Épisodes

  • Russell Goldthorpe: People Skills, Personal Values and Building a Life Around What Matters

    Russell Goldthorpe: People Skills, Personal Values and Building a Life Around What Matters
    Oct 16 2026
    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Russell Goldthorpe, a Halifax-based telecoms and sales veteran who has spent over 30 years in the industry and run his own businesses for much of it, to talk about the moment that changed how he thought about work for good.Russell explains how watching his dad get made redundant at forty, after two decades of loyalty to one company, became the reason he set up his own business: to never be beholden to anybody, and to never miss a single moment of his daughter Molly's childhood. He talks candidly about trading a bigger salary for flexibility and presence, and how that trade has shaped every business decision since.Russell and Chloe also talk about the role fitness and routine play in a self-employed mindset, why people skills are becoming more valuable as AI takes over more of the technical work, and why honesty, even when it costs him financially, has always mattered more to him than being a millionaire.It's a warm, honest and often funny conversation about values, timekeeping, and why understanding personal finance early might be the single most underrated life skill there is.In This Episode● Russell's 30-plus year career in telecoms and sales● The moment his dad's redundancy at 40 changed how Russell thought about work and loyalty● Setting up his own business to be present for his daughter Molly's childhood● Trading a bigger salary for time, flexibility and control● Building his latest venture, West Vale, after 15 months of learning and adapting to a changed market● Why fitness, routine and an early gym habit support his mental health and mindset● People skills as the thing AI can't replace● Why younger generations face pressures, like social media and fear of mistakes, that his generation didn't● His personal values: honesty above profit, even during a business liquidation● Why timekeeping and follow-through are the most undervalued skills in business● What he wishes he'd understood about personal finance and compound interest at 19● Frustration with jargon and acronyms used to intimidate rather than informKey Takeaways● Watching a parent get let go after years of loyalty can be the moment that reshapes your whole approach to work and security.● Trading a bigger salary for flexibility and presence with family is a trade many people don't realise they're allowed to make.● Fitness and routine aren't just personal habits, they're part of what keeps a self-employed mindset steady.● People skills are becoming more valuable, not less, as AI takes over more of the technical and written work.● Being honest, even when it costs you financially, builds a reputation that outlasts any single deal.● Timekeeping and doing what you said you'd do are simple, undervalued markers of respect in business.● Understanding compound interest and personal finance early can change the entire trajectory of your working life.Memorable Quotes“Sometimes somebody just needs to ask the question everyone else is too nervous to ask.”“Don't ever be beholden to anybody.”“I never missed anything in Molly's development.”“It's all relative to where you're at.”“If my mum and dad got sold to, I'd want them treated the way I try to treat people.”“Even when I shut down my business and it went into liquidation, the people who needed paying got paid.”“I can sleep every night without worrying that I've lied.”“Never lie, because you can always be caught out by what you've said.”“Timekeeping, which I still think is one of the biggest things in the world.”“I just think the value of people's time has gone down.”“I just think certain industries hide it to make more money.”“I would love to have known more about personal finance as a young kid.”“I think there should be zero acronyms in the whole world, really.”Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find it valuable.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 FacebookConnect with me on LinkedInSay 'hi' on InstagramFind out more about Andiamo Business Assistance
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    31 min
  • Rebecca Hopwood: Clear Massages, Strong Values and Building a Business That Fits Your Life

    Rebecca Hopwood: Clear Massages, Strong Values and Building a Business That Fits Your Life
    Oct 2 2026
    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Rebecca Hopwood, founder of Youbee Media and the Hive Academy, to talk about the pandemic pivot that changed her career, and the honest reality of building a business behind the polished version people see online.Rebecca set up Youbee Media in September 2020, after lockdown gave her an unexpected glimpse of what life could look like without an hour-long commute eating into time with her three-year-old son. She talks candidly about the guilt and pressure of that period, and the moment she realised she'd normalised barely seeing her child, and decided to change it.Rebecca and Chloe talk about the values that have carried her through six years in business: kindness, reliability, and doing what you say you're going to do. Rebecca is refreshingly honest about the reality of growing a company, gaining two clients and losing three in the same week, doubling office space and doubling the pressure that comes with it, and why she thinks the version of entrepreneurship people see on LinkedIn rarely matches the version people actually live.It's a warm, funny and grounded conversation about values, boundaries, and building a business that lets you show up fully, both for your team and for the people at home.In This Episode● Rebecca's 15-plus years in marketing and founding Youbee Media in 2020● Why the pandemic became the turning point that pushed her into self-employment● Trading a corporate commute for more time with her young son● Learning which responsibilities will "smash" if dropped, and which will simply bounce back● Kindness and reliability as the values that built her business culture and reputation● Why soft skills like listening and warmth aren't automatic, even for a young, digitally native team● The honest reality of growing a business: gaining clients one week, losing them the next● Flexible working, and why the office culture that's stuck since the pandemic works both ways● Recognising your "tribe": who stays in your inner circle, and who doesn't● Wanting to be remembered as someone who did what she said she would do● Modelling confidence and work ethic for her son by including him in her working life● Why "the reality isn't what you see on LinkedIn"Key Takeaways● You don't have to do everything, all the time. Learn which responsibilities will "smash" if dropped, and which will simply bounce back.● Kindness and reliability are quiet values, but they're what people remember and recommend you for, years later.● Soft skills like listening and genuine warmth aren't automatic. They're worth teaching deliberately, even to a young team.● Growing a business rarely feels like a straight line. Gaining and losing clients in the same week is normal, not a sign of failure.● What you see of other people's businesses online is rarely the full picture. The reality is far messier, and far more hard-won.● Letting your children see you work, and see you present, can teach them more about confidence and work ethic than words ever could.● Being remembered as someone who does what they say they'll do is a legacy worth building deliberately.Memorable Quotes“It's such a mindset thing... I think it never stops being hard.”“The reality isn't what you see on LinkedIn. It's such a battle.”“Always, always be nice, and do what you say you're going to do.”“People never forget how you made them feel.”“You can't do everything well all of the time.”“I want to be known as the person who did what they said they were going to do.”“Mum worked really hard. But when she was present, she was there.”“I don't need more team members, and more stress on the ones I've already got.”“Having just not having to ask permission, I think is the biggest thing.”“We'll literally have a week where we gain two clients and lose three.”“Because he's seen me working, I think that's instilled a work ethic in him.”Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find it valuable.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 FacebookConnect with me on LinkedInSay 'hi' on InstagramFind out more about Andiamo Business Assistance
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    29 min
  • Lynda Merryweather: Be Yourself, Be Kind, Keep It Simple

    Lynda Merryweather: Be Yourself, Be Kind, Keep It Simple
    Sep 18 2026

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Lynda Merryweather to explore the experiences that shaped her approach to business, leadership and life.

    From working on a horse yard to leading teams in global travel, Lynda shares how problem-solving, curiosity and a genuine interest in people have been the foundations of her career. She talks about the power of asking questions, the importance of authenticity in a world driven by AI, and why kindness and values should never be compromised, even in business.

    Lynda is candid about the pressure founders feel to throw money at growth, and why building a realistic plan around the time, resource and finance you actually have will get you further. She also talks about the value of simply putting your hand up and asking for help, something she says is one of the most underused tools in business.

    This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about growth, reflection and doing things your way.

    In This Episode

    ● Lynda's career path, from working on a horse yard to 16 years at Thomas Cook to founding Two Crows

    ● How Lynda's dad influenced her view of business

    ● Why curiosity and asking questions drive success

    ● Lessons from working with horses, and real-life problem solving on a tight budget

    ● Why throwing money at problems doesn't actually fix them

    ● The importance of asking for help, and why so many people are afraid to

    ● Authenticity, empathy and being yourself in business

    ● Why kindness is an undervalued leadership skill

    ● Generational shifts in workplace culture, and challenging the status quo

    ● Practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating growth

    Key Takeaways

    ● You don't need to follow someone else's blueprint. Stay true to your values, focus on what matters, and build your business in a way that works for you.

    ● Solve problems with the resources you actually have, rather than assuming more money automatically fixes things.

    ● Asking for help isn't a weakness, it's one of the fastest ways to move forward.

    ● Authenticity and empathy are what set you apart in a world where AI can increasingly do the rest.

    ● Kindness is an undervalued leadership skill. You can be successful without needing to bulldoze people.

    ● Understanding the "why" behind a decision matters more than following convention for its own sake.

    ● Not everyone will like you, and that's fine. Trust your gut about who, and what, feels right.

    Memorable Quotes

    “I don't see problems, I see challenges, and I get a real buzz from overcoming them.”

    “You learn very quickly to fix the problem with the resource you've got.”

    “There's so much pressure on founders and business owners to throw money at growth. Let's be realistic about the time, resource and finance you actually have available, and build an actionable plan around that.”

    “I'm a great believer in putting my hand up and saying, I need some help with this.”

    “In a world of AI, authenticity and empathy are what separate us from the machines.”

    “I know who I am, I know what I'm good at, I know where I add value.”

    “Be honest, be kind, and keep it simple.”

    “I've never wanted to do something just because that's the way it's always been done.”

    “Barriers are there so that you can find a way around them, over them, or blast a hole through the middle.”

    “Not everyone is going to like you or want to work with you, and that is okay.”

    “If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut. It probably isn't.”

    Call to Action

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find it valuable.

    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
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    25 min
  • Gareth James: Useful, Not Perfect: Video Confidence, Change and Showing Up'

    Gareth James: Useful, Not Perfect: Video Confidence, Change and Showing Up'
    Sep 4 2026
    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Gareth James of Clockwork Eye Video, a video marketing trainer and producer, to talk about an unconventional career path, and a deeply personal project that grew out of it.Gareth's route into video ran through the army, where he trained as an armourer, an unplanned turn into amateur dramatics, and extras work on television, before he and business partner Mick built a video production company from scratch, and later the Video Creators Club, teaching small businesses to make their own confident, authentic video content.Gareth talks candidly about why he's never shied away from change, from the arrival of the smartphone to AI, and why he believes "the only perfect video is a finished one." But the heart of this conversation is the Memorial Map, a project Gareth started after losing his father-in-law and mother, and watching his father move into care. Prompted by his sister's comment that nobody would know who their grandparents were, Gareth built a public map where anyone can add a lasting tribute to someone they've lost.It's a genuinely moving, funny and practical conversation about embracing change, being useful, and making sure the people who mattered to us aren't forgotten.In This Episode● Gareth's unconventional path: from army armourer to IT to amateur dramatics to video production● Founding Clockwork Eye Video and later the Video Creators Club● Why "be useful" is Gareth's guiding rule for any content he makes● Embracing change rather than resisting it, from smartphones to AI● Why perfection is the enemy of authentic video content● "Famous people syndrome" and why video builds trust before you've even met someone● Why he ignores negative comments online rather than engaging with them● His forthcoming children's book about the life story of a water molecule● The personal loss that inspired the Memorial Map project● How a members' map for a networking group grew into something much bigger● Balancing a meaningful project against the risk of abuse or liability● Why being remembered matters, and how the map lets ordinary families do thatKey Takeaways● Embracing change, rather than resisting it, is what's kept Gareth's business relevant through 15 years of shifting technology.● Perfection isn't the goal in video. Usefulness and authenticity build more trust than polish ever will.● Ignore the people who only want to argue online. Engaging with them rarely leads anywhere useful.● Grief and loss can become the starting point for something genuinely useful to other people, not just something to carry alone.● Meaningful projects still need proper structure and safeguards, even when they're born from something personal rather than commercial.● Consistency beats intensity. A weekly video that takes forty minutes to record has quietly built a loyal audience over time.● Your life experience, including the hardest parts, can become the thing that makes your work distinctive.Memorable Quotes“There’s no point looking backwards. We’re not going that way.”“Be useful. Whatever you create, be useful.”“The only perfect video is a finished one.”“It's actually a camera with a phone attached, not a phone with a camera.”“I've never been one to shy away from change.”“I'm not doing that any more, I'm doing this instead.”“Video is the start of a conversation.”“There's three types of people on the internet: people who'll agree with you, people who'll disagree with you, and the ones you just ignore.”“You're not truly dead until your name's forgotten.”“It's a shame really, because nobody will know who these people were.”“She won't be forgotten, and that's what the whole project is about.”Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find it valuable.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 FacebookConnect with me on LinkedInSay 'hi' on InstagramFind out more about Andiamo Business Assistance
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    40 min
  • Faye Kenny-Broom Creating Memories That Last: Photography, Pets, and Purpose

    Faye Kenny-Broom Creating Memories That Last: Photography, Pets, and Purpose
    Jul 24 2026

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe chats with photographer Faye Kenny-Broom about creativity, courage, and building a business around the moments that matter most.

    Faye shares how her early love of storytelling and imagery led her into photography, why she stepped away from a successful corporate career, and how a deeply personal experience inspired her to create A Northern Heart — a photography business dedicated to capturing the bond between people and their beloved pets.

    From photographing families to creating fine-art portraits of dogs and horses in the Yorkshire countryside, Faye’s work focuses on preserving memories and turning them into meaningful artwork for people’s homes.

    This conversation explores creativity, resilience, and the lessons learned from building a business rooted in kindness, authenticity, and purpose.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    • How creativity and curiosity in childhood shaped Faye’s career
    • The moment she left the corporate world to pursue photography full-time
    • The inspiration behind A Northern Heart and photographing pets
    • Why capturing memories through photography matters more than ever
    • Lessons from self-employment: resilience, boundaries, and trusting yourself
    • The importance of investing in personal and professional growth
    • Why kindness and connection are at the heart of meaningful businesses

    Key Takeaway

    Faye reminds us that success in business isn’t always about scale or status — sometimes it’s about creating something meaningful that helps people hold on to the moments and relationships they love most.

    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

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    Say 'hi' on Instagram

    Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance
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    26 min
  • Jay Dickinson Human Skills in a Tech World: Marketing, Empathy, and AI

    Jay Dickinson Human Skills in a Tech World: Marketing, Empathy, and AI
    Jul 10 2026

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe chats with Jay Dickinson, a marketing strategist with extensive experience on both client and agency sides, and now founder of Ginger Fury. Jay shares how sociology shaped her understanding of people, why she started her own business, and the human skills that are becoming more valuable in a tech-driven world.

    Key topics include:

    • Bridging the gap between big marketing ideas and day-to-day execution.
    • Why verbal communication, listening, and empathy are undervalued skills that AI can’t replace.
    • How personal and professional experiences shape business decisions and leadership style.
    • Strategies for managing work-life balance while running a business and raising young children.
    • The legacy Jay hopes to leave: blending technology with a human-centered approach.

    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!

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    18 min
  • James Longbottom Choosing the Right Shiny Things: Focus in Business & Tech

    James Longbottom Choosing the Right Shiny Things: Focus in Business & Tech
    Jun 26 2026

    Feeling overwhelmed by new tech trends? In this episode, James Longbottom shares how to focus on the “shiny things” that actually matter for your business. From AI and automation to building trust with clients, James reveals practical ways to save time, work smarter, and make better decisions.

    Learn how to:

    • Spot which opportunities are worth pursuing—and which to ignore.
    • Start small, prove concepts, and build long-term trust.
    • Translate complex tech into solutions that really work for your business.
    • Stay adaptable in a fast-changing business world.

    Packed with real-world insights and actionable advice, this episode will give you tools to focus, innovate, and grow without chasing every shiny trend.

    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

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    Say 'hi' on Instagram

    Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance
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    30 min
  • Rosina Horn "Reconnecting Through Story: How Creativity, Courage and Community Shape Purpose"

    Rosina Horn "Reconnecting Through Story: How Creativity, Courage and Community Shape Purpose"
    Jun 12 2026

    In this inspiring episode, Chloe sits down with Ros, the founder of Reconnected, a new online magazine built to share uplifting stories and rebuild community connection in Leeds and Bradford.

    Ros opens up about the life challenges that shaped her—navigating divorce, new motherhood, moving back home, and rediscovering her creative identity during lockdown. What started as a simple community resource eventually blossomed into a beautifully designed magazine with a mission: to help people reconnect with themselves and others.

    This conversation is rich with honesty, courage and the reminder that creativity, community and authenticity matter more than ever.

    What We Cover

    ✨ How lockdown pushed Ros to rediscover her creative roots
    ✨ The story behind Reconnected and its evolution from a smaller magazine
    ✨ Imposter syndrome, rebuilding confidence, and starting a business later in life
    ✨ Growing up around self-sufficient, entrepreneurial family influences
    ✨ The values driving Ros today: wellbeing, security, family and connection
    ✨ Why authenticity is essential—especially for small businesses
    ✨ The legacy Ros hopes to leave for her son and her community

    Key Quotes

    “Creativity is when I feel most like myself.” – Ros

    “You can’t build something lasting unless you’re honest.” – Ros

    “My wellbeing has to come first so I can show up fully for my son.” – Ros

    About This Week’s Guest – Ros

    Ros is the founder of Reconnected, an online magazine designed to bring people together through positive local stories and honest community connection. With a background in hospitality and a degree in graphics and illustration, Ros blends creativity with real-world experience to create something deeply meaningful for readers. She lives in Baildon with her son, Arlo.

    Follow Reconnected:
    Instagram: @reconnected_magazine

    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

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    Say 'hi' on Instagram

    Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance
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    21 min