Scaling Stories Unfiltered

In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we sit down with Celia Pool, co-founder of DAME,  the sustainable period care brand that’s disrupting an industry rooted in stigma, silence, and single-use plastic.From pitching to investors, to facing rejection after rejection from people who “just didn’t get it,” Celia shares what it really takes to bring a purpose-driven product to life and keep going when the mission matters more than the money.This is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful conversation about grit, purpose, and building something that’s bigger than you.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why purpose was the only thing strong enough to carry the business through its toughest momentsHow Celia navigated bias, discomfort, and awkward conversations with investorsThe early days of prototyping and launching a product people didn’t want to talk aboutWhat it took to shift public perception and consumer behaviourWhy building a sustainable business model is as hard as building a sustainable productThe emotional weight of purpose-led work and how she protects her energyWhy trusting your gut and your co-founder matters just as much as market validationThis episode is for anyone building something bold, facing resistance, or wondering if their mission really matters. Celia’s story is proof that when your purpose is bigger than you it gives you the courage to keep showing up.Who is Celia Pool? Celia is the co-founder of DAME, the brand behind the world’s first reusable tampon applicator and a range of award-winning sustainable period products. Featured in TIME, VOGUE, and the BBC, DAME is a certified B Corp and recognised pioneer in tackling period stigma and waste. Celia is a passionate advocate for business as a force for good, sustainability, and the power of female-led leadership.🔗 Connect with Celia on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/celia-pool📩 Got a guest suggestion or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected]🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfiltered#ScalingStoriesUnfiltered #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability #PurposeDrivenBusiness #DAME #FounderStories #FemaleFounders #Bcorp

In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we sit down with James Chappell, co-founder of Digital Shadows, a cybersecurity company that grew from an idea between two friends into a business acquired for over £150M.With a calm, methodical approach to growth, James shares the real story behind building a tech company from scratch, navigating leadership through scale, and staying grounded in the face of growing investor pressure.This episode is packed with thoughtful, experience-led insights for anyone scaling in complex, high-stakes environments.What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why James walked away from a big tech job to start Digital Shadows • The early challenges of defining product/market fit in a new category • How trust and complementary skills built a lasting co-founder partnership • What changed when funding arrived and how they stayed focused • The pressure to hire fast and what he’d do differently now • How leadership evolved through growth, from scrappy beginnings to boardrooms • Why empathy, clarity, and communication are the quiet engines of scaleThis episode is for founders, CTOs, and future leaders navigating the line between technical depth and commercial growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale a company without losing your principles or your people, James offers a masterclass in thoughtful leadership.Who is James Chappell?James is the co-founder and former Chief Innovation Officer at Digital Shadows, a threat intelligence company that scaled globally and was acquired for over £150M. With a background in security architecture and cyber research, he now advises and supports early-stage and scaling businesses in cybersecurity and beyond.🔗 Connect with James on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-chappell📩 Got a guest suggestion or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected]🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfiltered

In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we sit down with Sam Moyo, founder of Morning Gloryville, the pioneering sober rave movement that reshaped how people experience joy, connection, and community.From her childhood in Zimbabwe surrounded by Ubuntu values, to building a worldwide experiential movement across 23 cities, Sam’s story is one of courage, creativity, and heart-led leadership.She shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to build something culturally powerful, the lessons learned from scaling, and how burnout, neurodiversity, and self-reflection shaped her next chapter.What you’ll learn in this episode:• How Ubuntu, community, and belonging shaped Sam’s entrepreneurial mindset • The origin story of Morning Gloryville and how it became a global movement • Why joyful, immersive experiences can create deeper change than traditional leadership models • The realities of scaling fast and why knowing when to pause is crucial • How to build teams and cultures that live your values, not just repeat them • What neurodiversity teaches us about creativity, empathy, and leadership • Why regenerative cultures are the future and what that looks like in practiceThis episode is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just financial, it’s emotional, communal, and deeply human. If you’re a founder, creator, or purpose-driven leader, Sam’s story will challenge you to rethink how you build, how you lead, and what truly matters when scaling something meaningful.Who is Sam Moyo?Sam Moyo is the founder of Morning Gloryville, the sober rave movement that ignited a global shift in conscious clubbing across 23 cities. Celebrated by the BBC, The Guardian, and Forbes, Sam is recognised for designing experiences that help people reconnect with joy, authenticity, and each other.Today, she leads Chapel of Love, helping organisations build regenerative, heart-led cultures through immersive experiences that unlock connection, creativity, and belonging.🔗 Connect with Sam on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/samanthamoyo📩 Got a guest suggestion or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected]🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfiltered

What if the future of leadership development isn’t top-down, but built from the ground up?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we sit down with Elisa Krantz, co-founder & CEO of MindBeat, a coaching and leadership development platform that’s redefining how organisations grow their leaders.From her early entrepreneurial influences to leaving a successful consulting career to build a purpose-led tech business, Elisa’s story is one of courage, conviction, and creating impact through people.She shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to scale a values-driven company, the lessons learned from fundraising as a female founder, and how to balance data with instinct when making business decisions.What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why entrepreneurial roots create resilience and risk tolerance • How to turn consultancy experience into a scalable, tech-enabled business • Lessons from fundraising and staying authentic as a female founder • How to plan your team for where you want to be, not just where you are • Why intuition is an underrated asset in decision-making • The mindset needed to scale with purpose and balanceThis episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t reserved for the top of the org chart, it starts with how you grow, develop, and empower others along the way. If you’re a founder, leader, or entrepreneur scaling with purpose, Elisa's story will inspire you to trust your instincts and build something that lasts.Who is Elisa KrantzElisa is the co-founder & CEO of MindBeat, a coaching and leadership development platform helping organisations scale culture and leadership capability from the inside out. With a background in management consulting and leadership psychology, Elisa has worked with global organisations to help leaders grow with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.🔗 Connect with Elisa on LinkedIN - linkedin.com/in/elisa-krantz-21b9943📩 Got a guest suggestion or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected]🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfiltered

What if the best business ideas start with a mistake?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we sit down with Ed Heaver, co-founder of Serve Legal, the UK’s leading age-verification testing company to explore how a costly licensing failure in a pub became the catalyst for building a national compliance powerhouse.From running pubs in London’s East End to scaling a data-driven business working with Tesco, Waitrose and Asda, Ed’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and knowing when to trust others to take the lead.He shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to scale a service-based business, why clarity and consistency in hiring matter, and the moment he knew it was time to step back as CEO after nearly two decades at the helm.What you’ll learn in this episode:• How a lost licence sparked the idea behind Serve Legal • Why being customer-obsessed builds trust faster than any marketing campaign • The realities of scaling without external funding • How to motivate and manage a remote workforce of young auditors • Why clarity in hiring and succession planning determines success • What letting go really looks like for a founder • The power of feedback, humility, and keeping things simpleThis episode is an honest look at how real businesses are built through hard work, clear thinking, and the courage to adapt.If you’re a founder, leader, or entrepreneur navigating growth and transition, Ed’s story will remind you that the best lessons often come from the toughest moments.Who is Ed Heaver?Ed is the co-founder and former CEO of Serve Legal, the UK’s leading provider of age-verification and compliance audits, delivering over 180,000 audits a year for major retailers and hospitality brands. A former publican turned entrepreneur, Ed now serves on the company’s board and continues to mentor scaling founders.🔗 Connect with Ed on LinkedINlinkedin.com/in/ed-heaver-40435418📩 Got a guest suggestion or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected]🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfiltered

What if the best leaders aren’t the loudest but the ones who listen?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we sit down with Monica Collings, a leadership advisor and transformation expert whose career path is anything but linear.From building her own business to leading complex integrations in multi-billion-pound energy firms, Monica has navigated startups, scale-ups, and corporate giants, all while staying true to her belief in people-first leadership.She shares the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to lead through transformation, the power of inclusive teams, and why she believes squiggly careers are the future.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why squiggly careers create the most resilient leadersHow to lead through mergers, integrations, and change without losing your teamWhy inclusion isn’t just a buzzword but a business imperativeWhat it takes to build trust, alignment, and performance in fast-moving environmentsThe small leadership habits that shape culture (and why they matter most)How Monica balances empathy with commercial edge and why that balance worksThis episode is a masterclass in human leadership. If you’re a founder, exec, or future leader navigating complexity, Monica’s story will leave you thinking differently about growth, impact, and how we show up for each other at work.Who is Monica Collins?Monica is a leadership and strategy consultant who’s led large-scale change programmes in FTSE 100 businesses, high-growth energy startups, and everything in between. She's passionate about inclusive leadership, building high-trust teams, and creating cultures that don’t just scale but thrive.Find Monica here: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicacollings/📩 Got a guest suggestion or want to be featured? Email us: [email protected]🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfilteredListener

In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we speak to Pete Cowan, founder of Westfield Insurance (now Everywhen under Ardonagh Advisory), about what it really takes to build a business when you didn’t mean to but backed yourself anyway.Pete didn’t set out to be a founder. He was happily employed for 15+ years until redundancy forced his hand. What followed wasn’t a flashy startup story, but one of steady resilience, deep client relationships, and growth only when the business was truly ready.His story is a masterclass in quiet leadership, built on trust, timing, and knowing when not to rush.What you’ll learn in this episode:• Why some of the best founders never planned to be founders • What it means to grow slowly and hire only when you’re ready • How client relationships can be your greatest growth engine • The mindset shift after acquisition—and what stayed the same • Why “Why not me?” can be a powerful place to start • How to lead without ego, even when everything changesFrom redundancy to acquisition, Pete’s story is full of grounded lessons and practical takeaways for founders who care more about doing it right than doing it fast.Who is Pete Cowan?Pete is the founder of Westfield Insurance, a brokerage built on deep trust, discipline, and long-term client relationships. After scaling the business successfully, it was acquired by Ardonagh Advisory and rebranded as Everywhen. Pete’s thoughtful approach to growth, people, and leadership is a refreshing reminder that impact doesn’t always need noise, it just needs consistency.📩 Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfilteredListener#ScalingStoriesUnfiltered #FounderJourney #LeadershipWithoutEgo #StartSlowGrowStrong #InsuranceFounders #QuietLeadership #ClientRelationships #AcquisitionJourney #ValuesBasedGrowth #ScaleUpWisdom

What if kindness isn’t soft—but your most strategic business advantage?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we speak to Stella Smith, award-winning FinTech founder and CEO of pirkx, a platform making wellbeing benefits affordable and accessible to the workers most often left out.Stella shares the unfiltered story of leaving school at 16, rising quickly through the banking world, and building a business with heart, hustle, and a mission that got under her skin and never left.From sleeping under her desk to holding her ground on pricing, she opens up about the emotional toll, the investor pressure, and what it really takes to scale a values-led business in a male-dominated world.What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why asking the right interview question changes who you hire • How to attract top-tier advisors, even if you’re not “big enough” yet • What happens when you design a business around kindness • Why resilience is built by doing (and asking for help, unapologetically) • What it’s really like to raise capital as a female founder • How to balance mission with commercial pressure and why it’s worth itFrom pricing decisions to people strategy, Stella’s story is full of bold choices, honest lessons, and practical takeaways for founders building something that actually matters.Who is Stella Smith?Stella is the founder and CEO of pirkx, a wellbeing platform serving freelancers, gig workers, and microbusinesses across the UK, Australia, and the US. A former investment banker, Stella’s leadership has earned recognition from Innovate Finance, the LDC Top 50, and the AccelerateHER Awards. She also serves as a trustee and advisor on human rights and financial inclusion initiatives.Find Stella here: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellasmithpirkx/📩 Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfilteredListener#ScalingStoriesUnfiltered #FounderJourney #WellbeingAtWork #FemaleFounders #StartupLeadership #HiringForCulture #MissionDriven #ValuesBasedLeadership #ScaleUpInsights

What if trusting your team, even when it feels risky, is exactly what unlocks performance?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we speak to Renaud Vandewalle, executive coach, AI innovator, and founder of Anti-Hero Management.Renaud shares the unfiltered story of how he led a business on the brink of collapse, not by taking control, but by letting go. His decision to trust a team he didn’t fully believe in led to a turnaround that redefined his approach to leadership.Now, through coaching and technology, he helps founders lead with clarity, humility, and human connection.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why control feels safer but usually slows you downWhat changes when you stop micromanaging and start trustingHow to lead teams across cultures (and why every team benefits from this mindset)What anti-hero leadership really looks likeHow AI is reshaping leadership, without replacing the humanPractical ways to stay connected, avoid isolation, and rediscover your ‘why’From turnaround pressure to scaling with purpose, this episode is packed with real stories and insights for founders who want to lead better not just bigger.Who is Renaud Vandewalle?Renaud is the founder of Anti-Hero Management and co-founder of Cayus AI , a startup building a “chief of staff in your pocket.” With 15+ years leading multicultural teams across the globe, Renaud now coaches scale-up founders to become the leaders their business actually needs, with self-awareness, clarity, and confidence.He's also the author of The Intergalactic Journey of a Manager , a storytelling-led guide to building your own authentic leadership style.You'll find Renaud here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaudvandewalle/📩 Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalingStoriesUnfilteredListener

What makes a founder truly scale-ready? It’s about mindset, clarity, and knowing what not to do.In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, we speak to Andrew Priestley, award-winning business coach, author, and trusted advisor to hundreds of business leaders across the UK, Australia, and beyond.Andrew brings decades of experience helping founders cut through the noise, steady the ship, and build businesses that don’t just grow, they last.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why founder mindset is the biggest barrier (or boost) to scalingHow to shift from reactive to intentional leadershipThe overlooked value of structure, rhythm, and clear rolesWhat it means to be a calm and confident leader (even when everything's moving fast)How to avoid burnout by focusing on what really mattersFrom firefighting to focused, this episode is full of honest, practical advice for anyone building something bigger than themselves.Who is Andrew Priestley?Andrew is a business psychologist, leadership mentor, and best-selling author of The Money Chimp and Starting. He’s coached hundreds of founders and senior leaders through the scale-up journey, and brings no-nonsense clarity to what it really takes to grow well.You'll find Andrew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpriestley📩 Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf 

What does it really take to grow a business across sectors and ownership models, while staying grounded in clarity, culture, and commercial focus?From private equity to listed companies, Colin’s approach to growth is shaped by structure, listening, and putting the right people in the right seats. In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, Colin Sykes shares what he's learned from leading at the highest level across global businesses, scale-ups, and private equity-backed ventures. From circular economy innovations to methodical transformations, Colin’s approach is calm, practical, and rooted in deep experience.It’s calm, clear, and full of lessons that apply whether you’re early-stage or established.What you'll learn in this episode:Why the fundamentals of scale don’t change, whether you’re small or globalWhat great leaders do differently (hint: they listen more than they talk)How to build teams that can actually deliver the next stage of growthWhy due diligence and structure matter more than charismaHow to spot waste and turn it into value, operationally and commerciallyWhy circular thinking is becoming central to smart business strategyFrom manufacturing to tech, from M&A to innovation, Colin brings a rare breadth of leadership insight, grounded in governance, transparency, and people-first execution.🎧 Listen in if you're a founder or board leader looking for sharp, sustainable thinking on what scale really takes.Who is Colin Sykes?Colin is an international business leader whose career spans four continents, multiple industries, and a mix of public, private, and PE-backed organisations. He’s led transformations, steered M&A deals, and driven innovation across a range of sectors. Now, he brings that expertise to boards looking to unlock long-term value and sustainable growth.You'll find Colin here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-sykes-0a19353/Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf

What does it really take to build and scale a tech company?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, Christian Nagele, founder of CentraStage and now Chief Strategy Officer at inforcer, shares the full, unfiltered journey from remortgaging his house and hiring his first team, to acquisition, merger, IPO and beyond.This one isn’t about overnight success. It’s about building value the long way,  through resilience, timing, and learning as you go.What you'll learn in this episode:Why Christian started CentraStage and how they survived the 2008 crashThe honest realities of fundraising and why they skipped VCsHow CentraStage was acquired, then scaled globallyWhat IPO really looked like and how it felt to no longer be CEOThe importance of fit when hiring and walking away from the wrong customersWhy “there’s no perfect path” and why that’s a good thingFrom garage startup to a global tech IPO, this is a story of calculated risk, loyal teams, and what happens when you stay in the game long enough to see the long game pay off.Listen in for a grounded, insightful conversation for founders navigating scale ups.Who is Christian Nagele?Christian began his career as a Chartered Accountant at PwC but was drawn to entrepreneurial businesses. He co-founded CentraStage in 2007, a cloud-based endpoint management startup that scaled through the financial crash and was acquired by Autotask in 2014. That business later merged with Datto, which IPO’d in 2020 on the NYSE. After a stint helping grow and sell British tech company 1E, he’s now CSO at Inforcer, helping shape the future of the MSP space.You'll find Christian here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiannagele/Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf

What Drives Dan Martin: Grit, Great Partnerships and Getting It DoneHow do you go from 16-year-old apprentice electrician to founder of one of the UK’s fastest-growing EV infrastructure businesses?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, Dan Martin, co-founder of Elmtronics and now Black Bee Rum, shares the real story behind his entrepreneurial journey — and it’s not your typical “start-up to exit” narrative.What you'll learn in this episode:What it means to always find a way — around, over, or under any challengeHow a free radio ad kicked off their growthThe quiet power of complementary co-foundersWhy doing things differently workedAnd how spotting the opportunity — not overthinking it — can change everythingFrom wiring homes to wiring up a national EV charging network, this is a story of grit, grounded thinking, and what happens when you back yourself to build.🎧 Listen in for a refreshingly honest conversation that will resonate with founders who value progress over perfection.Who is Dan Martin?Dan started his career as an apprentice electrician before co-founding Elmtronics, which became one of the UK’s leading EV infrastructure businesses. After scaling and successfully exiting the company, he’s now pouring his energy into Black Bee Rum — combining purpose, fun, and his love of building great teams and brands.You'll find Dan here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmev/Website: https://blackbeerum.comBook one of their beautiful cottages:  https://www.cottages.com/cottages/steelclose-mill-steelclose-house-uk48471https://www.cottages.com/cottages/steelclose-mill-steelclose-cottage-uk48472Books mentioned: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight  - Nike Founder📩 Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf

What does it really take to step down as a founder-CEO—on your terms?In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, I sit down with Evgeny Shadchnev, co-founder of Makers Academy and author of Startup CEO Succession, to talk about one of the biggest decisions a founder can make: handing over the reins.Evgeny built one of Europe’s first coding bootcamps, helped thousands launch tech careers, and raised venture funding, then chose to step away. This is a refreshingly honest look at what that moment actually feels like.Expect hard-won insight, no fluff.What we cover in this episode:The biggest hiring mistake they made at Makers (and how it worked… until it didn’t)Why scaling too fast without strong foundations almost broke the businessHow Evgeny knew it was time to find a new CEO (and why most founders wait too long)What real culture looks like beyond buzzwords and office perksThe difference between growth and “growing up” as a leaderWhether you’re scaling now or thinking about succession down the line, this one’s packed with gold.Find Evgeny here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadchnev/Website: https://startupceosuccession.comHis book: Startup CEO Succession (https://tinyurl.com/yn2ve7bx)Books mentioned: Reboot by Jerry ColonnaNo rules rules, Reid Hoffman📩 Contact us: [email protected]🎧 Subscribe & listen:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf

Scaling a business isn’t about glossy headlines, it’s about grit, purpose, and solving problems that matter.In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, I’m joined by Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder and CEO of Olio, the app tackling food waste by connecting neighbours & businesses to share surplus food and household items. With over 7 million users and 100 million meals saved, Olio proves you can scale and make a real-world impact.Tessa shares:The lightbulb moment that sparked OlioWhy they tested the concept without building an appHow being remote-first helped them build a truly diverse teamWhat it took to land major partnerships like TescoThe brutal reality of raising £50m as female foundersHow to protect your culture while scalingWhy you must listen to your gut, even when hiring expertsWhether you’re scaling your first team or aiming for global reach, Tessa’s story is full of insight, honesty, and practical takeaways.Who is Tessa Clarke?Tessa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Olio, the world’s leading food-sharing app. With a background in digital marketing and an MBA from Stanford, she’s now on a mission to end food waste and reshape our relationship with resources, community, and sustainability.Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories UnfilteredSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hfWebsite: www.scalingstoriesunfiltered.co.ukGot a story to share or a guest to recommend?Email: [email protected]’t forget to subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations with the people behind the scale.

Scaling isn’t about throwing more people at a problem—it’s about getting the right ones in the right roles, at the right time. In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, I’m joined by Jaimie Stewart, Chief of Staff at Newsflare, who’s scaled teams across some of the UK’s most recognisable brands—Tom Dixon, Whistles, and Cath Kidston included.Jaimie shares why traditional hiring models are broken, what scale-ups actually need from People leaders, and how to keep your team truly engaged as you grow fast. This is a no-fluff conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and what every founder needs to hear before making their next hire.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why hiring for potential beats hiring for pedigreeThe difference between traditional HR and strategic People leadershipWhen to bring in senior People expertise—and what they should actually doHow to use internal mobility to build high-performing teamsWhy talent mapping early can be your unfair advantageWho is Jaimie Stewart?Jaimie is Chief of Staff at Newsflare, a media tech company powering the world’s leading publishers with user-generated content. With over 20 years’ experience, Jaimie’s worked at the intersection of people, performance, and growth—helping scale culture-led businesses from fashion to tech. He now supports founders and leadership teams in building people strategies that fuel sustainable growth.Find Jaimie here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimie-stewart-b69398b🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered:Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hfWebsite: www.scalingstoriesunfiltered.co.ukWant to get in touch or suggest a guest?Drop us an email at [email protected] you’re a founder, a scale-up CEO, or a business leader navigating fast growth, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you hire smarter and scale sustainably.Don’t forget to subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to grow a business.

Scaling a consultancy isn’t about growing as fast as possible or chasing investors—it’s about building something that lasts, delivers real value, and reflects what you actually want from your business.In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, I’m joined by Phil Brown, co-founder of OneGTM, who shares the real journey behind growing a strategic consultancy from zero to a successful exit. Phil opens up about the decisions that shaped the business, the mistakes that taught him the most, and why staying true to your vision matters more than you think.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why you don’t need to chase VC money to build a high-performing businessThe power of doing things your way—especially when everyone else is chasing growth at all costsHow to know when you're onto something (and when it's time to go all in)The challenge of scaling a service business without compromising qualityWhat acquirers really care about—and how to set your business up for a smooth exit Who is Phil Brown? Phil is the former co-founder of OneGTM, a consultancy that helped global B2B tech brands like AWS, Cisco, and Vodafone go to market more effectively. He’s now an advisor, investor, and board-level consultant supporting other founders and leadership teams on their growth journeys.Find Phil Brown here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philabrown01/  🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf Website: https://www.scalingstoriesunfiltered.co.ukWant to get in touch or suggest a guest? Drop us an email at [email protected] you’re a founder, scale-up CEO, or a business leader navigating growth, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t find in startup playbooks. Don’t forget to subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about scaling businesses the right way.#Scaling #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #ConsultancyLife #GoToMarket #ExitPlanning #ScaleUp #ScalingStoriesUnfiltered

Episode 3: The Dark Side of Scaling – Hard Truths Every Founder Must Know with Spencer AyresScaling a business isn’t just about hiring fast, raising capital, or chasing exponential growth—it’s about making the right moves at the right time. When businesses get this wrong, it leads to hiring mistakes, client dependency, and even painful layoffs.In this episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, I sit down with Spencer Ayres, Founder & Managing Partner of Jointly, to unpack the hidden challenges of scaling and share real-world lessons from his experiences working with global brands like Heineken, Barclays, and other major players.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The biggest scaling mistakes startups make and how to avoid them - The danger of relying on one big client (and how it can bring a business down) - Hiring too fast vs. hiring too slow—the real impact on growth - How to build a resilient company culture that retains top talent - Why growth for the sake of growth is a myth—and what success really looks like💡 Who is Spencer Ayres? Spencer is the Founder & Managing Partner of Jointly, an innovation, product, and marketing consultancy that helps businesses solve complex challenges 10x faster. He’s worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and has lived through the highs and lows of scaling a business—making him the perfect guest to share what truly makes or breaks a company.Find Spencer Ayres here: LinkedIn: Spencer Ayres’ ProfileWebsite: https://jointly.work 🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Scaling Stories Unfiltered: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p93xe94 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yp9b4a49 YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/2a9rv3hf Website: https://www.scalingstoriesunfiltered.co.uk📩 Want to get in touch or suggest a guest? Drop us an email at [email protected] you’re a startup founder, scale-up CEO, or a business leader, this episode is packed with practical insights on how to scale without breaking your company.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about scaling businesses the right way.#Scaling #StartupSuccess #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Hiring #ScaleUp #ScalingStoriesUnfiltered

📢 Scaling Stories Unfiltered - Episode 2Scaling a business comes with tough decisions—and one of the biggest is how to get tech leadership right. Should you hire a full-time CTO, or would a Fractional CTO be the smarter move?💡 Making the wrong tech decisions can slow you down—or worse, break your business.In this episode, I sit down with Graham Roberts, a Fractional CTO who has helped scale businesses from early-stage startups to established organizations. With two decades of experience spanning Google, Intel, Kew Gardens, and Imperial College London, Graham shares real-world insights on why tech often fails in scale-ups—and what founders can do to fix it.🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔️ The hidden reasons tech fails in scale-ups ✔️ When is the right time to hire a CTO? ✔️ Why tech is critical for business valuation & exit strategy ✔️ Common mistakes scale-ups make when implementing tech ✔️ How miscommunication between tech & business teams kills growth ✔️ The role of leadership in breaking silos & improving culture ✔️ The biggest myths about CTOs and technology in scale-ups ✔️ What makes a business attractive to investors & buyers🔗 Resources & Links:Connect with Graham Roberts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamroberts004/ Website: https://fullstackconsulting.co.uk/about-us MyExit: https://www.myexit.uk Follow Scaling Stories Unfiltered for more: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicijupp/ Website → [Insert Your Website Link] 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? Follow Scaling Stories Unfiltered wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review—it helps more founders and leaders discover these insights.

The Hard Truth About Scaling, Hiring, Funding & Navigating Growth📢 Scaling Stories Unfiltered - Episode 1Scaling a business isn’t just about glossy headlines and overnight success—it’s messy, challenging, and full of lessons no one warns you about.In this first episode of Scaling Stories Unfiltered, I sit down with Jon Cornwell, CEO & Co-Founder of Newsflare, one of the world's leading video marketplace platforms. Jon has spent over a decade raising VC funding, scaling a global platform, and staying ahead in the fast-moving media landscape.🎧 What you’ll learn in this episode: ✔️ The tough realities of raising venture capital (and what founders get wrong) ✔️ Why hiring for a scale-up is completely different from a startup ✔️ How to build a leadership team that thrives in chaos ✔️ What to expect when expanding into new markets (and how to avoid expensive mistakes) ✔️ Why scaling isn’t about hiring ‘big names’ from corporate—it’s about finding the right fit ✔️ How to navigate leadership shifts, tough pivots, and growing pains🔗 Resources & Links:Connect with Jon Cornwell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-cornwell-1985732 Newsflare: https://www.newsflare.comFollow Scaling Stories Unfiltered for more: www.scalingstoriesunfiltered.com   Submit questions, stories, or recommend a guest: [email protected] 🎙️ Enjoying the podcast? Follow Scaling Stories Unfiltered on your favourite platform and leave a review—it helps more founders and leaders discover these insights.💡 Want to be a guest on the podcast? Message me here: [email protected]