The Midlife Entrepreneur

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo interviews Rachel Carvell-Spedding, Founder and CEO of Navygrey, a B Corp certified clothing brand specialising in high-quality knitwear. Rachel shares three critical strategies for building brand loyalty, community, and trust: 'Tell the truth,' 'Make people feel something,' and 'Keep showing up.' 
She underscores the importance of radical transparency, emotional connection, and consistency in business. Rachel also discusses her experiences in running Navygrey, the challenges faced, and how these principles have guided her brand's success. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and personal anecdotes.
 
00:00 Introduction to the 15 Minute Masterclass
00:18 Meet Rachel Carvell-Spedding: Building Brand Loyalty
01:13 First Key to Success: Tell the Truth
06:34 Second Key to Success: Make People Feel Something
09:05 Third Key to Success: Show Up Consistently
14:30 Summary and Closing Remarks
16:34 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
 
You can follow Navygrey on Instagram @navygrey.co
Or head to their website: https://navygrey.co/
 
Support the show
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

Join Jo on The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast as she converses with Helen Hopkins, also known as the Mealtime Maverick. Helen, a batch cooking specialist, wellness coach, and author with a massive online following, shares her entrepreneurial journey from going viral on Instagram in 2024 to publishing her first book, Mix and Match Batch. Helen discusses the pressures and rewards of her newfound fame, the impact of her personal struggles, and how she efficiently manages her thriving business with the help of her husband. Listen to Helen’s approach to balancing creativity with business strategy, and find out her top three investments, two regrets, and who she thanks for her success.
 
00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:54 Introducing Helen Hopkins: The Mealtime Maverick
02:04 Going Viral on Instagram: The Journey
03:15 The Challenges and Realities of Viral Fame
04:47 DM Automation: Managing the Influx
12:11 Balancing Personal Life and Business
16:03 Creating the Mix and Match Batch Cookbook
27:00 Balancing Family Meals
28:20 The Business Evolution
28:41 Membership and Income Streams
29:08 Affiliate Marketing Insights
30:10 The Role of Community
32:40 Working with a Partner
37:46 Future Aspirations
41:35 Reflecting on Success and Challenges
51:41 Closing Thoughts and Tips
 
You can follow Helen at:
Instagram @mealtime.maverick
https://mealtimemaverick.com/ 
Her new book ‘Mix and Match Batch’ is available to order on Amazon now. 
Support the show
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass, Jo is joined by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, for an insightful discussion on elevating networking skills. Helen breaks down the common misconceptions about networking and emphasizes the importance of shifting your mindset from 'networking' to 'connecting.' She shares practical tips including going in with an open mindset, being curious and asking open-ended questions, curating a meaningful network, and showing up consistently. Helen advocates for a generous approach to connecting people and stresses the long-term value of meaningful conversations over transactional meetings. Tune in for actionable advice on becoming a more effective and genuine networker.
00:00 Introduction to the 15 Minute Masterclass
00:43 Debunking Networking Myths
01:36 Mindset Shift: From Networking to Connecting
02:14 Practical Tips for Making Connections
06:46 Curating and Maintaining Your Network
14:34 The Importance of Showing Up
16:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
17:51 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
 
Helen Brocklebank is the CEO of Walpole, the official sector body for the UK’s £81bn luxury sector. Their work promotes, protects and develops the business of British luxury.  https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/
 
Support the show
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo introduces Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, the founder of the Women's Chapter, a community fostering the growth of women in business. Since 2014, the Women's Chapter has reached over 30,000 women through events, thought leadership, mentoring, and initiatives, becoming the first women's network in the UK to achieve B Corp certification for its social and environmental impact. Michelle shares her journey from varied career roles to founding the Women's Chapter as a passion project driven by a need for meaningful business connections. Michelle also discusses the pivotal moments that led to the growth of the Women's Chapter, including personal challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasises the importance of building a community that promotes genuine collaboration over transactional networking. This insightful episode highlights Michelle's dedication to empowering women and fostering connections that drive positive change. The conversation also covers key aspects of managing and scaling a business, outsourcing, maintaining a work-life balance, and future goals focused on simplicity and core strengths.
00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:56 Introducing Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk
02:18 Michelle's Career Journey
03:52 The Birth of The Women's Chapter
06:23 Challenges and Inspirations
12:37 Building a Digital Home
15:26 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes
20:32 Expanding the Community
21:34 Managing Growth and Team Dynamics
25:45 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
28:24 Balancing Ambition and Realism
29:13 The Entrepreneurial Mindset
29:43 Building a Supportive Community
30:19 Diverse Inspirations and Success Stories
30:57 Aligning Passion with Purpose
31:23 Reinventing Career Paths
34:59 The Value of Midlife Experience
42:44 Future-Proofing Your Life and Business
45:56 Investments Worth Every Penny
48:45 Reflections and Gratitude
50:51 Looking Forward to 2026
Support the show
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, the focus is on new plans for the upcoming year. Jo celebrates a successful first year of the podcast, expresses gratitude to listeners, and introduces exciting new features. These include the '15 Minute Masterclass' series, aiming to provide expert advice on various business topics. Jo emphasises the importance of building a community around the podcast and encourages listeners to follow and engage with the show. Additionally, Jo announces the launch of a dedicated Instagram account for 'The Midlife Entrepreneur.'
 
00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast
00:47 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting
01:35 Introducing the 15-Minute Masterclass Series
02:07 Building Our Community
02:29 Follow Us and Stay Connected
02:58 Join Us on Instagram
03:29 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved
Support the show
Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com