In this sixteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Helen Scotchford, Founder of The Face Therapist – an advanced skincare clinic based in Marston Moretaine, Central Bedfordshire.

Helen’s journey into entrepreneurship started after years of struggling with her own skin issues and a deep passion for skincare. While still working in her corporate job she began studying skincare and slowly built the foundations of her business.

Her decision to step into business came during a huge life shift - becoming a mother - and since then she’s been navigating the ever-evolving balance of growing a business and raising her young family.

In this honest conversation Helen shares the highs and lows of building her business from scratch. She reflects on leaving the security of employment, working through her inner critic, and staying focused on her purpose - helping others regain their confidence through skincare.

We chat about the behind-the-scenes of running a service-led business, the reality of slow, steady growth, and why connection and trust are the heart of everything Helen does. She also opens up about motherhood, boundaries and the courage it takes to back yourself through every season of life.

If you’ve ever felt the pull towards starting something of your own, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom and gentle encouragement.

00:00 – How Helen’s passion for skincare began 08:30 – Transitioning from corporate to business ownership 17:05 – Balancing business with motherhood 23:59 – Challenges, self-doubt, and the inner critic 29:00 – Advice for those considering starting a business

✦ A down-to-earth look at starting a service-based business ✦ The power of passion and purpose in shaping your work ✦ Honest reflections on motherhood and entrepreneurship ✦ Tips on building confidence and trusting yourself ✦ How slow, steady growth can lead to deep fulfilment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefacetherapistuk/

Website: https://www.thefacetherapistuk.com/

Bookings: https://www.fresha.com/a/the-face-therapist-marston-moretaine-uk-reynes-close-wsntamjh/booking?menu=true

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In this fifteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex shares some honest reflections and practical strategies for when business feels hard. Whether you're in a dip, feeling low on motivation, or just questioning what you're doing it all for, this episode is here to help you reset.

Alex explores how to manage your energy, reconnect with what matters, and shift your focus back to creating rather than consuming. You'll hear ways to rebuild momentum (without forcing it), take the pressure off yourself, and keep going in a way that actually feels sustainable.

If you've been feeling stuck, tired, or out of sorts in your work — this episode is a reminder that you're not alone, and things can feel better again.

00:00 – Navigating Tough Times in Business A real look at the emotional and practical challenges of running a business when things feel heavy.

03:31 – Energy Management Strategies How to reduce noise, set boundaries, and focus on what actually moves you forward.

05:32 – Creation Before Consumption Why switching off the scroll and getting back to creating can shift everything.

07:25 – Building a Sustainable Business Mindset Looking after yourself, protecting your time, and making space for what matters.

• Give yourself space to acknowledge how you feel.

• Reconnect with your purpose to get clear on your next step.

• Speak your goals in the present tense to bring them closer.

• Boundaries protect your focus and energy.

• Creating before consuming helps build momentum.

• Motivation isn’t the starting point — action often comes first.

• Rest is productive. Stillness is allowed.

• You’re not behind — you’re building something that fits.

• Business can be shaped to work with your life, not against it.

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In this fourteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Nicole Bilham – founder of Wild Bird Marketing, a strategic marketing and sales agency for heart-led founders.

After 13 years working in the commercial team at ITV, Nicole decided to leave corporate life behind and build something of her own. She launched her business in early 2019 with a clear intention: to create a business that gave her freedom, flexibility, and space to do work that truly mattered.

Since then, she’s grown Wild Bird Marketing while navigating the challenges of motherhood, including two pregnancies during turbulent times, a pandemic and the constant juggle that comes with raising a young family while building a business from scratch.

Nicole shares her honest and powerful story — from the early hustle, moments of self-doubt, and lessons in resilience, to the mindset shifts that shaped her journey. She talks about the emotional side of leaving a ‘successful’ career, the impact of stepping into a new identity, and what she’s learned about backing herself even when the path isn’t clear.

We explore the importance of community, navigating business while parenting, and the pressure many women feel to do it all — often without a roadmap. Nicole also reflects on the advice she’d give her past self, and the quote that gave her the courage to take the leap and build her wings on the way down.

Whether you’re starting out, considering a pivot, or simply craving a more human, heart-led way to grow your business — this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 – Nicole’s early career and creative spark 05:40 – Entering the media industry and building confidence 09:00 – Taking risks and learning through uncertainty 14:00 – Leaving ITV and choosing to start Wild Bird Marketing 20:00 – Launching a business while planning for motherhood 25:00 – Navigating the newborn phase in lockdown 28:30 – Why she didn’t lean on her old network (and what changed) 32:00 – Business, identity and rebuilding after baby 36:00 – The inner conflict of doing it all 40:00 – Advice for others thinking about taking the leap 43:00 – Nicole’s definition of her kind of business

✦ An honest look at leaving a long-term career to start a business ✦ Why backing yourself matters — even before you feel ready ✦ The tension between motherhood, ambition and identity ✦ The lessons she’d share with anyone starting out ✦ What it means to run a business through big life changes ✦ A powerful reminder that it’s okay not to have it all figured out

Instagram: @wildbirdmarketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bilham-16b24514/

📅 Book a free Business Connection Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this thirteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Faye Newman – founder of Faye Newman Design, a kitchen and bedroom design studio and host of the Love Your Kitchen podcast.

Faye shares her refreshingly honest journey from childhood dreams of becoming a plumber to building a thriving design business and podcast — despite never imagining self-employment would be part of her story.

With over eight years of industry experience and more than three as a business owner, Faye reflects on how a neighbour’s kitchen project unexpectedly set her career in motion. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her move from employment to entrepreneurship, the crucial role of her support network, and the lessons she’s learned along the way — from pricing confidently to embracing visibility.

We talk about the importance of taking risks, navigating anxiety, and trusting that you’ll be okay — even when things feel uncertain. Faye also shares the pride she felt securing a podcast sponsor before launching, and how her show now plays a key part in her business growth and creative expression.

Whether you’re at the start of your business journey or evolving your next chapter, this conversation is a down-to-earth reminder that building a business takes courage, support, and a willingness to put yourself out there.

Episode Timestamps 00:00 – From Childhood Dreams to Career Paths 02:56 – Navigating the Kitchen Industry 06:13 – The Journey to Entrepreneurship 09:04 – Overcoming Initial Challenges 12:11 – Current Business Landscape and Growth 15:01 – Moments of Pride and Achievement 18:01 – Mindset and Risk in Business 18:38 – Navigating Anxiety and Embracing Risks 19:35 – The Joys of Business Ownership 22:39 – Facing Challenges in Entrepreneurship 28:21 – Support Systems During Tough Times 33:57 – Key Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

What to Expect

✦ An unexpected path into the world of kitchen design ✦ The mindset shifts needed to go from employee to business owner ✦ Why a support network can make all the difference ✦ Learning to price confidently and value your work ✦ How podcasting supports connection and business growth ✦ Honest advice for anyone considering self-employment

Connect with Faye Instagram: @fayenewmandesign TikTok: fayenewmandesign.com Join her newsletter: Subscribe here

Connect with Alex 📅 Book a free Business Connection Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twelfth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Latifa Aarab – a leadership coach, cultural intelligence expert, and founder of Compatible.

With roots in France, Morocco and the UK, and a career that’s taken her across four continents, Latifa shares how her multicultural upbringing and 17 years in the financial industry led her to the work she does today: helping leaders navigate cultural differences to build more connected, collaborative teams.

This episode is a deep and refreshing look at the realities of entrepreneurship — from leaving the safety of a corporate role to starting a purpose-led business grounded in experience, intuition and personal growth.

We talk about redefining success, the importance of financial security when making a leap, and how nature, mindset and community support your capacity to lead and grow. We also touch on fears around public speaking and hosting events — and why doing the thing that scares you is often the best teacher.

Whether you're a few steps into your business or still sitting with the idea, this is an honest, human reminder that the journey isn’t linear — and that your experiences are your greatest assets.

00:00 – Cultural Roots and Early Aspirations 02:59 – Transitioning from Finance to Entrepreneurship 05:56 – Navigating the Challenges of Intuition and Fear 09:01 – Redefining Success and Life Experiences 11:46 – The Journey of Personal Growth 15:06 – Finding Balance in Business and Life 18:03 – The Role of Nature in Mental Clarity 21:04 – Overcoming Social Challenges in Business 23:56 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 26:55 – Defining My Kind of Business

✦ An honest account of leaving corporate life ✦ How intuition and personal growth support entrepreneurship ✦ Redefining success beyond financial achievement ✦ Cultural intelligence and leading global teams ✦ Encouragement to stretch your comfort zone, especially in public speaking ✦ Why financial readiness matters more than hustle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compatibleofficial/@latifa_aarab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latifaaarabcompatible/ Website: https://compatibleofficial.com/

Book a free Business Connection session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Facebook Group: Business Connection Community LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

We’re surrounded by messages that tie success to income, productivity and recognition. But when we stop and tune in, success can look and feel completely different — softer, slower, more aligned with our values and wellbeing.

In this honest episode, Alex explores how redefining success can bring more fulfilment, self-trust and joy into both life and business. From letting go of societal expectations to honouring the small wins, this is an invitation to create your own version of success — one that actually feels good.

Whether you're rethinking your goals, navigating change, or just feeling disconnected from the hustle, this episode offers a gentle nudge back to what truly matters.

00:00 – Redefining Success: A Personal Journey 05:06 – Aligning Success with Personal Values 10:29 – Intangible Aspects of Success 15:12 – Celebrating Small Wins 19:17 – Self-Reflection and Authenticity

🌿 A grounding conversation on success beyond money or metrics 💬 Honest reflection on aligning with your values 💡 Permission to slow down, shift gears, and trust yourself 🏆 The importance of small wins and how they build fulfilment 🧠 Why mental wellbeing is a vital part of your definition of success

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In this tenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Liv, the soulful founder of Lunar Holistic Therapies based in Telford, Shropshire.

What began as a career in pharmacy gradually transformed into a holistic therapy business rooted in energy, rest and reconnection. Liv shares how grief, intuition and a deep desire to support others led her to create a space for healing through massage, reflexology, energy therapy, women’s circles and sound baths.

This is a raw and honest conversation about straddling two worlds — the scientific and the spiritual — and finding peace in creating a business that honours both. Liv speaks about protecting your energy, growing your confidence through community and trusting in the timing of your own journey.

Whether you’re pivoting careers or building something heart-first, Liv’s story is a powerful reminder that your business can be an extension of your personal healing.

Episode Timestamps 00:00 – The Early Aspirations and Spiritual Journey 02:53 – Transitioning from Pharmacy to Holistic Therapy 06:07 – Building a Business: The Journey Begins 09:01 – Balancing Two Worlds: Pharmacy and Holistic Therapy 12:14 – Defining Moments in Business 15:01 – Networking and Community Support 18:06 – Challenges in Business: Gaining Clients and Personal Health 21:59 – Protecting Energy and Wellbeing 27:49 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 30:52 – The Essence of My Kind of Business

What to Expect

• A gentle but powerful career change story

• Honest talk about grief, burnout and self-trust

• Insights on building a spiritual and sustainable business

• Practical advice on managing energy as a therapist

• A reminder that intuition is a valid business strategy

Connect with Liv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunarholistictherapies/ Website: https://www.lunarholistictherapiestelford.info/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094558569797

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Facebook Group: Business Connection Community LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy on LinkedIn Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this ninth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex sits down with Jules McGill - a Personal Trainer, Wellbeing Coach and speaker who left a stable teaching career to build a fitness business rooted in intuition, joy and empowerment.

Jules opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of career change, how she learned to trust her gut, and why setting playful boundaries and stepping back from social media have been game‑changers.

We explore what it really takes to find your voice in a crowded industry and how movement can be a vehicle for confidence, not conformity. This warm, honest conversation is full of insight for anyone ready to do things their own way.

00:00 – From Childhood Dreams to Business Reality 03:02 – The Transition from Teaching to Entrepreneurship 05:59 – Navigating Self‑Doubt and Identity 09:13 – The Early Days of Business 11:57 – Building Resilience in Business 14:45 – Trusting Your Intuition 17:54 – Current Business Landscape and Future Aspirations 23:09 – Challenging Industry Norms 26:05 – Finding Your Voice 29:41 – Social Media Detox 31:01 – Balancing Family and Business 34:12 – Redefining Boundaries 39:14 – Embracing Creativity in Business

• Real talk on the emotional side of leaving a secure career

• Practical steps for tuning into your intuition and rebuilding self‑belief

• Why boundaries (and breaks from social media) fuel creativity

• Reframing movement as confidence‑building, not body‑fixing

• Inspiration for dreaming bigger—Jules’s vision for bringing her work into schools and beyond

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesmcgill/ Learn more about her offerings and upcoming workshops at julesmcgill.com

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mccarthy-coaching/

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