networking/
Lauren Simmonds, Untangled Creative
Lauren founded Untangled Creative in 2017 and has designed branding for companies from all different industries. Her ideas bring a bold, fresh perspective to the design world and she loves working with clients from all walks of life.
Untangledcreative.co.uk
linkedin.com/in/laurensimmonds/
lauren@untangledcreative.co.uk
Welcome to the brand new podcast, The Startup Game. Join me, Lee Lam, in chatting with founders of all sorts of businesses, big, small, new and old to find out what it is really like running their business every Friday.
Finish off your work week (before starting your working weekend because, obviously you run your own business, so of course you will end up working) with a quick run down of the week of a business owner, to reflect on the good, bad and funny, until it all starts again on Monday morning.
Subscribe now so you can pick up the first episode!!