Two pints of lager and a spreadsheet

We’re joined by fractional CFO and best-selling author Andy Cristin. You’ll hear us discuss a whole range of topics including how being niche can help you be profitable and saleable, accountability, remaining focused, the importance of having a good mentor and a sounding board. You’ll also hear our top tips for setting up a successful business, and everything you should expect when you exit it.

We're joined by Square One Law’s Gill Hunter. We chat through Gill’s career, from studying geography, to becoming one of the North East’s first tech lawyers. Together we cover tackling challenges and fearlessness, the need for prioritising team well-being, and creating an inclusive culture within the professional services industry.

We're joined by founder and CEO of Just Williams, Jessica Williams. In this episode you’ll hear us discuss a whole range of topics including, sales psychology, building relationships, B Corp certification, emotional intelligence and business leadership. We also cover high performing teams, grit, resilience, physical and mental fitness.

We're joined by strategy and sustainability expert Katrina Appleyard of Appleshed Consulting. This episode covers ESG and implementing a strategy, the B Corp process and building a better future. Together we cover the importance of making better decisions now to help future generations. Along with why climate education and a hands on approach will shape future connections with the planet and the need to protect it.

We’re joined by co-founder and executive chairman of The Disruption House, Rupert Bull. Within this episode you’ll hear about all things environment, social and governance (ESG). Rupert talks us through the importance of sustainability, challenges to business owners and the small steps you can take to make a difference. We also discuss why sustainability is so important for both market and talent access, alongside your values and internal communication.

We’re joined by Chief Executive of Entrepreneurs Forum, Elaine Stroud. You’ll hear us discuss several topics including: creating a supportive, diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community, creating engaging content, scaling up and sustainable enterprises. We also cover the North East vs New Zealand, keeping your energy levels high, the importance of embracing a growth mindset and trying new things in order to be the best version of yourself.

We’re joined by founder and director of Beaconhouse Events, Sarah Thackray. In this episode we cover all aspects of events planning and management including organising sustainable events. You’ll hear us discuss varying topics including: reducing your carbon footprint, having a supportive team around you, learning as you go, maintaining a positive mindset, giving back to the community and so much more.

We're joined by Mark Bryant, founder of Media Partnership and Film Hero. Hear how Mark got into media, from working in radio, to starting his own award-winning business. We discuss the excitement of starting your own business, but the culture shock, imposer syndrome and isolation that comes with it. You'll hear us cover, being a specialist instead of a generalist, networking events and how they've changed, building relationships and sharing valuable content on social media. We also chat through the importance of client personas and how they can help you connect with potential customers. Along with the difference between and need for hero, hub, help, hook and hold content.

We’re joined by Stasher CEO and co-founder Jacob Wedderburn-Day. We chat through Jacob’s journey and what it takes to develop an idea into a venture-backed company with a global presence. You’ll hear us discuss how the simplest idea is often the most successful, turning adversity into an opportunity, being recognised in Forbes 30 under 30 and the importance of focusing on the customer. Along with what it’s like to run a podcast, travel and of course Charlton Athletic.

We’re joined by Tristan Watson, co-founder of Field Trip Supplies and Chairman of Ignite Accelerator. Tristan talks us through his journey as an entrepreneur, accelerators and adventure. You’ll hear us discuss a health scare that led to a brilliant new business idea, the thrill of gaining your pilots license, the value of accelerators and why you should always start a business that you’re passionate about.

We’re joined by CEO and founder of Car Credible, Jae Chalfin. You’ll hear us cover what life is like as a repeat entrepreneur and the importance of getting the right people onboard. How Jae started out as a shipbroker and explored many career paths before embracing his entrepreneurial background. We also discuss the highs and lows of launching a start-up and why you don’t need to be supremely passionate to launch your own business.

We’re joined by CEO of Hedgehog Lab’s Sarat Pediredla. You’ll hear Sarat reflect on his journey, from starting out with a small team and big ideas, to being a global consultancy with over 120 employees and becoming a mentor others. We also cover the story behind the company name, raising multiple rounds of investment, the essential skills entrepreneurs need, being a young arrogant entrepreneur and making mistakes, building a strong network of advisors, maintaining your culture, and better managing your time.

We’re joined by Co-founder and COO of RideTandem, a tech for good transport company focused on smart commuting shuttles outside of big cities. You’ll hear how RideTandem enables more than £3m in wages for passengers around the world. Along with why when starting out as founders, it’s important to leave egos at the door, everyone has to muck in and do the unglamorous to maintain a high velocity. You’ll also hear us cover the power of business incubators, risk-taking as an entrepreneur and learning from mistakes, keeping a work life balance and the value of having a close knit business community to help with self-reflection and advice through shared experiences.

Billy Webber has returned! In this episode we cover business growth and all things funding. You’ll hear all about XR Therapeutics recent investment journey, the never-ending questions, challenges and setbacks. Along with what it’s really like to work with venture capitalists and how it differs from working with angel investors. You’ll also hear us discuss avoiding burn out, creating new job roles and the value of asking your existing team for input, workplace culture and making sure you stay true to your vision.

We're joined by renowned finance coach Oliver Deacon. Oli talks us through his journey, from working at Microsoft, finding his Ikigai and travelling back to the UK to become a finance coach. We discuss the importance of a growth mindset, how to be successful, what it's like to launch a business on your own, OKR's, finding time for continuous improvement and so much more.

We’re joined by co-founder of Vida Creative, Ellen Hedley, who quit her job and started the business from the back of a camper van while travelling around Europe. You’ll hear us discuss why you should stay true to yourself, hiring based on culture and what it’s really like to work with your partner. She also tells us about her experiences on a business accelerator when first starting out, her love of music festivals and the benefits of personality tests.

We’re joined by Managing Director of Sigma7's Intelligence Fusion platform, Michael McCabe. You’ll hear how Mike’s life changed from door security to working for the Saudi royal family. We cover Mike’s roles over the years from joining the army as an intelligence analyst, to becoming a tech start-up founder. You’ll also hear how Mike succeeded by applying the foundations of what he learned in military intelligence into the private sector. Alongside what it’s like to exit your business, resilience amongst the North East population and the importance of never giving up.

Find out about Jo’s journey over the years, having worn many hats including designer, developer, start-up co-founder and now CEO of Ignite Accelerator. We discuss starting your own business and why, with the right approach, it might lead you somewhere you could never have imagined. Jo talks us through how the accelerator works, the process behind creating a cohort, including weighing up if people will support each other well. You’ll hear all about mentorship, making mistakes, learning from them and the value in creating good, honest relationships. You’ll also hear about Historical European Martial Arts and why you should definitely try it.

We're joined by Paula Harrison, director of Layers Studio and Co-founder of Biblio Limited. You'll hear us discuss why the best decisions should scare you a little bit. Why you shouldn’t stay in a job just because you’re comfortable, comfort doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be better somewhere else. How Paula knew that she needed a more sociable job and took steps to make a change. The value of the people in your business, keeping them happy, supported and helping them progress. What it's like to be a home bird, pushing yourself to move away, and what happens when it all pays off. Doing door to door charity work, what you’ll encounter and learn, including understanding body language and mirroring behaviour. Along with why you should always take time to focus on the positives each day.

We're joined by Ron Ashtiani, chairman and co-founder or Big Thursday Creative. You'll hear us discuss the rollercoaster ride that's stating, growing and exiting a business. Learning when to let go and take a step back from your business. What it's really like to sell your business and hand over the reins. Ron's journey as an artist and a founder. As well as why you should alway do something you're passionate about, what it's like to write a book and why a successful founder is someone who's good at many things.

We're joined by Jim Mawdsley, Principal Advisor for Events and Culture at Newcastle City Council. Of course we're covering Jim’s passion for music and his dislike for agents. You'll also hear us discuss the magic behind a gig and what made Jim want to get into the sector in the first place. All things culture and what's next for Newcastle. Organising Newcastle's Evolution Festival back in the day, the logistics and the challenges. Jim's love of the North East and our music scene. Along with why Jim was part of developing a degree apprenticeship in Creative Digital Design - which took three years. And so much more!

We’re joined by Jon Leighton, Director at Land Digital. We’re discussing how as a business owner, you have to make mistakes, in order to learn and grow. Why you shouldn’t ask for advice, but you should ask for their story. How everyone has a different working style, preference over how they’re managed and where they work from. We also cover Jon’s journey as an entrepreneur, from running a pub, to a digital integrated digital marketing, development and UX design agency.

We're joined by Jamie Hardesty, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Sunderland Software City. We’re discussing the fall that changed his life forever, what life is like in recovery and the impact it has on your mental health. Along with how Jamie got into journalism, communication and the tech sector having left university with a history degree. We also discuss the importance of having a growth mindset, the good and the bad of social media, celebrating the little wins and how small steps equal big steps.

Find out how Gary got into tech, starting out as the world’s okayest programmer, to establishing and leading the UK arm of global cloud accounting platform Xero. Hear why building a culture isn’t about having a book of rules to follow, it’s about adding to it and evolving as you grow. Why Gary’s mum is more famous than him and all about the power of the Xero community.

You’ll also hear us discuss what it was like to join a team and grow a business in another country, thousands of miles away from other founders. Along with computing in the 1980s and the current tech scene in Scotland.

Ever wondered about the importance of art in community settings? What it’s like to study art and how your career can progress? What it’s like to complete an MBA and the structure it brings to your experiences and thoughts? We’ve got it covered in this episode thanks to our latest guest, Katherine Pearson, Managing Director at Flo-culture. You’ll also hear us discuss culture and creativity in the North East and how we’ve progressed from being one of the lowest investors in cultural venues, to fully embracing creativity. Along with being passionate about what you do and the impact it'll have.

Join us as we chat to Patent Attorney and Definition IP founder, Claire Rutherford. In this episode we discuss how you become a patent attorney and what it’s like. Why your job should make you freak-cited, freaked out but equally excited. Making yourself uncomfortable in order to grow. Finding the ideal business partner, someone who’ll keep you honest. Home vs office working and the impact on junior team members. Along with the perks of running and a potential North East business owner running club.

Maddie Rippon Freelance General Counsel is back by popular demand. Join us as we discuss all things travel, seeing the world and why we opt for visiting places once. Why starting a business comes with a few years of hell before take-off. The importance of knowing your fellow founders and investors along with what can happen when you don’t. Business disasters and the lessons learned. Along with the importance of believing in what you’re doing.

We're joined by Paul Smith, OBE, Co-founder of Teamhouse. In this episode we discuss travelling around the world and the stigma attached to different places. Pauls Twitch Hiker journey (Travelling around the world, raising funds for charity thanks to support from Twitter users!), along with the fact that the world is full of good and very similar wherever you go. The news and why we always hear the bad stuff first. How social media has changed over the years. Along accelerators and why there's still a place for them in 2023.

We’re joined by Oli Krishnan, Head of Accountancy Partnerships at Starling Bank. In this episode we’re discussing the importance of putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, continual self-improvement and being yourself as people buy into who you are. We’re also discussing the differences between traditional and digital banking, the overlap between sport and business management.

In this episode we're joined by Head of Company Creation at Newcastle University Rick McCordall. Join us as we speak about the importance of enjoying what you do, building trust, learning from your mistakes, and everything that you experience when exiting a business. Alongside the support available for aspiring young entrepreneurs, launching a business and intellectual property.

We're joined by CEO of Atlas Cloud Pete Watson. Join us as we discuss how mentoring is a vital ingredient to any business journey. The importance of an open culture and being transparent with your team for business success. Creating a supportive environment, the attributes of leadership and the significance of a clear vision. Alongside our thoughts on the investment landscape going into 2023.

In this week's episode (The last of the year!) We're joined by pitch trainer and XR Therapeutics CEO Billy Webber. Tune in to hear all about the art of public speaking and why it’s never going to be as bad as you think it’ll be! Getting tongue tied and if your talk does go wrong how to own it. Combating anxiety, the drive to make treatment as accessible as possible and being involved in a business that will make a real difference. How to be the best version of yourself and take steps to overcome your anxiety. Along with what it takes to build a successful business from scratch and cultivating a team that can work successfully from home.

On this week’s episode we’re joined by Freelance General Counsel Maddie Rippon. Join us as Maddie explains what life is like as a lawyer and fearlessly talks us through her trans journey. You’ll hear all about the importance of being you and not letting anyone hold you back, proving everyone wrong, the impact of misgendering, being transgender in the 90’s and how much the world has changed in 25 years.

In this episode we’re joined by Strategic Partnerships Manager at Generator and Executive Director at Festival of Thrift Emma Whitenstall!

We’re discussing all things thrift and sustainability (including net zero), what businesses are doing now and what they should be doing in the future to improve.

Emma tells us all about the wonderful festival of thrift, why you don’t need a career plan at 21 to be a success in business and all about her careers over the years.

We also discuss the pay what you decide model, driving change, the North East and tech!

In this episode we’re joined by Angel Groups founder, and avid fisher, Martin Avison. We discuss how to get out of your comfort zone and take your business to the next level with determination. The importance of having people around you to hold you accountable and question your business decisions. Acknowledging that you don’t know everything and always being open to learning. And of course... Fishing!

You’ll also hear everything you need to know about angel investment and what’s expected in 2023. Thinking about investment for your business? This episode is for you.

In this episode we hear from past president of ICAEW, Paul Aplin OBE.

You’ll hear why building a career is all about taking the right opportunities. How Paul ended up working in accountancy and tax, having studied to be a biochemist. Why tax and accountancy is a people business and why tax advisors are like astronauts.

In this episode we hear from interaction designer, founder of consumer tech company Little Riot and maker of award-winning Pillow Talk, a product designed to connect families.

Joanna is dedicated to creating a world that puts being human first and building things that help people do the things they need to do. She’s also a TEDx speaker, weight lifter and won Britain's Strongest Woman 2017.

Hear about the tech sector over the last 10 years. Going from office work to being an entrepreneur in a new city and tackling imposter syndrome. How a winning mindset can help you through adversity and the importance of always trusting your gut instinct.

This week, we're joined by Transmission Dynamics founder Jarek Rosinski. In this episode you'll hear what it's like to be a founder of an interdisciplinary business. Trains with brains, yes you read that right, trains with brains and all the exciting technology working towards the reduction of carbon emission. Why an innovative mindset can be your company's greatest strength. How great technology adapts and stands the test of time and last but not least the creation of truly innovative cat flaps. 

Ever wondered what TED stands for? We've got that covered thanks to TEDx Curator, Thinking Digital Founder and guest lecturer Herb Kim. Tune in to hear from a native New Yorker living in Northern England! We're also covering what it's like like to be a creature of habit, why a growth mindset is so important to building a team and the business, along with the power and influence of telling a story. 

Jon and Dave are back and this week they're joined by Jill McKinney, Head of Skills at Sunderland Software City and director at Dynamo North East. Ever wondered what a pit yakka is? Jill’s got it covered! We’re talking about the North East, historic jobs and how we’ve evolved. The importance of wind down Wednesday’s and why you should consider implementing them. We’re also discussing thinking outside of the box to find tomorrows talent, as the job market is so competitive and why communication is always key.

Tune in for episode 13! We're covering what it's like living and working in Vancouver, the importance of observation and spending one on one time with your team. Along with how scaling a glacier and mountaineering can help you learn a lot about yourself, along with helping you make important life and business decisions.

Join Dave and Steve (he's back to co-host for the second time!) as they speak to John Gibson, Global Head of the SAP Business Technology Platform. 

Tune in to episode 12 to hear us speaking with Senior Manager, UK Network - North East at British Business Bank, Shaun Fooy. We discuss why innovation can be generated by adversity. Why four legs can be more loveable than two. Why revenue is vanity, profit is sanity and cash will always be king!  Along with the fact that more than 50% of people work for SME's in the UK and what life is like as a banker. 

Join us for episode 11! This week we're joined by Mark Renney, co-founder and managing director at Wubbleyou. Wubbleyou specialise in building smart and efficient software systems that automate your day-to-day manual and repetitive tasks. In this weeks episode you'll hear all about the future of software development, what's in store and what to expect. The evolution of working 9 to 5 and personalised working patterns in the modern world. Life as a tech business co-founder and the challenges faced by business owners, including the fact it can be a lonely place and actively taking action to share the burden. 

Join us for Episode 10. Hear about being in the right online space at the right time. Not falling out as founders by sorting equity early and why it's vital for co-founders to have specific accountabilities. Developing a solution that will help enable property developers to be more productive and build more homes and properties to help tackle the housing crisis. Having a culture that can adapt and flex because you have the right people. Navigating the scale up journey and why sometimes a leader needs to behave like a boxer. This week, John's back and we're joined by Co-founder and CEO of LandTech Jonny Britton.

It's a podcast of firsts! This week we're joined by TWO guests, 50:50 Future's Lyndsey Britton-Lee and Lynsey Harbottle - founders, diversity and inclusion trainers and consultants. We're also joined by Steve, COO at Blu Sky.

Join us as we talk all things diversity, equality and inclusion. From the importance of workplace culture in hybrid teams, to how we’re all responsible for creating inclusion or exclusion. The impact that these aspects have on people, and how resilience and opportunity-spotting can help shape your business. We also find out how Lynsey and Lyndsey went from running a co-working hub to moving into the DE&I space as 50:50 Futures.

Hear what it’s like to be born a lawyer, prove people wrong and make it happen - despite it all. Shutting off the mainstream media, shifting focus to doing your own research, forming your own opinion and experiencing the things you’re interested in. How the UK Accelerator space has changed significantly in the last 10 years. Along with the importance of finding your tribe as a business owner, so you know you’re not alone and feel supported to tackle the future.

We’re joined by Deborah McGargle, lawyer, external general counsel, entrepreneur and board member working in the fast growth venture space.

In episode 7, we’re discussing the difference in business markets across the globe, particularly in Australia and the UK. How progressive the UK’s tax regime is for startups. Why kids tv is a great place to start when forming values needed to start and scale a business. Along with the importance of following your interests and that gut feeling if you want your business to grow.

Our guest is tailored eCommerce technology, Rev Lifter cofounder and CEO, Simon Bird. Hear about Simon’s journey with psychometric testing, affiliate marketing during the rise of online shopping, funding and creating eCommerce technology.

We’re back with another episode. This week you’ll hear all about life as a semi-professional footballer turned performance consultancy business owner.

Ever wondered what impact your behaviour has on those around you? How you can increase staff engagement by being a great role model? Improving your overall leadership performance by changing your behaviour? This episode is for you.

We’re joined by performance consultancy, Tribero founder Trevor Norman, who works with individuals, teams and organisations to find purpose and  fulfilment,  with the aim of  achieving outstanding results.

We’re back for episode 5! What can a good mentor help you with? What’re the benefits of continuing to learn? What does it take to work in professional services sales? And why do experts need experts?

We’re joined by Xero’s Kat Bond who’s covering it all. Tune in and you'll also hear about life at Xero over the years, the importance of workplace culture and the best freebies.

Join us for episode 4! Making tax digital, what’s involved? What does the future hold for accountants, will robots replace us? Starting your day a little earlier, what’re the benefits? Tune in to hear all the answers! In this episode we’re joined by HMRC’s (and Blu Sky alumni) Sam Wood. Sam works as Agent Lead on HMRC's Making Tax Digital programme. You’ll also hear us discuss appreciating what’s around you and the things we did to survive lockdown.