From Zero Experience to Building UK Business Giants

What this episode covers

Entrepreneur James Ashwood sits down to debunk the glamorous myths surrounding modern entrepreneurship. Drawing from over three decades of a varied corporate and business career and the critical personal turning points that shaped it, James provides a refreshingly candid look at the emotional and financial realities of forging your own path. From the dark days of pandemic-driven business losses to the high-stakes world of large-scale event production, he offers invaluable insights on risk tolerance, the psychological shifts required to transition from the corporate ladder to business ownership, and how early childhood challenges can foster the ultimate entrepreneurial trait: taking absolute responsibility. You’ll Learn Why: Entrepreneurship isn't a title given to you; it's a mindset validated by your resilience and results. The appetite for risk changes as you age, forcing a crucial transition from youthful "shooting from the hip" to deeply strategic planning. Corporate leadership and business ownership demand fundamentally different types of pressure, requiring completely unique coping mechanisms. Radically reducing your informational intake during crises is the ultimate tool for strategic focus and execution. This episode is living proof that no matter where you’re starting from — or what life throws at you — it’s never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now 📩 Want extra support? Email [email protected] to book your free mentoring session with Jeannette. Let’s make your next move your bravest yet. CONNECT WITH JEANNETTE: Jeannette’s linktree - https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@brave.bold.brilliant VALUABLE RESOURCES Brave Bold Brilliant - https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast series - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 ABOUT JAMES ASHWOOD: James Ashwood is a British entrepreneur and founder behind major UK business events including Festival of Entrepreneurs, Innovation Zero, Festival of Enterprise, and Venture & Scale Business Events. Over the past 25+ years, he has launched and scaled multiple businesses across advertising, media, film, and events, becoming one of the UK’s leading voices in entrepreneurship and business growth. ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development. Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant. From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Brave Bold Brilliant?

This episode is 1 hour and 4 minutes long.

When was this Brave Bold Brilliant episode published?

This episode was published on June 2, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Entrepreneur James Ashwood sits down to debunk the glamorous myths surrounding modern entrepreneurship. Drawing from over three decades of a varied corporate and business career and the critical personal turning points that shaped it, James provides...

Can I download this Brave Bold Brilliant episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.