Business Mutiny by Jon Graves

Building a business is hard. Building a business while raising a child, managing a home, and supporting others? That’s a completely different level. In this episode of Business Mutiny, we sit down with Lucy Piper, co-founder of Any Little Thing, to uncover the real, unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a startup while navigating motherhood, responsibility, and the daily chaos that comes with it. This isn’t your typical polished “CEO stories” highlight reel. This is the reality behind entrepreneurship — the late nights, the sacrifices, the doubt, and the resilience it takes to keep going when things feel like they’re falling apart. Lucy shares how she built her business from scratch, starting with nothing but an idea and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. From cleaning houses and doing odd jobs to building a trusted service supporting elderly and vulnerable people, this is a true how to start a startup story grounded in real life. We dive into:  What it really looks like to build a business while raising a newborn  The emotional and mental challenges of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship  Why growth isn’t always about scaling fast — and why slow, sustainable business growth can be more powerful  The importance of having the right support system and mindset  How to push through the moments where you question everything Lucy opens up about the early days of the business — taking her baby to work, balancing clients with childcare, and figuring things out as she went. There’s no blueprint here. No shortcuts. Just grit, determination, and an entrepreneur mindset that refuses to quit. One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the idea of giving yourself permission to try. Too often, people hold themselves back — waiting for the “right time,” the “perfect plan,” or external validation. But as Lucy explains, sometimes the hardest part isn’t the work itself… it’s deciding you’re allowed to go for it. This episode is packed with real, actionable insights for anyone thinking about starting a business, especially parents, founders, or anyone trying to balance life and ambition. We also explore the reality of money matters in business — from starting with zero funding, avoiding debt, and growing organically, to making smart decisions that protect both your business and your personal life. It’s a refreshing take in a world where “scale fast” and “raise big” are often pushed as the only path to success. If you’re interested in: • Real CEO stories without the fluff • How to start a startup from scratch • Building a business around your life, not the other way around • Developing a strong success mindset • Understanding the reality behind entrepreneurship Then this episode is for you. Lucy’s story is proof that you don’t need everything figured out to begin. You just need to start.  💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s been the hardest part of your journey so far? 

In this episode, we sit down with Omid Moallemi, co-founder of Prsnt, to break down the real story behind one of the most talked-about startups to appear on Dragons’ Den.   From pitching in front of Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett… to walking away from a deal that shocked many — this is the full, unfiltered startup journey you didn’t see on TV.   At the heart of this episode is Prsnt — a fast-growing UK startup transforming how we give gifts. Instead of traditional gifting, Prsnt allows users to send gifts instantly via smartphone, complete with video messages and digital unwrapping experiences. Explore Prsnt here    Built to make gifting “as easy as sending a text,” Prsnt connects users with over 100+ major high street brands, enabling real-time gifting without the hassle of delivery, wrapping, or logistics.    But this episode goes far deeper than just the product.   We unpack: The real behind-the-scenes experience of Dragons’ Den What actually happens during the 3-hour pitch (vs what you see on TV) How they secured investment from multiple Dragons… and why the deal didn’t complete The brutal realities of startup life — from running out of money to near burnout The moment everything nearly collapsed… and how they bounced back   Omid shares the highs and lows of building Prsnt — from early MVP struggles and outsourcing development, to landing major partnerships and scaling a platform that now reaches hundreds of thousands of users.   We also dive into the business model behind Prsnt — including how they generate revenue through brand partnerships, commissions, and transaction fees, while helping businesses drive customer engagement through digital gifting and rewards.    This episode is packed with lessons for founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in startups, SaaS, marketplaces, or scaling a tech business.   Key topics include: Startup resilience and dealing with rejection Why most people underestimate how hard tech businesses are The power of co-founders and building the right team Why “other people’s limitations aren’t your own” How to validate an idea and turn it into a real business The truth about raising investment in today’s market   Whether you’re building a startup, thinking about going on Dragons’ Den, or just want a raw, honest insight into entrepreneurship — this episode delivers.   If you’ve ever wondered: Is Dragons’ Den real? What happens after the cameras stop rolling? And what it actually takes to build a scalable tech company…   This is for you. About Prsnt   Prsnt is a UK-based gifting platform designed to modernise how people send and receive gifts. With instant delivery, personalised messages, and a marketplace of leading brands, it removes the friction from traditional gifting and creates meaningful moments in seconds.  Follow / Subscribe for more founder stories, business lessons, and real conversations from the front line of entrepreneurship.   Dragons Den UK, Dragons Den podcast, Peter Jones investment, Steven Bartlett startup, Sara Davies Dragons Den, Deborah Meaden business, Touker Suleyman investor, Prsnt app, Prsnt gifting, startup journey UK, tech startup story, SaaS marketplace, entrepreneurship podcast UK, business podcast UK, founder story, raising investment UK, startup lessons, gifting app, digital gifting platform, Omid Moallemi interview

Most people never question what’s holding them back… they just accept it. In this episode of Business Mutiny, I sit down with Falguni Patel — TEDx speaker and transformational strategist — who went through anxiety, IVF struggles, divorce, and a complete life reset… before a stranger said something that changed everything: “You’re an onion.” It sounds ridiculous. But it unlocked a powerful way of understanding how we build layers, hide our true selves, and stay stuck in patterns that limit our growth. We get into: Breaking limiting beliefs and comfort zones Why success can actually hold you back The fear of being judged (and how to overcome it) Building confidence and stepping into the unknown The truth about freedom, purpose, and fulfilment   If you’ve ever felt stuck, comfortable but unfulfilled, or unsure what’s really holding you back — this one will hit. Chapters  00:00 – The “You’re an Onion” Moment 02:30 – Anxiety, IVF & Hitting Rock Bottom 08:45 – Walking Away & Starting Again 15:20 – Comfort Zones Are Killing Growth 21:10 – Doing Things Alone & Building Confidence 27:40 – Online Business & Freedom 34:15 – The Truth About Education & Careers 41:00 – Business Failures & Lessons Learned 47:30 – Limiting Beliefs Explained 51:30 – Quick Fire Round

What does it really mean to redefine what’s possible? In this episode of Business Mutiny, Jon speaks to Glen Mallen, Director of the Nimsdai Foundation, about how the charity is creating real impact through education, disaster relief, environmental projects, porter welfare, and transformational expeditions to Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro. This is not just a conversation about mountains. It is about purpose, resilience, leadership, charity, community support, and changing lives. We cover: • The mission and purpose behind the Nimsdai Foundation • How the charity supports education in Nepal • The reality of disaster relief after earthquakes and floods • How they are helping clean up Everest and the big mountains • Why Project Odyssey is transforming the lives of veterans • The story behind the new Porter House in Lobuche • How mountain environments can improve confidence, wellbeing, and self-belief • What it takes to run and grow an international charity • Glen’s journey through the charity sector and leadership   If you are interested in charity leadership, Nepal, Everest, Kilimanjaro, veterans, mountain expeditions, porter welfare, disaster relief, education projects, or purpose-driven organisations, this episode is packed with insight.   In this episode: • Nimsdai Foundation • Everest Base Camp • Kilimanjaro • veterans rehabilitation • porter house project • Nepal education • mountain clean-up • disaster relief • charity leadership • redefining what’s possible   Check out the foundation here https://www.nimsdaifoundation.org/   🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on business, leadership, resilience, purpose, and impact.   #NimsdaiFoundation #Everest #Kilimanjaro #Charity #Leadership #Nepal #Veterans #BusinessMutiny #DisasterRelief #Education   Chapters 00:00 Intro: Can You Really Redefine What’s Possible? 01:05 What Is the Nimsdai Foundation? (Mission & Purpose) 02:40 The “Nothing Is Impossible” Mindset Explained 04:30 What Are the 4 Pillars? (Education, Environment, Impact, Disaster Relief) 06:50 How Do You Clean Up Everest? (Mountain Waste Reality) 08:20 What Does “Nims Has a Vortex” Mean? 10:10 Project Odyssey: How Mountains Transform Veterans’ Lives 13:30 Why Do People Open Up More on the Mountain? 16:00 Everest vs Kilimanjaro: Which Is More Transformational? 18:30 Why Shared Hardship Builds Stronger Human Connection 20:40 The Porter Problem: What’s Really Happening on Everest? 23:00 Building the Porter House at 5,000m (Real Challenges) 26:10 $500,000 Build: Why It Costs So Much on Everest 28:20 Are Porters Being Treated Fairly? (Reality Explained) 30:30 Can Everest’s Waste Problem Ever Be Solved? 33:00 What Is a “Trash Trek” & Why It Matters 35:10 The £25 Project Changing Girls’ Lives in Nepal 38:00 Charity Work Reality: How Do You Actually Fund This? 40:20 From Lifeboats to Global Impact: Glen’s Career Journey 43:00 Purpose vs Profit: Why Values Matter More Than Money 45:10 Biggest Leadership Lesson: Surround Yourself With Talent 47:00 Advice for Young People: Believe in Yourself 49:00 Final Thoughts: Did You Do Everything You Could?   Subscribe to the channel for business insights, podcasts, and expert advice.   👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your thoughts 🔁 Share with your network 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode   🔗 Follow Jon Graves Website: https://jongraves.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathangraves1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonGravestalksbusiness TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jongravesbusinesstalk

What happens when you walk away from a secure career… and start again from scratch?   In this episode, we sit down with Luke Bryce, former police officer turned entrepreneur, to unpack the reality behind the “Say Yes” mindset.   This isn’t theory. This is what actually happens when you take risks, start businesses, and chase opportunity.   We cover: Leaving a secure job to start a business The pros and cons of the “Say Yes” mindset Shiny object syndrome in entrepreneurs Building, scaling, and selling businesses Why many founders struggle with focus The difference between builders and operators   We also discuss Luke’s campaign for 50/50 parenting reform in the UK, and why the current system doesn’t start from equality.   👉 Learn more or support the campaign: https://bothparents.co.uk

In this episode of Business Mutiny, Jon speaks with Jason Green, former founder and now an EOS Implementer, about why so many founders become trapped in the businesses they built. Jason shares the highs and lows of his own entrepreneurial journey — from scaling a company to 250 people and selling it, to raising and losing $5 million, to nearly breaking under the pressure of running a chaotic service business. They unpack how EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helps founders move from confusion to clarity through better vision, accountability, people, structure and execution. A must-listen for founders, leaders and business owners who feel like everything still runs through them.

What if the way your brain works isn’t the problem?   In this episode of Business Mutiny, I sit down with Anna Daphna, an ADHD and neurodiversity specialist, to explore how neurodivergent brains actually work and why so many entrepreneurs, founders and creative thinkers fall into this category.   We talk openly about ADHD, dyslexia, burnout, masking, executive function and confidence, and why traditional systems like schools and corporate workplaces often fail people who think differently.   Anna explains why many neurodivergent people struggle with things like focus, planning, delegation and perfectionism, yet can thrive in environments that allow creativity, speed and problem solving.   We also explore the connection between ADHD and entrepreneurship, why people with neurodivergent traits are far more likely to start businesses, and how business owners can better support both themselves and their teams.   We cover: What neurodivergent actually means Why ADHD isn’t simply a “disorder” How schools and workplaces misunderstand different brains Why many founders struggle with delegation and focus The difference between flow and hyperfocus How nervous system regulation affects productivity Practical advice for parents, leaders and entrepreneurs   If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for your brain or you manage people who think differently, this conversation will change how you see performance, productivity and success.

Are you wondering why your broadband, mobile and phone bills keep going up every year? In this video I explain what’s really happening inside the UK telecoms market and why so many telecom providers are increasing prices in 2026. Many customers assume telecom companies are simply increasing prices to make more profit. The reality is far more complex. Wholesale telecom networks across the UK are increasing prices dramatically as the industry prepares for the PSTN switch-off in 2027, forcing businesses and consumers to migrate away from copper services and onto fibre networks. In this video I break down: • Why UK broadband prices are rising • The impact of the PSTN copper network shutdown • Major Openreach wholesale price increases • Why some telecom suppliers are doubling legacy service costs • How Ofcom regulation has changed price rise structures • Why smaller telecom providers often don’t profit from these increases • How businesses can reduce telecom costs by switching services   We also look at real examples of price rises from major UK telecom suppliers including Openreach, Gamma, Vodafone, CityFibre and mobile networks like EE, O2 and Three. If you run a UK business and want to understand telecom price rises, broadband costs and mobile contract increases, this video explains what’s happening behind the scenes. And if you want help reviewing your telecom bill, I’m offering a £100 challenge — if we can’t save you money, I’ll send you £100 personally. Check us out http://www.northerntelecom.co.uk #Telecoms #Broadband #UKBusiness #TelecomPriceRise #Connectivity #BusinessBroadband #MobileNetworks #PSTNSwitchoff #Ofcom #TelecomIndustry

In this episode of Business Mutiny, Jon sits down with Conor Hull from CW Finance to unpack the real journey from employee to business owner just six months into going solo.   Conor shares what it’s actually like stepping out on your own: the mindset shift, the pressure when the phone doesn’t ring, the unexpected admin and marketing workload, and why having the right support network can make or break the early stages.   They also break down business finance in straightforward terms: Asset finance explained (hard vs soft assets) Hire Purchase vs Leasing What lenders really look at When personal guarantees are required Why interest rates vary so much The pros and risks of invoice finance Common mistakes SMEs make when funding vehicles and equipment   If you’re a business owner considering financing assets or you simply want to understand how borrowing should be structured without wrecking your cash flow this episode gives you clarity without the jargon.   Practical. Honest. No fluff.   Listen in and make smarter financial decisions for your business.

In this clip from my interview with Chris Worden from Director First, we tackle one of the biggest issues still facing UK business owners — Bounce Back Loans.   Thousands of directors are still carrying BBL debt. Some are unsure what their options are. Others are facing serious consequences after misuse. And with HMRC winding up petitions increasing, the pressure on directors has never been higher.   In this conversation we cover: What to do if you still have a Bounce Back Loan The difference between genuine struggle and Bounce Back Loan fraud Director disqualification statistics and what they mean How many directors have been banned recently What happens when HMRC issues a winding up petition Practical advice if your company is insolvent When to seek professional help   This isn’t scare tactics — it’s clarity.   If you’re a UK director, shareholder or business owner with outstanding government-backed debt, this is a conversation you need to hear.   ⚠️ If you’ve received letters from HMRC, a statutory demand, or a winding up petition — act early. Avoiding it makes it worse.   Watch the full interview for deeper insights into insolvency, director responsibilities and protecting yourself properly.   #BounceBackLoan #DirectorDisqualification #HMRC #WindingUpPetition #UKBusiness #Insolvency #CompanyDirectors #BusinessDebt #SME #Entrepreneurship

Leadership isn’t theory... it’s execution.   In this episode, I sit down with Steve McNicholas, leadership practitioner, author, and performance specialist, to break down what real leadership looks like inside growing businesses.   We cover: Leadership development in SMEs How to close the gap between strategy and results Self-leadership and executive accountability Building high-performance teams Avoiding burnout as a founder or CEO Leadership mindset vs management tactics How to stop being the bottleneck in your business Why most businesses struggle with DIY leadership   Steve shares his “Leadership Success Engineering” framework — focusing on self-awareness, team alignment, performance management, and building an operating system for scalable leadership.   If you’re a founder, entrepreneur, CEO, managing director, or senior leader trying to grow a business without losing control, this episode is packed with practical leadership strategies you can apply immediately.   This isn’t guru theory. It’s real-world leadership, built from experience in corporate, private equity, and SME environments. Keywords: leadership development, leadership skills, business leadership, executive leadership, CEO mindset, entrepreneur leadership, high performance teams, performance management, self leadership, leadership coaching, management training, SME leadership, founder journey, scaling a business, accountability, decision making, organisational culture, leadership framework, business growth strategy, private equity leadership

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Worden to have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what really happens when business goes wrong and what directors actually need in those moments. We talk about the thinking behind Director First and why so many business owners wait too long before asking for support. Chris shares where he first experienced the realities of business distress firsthand, and how those early lessons shaped his approach to helping directors navigate pressure, uncertainty, and tough decisions. We break down the real options on the table when a business is struggling — not the myths, not the panic-driven advice, but the practical routes available to directors when things aren’t going to plan. From early intervention to more formal processes, we explore what choice actually looks like when emotions, responsibility, and livelihoods are all involved. Most importantly, we talk about mindset. Why peace before profit has become the guiding principle behind Chris’s work, and why protecting people mentally, emotionally, and personally, matters just as much as protecting numbers on a balance sheet. This is a conversation for founders, directors, and leaders who want clarity without fear, honesty without judgement, and a reminder that asking for help early is a strength, not a failure. If you’re a business owner navigating pressure, or simply want a deeper understanding of what really happens behind the scenes when companies struggle, this episode is well worth your time. https://directorfirst.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/@DirectorFirst https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-worden-01090b46/  

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Miller — business coach, multiple author, TEDx speaker, and founder of Business Enjoyment to talk about what success really looks like once the noise fades.   After spending 16 years working in insolvency at KPMG and Barclays, Andrew has seen business at its very worst. He’s watched owners lose everything, not just financially, but emotionally and that experience shaped a very different view of leadership and success.   We explore why business is simple, but people are complicated, why so many business owners feel unfulfilled even when things look good on paper, and why enjoyment should be treated as a serious barometer — not a luxury.   This is a conversation about: Why money alone isn’t a measure of success The emotional connection between owners and their businesses Leadership, pressure, and burnout Purpose, enjoyment, and fulfilment Why changing yourself often comes before changing the business   Andrew challenges the idea that success is about profits, titles, or possessions, and instead argues that if you’re not enjoying what you do, something is broken — and it’s worth fixing.   An honest, thoughtful discussion for business owners who want more than just growth for growth’s sake.

In this episode, I sit down with James Gardner to unpack a moment that stayed with him, being the unhappiest person in what’s meant to be the happiest place on earth. That experience opens up a wider conversation around happiness, pressure, and success, and how those ideas shift as you move through different stages of life and business. We also dive into goal setting, acquisitions, and James’s journey from corporate life to business exit, and ultimately to owning and running funeral homes — a path that gives him a very different perspective on time, priorities, and what really matters. This is a real, grounded discussion about ambition, fulfilment, and building a life and business that actually makes sense to you.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Newnham, author, copywriter, speaker, and creator of the Space Ranger Fred series to talk about the real journey behind the books. From sofa-surfing to becoming a published author, Matt shares what it actually takes to turn creativity into a sustainable business. We dig into storytelling, resilience, rejection, and how his background in marketing and communications shaped his success as a writer. This is a conversation about building something meaningful, taking risks, learning fast, and sticking with it when the odds aren’t in your favour, lessons that apply far beyond publishing. If you’re building a business, chasing a creative career, or trying to turn an idea into something real, this episode is for you. Space Range Fred is available now at https://www.spacerangerfred.com/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Matt-Newnham/author/B019Y7BM7O?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=IkzsWihIWIV73QJKcqHKGJX2BOVmROjzz3UjYoO9QtE Topics covered: • Turning creativity into a business • The realities of being a published author • From marketing to storytelling • Failure, resilience, and momentum • Why consistency beats talent   🔔 Subscribe for more real business stories 🎧 Full episode available now #BusinessMutiny #Entrepreneurship #AuthorJourney #CreativeBusiness #RealStories Subscribe to the channel for business insights, podcasts, and expert advice. 👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your thoughts 🔁 Share with your network 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode 🔗 Follow Jon Graves Website: https://jongraves.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongraves YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jongraves TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jongraves 📩 Business Enquiries: [email protected] Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.