In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe Weatherhead talks with Mike Mandeville about his unconventional journey—from working on oil rigs in Abu Dhabi at 14 to the Army reserves, marketing, and ultimately self-employment. Mike shares how early experiences, family influences, and personal challenges shaped his approach to business, leadership, and life.

Learn how:

• Personal and career experiences can shape your unique superpower in business.
• Trusting your instincts and judgment is key to self-employment success.
• Resilience, adaptability, and reliability create lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Success is personal—focus on stability and values, not just titles or income.
• Your upbringing and early experiences shape your work ethic and leadership style.
• Going self-employed can give you freedom, responsibility, and confidence.
• Being reliable and supportive is a legacy that lasts longer than monetary success.

Guest Bio:
Mike Mandeville is co-founder of Chip Engineering, an industrial electrical company specialising in asphalt plants. His career spans working in Abu Dhabi, the Army reserves, marketing, and now entrepreneurship. Mike is passionate about hands-on work, teamwork, and building a business grounded in trust and reliability.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!

Follow me on Facebook

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Say 'hi' on Instagram

Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

In this episode, Chloe speaks with Vienda, founder of The Mentor Training, about turning lived experiences into professional superpowers. From studying psychology to creating a globally recognised mentoring certification, Vienda shares her journey of self-trust, resilience, and embracing fear as a signal for growth.

Key Takeaways

• Fear vs. growth: Fear is often a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.
• Self-trust is key: Business success comes from trusting yourself rather than copying others’ models.
• Life experience matters: Personal challenges often equip us with the empathy and insight to support others.
• Authenticity attracts: Vulnerability and honesty create deeper connections than “perfect” appearances.
• Adaptability mindset: Trust that life is working for you, cultivate inner safety, and surrender control over what you can’t change.
• Business insight: Success is less about certainty and more about being comfortable with the unknown.

Resources & Links

🌐 Learn more at: thementortraining.com
📲 Follow Vienda on Instagram: @viendamaria

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!

Follow me on Facebook

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Say 'hi' on Instagram

Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe Weatherhead sits down with marketing mentor and local SEO specialist, David Robertson. David shares how his diverse career path — from the RAF to dentistry and finally into digital marketing — has shaped his approach to business and marketing. He explores the experiences that fuelled his curiosity, competitive spirit, and resilience, and how these traits became his superpowers in the world of SEO and local search marketing.

Key Topics Covered:

• David’s journey from the RAF to becoming a local SEO expert.
• How personal resilience and life experiences influence professional success.
• The importance of balancing technical skills with human connection in digital marketing.
• Lessons learned from leading teams and mentoring others.
• Practical advice for business owners navigating the noisy world of marketing.
• How curiosity, adaptability, and ethical practices have guided David’s career.
• Tips for small businesses on optimising Google Maps, content creation, and visibility strategies.

Resources and Links:

• David’s website: blueskyseo.co.uk

Episode Takeaway:
David’s story reminds us that business success isn’t just about technical expertise — it’s about resilience, human connection, and curiosity. For any business owner aiming to be seen, found, and remembered, David’s approach to SEO and local marketing is both a practical guide and a source of inspiration.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!

Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!

Follow me on Facebook

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Say 'hi' on Instagram

Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance