How to Build Recurring Revenue Without Losing Your Soul S02 E11
The feast-and-famine cycle is exhausting. Chasing clients, starting every month at zero, and never knowing when the next payment will land.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down how to build recurring revenue that fits your business and your brain. You’ll explore nine proven models - from retainers to memberships - and learn how to choose one that’s scalable, profitable, and joyful to deliver.
Because the goal isn’t just recurring revenue. It’s recurring freedom.
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9:54
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9:54
From Backpack Sales to Boardroom Strategy | Lessons from Scott Parsons S02 E10
Scaling a business isn’t just about ambition - it’s about grit, clarity, and knowing when to hold your nerve.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev Wakefield speaks with Scott Parsons, co-founder of Forsyth Barnes, about building one of the UK’s fastest-growing recruitment firms from the ground up. From selling sweets at school to leading teams across four continents, Scott shares the mindset shifts, financial strategies, and leadership lessons that shaped his journey.
They dive into the realities of scaling without external funding, navigating COVID with conviction, and creating a culture where people truly care. If you’re growing something big and want to lead with purpose, not just pressure, this episode will show you how.
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41:35
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41:35
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.
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