Brand to Scale

How do you go from being invisible in your industry to becoming the person everyone knows, trusts and wants to work with?In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess Morgan sits down with Jack Dyer, founder of Storytold, to explore how founders, CEOs and business leaders can build authority, increase their visibility and turn their reputation into a driver of business growth.Jack’s own journey is a great example. After starting with around 740 LinkedIn followers, he spent six months posting consistently before reaching 1,000. Then things began to accelerate. Around 18 months later, his audience had grown to almost 60,000, creating clients, podcast appearances, teaching opportunities and ultimately helping him build Storytold.But this isn’t an episode about chasing followers.It’s about becoming known for what you do.As Jack puts it:“Best visible is better than best.”You can be brilliant at what you do, but if nobody sees you doing it, someone more visible can become the person your potential customers know, trust and remember.Jess and Jack explore the difference between simply building a personal brand and becoming a genuine authority in your industry. They discuss how storytelling creates human connection, why vulnerability can strengthen rather than damage your credibility, and why founders need to stop treating LinkedIn like an advertising feed.Jack also shares his approach to creating LinkedIn content that serves the audience first, including his 95% value, 5% ask principle, and why authentic stories can lead to commercial opportunities without forcing a sales message into every post.They also look at where founder-led marketing is heading as AI makes it easier than ever to create polished content. For Jack, that could make genuine personality, imperfection and human storytelling even more valuable.In this episode:• How Jack grew from 740 to almost 60,000 LinkedIn followers• Why “best visible is better than best”• Building authority rather than simply building a personal brand• How your reputation can become a driver of business growth• Why storytelling creates stronger human connections• Using vulnerability without damaging your credibility• Why founders shouldn’t constantly sell on LinkedIn• Jack’s 95% value, 5% ask approach• How to stand out and show personality on LinkedIn• Why building authority takes time• Founder-led marketing and the rise of AI-generated content• Why authenticity could become an even bigger competitive advantage• The reality of leaving employment to build your own business• Jack’s personal formula for successWhether you’re a founder, CEO or business leader looking to build your authority, improve your LinkedIn strategy, strengthen your personal brand or become the go-to name in your industry, this episode is packed with practical ideas on turning visibility and reputation into business growth.ABOUT JACK DYERJack Dyer is the founder of Storytold, helping CEOs and business leaders build authority through authentic visual storytelling and LinkedIn.Connect with Jack on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackjddyer/Visit Storytold:https://www.storytold.co.uk/ABOUT BRAND TO SCALEBrand to Scale is the podcast from Alchemy, where Jess Morgan sits down with founders and business leaders to uncover the real stories behind building and growing a business.From branding and business growth to leadership, entrepreneurship and marketing, each conversation gets behind the polished success story to explore the decisions, challenges and lessons that shaped the journey.FOLLOW USAlchemy:https://alchemybranding.studio/Jess Morgan on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessmmorgan/Subscribe to Brand to Scale for more conversations with founders, CEOs and business leaders about branding, business growth, leadership and building businesses that last.#BrandToScale #BuildingAuthority #LinkedInMarketing #PersonalBranding #FounderLedMarketing #BusinessGrowth #LinkedInStrategy #Storytelling

What does it really take to survive three decades in business?In this episode of the Brand to Scale podcast, Jess sits down with entrepreneur Paul Warren to unpack the highs, lows and hard-earned lessons from nearly 30 years of building businesses.From starting a graphic design business at just 16 years old to growing agencies, navigating business failures, surviving cash flow crises and embracing AI, Paul shares an honest look at the reality of entrepreneurship that most people never see.This is a conversation about resilience, partnerships, leadership, networking and why building meaningful relationships will always outperform chasing quick wins.Whether you're starting your first business or leading an established company, this episode is packed with practical advice for founders, agency owners and business leaders.00:00 Running a Business Is 90% Pain00:53 Starting a Business at 1605:03 Building a Print Business10:25 Learning Through Failure15:25 Building an Agency That Grew18:00 Why Networking Still Wins21:00 Business Partnerships & Hard Lessons27:25 Brand, Values & Leadership31:30 The Reality of Entrepreneurship36:08 The Toughest Business Challenge40:15 AI, Agencies & The Future48:00 Building the Next Chapter53:20 Advice for Every Founder55:52 Paul's Formula for SuccessIn this episode• Starting a business at 16 years old• Growing from freelance designer to agency owner• The realities of business failure and resilience• Lessons from partnerships that didn't work• Building a business through networking and relationships• Why agency owners need to embrace AI instead of fearing it• The future of creative agencies• Why brand positioning matters more than ever• The importance of finding the right business partners• Paul's advice for the next generation of entrepreneursBrand to Scale is the podcast from Alchemy, where we speak with founders, CEOs and business leaders about the real stories behind building successful businesses.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations on entrepreneurship, branding, leadership and business growth.#BrandToScale #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #AgencyLife

How do you build a business that doesn't just grow, but lasts?00:00 Introduction01:07 From Corporate to CEO08:33 The Power of Networking13:26 Leading a Growing Business20:55 Scaling with EOS32:47 Organic Growth vs Acquisition40:13 Life After CEO44:54 Leadership Mindset48:40 Tom's Next Chapter51:31 The Future of Business54:01 Tom's Formula for SuccessIn this episode of the Brand to Scale podcast, Jess sits down with Tom Wood to explore what it really takes to scale a business through strong leadership, strategic acquisitions and a culture that stands the test of time.After nearly 15 years as CEO of Rawlings Group, Tom reflects on growing the business from a team of just 10 people into a £35 million organisation with multiple sites across the UK. He shares the lessons he learned about leading people, scaling sustainably and why the businesses that last always put people before processes.From mergers and acquisitions to company culture, EOS, leadership and long-term growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights for founders, CEOs and business leaders looking to build businesses that thrive for years to come.In this episode• How Tom scaled Rawlings Group from 10 people to a £35 million business• The difference between organic growth and growth through acquisition• Why company culture becomes more important as you scale• Building leadership teams that drive sustainable growth• Using EOS to create accountability and clarity• The biggest mistakes businesses make during periods of growth• Why networking is one of the best investments a leader can make• Transitioning from CEO to advisor and helping other businesses grow• The mindset needed to lead through uncertainty and change• Why great businesses are built by great teamsBrand to Scale is the podcast from Alchemy, where we speak to founders, CEOs and business leaders about the real stories, lessons and strategies behind building exceptional businesses.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders who are scaling brands, building high-performing teams and creating lasting impact.#BrandToScale #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #businesspodcast 🔗 Connect With UsWebsite - https://alchemybranding.studio/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alchemy-branding-studio/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alchemybrandingstudio/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AlchemyBrandingStudio/🎧 Listen on Your Favourite PlatformSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3tikq4wYgLsNYw0d44u32kApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/brand-to-scale/id1814805914Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4263866d-8779-4eb2-ba68-2177f3f6d7ad

What happens after you build and sell a successful retail business?In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess sits down with Helen, a founder who grew and exited a major retail business, then rebuilt her career around supporting other women in business.Work with us.00:00 Intro & Welcome00:30 Growing Up in Family Business03:20 From Property to Flying Tiger09:50 Starting the Retail Venture17:10 Fast Growth and Hard Lessons20:50 Becoming Someone Else to Lead26:00 Fertility, Burnout and Business Pressure32:00 Moving Into Coaching and Support35:20 Why Female Founders Lose Confidence44:50 Building She Thrives Collective52:50 What’s Next for Helen56:00 Helen’s Personal Formula for SuccessHelen shares the real story behind her entrepreneurial journey, from working on her parents’ market stall in Cardiff to helping launch and grow Flying Tiger Copenhagen across Wales and Bristol. She talks openly about ambition, burnout, fertility struggles, confidence, identity, and what it really takes to build a business without losing yourself in the process.This is a powerful conversation about what success looks like after the exit, and why support, boundaries and self-awareness matter just as much as strategy.In this episode, Helen talks about:Growing up around family business and market tradingLaunching and scaling a retail business in WalesBuilding Flying Tiger Copenhagen through a joint venture modelThe pressure of fast growth and leadershipBurnout, fertility struggles and running a business through hard seasonsWhy confidence drops for many female foundersThe importance of boundaries, rest and real supportCreating She Thrives Collective to support women in businessWhy what is missing matters more than what looks brokenHow to build a business that actually fits your lifeIf you are a founder, entrepreneur, business owner or ambitious woman building something of your own, this episode will give you honest insight and practical perspective.This is a conversation about growth, identity, business support and creating success on your own terms.Connect With UsYouTubeInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Website

From One-Man Band to £20M Business: Jay’s Scale StrategyWhat does it really take to scale from a one-man operation to a £20M tech business in under four years?In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek, shares the real story behind building and exiting his first company, retiring at 35, then returning to build something even bigger.This is not overnight success. This is disciplined growth, bold acquisitions and relentless focus.Jay talks openly about:Growing organically versus growing through acquisitionThe mindset shift from solo founder to board-led CEORaising debt to scale fasterIntegrating 14 acquisitions while protecting cultureWhy most businesses misunderstand AILeading by example and staying groundedFlotek has grown from zero to nearly £20M in revenue in just three and a half years. Much of that growth has come through acquisition. But behind the numbers is a clear strategy, strong financial discipline and a deep commitment to people.Jay also shares:Why he failed at retirementThe difference between an entrepreneur and a business ownerHow AI should actually be used inside SMEsWhat small businesses must understand about cybersecurityWhy leadership is learned but instinct cannot be taughtIf you are a founder, CEO or ambitious business leader looking to scale properly, this episode is packed with practical insight.This is growth done with intention.🔗 Connect With UsWebsiteLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook🎧 Listen on Your Favourite PlatformSpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon Music

Work with Alchemy - https://alchemybranding.studio/contact/Welcome to Brand to Scale, where I explore the real stories behind visionary leaders who turn ambition into action. Today's guest has a truly unique journey from launching one of Wales' most successful independent brewery, now helping build the next new ventures. Join us for inspiration and a deep dive into entrepreneurship, exploring the path to success stories.00:00:00 Welcome & Intro  00:00:13 Early Entrepreneurial Journey  00:05:23 Building Tiny Rebel  00:11:31 Leading Through Crisis  00:17:27 Redefining Success  00:24:03 Leaving the Family Business  00:29:59 Starting a New Chapter  00:38:01 Supporting Women in Business  00:46:51 Embracing AI & Innovation  01:07:12 Final Reflections & Wisdom

From Vision to Values: Anthony on Building with IntegrityIn this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Anthony Levy, a founder who has spent nearly two decades building a business with long-term thinking and values at its core.Anthony shares how his journey evolved from a commercially driven vision into one built on integrity, resilience, and purpose. This is a powerful conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to grow a business without losing sight of what matters.In this episode:How Anthony built a company over 17 yearsMoving from short-term wins to long-term valueWhy integrity is a non-negotiable in leadershipLessons learned from early struggles and self-reflectionThe emotional cost of growing fast without alignmentAdvice for founders on staying grounded and building sustainablyWhether you're starting out or scaling up, Anthony’s story will help you pause and rethink what growth really means.

From Consulting to Culture: Toby’s Leap into LeadershipIn this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Toby Henry, a former consultant who made the leap into business ownership.Toby shares why he stepped away from the corporate world, how he bought a business, and what it really means to lead with people at the centre.This episode is full of real insights on leadership, building culture, and staying true to your values while growing a business.In this episode:Why Toby left consulting to run a businessWhat people-first leadership looks likeHow to rebuild company culture after an acquisitionThe right way to hire for values and fitBalancing commercial success with long-term purposeIf you care about growing a business the right way, this is an episode you won't want to miss.#BrandToScale #TobyHenry #Leadership #PeopleFirst #BusinessGrowth #CultureDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PurposeLedBusiness

From Nudge to Next Level: Matt’s Leadership RiseIn this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Matt Webb – a thoughtful and experienced leader who shares the story of his rise to CEO. Matt's journey shows that leadership isn't always loud. Sometimes, it starts with a quiet nudge and builds through intentional growth.Matt reflects on the turning points that shaped his career – from his early jobs in customer service to moments of doubt and clarity. He speaks openly about being pushed outside of his comfort zone, and how that led to meaningful change and new opportunities.This episode is full of real, human insights about growing into leadership, staying grounded, and leading with purpose.In this episode:Why a simple nudge changed everythingHow Matt approaches leadership todayMoments of transition and reinventionThe mindset shift from manager to CEOStaying aligned to personal valuesWhether you’re leading a team or thinking about your next step, Matt’s story is full of useful takeaways.#LeadershipDevelopment #BrandToScale #CareerGrowth #CEOStories #ValuesBasedLeadership #MattWebb

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess sits down with Richard Chapple, founder of The Growth Foundation. Richard has been at the heart of scaling some of the UK's most exciting brands. His experience spans names like Gymshark, The Hut Group and many others.This conversation covers more than marketing. Richard talks about clarity, storytelling, leadership, and getting the right people in the right roles. He shares what businesses often get wrong about growth and why brand vision must turn into real value for customers.In this episode:How Richard moved from retail to brand growthLessons from scaling fast-growth businessesBuilding marketing teams that deliverWhy founders need clarity and focusTurning vision and mission into strategyRichard offers honest, practical advice for founders, marketers and business owners who want to scale with purpose and avoid common mistakes.Topics covered:Brand strategy and growthBuilding strong marketing teamsFounder leadership and communicationStorytelling for businessScaling brands with claritySubscribe for more real conversations with people building better businesses.#BrandToScale #TheGrowthFoundation #BrandStrategy #BusinessGrowth #FounderStories #MarketingLeadership

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Sam Heighway, founder of The Business Fit. Sam shares how she moved from corporate roles to creating a business dedicated to real leadership and behaviour change.This is a conversation about more than HR policies. It is about building cultures where people talk openly, own their values and lead with purpose. Sam explains the practical side of leadership, from tough conversations to recognition and empathy.She also talks about the mindset shift required when you move from employee to business owner, and why investing in people is the best decision any leader can make.In this episode:Why Sam started The Business FitMoving from employment to entrepreneurshipBuilding behaviour-led culturesKeeping values alive at workThe real role of coaching and feedbackSam’s insight comes from real experience. If you want to understand what leadership really means beyond buzzwords, this episode is for you.Topics covered:Leadership developmentBehaviour change at workValues-led businessBuilding strong teamsCoaching conversations in leadershipSubscribe for more honest conversations with founders and leaders making a real difference.#BrandToScale #TheBusinessFit #LeadershipDevelopment #BehaviourChange #BusinessCulture #EntrepreneurStory

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Emma, founder of Empro. Emma helps individuals and businesses communicate with clarity, confidence and impact.But this is not just a story about communication. It's about rebuilding identity, finding strength, and using personal experiences to fuel meaningful work.Emma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that reshaped her path. She shares how a difficult period led her to reassess everything. What followed was the creation of Empro, a business focused on helping others find their voice.In this episode:What it means to really be heardHow Emma turned a low point into a new beginningWhy voice, language and presence matter in businessThe power of showing up with confidenceWhat communication really means in high-pressure settingsEmma’s work blends lived experience with a deep understanding of human connection. She speaks with calm authority, practical insight and clear intention.This episode is ideal for founders, leaders, professionals and anyone looking to communicate with more purpose.Topics covered:Confidence in communicationBuilding personal presenceFinding purpose through adversityVoice as a business toolAuthentic leadership and messagingSubscribe for more honest conversations with people growing businesses that matter.

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Jay’s Mission to Rebuild and LeadIn this powerful episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Jay, a former military leader who has transitioned into humanitarian work and business strategy. His story is honest, moving, and deeply relevant.Jay talks openly about the identity crisis he faced after leaving the military, the emotional weight of stepping out of uniform, and how he began to rebuild a sense of purpose. His journey touches on mental health, resilience, and rediscovering leadership outside of the armed forces.Now working on the ground in Ukraine, Jay shares how his mission has changed from commanding troops to supporting communities in crisis.In this episode, you will hear:Why transition can be one of the hardest battlesHow veterans can apply their skills to business and community workJay’s approach to trauma, silence, and inner reflectionThis conversation is about purpose, identity, and leading with impact through difficult transitions.

In this episode of Brand to Scale, host Jess sits down with Jyotendra, co-founder of Omind Technologies, to explore a truly extraordinary journey. From growing up in the hills of Manipur and launching a humble dumpling restaurant to becoming a leader in the world of generative AI and customer experience innovation, Jyotendra's story is full of resilience, curiosity, and strategic thinking.He shares insights into building businesses in tough environments, the emotional decision to walk away from early success, and how he’s now transforming customer support through AI. At every step, Jyotendra stays grounded in solving real-world problems with purpose.What you'll learn:How early adversity can fuel entrepreneurial ambitionWhy curiosity is a founder’s most valuable assetPractical use cases of AI in customer serviceThe importance of mentorship in business growthHow to scale a company with purpose and clarityThis episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone curious about turning obstacles into opportunities.