#83: From Self-Loathing To Self-Love and the Birth of Lu in Luland AKA Lu Feathersone
*Trigger warning: sexual assault In this episode, I speak to Lu Featherstone, the vibrant and inspiring personality better known as 'Lu in LuLand' on Instagram. We dive into Lu's colorful and bold life journey from growing up as a vicar's daughter, serving in the Armed Forces, to moving to America and undergoing a transformative self-love revolution following her divorce. Lu candidly shares her struggles and triumphs, including dealing with postnatal depression, financial troubles, a self-diagnosed ADHD, and the powerful shift towards embracing authenticity and building community. We also explore her role as a confidence coach, and her ambitions with the Self-Love Revolution Bus. Be prepared for an emotional and deeply honest conversation that sheds light on the importance of resilience, community, and finding your purpose. Find Lu on Instagram here Find Lu's website and more information about her Self-Love Revolution tour here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instragram here And shop my limited edition stationery collection here ------------ Â
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#82 Organisational Rebel: Grace Mosuro on Making Inclusion Unavoidable
This week's episode feels special. It feels like one everyone should hear, and in it I speak to Grace Mosuro, an organisational development consultant, inclusion coach, and strategist. Grace shares her compelling journey rooted in her experiences as a black, Nigerian-born, UK-raised woman, touching on her early career, overcoming workplace marginalisation, and her shift towards focusing on diversity and inclusion. We delve into fundamental lessons for founders, the significance of intersectionality, the importance of finding joy in daily life, and how resilience shaped her leadership post-breast cancer. Join us as we explore how to build inclusive workplaces and the transformative power of true allyship. Find Grace on LinkedIn here Find Grace's website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. AND I'm delighted that my first ever stationery collection is now available for pre-order, made in collaboration with the awesome Creative Stationery London. Shop our bespoke weekly desk planner pad, and academic year wall planner, with specially designed stickers to help you plan your year with intention. Numbers are limited and orders close mid July. Shop here.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:20 Meet Grace Mosuro: Organisational Development Consultant 02:37 Grace's Early Work Experiences 08:44 The Journey to Business Management 13:23 Transition to Recruitment and Social Justice 18:20 The Impact of George Floyd's Murder on DEI 26:08 Building Inclusive Workplaces 33:15 The Power of Allyship and Vulnerability in Leadership 36:36 Coaching Leaders for Inclusivity 37:37 Breaking Down Misconceptions and Building Relationships 40:16 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges 42:01 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership 50:53 Parenting and Inclusion 55:01 Advice for Small Business Owners on Diversity and Inclusion 59:53 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts  Â
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#81: From A Shopping Addiction to Uncluttered Living With Jenn Jordan AKA Orjenise
In this episode I speak to Jenn Jordan, professional organiser and founder of Orjenise about her unique path to finding her life's calling. Jen wasn't always an organised person; in fact, she was messy and struggled with a shopping addiction. We delve into her early career, time on tour with her rockstar husband, and the moment she realized she needed to declutter her life. Jenn shares the emotional complexities of letting go of sentimental items and offers practical tips for anyone looking to start their own decluttering journey. We also explore Jenn's views on work-life balance, success, and her decision not to have children. Join us for an insightful conversation about embracing change and finding joy in the things that truly matter. Find Jenn on Instagram here Find Jenn's website here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here. Stationery addicts unite! In case you didn't know I have launched my first small but perfectly formed stationery collection with bespoke stationery designer and maker Fi at Creative Stationery London. The collection includes a weekly desk planner pad, and an academic year planner in two sizes, with bespoke stickers to help you plot in everything from events to holidays to your periods. Check out the collection and pre-order here. ---------- 01:20 Meet Jenn Jordan: From Messy to Organised 02:32 Jenn's Early Life and Career Struggles 05:48 University Challenges and Personal Loss 09:08 Life on Tour and Career Shifts 12:08 Discovering a Passion for Decluttering 20:40 Starting a Business and Overcoming Obstacles 32:32 Navigating Grief and Sentimental Items 33:38 The Emotional Weight of Decluttering 36:12 Effective Home Organisation Systems 38:26 Mindful Shopping and Consumption 44:47 Challenges of Running a Small Business 52:29 Personal Reflections on Life Choices 57:25 Practical Tips for Overwhelmed Spaces 01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Reflections Â
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#80 For The Love Of Art Over Artists with Imogen Partridge
In this episode of Women's Business, I speak to Imogen Partridge, a talented watercolor illustrator (and friend), about her journey from a career in interior design to launching her own successful art business. We delve into Imogen's early influences, her battles against the 'struggling artist' narrative, and the power of creativity in personal and professional growth. Imogen shares insights on how she cultivated her audience, managed the transition from traditional employment to self-employment, and the various revenue streams that support her creative enterprise. We also touch on the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset, balancing family life, and breaking the cycle of self-sacrifice modeled by previous generations. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a business owner seeking inspiration, this wide-ranging conversation offers valuable takeaways for everyone.
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#79 From Doodled Dreams To Dragons' Den With Creator Of Mood Bears Joanna Proud
In this episode I speak to Jo Proud, the founder of Mood Bears - emotional support bears designed to help children (and adults!) understand and express their emotions. Jo shares her incredibly inspiring story, which began with a late-night idea that was born out of her own mental health struggles. From creating her first prototype to importing a shipping container full of bears from China, Jo discusses the challenging and gratifying journey of building her business. We also delve into her personal life, touching on her upbringing and the choices she made to go against her mother's wishes to be a housewise, plus her one-of-a-kind experience on Dragons' Den, and how her resilience and drive have shaped her into the successful entrepreneur she is today. Jo provides valuable insights into not just her business growth but also the importance of mental health advocacy and how Mood Bears have impacted countless lives in homes, schools, and hospitals. Tune in to hear this compelling conversation on overcoming personal and professional challenges to create a product that brings happiness and emotional support to many.  Find the Mood Bears website here Find Mood Bears on Instagram here Don't forget to join the conversation with me on Instagram here  ------------------  Thank you so much to Sophie Griffiths for supporting this episode. You know how it is, you spend loads of time and effort on your Insta content, and then only a handful of the people in your audience actually see it. If you’re stuck in that constant frustration and would like closer to 80% of your audience seeing your content then Sophie has a £3 per day ad campaign that might be for you, and she’s spilling her secrets on it totally free of charge! Sophie is an absolute pro when it comes to the big and bold marketing moves you need to make in your business, so whether you need support on paid ads or access to her mastermind or mini mind to help you level up your business, I strongly suggest you check out Sophie’s work. If you’re keen to learn more about her listen back to episode 75 of this very podcast and then head here to find out more.  ---------------  01:16 Meet Jo Proud and Mood Bears 02:18 Jo's Early Life and Family Dynamics 03:54 Breaking Away and Pursuing Education 07:38 Mental Health Struggles and Coping Mechanisms 16:06 Creating Mood Bears: From Doodles to Reality 20:28 Challenges and Successes in Business 26:39 The Power of Poems and Teddy Bears 27:50 Impact of Mood Bears in Various Settings 31:05 Journey to Dragons' Den 36:19 Life After Dragons' Den 38:32 Personal Reflections and Mental Health 40:42 Mood Bears' Research and Success 44:48 Final Thoughts and Advice 49:31 Exclusive Merch Announcement Â
Nicky Denson-Elliott talks to a host of women about their career paths, from early memories of work through careers advice (or lack of it), and first jobs, up to present day. With all their insight and learnings along the way, these conversations are designed to both inspire and empower women in their own career journeys.
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