Talk Straight | Think Smart with Howard Kennedy

Ashlee Jane didn't have grand plans to set up her own business when she created an Instagram account showcasing her floristry hobby. But after building a large online community she took the plunge and founded her business The Suffolk Nest.

In this episode, Ashlee shares her journey to becoming an accidental entrepreneur and her plans for the future. She talks about her upcoming book launch, strategies to manage incredible demand, and her desire to go global.

With a five-year stint as MD of Deliveroo, Dan Warne has a deep understanding of the food and drink sector. But it's his passion for the music industry that inspired him to reimagine the UK food scene and start his own business Sessions. In this episode, Lydia Christie talks to Dan about his journey to starting the business, investment in tech, recruitment strategies in the current market, future expansions, and more!

Charlotte didn't have a background in business when she started skincare brand Disciple. But what she did have was a background in psychotherapy, a unique insight into the causes of skin issues, and a solution that could transform not only her own skin but other people's too. In this episode, Lydia Christie talks to Charlotte about the inspiration behind her skincare brand Disciple, how it was named, the impact COVID had on the business, investment opportunities and sustainable plans for the future.

The Cheeky Panda has three core values: impact, inspire and innovate. And everything comes back to the importance of being green. From day one, Co-Founder Chris Forbes has been focused on bringing sustainability to the mass market, and the impact the business has had is incredible. In this episode, Chris tells host Lydia Christie how by putting purpose before profit, the money follows.

How did a beekeeping experience on the top of Tate Britain lead to a new business? With experience and passion for beer, and a new found interest in bees, Hannah Rhodes came up with an idea to bring them together. In this episode, Hannah tells host Lydia Christie about the experiences that led to her starting her own business, her passion for sustainability and local produce, and creating the first beer that used honey in the fermentation process.

Following a lengthy career in the hotel industry, Chris Penn went out on his own and started his business Birch Community. Birch intends to be a medium for change, providing a different kind of "hotel" focusing on wellbeing and humanity, where people can escape the shackles of modern life and reconnect with themselves. In this episode, host Lydia Christie speaks to him about his inspiration to start the business, the challenges COVID brought and how he envisions their future.

In this special edition, Lydia Christie joins series one host Adam Walford to ask him about the lessons learned from the impressive guests he's interviewed this year. What did Adam think were the key ingredients needed to create a successful entrepreneur? A strong work ethic, bravery, confidence and imagination. Find out why by listening to this recap episode.

Following the influence of entrepreneurial family members, and inspired by trends in New York and his own habits, Spencer came up with the idea for Pure. After selling his flat and getting investment from family and friends he set up the first shop in Soho. Host Adam Walford speaks to him about founding the business, what makes them special and their recent support from DJ Chris Evans.

Brian Harrison has always been passionate about digital transformation. So, when he started Swoon, it didn't matter to him that he had no experience of furniture, what he was interested in was the lack of appetite consumers had to purchase furniture online. He wanted to change that, and he did. Listen to our latest Talk Straight | Think Smart podcast, with host Adam Walford, for behind the scenes insights from Brian on how he started Swoon, how his business has changed since it began and how he's dealt with the challenges stemming from COVID19 and Brexit.

Starting a business at university gave Jeremy Simmonds an insight into young people and their behaviour. Using this knowledge, Jeremy and his co-founder had an idea to bring together mini golf, cocktails and burgers in an immersive venue. And Swingers - the crazy golf club was born. Host Adam Walford speaks to him about how he got started, the growing success of his businesses and the challenges he's faced along the way.