What’s the Exit Plan? (Even If You Don’t Want to Sell Yet) S02 E09
What happens to your business if you take three months off? If the answer makes you nervous, this episode is for you.
Bev dives into what it really means to build a business that works without you at the centre of every decision. She explains why exit planning isn’t just for people looking to sell; it’s the blueprint for freedom, flexibility, and long-term value.
You’ll discover how to calculate your own “Freedom Number,” design systems that keep the business running smoothly, and create genuine options for the future. Whether that’s stepping back, passing it on, or cashing out completely.
Because true success isn’t just what your business earns. It’s what it gives you back - time, choice, and peace of mind.
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6:15
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6:15
The Happiness Threshold: Why More Money Isn’t Always the Answer S02 E08
You hit the big revenue goals. You buy the car, upgrade the office, hit those £10k months, and still feel exactly the same. If more money was supposed to bring happiness, why does it so often come with stress, guilt, or emptiness?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the psychology and science behind the link between income and happiness. You’ll hear real-life stories of business owners who earned more than ever but felt less fulfilled, and discover how to find your own Happiness Threshold.
You'll learn practical ways to spend smarter, track your energy (not just your income), and build a business that funds joy, peace, and purpose - not burnout.
Because the best ROI isn’t always revenue. Sometimes, it’s happiness.
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5:46
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5:46
The Truth About Hustle Culture (and Finding a Better Way) | Lessons from Serena Humphrey S02 E07
We’re told that success is about pushing harder - longer hours, bigger goals, and never switching off. But what if the real win is building a business that gives you freedom, not burnout?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Serena Humphrey, founder of The F Word, to explore what happens when hustle culture hits breaking point. From becoming head of finance for a £10 million company at just 22, to watching it collapse and taking the fall, Serena shares the raw truth behind the numbers.
They dive into the emotional cost of overworking, the lessons learned from financial trauma, and the mindset shifts that helped Serena rebuild her life and business with purpose. You’ll hear how she created a new kind of success, one rooted in clarity, sustainability, and self-worth.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still running on empty, this episode will help you slow down, take stock, and build something that truly supports your future.
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52:36
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52:36
How to Make Your Business Pay You (Now and Later) S02 E06
You started your business for freedom. To build something that gives you flexibility, fulfilment, and a better life. But too often, that dream gets lost in the day-to-day reality of running the business. You pay your team, your suppliers, your taxes… and somehow, you end up last in line.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev helps you flip that script. You’ll learn how to build a business that pays you properly - not just when there’s money left over, but as a non-negotiable part of your financial plan. Bev walks through how to calculate what you really need, structure your pay tax-efficiently, and make “pay yourself first” a sustainable habit. One that strengthens both your business and your future.
Because when your business works for you, not just everyone else, that’s when real freedom and long-term sustainability begin.
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6:52
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6:52
Making Paying Yourself First a Non-Negotiable Habit S02 E05
Too many founders build businesses that pay everyone except themselves. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down how to finally flip that script and start paying yourself a proper, consistent salary without guilt or guesswork.
You’ll learn how to calculate exactly what you should be earning, structure your pay tax-efficiently, and make it a non-negotiable part of your cash flow. Plus, Bev shares the mindset shifts and practical steps that turn “I’ll pay myself later” into “I pay myself first.” Because if your business doesn’t reward you, what’s the point of building it?
Welcome to Beyond the Numbers, the podcast where we take the stress out of business finance and break down the numbers in a way that actually makes sense. Each week, you’ll be joined by Bev Wakefield as she shares straight-talking, practical advice to help you take control of your business finances. From cash flow to pricing, profit to planning, Bev breaks it all down with clarity and simplicity, so you can make confident decisions and build a business that truly works for you.
UK