Life of a Social Entrepreneur is back. After 11 episodes, I hit pause, and in this return episode, I share why.Running a social enterprise isn’t a straight path. My business was struggling. I was juggling two young children, dealing with negativity in the gym, losing long-term members, and fighting self-doubt. At one point, I even applied for a job, convinced I’d failed as a social entrepreneur.But the break gave me clarity. I learned to manage money better (thanks to my chair and Profit First by Mike Michalowicz).I had turning-point conversations with sponsors about valuing our work and pricing it properly. And I realised that not every opportunity is the right one. Even if it looks huge on paper.This episode is raw, honest, and all about resilience. It’s about what happens when you nearly walk away, and how stepping back can sometimes be the thing that moves you forward.If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this one’s for you.

Jack talks with Ellie from EdShift CICThe social impact mission at EdShift is rooted in creating a space of safety, belonging, and community for young people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Through the transformative power of the arts, they aim to empower young people with the skills they need to challenge personal and systemic power dynamics.Ellie talks about her own journey into social entrepreneurship, the challenges of running a CIC and what her wildest dreams are for EdShift. 

Jack talks with Cat from Seagulls paintCats social enterprise has a huge impact on the environment whilst helping people into employment. They discuss the struggles of running a social enterprise. How you don't need to be good at everything to run a small business, admitting this and getting the right people to help!How Cats job comes with a purpose. She's tackling climate crisis and social injustice whilst using humour and creativity on a daily basis.They both agree that they are running organisations that feels like they're 'cash poor, but social impact millionaires'

Everything happens for a reason! (How I started volunteering)From a random phone call in a special place.Jack talks about how he got into training amateur boxers. Good experiences and bad! And why he chose the path he chose with his work.Training Cave is an amateur boxing club, that is affiliated to England boxing. But Jacks journey started at another gym, which remains close to his heart.

A guest episode!Jack talks with Paula Appleton from Evergreen Active CIC.Paula has a brilliant story. She's has her own personal struggles and has grown an amazing programme that came from her advertising on Facebook for a running partner! So she could feel safe whilst exercising outdoors. She is an inspiration. Please take a listen!

In episode Jack gives an insight into a recent marketing session that he ran with his team. Being open and honest about money and what needs to be done to keep the business going and make sure everyone can continue to be paid to do a job that they love. In a small social enterprise with little resources, the whole team is the marketing team and everyone has to play their part. From direct marketing, to brand and personal brand. This is something that Jack has a big interest in and understands how important it is to run a business. 

This is a recording from an event where Jack was asked to speak about how sport and exercise changes lives.Jack talks about his own experiences in sport and exercise. Stories of the young people he works with. He believes that sport and exercise doesn't just change lives, it lays the foundation. Everyone should be doing some form of physical activity every single day.

In this podcast Jack talks about his experiences of taking on staff. Some funny, and difficult stories... and situations along the way! but its all part of running a small organisation. In this episode you will hear little bits about the people that work at Training Cave and how much they all care. Taking on staff has been one of Jacks biggest teachers. He'd had to learn to manage, trust and recruit. But believes that investing in other people is one of the most important things you can do.

First guest podcast! Jack talks to Maddie from Blossom Training and Development CICBlossoms social impact mission is to reduce violence in the community. They talk about power of voice and the struggles of getting funding and being sustainable. Enjoy! 

In this episode Jack talks about why his organisation, Training Cave became a not for profit. And why that decision turned out to be the best thing for everyone involved. Enjoy! 

From electrician to gym owner! In this episode Jack shares a shortened story of how he completely changed his career. He wasn't happy with the way his life was going! So made the transition from electrical to gym owner...

Introducing the podcast!Jack talks about why he has started the 'life of a social entrepreneur' podcast.He wants to share his experiences of running a social enterprise. The situations he has been in, the lessons learnt so far and future plans. Jack wants you to either learn something, be inspired or even take comfort from knowing that someone is out there going through the same things that you are.