Reputation Wrecked

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Holly Hinton, website and SEO expert, and owner of Web Goddess, a development company specialising in websites for service-based brands. We take it right back to the start of Holly’s career, from working for others and specialising in IT training, to running her own successful business and leading a team of four. In this episode, Holly shares open and honest insights about the challenges in the industry, her frustration with businesses being sold websites that simply aren’t fit for purpose, and the real reason she left the corporate world. Holly is a fountain of knowledge and an open book, so if you’re keen to learn more about building a successful business, get tips and tricks on maximising website builders like Wix, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way, this one’s for you.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Usman Shah, founder of the Abzorbed Group of Companies, an incredible entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the complexities of running multiple businesses with passion, determination and hard work   From launching an events company that’s brought him into contact with inspiring people from all walks of life, to running a cybersecurity business, Usman’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.    In this episode, we dive into his take on toxic hustle culture, why slowing down can sometimes be the ultimate power move, how he finds a balance between entrepreneurship and being a father, and so much more.   Usman opens up about the realities of running a business, the value of hard work, and why making the most of every opportunity matters.   If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, or simply how to build a life on your own terms, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the latest episodes of WRECKED.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Chelsea Spencer, Managing Director of Big Reputation and a Chartered Marketer with a story you won’t want to miss. Chelsea never set out to be a business owner, but two years on from founding Big Reputation, she’s built an agency that is trusted by many businesses across the UK. In this episode, she reflects on the journey so far, from the Taylor Swift lyric that inspired the name to the lessons she’s learned about leadership, growth, and staying true to her values. We also dive into the marketing trends she chooses to step away from, the process of becoming a Chartered Marketer, and the realities of running an agency day-to-day. And, of course, Chelsea answers the audience questions you’ve been waiting for. If you’re curious about starting a business, passionate about marketing, or simply love hearing the honest stories behind entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jenna Goodwin, a passionate storyteller, photographer, and the powerhouse behind The Staffordshire Signal. Jenna’s love for storytelling runs deep, from capturing powerful moments behind the lens to uncovering the often-overlooked narratives of her local community. Now, she’s channelling that passion into launching The Staffordshire Signal, a nonprofit media outlet with a mission to shift the narrative around Staffordshire. Fed up with clickbait headlines and negative portrayals in mainstream local news, Jenna is creating something different; something that champions the people, culture, and hidden gems of the county. From forgotten local history to family traditions and community events, she’s putting authenticity back into the spotlight. If you’re interested in grassroots media, community storytelling, or how one person can spark real change, this episode is a must-listen.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Judith Rafferty, a copywriting specialist with a passion for turning words into powerful stories. Judith’s love for writing began with her English degree, but her career started in sales. Over time, she combined her sales expertise with her talent for storytelling, moving from in-house roles to agency life, and now thriving as a self-employed copywriter working with B2B clients on their content marketing strategies. Judith doesn’t just write content; she engages audiences, reimagines narratives, and crafts messages that truly resonate. Her unique approach transforms ordinary words into compelling stories that captivate readers and drive real results. If you’re interested in the art of copywriting, content marketing strategies, or simply want to learn how to make your writing stand out, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

We’re joined by Sam Wilcox, founder of Purpose Comms.   From studying English in London to covering court cases as a journalist, being headhunted by a women’s magazine, and eventually moving into branded content, Sam’s journey is full of unexpected twists.   After 15 years at the same company, a redundancy gave her the space to reflect and launch her own purpose-led agency. She chats with Chelsea about shifting careers, aligning your work with your values, the power of showing up, and what it really means to recharge and reset.

This week on WRECKED, we’re joined by Emily Smith and Grace Arrowsmith, the brilliant co-founders of Narrative Social. As the minds behind a growing social media marketing agency, they’ve built something impressive from the ground up while still juggling university and life as young business owners.   In this episode, Emily and Grace get real about what it takes to launch and run a business in the digital marketing space. We talk in depth about the fast-changing world of social media marketing, from content strategy and client expectations to platform trends and building a strong brand voice. They also open up about the realities of being young founders, including the moments of self-doubt, the small wins that keep them going, and how they’ve built a business rooted in creativity and community.   With honest reflections and practical advice, this episode is packed with insights for anyone working in or curious about the world of social media. Whether you’re starting your own business, navigating early career decisions, or just love hearing from smart, ambitious women making moves, this one is for you.

This week on WRECKED, we’re thrilled to welcome Rachel White, the founder of Studio White Marketing and an industry powerhouse. Rachel’s journey has been one of determination, vision, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. From her early career days to becoming a Chartered Marketer, she’s not only built an impressive resume but also carved out a thriving business in the competitive world of marketing.   During this episode, Rachel opens up about her path to entrepreneurship. She shares the lessons she learned while working her way up the marketing ladder, the pivotal moments that inspired her to go out on her own, and the bold decisions that helped her turn her dreams into a reality. Rachel’s unique approach to branding and strategy has made her a standout figure in the industry, and she offers listeners a wealth of insights on what it takes to not just survive but thrive.   Chelsea and Rachel also delve into the obstacles she’s faced along the way from self-doubt to industry challenges and how she found the resilience to overcome them. They discuss the evolving role of marketing, the importance of staying true to your vision, and how Rachel’s experience has helped her guide other brands in telling their stories.   Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned marketer, or someone looking for a bit of inspiration, Rachel’s story is both relatable and empowering. Her candid, thoughtful advice will leave you with plenty of ideas to take back to your own projects. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of marketing, branding, and the hustle it takes to build a business from the ground up.

This week on WRECKED, we’re thrilled to have Nina Oliver, founder of Allegro Business Services, as our guest. Nina shares her expertise on building a business that truly supports your lifestyle, not the other way around. From streamlining workflows to mastering the art of organisation, Nina offers valuable tips that can transform the way you approach your daily operations. We also dive into Nina’s journey of transitioning from a supportive role as an executive assistant to becoming a business owner in her own right. Her story highlights the importance of identifying your strengths, embracing change, and building a service that empowers entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best.

This week on Reputation Wrecked, we’re excited to welcome Caroline Canty, the driving force behind Craft Coaching. Caroline’s expertise in coaching and personal development has helped countless individuals and businesses unlock their true potential. She’s not just about setting goals, she’s about making meaningful, lasting change through powerful conversations, practical strategies, and a deep understanding of what motivates people. We dive into her journey of building Craft Coaching from the ground up, the challenges she’s faced as an entrepreneur, and her passion for helping others navigate their own paths to success. Caroline shares her thoughts on what it really takes to overcome self-doubt, step out of your comfort zone, and create a fulfilling, balanced career: whether you’re leading a team or striking out on your own. With Caroline’s wealth of experience and her commitment to empowering others, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their personal and professional growth.

This week on Reputation Wrecked, we’re thrilled to be joined by Rachael Gent, founder of Gent Law, as her firm celebrates its fifth anniversary. Over the past five years, Rachael’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From taking the leap into starting her own business to navigating the challenges of building a trusted brand in the competitive conveyancing world, Rachael’s story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a clear vision for what’s possible.   She opens up about the obstacles she faced early on: balancing the day-to-day demands of running a firm while ensuring clients always received the highest level of service. She also shares how she grew her team from a small operation into a thriving company that’s making a real difference for people buying and selling their homes.   With five successful years behind her, Rachael reflects on the key moments that shaped Gent Law’s journey and the exciting goals that lie ahead. Her experience offers valuable lessons for anyone building a business from the ground up, as well as plenty of inspiration for those who are just getting started.

This week on Wrecked, we sit down with Molly Gould, founder of the marketing agency Effable, to hear about her rollercoaster ride to building her dream business. Molly opens up about the big mistakes that taught her even bigger lessons—like dating a client (yep, she went there) and losing £3,000 just as she started up. From walking away from a stable job in the middle of the COVID madness to the PR role that made her physically ill, Molly’s story is raw, honest, and relatable.   But it’s not all missteps. Molly also shares how her love of storytelling helped her carve out a fulfilling career—one that lets her write, connect with inspiring clients, and champion brands she truly believes in. Whether it’s reflecting on those early stumbles or celebrating the wins that followed, Molly offers an unfiltered look at the ups, downs, and everything in between.

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Thomas-Gordon, the Marketing Manager for Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID. Before joining the BID, Sarah honed her marketing expertise as a Social Media and PR Executive at Alton Towers, giving her a wealth of experience from the corporate world. We explored how her time in a high-profile corporate environment shaped her approach to marketing, and how it contrasts with her current role in a not-for-profit organisation focused on community and business engagement.   Sarah shared her thoughts on what makes a truly great manager, including the importance of empathy, clear communication, and setting a positive example. We also discussed the challenges of maintaining creativity under pressure, and Sarah provided valuable insights on recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to prevent it - advice that’s especially relevant for anyone working in the fast-paced world of marketing and public relations.   For more about Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, visit their website and learn about their City Centre Gift Card. You can also connect with them on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Join us for a special edition 2025 goal setting session with Vanessa Fuller from Premier Tax Solutions and newly launched CollabHERate. Forget New Years resolutions and this year focus on setting goals that you actually want to achieve. Vanessa takes us through her tried and tested goal setting system.

Oh how the tables have turned! Join guest host, Emma Smith, as she returns to put none other than our MD and regular host, Chelsea Spencer, in the hot seat. Chelsea has worked in sales and marketing for the past 9 years and in 2024 launched her own agency, Big Reputation. This episode will share more of her story and uncover just how a 28 year old finds themselves running a business that's achieved 6 figures in its first year.

Matt Thomas is founder of Coached By Mattie - an online health and fitness coaching service. After leaving education, Matt didn't know what he wanted to do - so he went travelling, fell into the trap of hedonism and lived his best life. However the lifestyle took its toll on his health and Matt decided to revert back to his former love - sports and fitness - to sort himself out. First becoming a Personal Trainer, and then branching out into Online Fitness Coaching, Matt now has a roster of clients who he helps to achieve their goals. Since 2022 Matt's helped his clients to lose a total of 915lbs!

Gerard Boon is the founder of Boon Brokers, known as 'The Free Online Mortgage Broker'.    After studying Business at the University of Leeds, Gerard created Boon Brokers, offering independent financial advice with whole of market access to help clients find the best deals.    What really sets Boon Brokers apart is they're Fee Free, so they don't charge their clients a broker fee - a contentious topic in the industry!    Join us to find out more about Gerard's story and how he's built Boon Brokers to a 7 figure turnover business in the space of 7 years. 

Join us and our guest Roxanne Garside who is CEO of a business with possibly one of the best names ever... Fix My Legals (FML). 

Claire Gilbert is the Founder and Owner of Staffordshire based cleaning company Crystal Klean.    In less than 4 years Claire has grown the business from just herself, to over 30 members of staff. They provide cleaning services to both the commercial and domestic markets in Staffordshire and South Cheshire.     

Gemma Bloor  is Marketing Manager at Valentine Clays, a clay manufacturing company based in the heart of the potteries.  With an abundance of marketing and business experience, Gemma shares her insights into how to leverage technology, consumer behaviour and people skills to get business results.    Starting with a dead man in a canal and a cupboard at the back of a dodgy office - her career has been incredible and here she shares it all. 

Join us and our guest Christine Porter, who has worked in both operations and HR in the public and private sectors.  Christine is the definition of an accidental leader and manager. Moving into HR because it was Monday - Friday, 9-5 but going on to have an incredible career. She's managed directly and indirectly well over 1000 people. Her greatest passion is creating great cultures and setting teams up for success. Now Christine is working on a management tool kit book to share her learnings with new managers to help them flourish in their new roles.

Join us and our guest Paul Morton, who has a great deal of experience in the corporate world. Working his way up from Business development manager through to being a Managing Director - then onto Regional Director. Now Paul has a portfolio career where he predominantly works as an Executive Coach in his own leadership training company.

Join us and our guest Vanessa Fuller who co-owns Premier Tax Solutions, started in 2014. Fast forward 9 years and they have 8 staff and signed up over 500 clients. Now Vanessa also has her own coaching business called Coaching By Vanessa aimed at helping small business owners escape the hamster wheel and live the life they want to lead.

Join us and our guest Emma Smith who has over 25 years of Marketing and PR experience and runs her own agency, Future Public Relations, where she works with some of the UK's biggest companies.