In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Georgina Colman.
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through meaningful discounts and exclusive offers. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands first-hand the financial pressures that come with managing a disability — and she’s on a mission to help others offset those costs and live more freely.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows what it’s like to face a loss of independence and navigate daily challenges. Her passion for holistic health, nutrition, and inflammation management fuels her commitment to staying well and empowering others to do the same.
Through Purpl, she aims to build more than just a savings platform — she’s creating an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, expert advice, and genuine financial relief. The Purpl Members Private Facebook Group provides a safe, supportive community where members can connect, share experiences, and lift each other up.
Looking ahead, Georgina’s long-term vision is to launch a foundation offering grants to disabled individuals who need additional financial support, ensuring no one is left behind due to circumstance or cost
If you want to know more, see the links below:
Link to website - https://bit.ly/47smGkn
Socials @purpldiscounts on Tiktok/Facebook/Instagram
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, i was delighted to interview Natalie Edwards about her experiences of running her craft business, Made in the Button Room, whilst living with complex nerve damage in her spine.
Natalie is the founder of Made in the Button Room, small business based in Gloucestershire where playful crochet meets creative planet-kind making. From her sunny spare room affectionately called The Button Room, she designs original amigurumi patterns and kits such as the Button Room Minis range, creates eco-conscious crochet baubles, keepsake greetings cards and framed crochet art.
Alongside her products, Natalie teaches crochet through 1:1 lessons and workshops, and stocks natural yarns and notions for fellow eco-makers. Her work champions sustainability, community, and creativity, proving that handmade can be beautiful, fun, and kind to the planet.
Links:
www.linktr.ee/madeinthebuttonroomWebsite is coming but not live yet. That will be www.madeinthebuttonroom.co.uk
Facebook and Instagram is @Natalie Edwards (all on link above)
My only online shop currently (until website is up is) www.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk/shop/madeinthebuttonroom
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Zoë Chapman is the inventor of the Whizzer, the World’s tiniest toilet.
The Bootstrapped Solo Founder, launched her business during the pandemic. Despite attempting the impossible, she knew how much her product could help millions so sacrificed everything and within a year of launching, she was approached to appear on BBC's Dragons Den. Her episode aired in 2023 leaving the nation tearful after sharing the challenging journey that had led to the launch of her multi-award winning product.Soon after securing offers from both Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett, she launched the adult version due to popular demand. This enabled her to singlehandedly transform the business, breaking every sales forecast, gaining the title of Great British Entrepreneur and solving the long-standing toileting troubles of everyone from families on-the-go and outdoor enthusiasts to those in need of a more discreet medical aid.
Alongside breaking toilet talk taboo, Zoë openly discusses the challenges that come with running a business as a single mother with life-long mental health conditions including her battle with Bipolar which she had used as her superpower.
To connect with Zoe:
Website: https://kiddiwhizz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiddiwhizz
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Emily Forbes is a published author, certified coach, and founder of Wylde Wellbeing. Emily has been on a personal journey through chronic illness, surgeries, moving towards wellness and finding ways to improve her wellbeing over the last few years.
Emily’s book 'Too Hard to Swallow' is about her personal journey with chronic illness. It’s part memoir, part self-help, and in it, she shares how she found peace within the illness - and how you can too. She blends her personal story with scientific explanations and practices and exercises that will help you to magnify your own wellbeing.
In this episode we discuss the challenges of living and working with chronic illnesses, explore the disability work gap and talk about the female gender gap. It’s a fascinating discussion and I hope you enjoy the episode.
To connect with Emily: https://go.wyldewellbeing.uk/home-6672Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyldewellbeingcoaching/
Book: BalboaPress
Book (Kindle Edition): TooHard to Swallow: Amazon.co.uk: Forbes, Emily: 9781982289324: Books
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I was delighted to interview Debbie-Lyn Connolly Lloyd, the founder of DL Models Ltd.
Debbie-Lyn has FND and set up her business DL Models Ltd to empower people who lack confidence, to believe in themselves again and strive for their dreams, by sharing her story and changing standards in the fashion and beauty industry, so that they can feel represented, beautiful and more confident.
In this episode, Debbie-Lyn talks about her experiences of running a business with a chronic illness and gives advice for anyone aspiring to a career in modelling.
For more details:
Website: www.dlmodelsltd.com
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I was delighted to have the chance to interview Jen Parker, the founder of Fuzzy Flamingo, a book publishing business.
Jen is a multi-award-winning business owner, editor and designer.
She's passionate about books and her mission is to make publishing more transparent, less intimidating and more accessible for authors.
Jen is also a published author herself having written her book:UNFLIP: Changing your life after a life-changing diagnosis
Jen lives with ankylosing spondylitis and in this episode she talks about her diagnosis and how she manages running her own business with looking after her health.
For more details:
Website: https://fuzzyflamingo.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-parker-fuzzy-flamingo/
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this month's episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pat Porter, also known as Pat the Inventor!
Pat is a problem-solving inventor, entrepreneur, and public speaker.
As the creator of The Perpetual Bird Feeder and host of the Invisible Me podcast, she tackles everyday challenges—whether in baby products, accessibility, or wildlife care.
Her podcast raises awareness about invisible health conditions and disabilities, educating and empowering listeners.
Pat is also available for consultancy, coaching, and 1:1 business startup chats on bootstrapping, being a female founder, and navigating entrepreneurship as a neurodivergent innovator.
She can be contacted on social media. www.pattheinventor.co.uk
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn. (Look up Pat the Inventor.)
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hubWorkbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting to Kristie Norris, the founder of ETA Girl Friday and Kristie's Sitters.
Kristie Norris is an accidental entrepreneur, starting out in business in 2017 as a Travel Consultant after being made redundant. In 2020 made the change to become a Virtual Assistant and after running online networking sessions and supporting local groups get online niched down to a Zoom Producer to support online workshops and meetings.
In 2024 after having to move out of her rental accommodation in January, she added another string to her bow, becoming a House and Pet Sitter travelling across the UK giving pet owners peace of mind their pets are well looked after in their own home while they enjoy a well-deserved holiday.
A great side effect of this change is that Kristie’s health has improved with fewer migraines and more manageable fatigue.
Please take a look at her website www.kristienorris.com or email her at heyeta@etagirlfriday.co.uk or call 01686 246246.
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub Waitlist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/waitlist-membership-eato
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Williams, the co-founder of Clu and Access to Funding. In this episode, we discuss his career, the barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs and the Lilac Review.
Joseph’s career began in a call centre, where he was regularly reported for asking too many questions. Autistic and deemed ‘trouble’, he was about to be fired—but fortunately, someone saw his problem-solving talent, called him an analyst, and that moment jumpstarted his career in technical innovation.
With two decades of leading strategy across media and technology companies and a passion for improving the world we live in, Joseph is now Co-Founder and CEO of Clu, an ethical-AI that identifies human potential. He also advises government, education, and industry on the skills economy, future of work and economic mobility.
You can contact Joseph using the following channels:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdttwp/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/getaclu
Excel against the Odds:
The Resilient Business Workshop 12/3/25:
https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/resilient-business-masterclass.Chronic Empowerment Hub Waitlist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/waitlist-membership-eato
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
This episode marks four years of the Excel against the Odd podcast!
In this episode, I tell you about my story and why I believe that it is important to learn to run your business in alignment with your health,
I then take you through the five main ways you can ensure that your business works for you and your health.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
The Resilient Business Workshop 25/2/25:
https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/resilient-business-masterclass.
Chronic Empowerment Hub Waitlist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/waitlist-membership-eato
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, it was wonderful to be joined by Melissa Smith, the Owner & Founder of Paws In Earnest. Melissa was diagnosed with M.E in 2020 and this led her to starting up her own business.
Website: www.pawsinearnest.co.uk
Email: hello@pawsinearnest.co.uk
Socials: @pawsinearnest (Instagram, Facebook & TikTok)
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-smith-676379121/
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Chronic Empowerment Hub Waitlist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/waitlist-membership-eato
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I was delighted to chat to Scott Whitney about his organisation All 4 Inclusion CIC and his future plans.
Scott acquired his disability aged 37 in 2020.
There was no accident or long term illness, one day he woke up and his body decided to stop working. Since that day, it has continued to regress.
Now a fulltime wheelchair user he has used this as his inspiration to support people like him and within the wider disability community.
He founded All 4 Inclusion in 2022 a not for profit designed around reducing loneliness within the disability community.
What started as people meeting up every two weeks to unload in a safe space has grown to six groups a week, a community awards and mobile app.
All 4 Inclusion: https://www.all4inclusion.org/
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Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had a fascinating discussion with Rachael Mole who has recently completed a research paper on disability and the work place.
Rachael is a project management consultant, advisor and disability employment advocate. She works within accessibility and people management, looking at recruitment, onboarding and retention, and has recently completed a Churchill Fellowship research report on 'how to build inclusive and accessible work cultures to drive innovation within organisations', looking at case studies from the USA and Europe, which was published in September.
You can find the report here: https://www.churchillfellowship.org/ideas-experts/ideas-library/beyond-barriers-building-inclusive-work-cultures-for-disabled-employees-to-drive-innovation/
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Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I'm celebrating the 5 year anniversary of the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Community!
This episode contains my top 5 tips for running a business with a chronic illness. Enjoy!
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Zosia Krajewska about her experience of working whilst living with Ulcerative Colitis.
Zosia is an IT professional living in London currently working in global corporate M&A. She is also a disability advocate raising awareness from personal lived experience and implementing inclusion-focused initiatives.
As a result of her condition, Zosia is incredibly focused on her physical and mental wellbeing. She focuses on weight and cardio training 5-6 times a week, journals, meditates and is an avid reader.
If you would like to connect with Zosia, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zosia-krajewska
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this month's episode I had the honour of interviewing both Victoria Jenkins from Unhidden and Hayley Kellard from Dotty about Braille about the Lilac Review.
Victoria is the co-chair of the Lilac Review and both Hayley and I sit on the Steering Board.
The Lilac Review is an independent, government-backed review looking at tackling the inequalities faced by disabled entrepreneurs.
Launched on the 1st February 2024, the interim report was launched in May 2024 with recommendations for Government, Financial Institutions and Business Support Organisations.
For more details check out the website www.lilacreview.com
Victoria Jenkins Victoria is a multi award winning universal designer, disability advocate, speaker and writer. She has 16 years fashion industry experience as a garment technologist for high street and high end brands. She became disabled in her mid 20's which led to her founding Unhidden, a socially responsible universally designed fashion range, centred on adaptive design for the disabled and chronic sick community. Unhidden is the first universal fashion brand to become a member of the British Fashion Council. In September 2023 she was listed in British Vogues 'The Vogue 25' as well as Vogue Business' 100 innovators list. She is listed as the 2nd most influential disabled person in the UK by the Shaw Trust on their annual Disability Power List. She was the expert designer and co host on Channel 4 show The Unique Boutique, her TedX talk is available on YouTube and she appeared on Dragons Den in February 2023. She has judged for the V&A Innovate challenge and Scope awards this year and is a co-chair for The Lilac Review which is a 2 year government backed review in to supporting disabled entrepreneurs. She sits on the shadow board of Reflect The agency, is a member of the Inclusive Entrepreneurs APPG as well as being a brand ambassador for Models of Diversity, Purple Tuesday and Parallel and a patron of Kurt Geigers' Kindness Foundation
website: https://unhiddenclothing.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/unhidden.uk
Hayley Kellard is the founder of Dotty About Braille, an online business specialising in personalised, accessible braille greetings cards, letters and labels. Hayley is visually impaired and has a condition called POTS so is very aware of the barriers disabled entrepreneurs can face.
Webite: www.dottyaboutbraille.com
The Chronic Empowerment Hub for business owners with chronic illnesses:
https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Jacqueline Samm about her experience of running a business as a Virtual Assistant with ME.
Jackie is a Cornish Virtual Assistant with a chronic illness, supporting chronic illness coaches with social media and general admin, so they can focus their energy on providing solutions for their clients.
In this episode we discuss how Jackie runs her business in alignment with her health and the lessons she has learnt along the way. We also talk about the role that a Virtual Assistant can play in helping you to grow your own business.
For more information and to connect with Jackie: Website: https://www.kernowvirtualsolutions.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-samm/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Self-Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Latasha Doyle about her experience of running a business with Marfan Syndrome.
Latasha Doyle is the owner of Uncanny Content, a full-service content strategy and copywriting agency. Her agency works with businesses owned by women, POC, disabled, queer, and other marginalized folks to help them amplify their reach without burning out. She also has Marfan syndrome and uses her platform to educate about systemic challenges disabled people face.
In this insightful episode, we discuss how growing her agency and employing a team has enabled Latasha to grow her business around her health. Latasha also gives some great tips on creating content when you have a chronic illness.
For more information and to connect with Latasha:
Website: https://uncannycontent.co/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/uncannycontent
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Self-Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
In this weeks episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I delve in to why it is important to build your business around your chronic illness.
We look at:
And much more
To download the free masterclass and business self-care checklist:
6 Secrets to Success Masterclass: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-six-secrets-masterclass
Business Self Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Erin Buck about her experience of running a business with Chronic Pain.
Erin, owner of Bizzybee a virtual and social media assistant service. She specialises in helping freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs streamline their social media and business tasks, ultimately giving them more time and less stress to focus on growing their businesses. She also suffers from Chronic pain and foot drop caused by repeated disc ruptures and surgeries causing nerve damage starting her business journey to prove to herself that she still had a purpose.
You can follow her on Instagram, facebook, LinkedIn and pinterest but looking for @bizzybeebollyAs well as listen to her own podcast 'Women In Business' on Spotify and other podcast platforms
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Self-Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
