31: Challenges in Setting Up on Your Own

In this latest edition of the podcast, Prof David Spicer speaks with Chloe Weatherhead, founder of Andiamo Business Assistance, a UK-based service launched in July 2024 to support self-employed individuals, small business owners, and start-ups. Alongside Chloe, we welcome back Dr Nuno Arroteia, Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.In a far-reaching discussion exploring the implications of working alone, they examine the challenges that come with choosing to become a solo entrepreneur.Their conversation considers the importance of resilience, people skills, and reflection for new entrepreneurs, as well as the need for sole entrepreneurs to build support networks and a sense of community around them. They also discuss the importance of discipline in day-to-day activities to ensure everything gets done while avoiding burnout. Throughout the conversation, they make the case for the value of the solo entrepreneur perspective, arguing that taking control and ownership of your own time and activities can support productivity, creativity, and innovation.Dr Nuno Arroteia is an Assistant Professor at the School of Management. As well as being an academic — with work published in leading journals on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education — he is also an entrepreneur in his own right, with extensive industry experience in operations and business development, and is a serial investor.Alongside founding Andiamo Business Assistance, Chloe Weatherhead has extensive experience in operational management and customer experience within the software industry. In addition to running Andiamo and a range of other ventures, she is also the host of Strings To Your Bow, a fortnightly podcast in which she speaks with inspiring entrepreneurs about how their life experiences have shaped their businesses.