Tales Of An Entrepreneur

In this episode I speak to  Claire Taylor Foster, who shares her remarkable journey through various careers, including retail, advertising, therapy, and interior design, before establishing her successful copywriting business, Raspberry Flamingo. Claire discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including a life-altering accident that forced her to reevaluate her path. Throughout the conversation, Claire's willingness to take every opportunity and to be adaptable speaks a very clear message - follow one's passion, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment.Find out more about Claire and Raspberry Flamingo https://raspberryflamingo.com/Discover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions https://www.sperohero.co.uk/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VAsperohero/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/spero-solutions-ltd/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tales of an Entrepreneur01:23 Claire's Diverse Career Journey07:40 Challenges in the Corporate World11:27 Transitioning to Therapy and Personal Growth16:53 Training and Development in New Ventures17:24 Finding Purpose Through Adversity19:53 Life-Changing Injuries and Their Impact22:44 Reinventing Career Paths25:22 Resilience and Adaptability in Business27:49 Embracing Individuality in Business Practices32:27 Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance35:39 The Power of Letting Go

My guest for this episode is Stuart Wright, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach. Stuart shares his journey of starting and selling multiple businesses, the challenges he faced, and the crossroads moments that shaped his career. Stuart highlights how crucial it is to spot business opportunities, the perks of having a coach, and what he learnt from a big contract in those early years of running a business.Throughout our chat, he talks about the importance of being resilient in business, the role personal values play, and the need for always learning new things. He wraps things up with some powerful advice that self-growth should come before just focusing on the business side of things.FInd out more about Stuart here Stuart Wright - ActionCOACHDiscover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions https://www.sperohero.co.uk/Facebook LinkedIn Chapters00:16 Introduction01:17 Stuart Wright's Business Evolution07:16 The Transition to Coaching12:11 Crossroad Moments in Business17:15 Lessons from Major Contracts21:22 The Essence of Resilience in Business24:01 Values That Drive Success27:11 The Importance of Personal Development33:17 Shifting Beliefs and Values38:02 Final Thoughts: Work on Yourself

In this episode I chat to Sam Parker, a Thermomix advisor, who shares her unique journey from consumer research to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Sam discusses life when she lived in Australia, her many freelance jobs, and how the pandemic led her to discover the Thermomix. There have been many pivotal moments in Sams life which have propelled her personal growth and given her authenticity in her business journey.  Sam's story is a testament to resilience and the power of following one's passion.Find out more about Sam and My Food For Thought Thermomix® Advisor - Home - My food for thoughtDiscover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions https://www.sperohero.co.uk/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VAsperohero/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/spero-solutions-ltdChapters00:16 Introduction to Tales of an Entrepreneur01:36 Discovering the Thermomix04:38 Sam's Journey into Entrepreneurship09:33 Life Lessons from Australia14:35 The Impact of the pandemic on Business18:03 Building a Community as a Thermomix Advisor23:04 Resilience and Self-Discovery26:10 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode I chat to Matt Steadman, Managing Director of Wharfedale Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Matt shares his journey from a cross road moment during his apprenticeship to building a successful business in the refrigeration industry.  He explains you don’t always need to be working on the tools to add value to your own business and the importance of time management when running a business. Matt emphasises the value of his business coach and the need for entrepreneurs to seek help to grow their businesses effectively.Find out more about Wharfedale Refrigeration and Air Conditioning here Refrigeraton Services, Wharfedale Refrigeration, Yorkshire & East Lancashire AreasDiscover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions Spero Solutions - Expert knowledge and administrative supportFacebookLinkedInChapters00:00 Introduction to Tales of an Entrepreneur01:40 Matt's Journey into Refrigeration and Air Conditioning05:17 Crossroad moments in his early career08:38 Building Wharfedale Refrigeration12:58 The Role of a Business Coach17:44 Balancing Work and Family Life20:09 Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs

Make A Brew and settle in to my chat with Clare Froggatt, Brand Designer at Make A Brew!Clare shares the inspiration behind her business name and why storytelling in branding is so important. She opens up about her recent personal challenges including her mother's recent diagnosis, and the support she found in her business community. Clare emphasises the importance of humour and acceptance in adversity and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs facing hardships.Find out more about Clare and Make A Brew here Home - Do you want to create, build or market your brand - Make a BrewLinkedInFacebook Instagram Make a brew (@brew.your.brand)Discover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions Spero Solutions - Expert knowledge and administrative supportFacebook LinkedInChapters00:16 Introduction to Tales of an Entrepreneur04:24 Branding and Storytelling in Business10:51 Navigating Challenges and Personal Growth15:59 The Impact of Lockdown on Business20:16 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Changes22:25 The Importance of Support Networks25:32 Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty27:45 Shifts in Work-Life Balance31:28 Finding Resilience in Adversity34:27 The Light at the End of the Tunnel

In this episode Elaine speaks to James Marriott, a podcast strategist with a background in radio. James shares his journey from radio to podcasting, discussing pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his move from radio management to podcasting, the impact of being made redundant, and the importance of finding your tribe in business.  He believes whole heartedly in being authentic in your approach and he offers valuable insights into running his business Sound Media. Find out more about James here Sound Media: Unlock the Power of Podcasting: Podcast Strategies and Solutions | Sheffield LinkedIn (8) James Marriott 🎧🎙️ | LinkedInDiscover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions Spero Solutions - Expert knowledge and administrative supportChapters00:00 Introduction to Tales of an Entrepreneur00:44 James Marriott: From Radio to Podcasting03:02 The Crossroads of Career Decisions09:05 Pivotal Moments in James' Journey14:06 Navigating Redundancy and Finding New Paths20:55 Building Resilience During COVID22:53 The Importance of Community and Networking26:05 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Entrepreneurship30:42 Authenticity in Business37:03 Final Piece of Advice

In this first episode of season 3 Elaine speaks with renowned corporate speaker Nicky Pattinson. Nicky has lived a life filled with highs, lows, grief, loss and success and she explains how she has put all these experiences into practice.  From humble beginnings of running a highly successful market stall to travelling the world and empowering women across the country with her insight and path to self-discovery. This interview highlights the impact of kindness, the importance of identity, and the necessity of navigating life's challenges with confidence and purpose.You can find out more about Nicky Pattinson It's Greater. Later. #12 - Nicky PattinsonInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hiyaitsnickyFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HiyaItsNickyDiscover more about Elaine Rotherham and Spero Solutions Spero Solutions - Expert knowledge and administrative supportChapters00:16 Introduction to Tales of an Entrepreneur02:00 Empowering Women Over 4004:32 The Journey of Self-Discovery05:31 Life-Changing Events and Their Impact11:17 Building a Successful Business16:54 The Importance of Identity and Self-Worth20:56 Navigating Grief and Loss28:26 Resilience and Rebuilding32:31 Finding Your True Self

Russ Thompson, a business consultant with RT Consulting, took a brave step to make big changes in his career, personal life and financial plans when a knock at the door was a pivotal moment to reset and move forward.  Who was at the door and how did it change Russ’s life… have a listen to find out more. Find out more about RT Consulting www.rtconsulting.orgYou can find out more about Elaine Facebook - Spero Solutions | FacebookSpero Solutions website https://www.sperohero.co.uk/Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series 3 has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether.

This podcast series is about people's stories and how they can be their superpower within a small business. Clare Wards life changing event  brought about the idea for her business - New Healthy Body. Find out what happened, how she took action and ended up where she is today, as a successful Pilates studio owner in Sheffield. Find out more about Clare here Website: https://newhealthybody.co.uk/FB Group Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2193371040972705Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newhealthybodyuk/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-ward-6a30a98a/Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series 3 has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether.

When Zoe Wadsworth from Ask Zoe was faced with being left with 1 client when events and shows were cancelled at the start of lockdown Zoe had to embrace the challenge and changed the services her business could offer. Zoe offers some sound advice on why a plan B is worth having within a small business.  Find out more about Ask Zoe Home Page - Ask ZoeYou can find out more about Elaine Facebook - Spero Solutions | Facebookhttps://www.sperohero.co.uk/Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series 3 has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether.

As we continue our journey of discovering the many twists and turns life takes us and how they shape us then Rory Finch has a very inspiring story to tell.  He comes across as a wise man on young shoulders.  A difficult childhood has been the driving force for his entrepreneurial success and now business Made To Move has celebrated it's 1st birthday. You can find out more about Made to Move here Made to Move Sheffield (made2move.co.uk)You can find out more about Elaine Facebook - Spero Solutions | Facebookhttps://www.sperohero.co.uk/Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series 3 has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether.

As you know this series of the podcast is all about the support network you have around you, whether that is in business or your personal life, so this episodes guest is the perfect fit.  Nicky Thomas from the Growth Community Network explains more about her business network and the power of being a part of a network especially as a small business owner. Facebook - Spero Solutions | Facebookhttps://www.sperohero.co.uk/Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series 3 has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether.

Entrepreneurs will be sharing their stories about how life's unexpected events - have shaped them and helped them develop their unique talents to share with the world. We all face tough times, and how we handle them can have a big impact on our lives and work. As the saying goes, "the biggest growth often comes from the toughest times." Join me as I dive into these life-changing moments - and explore how these events molded the entrepreneurs' lives. We'll learn how they got through these difficult times and used what they learned to build their businesses.  Follow this podcast series - so you don't miss the episodes released fornightly 

Jon shares a personal experience which led him to set up and pursue his career as a financial advisor.  Not only does he share his story but he also gives lots of sound advice on how to plan should the worst happen.  Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series three has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether. 

Based in Ireland Paul believes health, fitness and mindset go hand in hand and he shares many inspiring anecdotes which really make you sit up and think about your own lifestyle.  He is a very motivating man and openly shares the struggles he has faced throughout his life and how that has lead him to his passion and career now. Health and wellnessYou can find out more about Paul here Kilroy's Wellness – Health & Lifestyle Coaching Personalised to your goals (kilroyswellness.ie)Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series 3 has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether. 

In season 2 we are going to hear the stories of small business owners & entrepreneurs, not just what they do, but why they do it. Everyone has their story to tell, what twists and turns on this crazy rollercoaster we call life, that led them to the path there on now. These experiences shape us, and the unique talents & experiences that  we can offer the world. Join me as I delve further into the world of small businesses and discover the talent, passion, resilience and determination that often sits behind a successful small business. First up - ME!  I wanted you to know more about me, why I started my business and podcast and my love of running a small business.  Ultimately, though, in this episode, I  share a really personal life changing experience that hit my family last September.  It is a raw, honest chat with my producer BUT that is what this series will be about.  Real life and how it can impact on everything you we’re doing at that moment and where it then guides you.  If you have a real life ‘sliding doors’ moment that affected you and the way you run your business I would love to hear from you.  You can find me on linkedin - (1) Spero Solutions: Overview | LinkedInFacebook - Spero Solutions | Facebookhttps://www.sperohero.co.uk/Season two was under the podcast title 'How To Work With A VA Day to Day'.  Series three has a new podcast title and refresh but these interviews were too good to lose altogether.