Trigger warning: This episode discusses cancer, which may be difficult for some listeners.
We’re joined by Nicole and Sam for a honest conversation about cancer support, not only for those diagnosed, but also for the friends and family whose lives are deeply affected. They share their experiences, insights, and the story of how they teamed up to create a supportive community through their cancer support group.
Back to Life at Cancer support group
Who is Nicole?
Nicole transitioned from a career in finance to focus on supporting people with chronic conditions. With a First-Class degree in Health and Exercise Referral and an MSc in Long Term and Chronic Condition Management, she now runs Lavender Therapy Droitwich, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Who is Sam?
Sam Holt is a Cancer Support Coach with nearly 30 years of NHS experience in Nuclear Medicine. She helps people living with cancer, as well as their loved ones, navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond.
Back to Life after Cancer website
Find out more about Lyrebird Studios:
Find out more about Lyrebird Studios in Worcester
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Lisa is joined by the lovely Louise Squires, an Award-Winning Clinical Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. Together, they talk about how the mind works, hypnotherapy and ADHD. Whether you're curious about alternative approaches to mental wellness or navigating ADHD yourself, this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction to the podcast
[00:23] Introduction to Louise Squires
[02:05] What drew Louise to hypnotherapy
[08:37] Can anyone use hypnotherapy?
[14:30] How hypnotherapy helped Louise's client with IBS
[19:41] Being diagnosed with ADHD
About Louise:
Louise Squires is an award-winning Clinical Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist based in Worcestershire. With a strong background in neuroscience and qualifications including HPD and DSFH, she helps clients overcome anxiety, stress, phobias, OCD, insomnia, ADHD, autism, and more. Louise draws on her own experience of overcoming anxiety, offering practical, compassionate support that’s tailored to each person. Her down-to-earth, evidence-based approach empowers clients to rewire limiting beliefs and create lasting change. Working with adults, teens, and children, Louise is known for her results-driven therapy style, and many of her clients come through personal recommendations.
Where to find Louise:
Find out more about Lyrebird Studios:
Find out more about Lyrebird Studios in Worcester
Connect with Women Who UK:
Browse the directory
Follow us on Facebook
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Music from #Uppbeat
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Trigger warning: this episode mentions abuse.
Nicola Holmes and host Lisa, explore vibe dressing, ADHD diagnosis, protecting your self-esteem, and much more on this week's episode.
Takeaways:
[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast
[01:03] – Introduction to Nicola Holmes
[01:41] – Have you heard about vibe dressing?
[03:59] – About Nicola's neurodivergent business
[05:47] – Getting her ADHD and dyslexia diagnosis
[11:06] – Protecting your self esteem
[13:03] – Advice for those putting off having an assessment
[15:51] – The Open Your Heart Retreat
[19:26] – Cold water immersion
About Nicola:
Nicola Holmes is a Neurodivergent Specialist and ADHD Therapeutic Coach offering spiritually integrated therapy, coaching, and supervision. With a deep focus on ADHD, she supports clients in building self-understanding and resilience. Nicola also provides training for educators and workplaces to foster neurodiversity awareness and create more inclusive, supportive environments.
Where to find Nicola:
Find out more about Lyrebird Studios
Find out more about Lyrebird Studios in Worcester.
Connect with Women Who UK:
Browse the directory
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on LinkedIn
Music from #Uppbeat
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This week on the podcast, Lisa speaks with Gemma Edwards about the importance of storytelling, how to get the most out of LinkedIn, being creative, and couch to 5K.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Podcast introduction
(00:35) - Introduction to Gemma
(03:20) - Importance of storytelling in business
(11:08) - Benefits of networking
(14:49) - Dusty the flying dustbin, why we need creativity
(17:59) - Getting the most out of LinkedIn
(28:06) - Couch to 5K
About Gemma
Gemma is a freelance copy and content writer who transforms brand stories into engaging, conversational content that connects. With a background in mortgage underwriting, she brings precision and detail to every project. Known for her storytelling, SEO know-how, and collaborative spirit, Gemma helps businesses thrive with words that truly resonate.
Where to find Gemma
Connect with Women Who UK:
Browse the directory
Music from #Uppbeat
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Host Lisa Lloyd is joined by Sue Johns to discuss Kingsway House in Worcester, business partnering with your husband, and becoming an author.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - welcome to the podcast
(00:47) – introduction to Sue Johns
(02:25) – how Kingsway House supporting the community
(03:55) – working with your husband
(07:49) – going to places with a buzz
(09:29) – becoming a published author
(20:45) – buying Sue’s book, ‘Leaving Ukraine’ and feedback received
About Sue:
Sue is a seasoned education and business professional with over three decades of experience. From 1988 to 2020, she was Co-Founder and Director of Kingsway English Centre in Worcester, delivering intensive English courses for professionals from around the world.
When the pandemic prompted a major shift, Sue transformed Kingsway’s elegant Georgian building into a thriving hub of serviced offices, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
She holds a BA (Hons), PGCE, Cert TEB, and Dip TEFLA.
Where to find Sue:
Connect with Women Who UK:
Browse the directory
Music from #Uppbeat
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This week on the podcast, host Lisa Lloyd, is joined by professional photographer, Emma B Murrills. They discuss all things photography, how she moved from shooting weddings to professional business images, the importance of networking, how to get more comfortable in front of a camera, plus so much more.
Timestamps
[00:30] Introducing Emma B Murrills
[01:47] Wedding photography
[02:28] Moving onto branded photography
[06:27] Reflecting on 11 years in business
[07:32] Importance of networking
[13:46] Becoming a mum
[16:14] What Emma would do if she wasn't a photographer
[21:25] What Emma enjoys most as a photographer
[25:44] Getting comfortable in front of the camera
About Emma
Emma is an award-winning photographer based in Worcester, helping small businesses connect with their ideal clients through on-brand imagery that tells a bigger story.
Where to find Emma
Check our her LinkedIn profile
Check out Lyrebird Studios
Lyrebird Studios is a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the heart of Worcester, in the West Midlands. Ideal for recording podcasts, webinars, video content, voice overs, or any creative project.
Get access to industry-standard recording equipment for your next recording session, and rest assured your audio sound is top-notch as our studio has been expertly treated.
Connect with Women Who UK
Browse the directory
Music from #Uppbeat
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This week on the podcast Lisa is joined with Helen Cochrane, the new South West Birmingham Lead. They talk about reiki, setting boundaries, learning japanese, menopause, and so much more...
Lisa also puts Heleb through her paces with the usual, "Would You Rather..."
Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction to the episode
(01:12) Who is Helen?
(05:49) What is Reiki and who is it for?
(11:25) Importance of boundaries
(13:30) Menopause and to-do lists
(14:50) Business is tough but rewarding
(16:00) Importance of learning (plus learning Japanese)
(22:00) Announcing Helen as our new South West Birmingham lead
(23:55) Would you rather...?
About Helen
Helen (Alvechurch Reiki and Alvechurch Languages) is an accredited Usui Reiki Master Teacher Practitioner and a French and Spanish teacher with a passion for learning and healing.
Her journey in Reiki began as a personal endeavour to manage anxiety, and it has since evolved into a mission to support others in their wellness journeys. She can support you by providing Reiki treatments and accredited Reiki courses and workshops.
She provides tailored language learning experiences that cater to diverse needs and goals, teaching both online and in person. She is passionate about encouraging learners to build their skills and confidence through small group and 1:1 French and Spanish teaching, both online and in person.
Where to find Helen:
Alvechurch Languages Instagram
Check out Lyrebird Studios
Lyrebird Studios is a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the heart of Worcester, in the West Midlands. Ideal for recording podcasts, webinars, video content, voice overs, or any creative project.
Get access to industry-standard recording equipment for your next recording session, and rest assured your audio sound is top-notch as our studio has been expertly treated.
Connect with Women Who UK:
Music from #Uppbeat
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We talk to our community members, Catherine, Sian, and Helen about the process involved with self-publising, The Doorstep Baker cookbook.
This was always a dream of baker Catherine, and with the help of book editor Sian, and food photographer Helen, it was made into a reality!
Of course we also put them through their paces with the usual, 'Would You Rather' game.
Timestamps
(00:48) Introductions to Catherine, Helen, and Sian
(05:45) Introducing The Doorstep Baker cookbook...
(09:00) Process involved with self-publishing
(19:05) The importance of collaboration/team/community
(26:05) You don’t have to do everything yourself…
About Catherine
Catherine is an avid baker and founder of The Doorstep Baker. She's passionate about making tasty bread suitable for all dietary requirements. She's also an author, runs regular workshops and attends market pop-ups.
About Sian:
Sian is a non-fiction book editor and proofreader, passionate about helping women authors and women business owners. She's big on mental health and wellbeing too.
About Helen:
Helen in an experienced food photographer, and her mission is to help business attract more of their ideal clients creating awesome photographs.
Check out Lyrebird Studios
Lyrebird Studios is a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the heart of Worcester, in the West Midlands. Ideal for recording podcasts, webinars, video content, voice overs, or any creative project.
Get access to industry-standard recording equipment for your next recording session, and rest assured your audio sound is top-notch as our studio has been expertly treated.
Connect with Women Who UK:
Music from #Uppbeat
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Get to know one of our community members as Lisa is joined by Worcester based photographer, Vanda Szabo.
Vanda talks about the importance of building community and her creative photography career, touching on friendship, parenting, and self-employment.
She opens up about diversity, imposter syndrome, and misconceptions about photographers. We wrap up with our usual “Would You Rather” game, which is always a giggle!
Timestamps:
About Vanda:
Vanda is an award-winning personal branding photographer based in Worcester.
She can help you to build your confidence and fall in love with you and your business again.
Vanda will help you to tell your story with photographs, showing the person behind your brand, creating the visibility you deserve.
Where to find Vanda:
Check out Lyrebird Studios
Lyrebird Studios is a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the heart of Worcester, in the West Midlands. Ideal for recording podcasts, webinars, video content, voice overs, or any creative project.
Get access to industry-standard recording equipment for your next recording session, and rest assured your audio sound is top-notch as our studio has been expertly treated.
Connect with Women Who UK:
Music from #Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/good-thing
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening, and feel free to skip this episode if the content may be triggering for you. Listener discretion advised.
Get to know one of the community members as Lisa is joined by Sarah Steele, who is a break up and divorce coach.
In this episode we sit down with Sarah and explore her journey from nursing to become a coach for people who are navigating a break up or divorce.
Timestamps:
About Sarah
Sarah is an Accredited Breakup and Divorce Coach trained by the Globally renowned Sara Davison, founder of the International Divorce Society.
After leaving a long career in the NHS as a Senior nurse, coaching to support people seemed a natural progression. Having coached many clients through breakup and divorce, it became clear to her that very little specialist support was available for those struggling to navigate the emotional and legal process. This inspired her to further my training, to become a specialist Breakup and Divorce Coach.
Connect with Women Who UK:
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Get to know our Worcester Lead and Community Sponsor as Lisa is joined by Caroline Quillet (Laudren) from Consequential Planning Limited and Rebecca Widdowson from Hallmark Watley Hulme.
In this episode, qualified solicitor Rebecca and qualified financial planner Caroline discuss the importance of Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, and Financial Planning.
It's also time for another round of, 'Would You Rather?'
Timestamps:
About Caroline:
Based in the West Midlands, Caroline helps individuals and business owners with their financial planning. With 15 years of experience in financial services, she is a qualified independent financial adviser at Consequential Planning Limited, a firm that provides bespoke and ethical advice to individuals and businesses.
About Rebecca:
Rebecca Widdowson is Managing Partner at Hallmark Whatley Hulme, specializing in Estate administration, Wills, and LPAs. A keen runner and cyclist, she supports charities through endurance challenges. She is also a school governor, Board Member of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and Vice President of Worcester Rugby Football Club.
Connect with Women Who UK:
Music from #Uppbeat
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Get to know our Bridgnorth Lead as Lisa is joined by Lucy Edgar, Founder of Human Everything.
In this episode, we sit down with Lucy to get to know her, the business she founded, how HR is much more than hiring and firing, importance of company culture and much more.
It's also time for another round of, 'Would You Rather?'
Timestamps
About Lucy:
Whatever your experience or thoughts are about HR, Lucy's here to do HR differently. She's passionate about creating workplaces that truly work and focusing on the people working in them. Wading through all the paperwork and contracts and all of those things that need to be done needs to be done and put in place and then it's a case of creating something that is entirely human focused, forward thinking and utterly brilliant.
Check out Lucy's legal website
Connect with Women Who UK
Music from #Uppbeat
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Get to know one of the community members as Lisa is joined by KellyWhite, Managing Director at Number Fifteen Legal and Number Fifteen Travel.
In this episode, we sit down with Kelly to explore her journey - from ambitious career goals to stepping into self-employment, and running her own business. We dive into the challenges women face in the workforce, the state of the justice system, and the power of manifestation.
We also play would you rather - feel free to play along too!
Timestamps
About Kelly
Kelly White has spent over 25 years advising businesses how to grow their business, protect their reputation, and retain and recruit top talent.
Kelly has been a Marketing and New Business Director in law firms for 15 years with a seat on their respective Boards. She has worked for local, regional, national and boutique firms and on individual, business services, criminal and regulatory, both legal aid and privately paying
Check out Kelly's legal website
Check out Kelly's travel website
Connect with Women Who UK
Get to know one of the community members as Lisa is joined by Mandy Deakin-Snell, Founder of MDS Alignment.
Mandy talks about how we can truly align ourselves with mixing ancient wisdom and neuroscience. She also discusses the book she co-authored and why she started her business.
We also discuss whether being an over giver is more popular in women...
Timestamps
About Mandy
With over 30 years in the C-Suite of globally acclaimed organisations, Mandy knows how to help you navigate change in your life, career or business and guide you towards a more fulfilling next chapter.
She's a business advisor on strategy and people development offering personalised online coaching, using a blend of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and a unique technique called mBraining using Multiple Brain Integration Techniques (mBIT), a methodology deeply rooted in practical applications of neuroscience and behavioural modelling.
Connect with Women Who UK
Get to know one of our Collaborative Partners, as Lisa is joined by Sarah McDowell, producer of this very podcast and owner of Lyrebird Studios.
We talk about the partnership, common blockers stopping people starting a podcast, benefits of running one, and a breakdown of the essential equipment need to run and host one.
We also talk ALOT about microphone muffs...
About Sarah
Sarah is a freelance digital marketing consultant, and podcast producer and coach. She has over 10 years experience in digital marketing, specialising in search engine optimisation (SEO), working both in house and agency side. She first caught the podcasting bug in 2018, and since then has launched, grown, and monetised a total of 4 podcasts, with The SEO Mindset being her most recent one. Sarah is also an international speaker, awards judge, mentor, book co-author, and co-founder of West Midlands Podcasting Club.
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
Connect with Sarah on Instagram
Sign up to the 'Let's Get That Podcast Launched' workshop
About Lyrebird Studios
Unleash your creativity with our state-of-the-art recording studio.
Lyrebird Studios is a state-of-the-art recording studio located in the heart of Worcester, in the West Midlands. Ideal for recording podcasts, webinars, video content, voice overs, or any creative project.
Get access to industry-standard recording equipment for your next recording session, and rest assured your audio sound is top-notch as our studio has been expertly treated.
Our experienced team is on hand to help you set everything up, and answer any questions you have.
Check out Lyrebird Studios website
Connect with Women Who UK
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Get to know our Stourbridge Area Lead, as Lisa is joined by Wendy Garrett, Founder of Garrett Learning.
Wendy talks about what she does for the network, how she got into working for herself, growing her business, and how we can better manage our mental health.
We also get to know Rebecca's party trick...
Timestamps
About Wendy
After graduating from Bournemouth University with a degree in Licensed Retail Management, Wendy moved to the big smoke to start my operational career with Mitchells & Butlers. She quickly progressed and was headhunted by Whitbread’s Premier Inn, here she invested a vast amount of time with individual team members to develop, encourage, and promote internally. She focused on high standards and we celebrated our achievements.
She has a varied career history, it’s shaped who she is and provided her with incredible life experiences and stories to share. She became a qualified trainer in 2012.
About Garrett Learning
Garrett Learning is partnering with you and your organisation to enable the team to reach their full potential, one step at a time.
They create exceptional learning experiences that encourage the importance of individuality, listening, curiosity and being there for others.
Discover how Garrett Learning can help you achieve your goals by clicking on the images below. Let’s get started!
Connect with Women Who UK
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Get to know one of the sponsors of the network as Lisa is joined by Rebecca Widdowson, Managing Partner at Hallmark Whatley Hulme Solitors.
Rebecca talks about how she got into law, and how she supports the community. They also discuss why Women Who UK is needed, and why the solicitors firm is a sponsor.
We also get to know Rebecca's party trick...
Timestamps
About Rebecca
Rebecca trained and qualified as a solicitor here at the firm in 1996. After that she moved to a law firm in Birmingham, before returning to Hallmark Whatley Hulme. She became a Partner in 2008 and Managing Partner in 2014, and she is also the firm’s Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer.
Previously a litigator, Rebecca has developed her private client practice and now acts for clients exclusively in relation to administration of Estates, Wills and LPAs.
Rebecca’s main interests are running and cycling and has done many endurance challenges for charitable causes.
In addition to this she is a Governor at a Worcester High School and Board Member of the Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire. She is also Vice President of Worcester Rugby Football Club having been one of the founding members of the women’s rugby team over 30 years ago.
About Hallmark Whatley Hulme
Hallmark Whatley Hulme Solicitors are different. Engaging a solicitor often coincides with some of the most stressful times in both your personal and business life.
They understand that not only do you need a team of the very best, highly experienced experts on your side; you need practical guidance and support from real people.
Connect with Women Who UK
Get to know some of the essential people behind Women Who UK, as Lisa is joined by Petra (Network Well Manager), Kasia (Area Lead for Kidderminster), and Tash (Executive Network Manager).
They discuss exciting developments and events coming up for the network, including Network Well, and Business Development Day.
They also discuss going self employed, importance of taking holiday, who inspires them, party tricks, and so much more.
Timestamps
00:54 - Introductions
02:22 - Going self-employed
03:19 - What's coming up for the network
06:30 - Network Well
15:30 - Importance of taking holiday
16:26 - Business Development Day
26:07 - Party tricks
28:39 - Women who inspire us
About Tasha McCann
Natasha McCann has a wealth of experience in people focused industries, from executive administration to HR management, her combined skills and personal qualities enable her to create supportive, nurturing, and highly organised, environments for business owners to thrive in.
About Kasia Ostler
Kasia is a Mortgage & Protection Adviser. She offers mortgage and protection support and guidance across Worcestershire and the UK. With over 17 years of experience in UK finance, she is passionare about guiding others, espicisallly self-employed business owners.
About Petra Bland
Petra Bland, Founder of PB Fitness and Rhythmic Gymnastics Worcester, leads our popular Network Well events. Inspired by Petra’s passion for good health and movement, we launched Network Well on 28th March 2023 to offer an opportunity for members to get away from their desks and experience a different way to network which combines the benefits of meeting like minds whilst enjoying the rejuvenating effects of nature.
Connect with Women Who UK:
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As the title suggests, our first episode gives you a sneak peek behind the scenes of The Women Who Podcast - for business owners produced by business owners.
Tables are turned, and usual host of the podcast, Lisa Lloyd, is interview by experienced podcaster and producer, Sarah McDowell.
Listen to this episode to find out interesting facts about Lisa, why she started the community, and what she hopes to achieve with the podcast.
Where to find Sarah:
Connect with Women Who UK:
Welcome to the all new Women Who UK podcast!
A podcast for business owners, produced by business owners.
Lisa Lloyd, founder of Women Who UK, is your host. We'll be chatting about business trends, busting myths, and the realities of running a business. Expect honest, open conversations about the highs and lows, the wins and the falls.
Don't forget to subscribe for free whereever you listen to your podcasts, and get notified about new episodes streamed the second and fourth week of every month.
So grab yourself a cup or glass of something, get comfortable, and spend the next 30 minutes or so with us on the Women Who UK Podcast.
Connect with Women Who UK:
