The Story Club

Meet Sam Kitching, The Founder of WIT and Friday&.

Sam's experience truly is at the intersection of fitness, retail, and brand building.

Covering all his experience navigating the retail landscape, his commitment to authentic physical experiences, and his vision for the future of fitness brands.

"You can't do everything yourself... It's about finding people who complement your skills and letting them shine."

(00:00) - Introduction to Sam and where it all began (03:15) - The evolution of retail (08:11) - First entrepreneurial experiences and building WIT (13:01) - Physical spaces in retail and moving to London (16:32) - The importance of community beyond a buzzword (19:57) - Building a community and matching up values (25:00) - Leaving WIT and joining NoBull (28:38) - Building a business and defining what success means (30:33) - Creating a venture studio and helping people (36:07) - Having a vision and those gut feelings to drive you

Dive in for Sam's journey of transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

Meet Olly Hudson, the DTC master building DTC brands to 8 and 9 figures.

In this episode, Olly dives deep into digital marketing, sharing his expert insights on the evolution of DTC platforms, the importance of data-driven decisions, and the power of understanding consumer psychology.

'The power of people is still underappreciated. You can't do everything yourself... You need to find people who are better than you at things.'

00:00 - Introduction to Olly Hudson and his journey into D2C

05:34 - The early days of Dropshipping and finding the right product

08:30 - Starting an agency and building base revenue

12:12 - Timing, luck, and COVID's e-commerce boom

17:38 - Building out the team and the importance of culture

20:47 - What you need to make Meta/TikTok ads work today

26:55 - What makes a good offer for your customer

29:54 - Starting a content agency for TikTok

37:03 - Becoming CMO of JAQ Group to build a brand house

41:09 - Finding good products and killing bad ones

48:31 - Trusting the process, having patience and teamwork

Join us as Olly shares his insights on navigating the fast-paced world of e-commerce and digital marketing, mastering platforms, and building out great teams.

The Story Club

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnysrose

Olly Hudson

Website: https://www.foryouadvertising.com Website: https://www.soarwithus.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olly-hudson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliverwhudson

Meet Mitch Clayton, Co-Founder of Flowd, as we dive into his journey from football to the forefront of B2B lead generation.

In this episode, Mitch talks about the discipline from his football days, the shift to entrepreneurship, and how these experiences have shaped the ethos behind Flowd's success.

'We are just obsessed with what we do... There's no better feeling for us than helping our clients generate huge opportunities closing big deals knowing that it's come from your work'

00:00 - Intro to Mitch Clayton and the problems with early advancement

04:46 - Getting kicked out of school at 16 with a scholarship

09:06 - Playing football and the wrong kind of role models

14:04 - Problems with authority and the path to entrepreneurship

19:28 - The benefits of the network in Manchester for growth

24:45 - Running an eCommerce business during COVID

31:39 - Analysing yourself, and choosing what you love.

35:12 - Free work, case studies and proving you can get results

40:08 - The importance of continued feedback and improvement

46:06 - Flowd's growth plans and getting the right infrastructure

Join us as Mitch shares his passion for leading a business, and creating a positive, fulfilling environment for people inside Flowd and their clients.

The Story Club

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast⁠

Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnysrose ⁠

Mitch Clayton

Website: ⁠https://www.flowd.co.uk⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-clayton-6bb227aa⁠

Meet Josh Kilimanjaro, a mastermind in the music world. In this episode, Josh gives an honest look into the life of an artist searching for authenticity and connection in today's digital age. He shares his journey from his time as a band member to a DJ, navigating the music industry, his personal growth amidst lockdown, and the importance of family and friends on his career. "You need to dig deep. Everything that you invest in now will reap its rewards, and the seeds that you sow now will come to fruition, and the fruit will come from that, but you just need to fight through the season." 00:00 - Introduction to Josh Kilimanjaro 04:01 - Moving into the world of music and starting a band 10:45 - Balancing everything to stay creative 15:04 - Taking a break from the band and becoming a DJ 19:45 - How lockdown boosted his hunger and drive 27:20 - Planning the future and moves for success 30:01 - Getting through COVID by connecting deeper with people 34:43 - Josh's advice if you feel like giving up and what it takes 39:05 - How bad times spur positive action 42:45 - Putting yourself in the right spaces for success 45:54 - Ground yourself, stay close with family, pick the right friends. The Story Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnysrose Josh Kilimanjaro SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kilimanjaro-music Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kilimanjaromusic

Meet Sam Winsbury, an entrepreneur who has been deep in the world of personal branding the last few years, and business leadership. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from starting his business, to becoming a sought-after personal branding expert. We get right into the nuances of creating a personal brand in today's digital age, adapting business strategies in challenging times, personal growth, and the often-overlooked aspects of building a successful brand. "Take responsibility for everything you can. There aren't many things in your life or business that you haven't either allowed or caused yourself. Take control of it and do something about it." 00:00 – Intro to Sam 03:42 - Finding LinkedIn and balancing University 06:26 - The pandemic and building the business 08:40 - Choosing the name Kurogo 12:37 - The altruism within personal branding 17:08 - The first hires, and the importance of onboarding 22:18 - Positioning clients, and finding their 'North Star' 29:38 - How to become a better leader and Radical Candor 33:38 - Evolving the business and getting to the next level 38:41 - Balancing work and life, people and partners 46:27 - Creating opportunities and your own luck 49:00 - The importance of video content for personal branding 54:19 - Sam's big tip for life and implementing it The Story Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnysrose Sam Winsbury Website: https://www.samwinsbury.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-g-winsbury Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samgwinsbury

Meet Hector Hughes, one of the minds behind Unplugged. At the time of recording, Hector was not only expanding the business but also reflecting on the best ways to manage personal relationships in the digital age. And the choices that demanded, that led to self-realisations - and a new entrepreneurial opportunity. Join me as Hector offers his unfiltered view on the challenges of startup life, the way the world is going, and the problem of us all focussing on the wrong things. "Life is about embracing each moment, be it a hurdle in business or a milestone in personal growth." Get ready for an episode full of serious reflections, searching for meaning, and trying to make each individual's life, have a bit more of a human experience to it. 00:00 – Start 01:00 - An intro to Hector 04:48 - Experiencing failure early leads to success 09:55 - A business idea is born 14:13 - Going to a silent Buddhist retreat 17:00 - The Buddhist idea of attachment 20:06 - Silence was refreshing and liberating 24:53 - Busyness and building a business 27:20 - The idea around Unplugged 31:33 - Using influencers to change culture 36:03 - Creating a company culture and finding fulfillment 43:30 - Enjoying the journey and not worrying about opinions The Story Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCakwJ6aUz--NZ6GYhvsT_DA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnysrose Hector LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-hughes-10082195 Website: https://unplugged.rest

Meet Lara Acosta, one of the Queens of LinkedIn. We get deep in this episode, finding the real person behind the brand. Lara talks through major moments of self-doubt to monumental triumphs, and how these have all played a part in her journey. As of filming, she was juggling her master's along with growing her business and profile. And the tough decisions that brought. Join me as we get her unfiltered perspective on the highs and lows of facing up against imposter syndrome and balancing uni with entrepreneurship. And leave with understanding the importance of self-worth, and really knowing your value in both personal and professional terms. "Embracing your journey means acknowledging both your struggles and successes, and growing from them." Ready for a truly intimate dive into Lara's life? Get ready for an episode filled with heartfelt moments, learnings and invaluable lessons.

Meet Alex El-Nemer, the innovative force behind Creative Control Ventures. Charting a course from his early ventures to now pioneering the fusion of celebrity influence and impactful consumer brands, Alex brings a blend of ingenuity and strategy. As Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Creative Control Ventures, he isn’t just about collaborations; he’s about crafting authentic brands that resonate deeply with consumers. Join us as Alex sheds light on the intricate world of celebrity-driven consumer brands. From the nuances of building alongside influential personalities to the dynamics of setting brands apart in a saturated market. Alex stresses the significance of authentic stories and genuine passion in business. "Building with celebrities is not about leveraging their fame; it's about mutual growth and shared visions." Eager for a behind-the-scenes look into the world of celebrity-brand partnerships? Alex promises an episode brimming with insights. The Story Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose Podcast Channels: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestoryclubpodcast Alex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-el-nemer-316125158/

Meet Chris Burns, the mastermind behind evocative copy that converts. Venturing from his initial footsteps as a personal trainer to now crafting compelling narratives for businesses, Chris epitomizes the journey of continuous evolution and learning. As a top-class copywriter, he's more than just words on a page – he’s about resonating messages and tangible outcomes. Journey with us as Chris unravels the layers of successful entrepreneurship. From the nuances of soliciting feedback to the dynamics of working with a loved one, he's experienced the spectrum. While he’s transformed brands with his writing, Chris emphasizes the importance of breaking the rules and always staying adaptable. "Rules in copywriting? More like guidelines." This episode isn’t confined to the realms of copywriting or entrepreneurship. It's a deep dive into the psyche of someone who believes in growth, the power of words, and the value of authentic connections. Discover the art of copy, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the profound insights Chris has gained from his unique journey. Whether you're an emerging writer, an ambitious entrepreneur, or someone thirsty for transformative insights, Chris promises a treasure trove of wisdom. The Story Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose Podcast Channels: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestoryclubpodcast Chris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-burns-507479183 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/savagescholarchris/

Meet Lewis Kemp, the mind behind Lightbulb Media. Covering topics from navigating the world of digital marketing to mastering the delicate dance of work-life balance. As the CEO of a creative marketing agency in Manchester, he makes it clear he’s not just about buzzwords – but real-world application and results. Dive deep with us as Lewis reveals the challenges and triumphs of a business owner in the modern age. From dealing with ever-changing algorithms and platforms to the ambition-driven sleepless nights, he's seen it all. Even with a host of professional achievements under his belt, Lewis reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and embracing change. "The people that try and fight change, they lose every single time." This episode is not just for the Marketers, it's for anyone looking to succeed in today's world, aiming to strike a balance, and wanting insights from someone who's been through building a business. You can learn it all from Lightbulb Media's rise, the future of digital landscapes, and, more importantly, the life lessons that come with it. Join us for a conversation into the world of marketing, business, and self-growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned marketer, or someone looking for pearls of wisdom from a seasoned pro, this episode promises a ton of value. The Story Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryclubpodcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjonnyrose Podcast Channels: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thestoryclubpodcast Lewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-kemp-manchester Lightbulb Media: ⁠https://lightbulbmedia.co.uk