17 Years a CEO, But I Still Felt Like a Failure | Charlotte Nichols, Harvey & Hugo

Join your host, Ashleigh King, as she welcomes Charlotte Nichols — founder of the award-winning PR agency Harvey & Hugo and host of the PRsonal podcast — for an incredibly raw, honest, and empowering conversation about business, motherhood, and the courage to "rise" after life shatters your plans.In this 17th year of her entrepreneurial journey, Charlotte pulls back the curtain on the "accidental" start of her agency during a recession and the identity shifts that come with becoming a mother and navigating a devastating divorce. Together, Ashleigh and Charlotte explore why "character matters more than credentials," the power of sitting with your own pain, and how to maintain your "spark" when the world feels heavy.Themes of this conversation:🌵 The "Accidental" Entrepreneur How Charlotte turned a "burning desire" and a love for sports marketing into a thriving 17-year PR agency.🌵 PRsonal Branding & Eradicating Shame The story behind the PRsonal podcast and why opening up about miscarriages and "human" struggles is vital in a business setting.🌵 Matressence & The Identity Shift The honest reality of how motherhood and divorce impact creative foresight, and the "sleep when the baby sleeps" vs. "work when the baby sleeps" struggle.🌵 Building a "Cushion of Protection" Why modern PR is shifting toward brand stewardship and protecting your identity in an age of AI and "fake news".🌵 The Power of the Glow Up Rediscovering self-worth, the radical act of cutting your hair to "shed a layer," and the importance of dating yourself.🌵 Glimmers in the Mundane Using swimming, nature, and gratitude journaling to find peace when your mind is "constantly near full".This episode is for anyone navigating:The challenges of being a female founder in a corporate worldScaling a business through lean and fertile yearsThe emotional landscape of divorce and single parentingBrand building and crisis communications in a digital ageReclaiming your value after feelings of "worthlessness"Chapters00:00 The Reality of Devastation and Feeling Like a Failure04:03 17 Years of Entrepreneurship: Taking Stock08:50 Starting a Business in a Recession with "Nothing to Lose"12:13 Being a Young Female Leader on Corporate Boards17:40 "Challenge Normal": The Value of Creativity21:08 Motherhood, Anxiety, and the Shift in Business Energy23:26 Dealing with a Full Mind: Swimming, Nature, and Silence29:27 2024: Devastation, Worthlessness, and Crying Every Day33:30 Reframing Pain: Option B and Reimagining Your Future38:17 PRsonal Podcast: Eradicating Shame in Business42:40 AI, Brand Custodians, and Crisis Communications50:32 The Glow Up: Cutting Hair and Shedding Layers54:25 Learning to Love Yourself and "Dating Yourself"56:40 One Word to Nurture Your Zest: RiseLinks & ResourcesVisit Harvey & Hugo: harveyandhugo.comTune in to The PRsonal Podcast: https://www.youtube.com@HarveyandhugoPRConnect with Charlotte Nichols on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charlottenicholsharveyandhugoConnect with Your Host, Ashleigh King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-elizabeth-kingThis podcast was filmed at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. 🦩 If you would like to record a podcast or have any questions about starting a podcast please write to: 💌 [email protected] www.flamingoheights.co.uk