Money Confidence Starts With A Conversation

Here’s another cracking episode from the Live & Linking show, and this week I’m joined by Abby Birch. She is a financial wellbeing coach, motivational speaker, and all-round money mindset champion. We’re talking honestly (and practically) about something that affects all of us: money.

Abby shares why money is still a taboo in the UK, how shame plays a massive role in our financial decisions, and what we can do about it.

We dive into her 3Cs framework

Control

Clarity, and

Connection

This is a great way to get back in charge of your finances without judgment or overwhelm. Whether it’s budgeting, saving for a holiday, or just not panicking when the boiler breaks, Abby’s approach is simple, relatable, and full of easy wins.

We also highlight two brilliant support services—MoneyHelper and StepChange—for anyone needing free, trustworthy help. Abby’s big message? You’re not bad with money, you’ve just never been taught how to manage it—and that’s fixable. If you’ve ever felt confused, stuck, or ashamed when it comes to your finances, this one’s for you.

Connect with Abby Birch: Website – https://www.mymoneyexplained.com Email – abby@mymoneyexplained.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-birch/

Abby is a financial wellbeing and money expert with 25 years of experience helping people feel more confident and in control of their finances. She works with organisations, individuals, and neurodivergent communities to reduce financial stress and build financial resilience through practical, engaging, and stigma-free support.

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My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

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Live & Linking #81 with Stephanie Marshall

IIn this episode of Live & Linking, I chat with the unstoppable Stephanie Marshall. She is a multi-award-winning bookkeeper, accountant, podcaster, author, and community builder. If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too much, Stephanie’s story will resonate with you in all the best ways.

We dive into how she built her thriving practice ABCSUK during the pandemic, launched a podcast to help those who couldn’t afford premium services, wrote a book to fix the UK’s financial literacy gap, and even created a safe community space for introverted bookkeepers.

All in just three years!

This is a masterclass in making an impact without burnout.

We talk content, confidence, and community.

And if you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but feel nervous?

Stephanie shares exactly how she did it. Just by starting in her PJs, one episode at a time.

Connect With Stephanie

• Website/Links: https://linktr.ee/abcsuk

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-marshall-micb-pmdip-icpa/

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My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Get your free LinkedIn profile review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt

Do you prefer the buzz of a massive flagship show—or the magic of a local, friendly one-day event?

In this episode, I’m joined (for the 16th time!) by the brilliant Caroline Hobden, the powerhouse behind Accountex.

We’re talking all things Accountex Manchester 2025 and why it’s not just a smaller version of London, but a different beast entirely. Think more connection, more community, and less time sprinting between 13 theatres.

Caroline shares some of the surprises coming to this year’s event, including AI masterclasses, MTD prep, and a special Solo Traveller Lounge for first-timers. Whether you’re coming from down the road or all the way from Devon (like me), she makes a solid case for why Manchester might be the UK’s friendliest finance event.

Then we’re joined by Dermot Hamblin, creator of the Curly Wurly LinkedIn League, to chat about who’s smashing it online (spoiler: Grace Hardy), what inspired the list, and how it’s become a bit of a legend in its own right. It’s a proper feel-good conversation—with laughs, takeaways, and the reminder that big things happen when you show up.

🎟️ Register for Accountex Manchester: https://www.accountex.co.uk 📩 Caroline’s Email: chobden@divcom.co.uk 🔗 Caroline on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caroline-hobden-62888519

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Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Get your free LinkedIn profile review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt

Here’s Episode 79 of the Live & Linking podcast, and this week I’m joined by Craig Allen—aka the Black Knight—for a bold and brilliant conversation on mindset, growth, and leadership.

Craig is the founder of Different Mindset, where he helps business owners develop what he calls the Five Pillars Growth Method. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or just wanted someone to give you a kick up the backside this is for you.

We unpack the mental roadblocks that hold so many business owners back: imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, and the fear of standing out.

Craig explains how these thoughts take root, often from past experiences, and why they sneak up on us even when things are going well. He shares how he helps clients reframe their thinking, set bolder goals, and stop underselling themselves.

There’s loads in here about how to lead yourself first, before you try leading a team.

This episode is full of lightbulb moments, hard truths, and some top-tier banter from the comments section (thanks, Jeff and co.). Whether you’re just starting out or trying to break past a growth plateau, you’ll walk away with fresh tools and renewed energy.

Date & Time: 7/11/2025 17:55:57 Name: Craig Allan

Email: craig.allan@different-mindset.co.uk Website: www.different-mindset.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-allan/

YoutTube https://www.youtube.com/@DifferentMindset-CA

craig.allan@different-mindset.co.uk www.different-mindset.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/@DifferentMindset-CA "CRAIG THE COACH

I’m a Business & Executive Coach with deep, real-world experience in Business Management, Growth and Development across multiple sectors, over a career spanning more than 40 years.

Today I coach Founders, Executives & Business Owners to “Scale with Confidence.” I work with growth-driven leaders, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs who are often successful on paper but feeling stuck and overwhelmed by competing priorities.

I create a safe and secure environment where they can be as open and honest as they choose to be. I conduct a deep dive using my Reflections Workbook and make them think more about their life and business than they ever have before.

This helps me get them in the right mindset, ready to scale with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Through structured coaching, strategic planning, and proven tools, I help them gain perspective, identify roadblocks, and make better decisions.

Whether they're scaling up, leading change, or building culture, I’m there to challenge them, motivate them and hold them to account. This means I keep them focused, and ensure they follow through on what matters most. It’s about building momentum, not just in their business, but in their lives and their leadership.

It’s not about adding more, it’s about unlocking what’s already there.

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Get your free LinkedIn profile review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt

LinkedIn can be the biggest and best networking event you ever attend, and you do not even have to leave your house.

In this conversation with Tim Duncan from Profit First Professionals UK & Ireland, I explain how accountants, bookkeepers, and coaches can use just 15 minutes a day to grow their network, build trust, and attract clients.

We explore why LinkedIn works exactly like a great in-person networking event, minus the sweaty café and the three-hour round trip.

I share exactly what to do in those 15 minutes – from commenting on posts and sending connection requests, to sharing content that gets remembered – and why the aim is to start conversations, not sell.

You will learn how to make your profile instantly more appealing with four quick wins, how to use branding to become instantly recognisable, and why giving away useful content will actually win you more business.

We also look at how to stand out in a crowded market, why consistency matters more than any algorithm trick, and how to post without overthinking it.

If you have ever asked:

• How do I get more leads on LinkedIn

• What should I post on LinkedIn as an accountant or bookkeeper

• How do I make my profile stand out

• What can I achieve in just 15 minutes a day

This episode gives you clear, practical steps you can start today.

Connect with Ashley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leeds-15-minute-guy/
Website: https://just.15mins.day

Name: Tim Seymour

Email: tim.seymour@profitfirstuk.co.uk

Website:⁠ Profit First UK⁠

LinkedIn Profile:⁠ Tim J. Seymour⁠

Facebook Group:⁠ Croissants and Coffee⁠

Company Website:⁠ Profit First UK⁠

Biography:Tim Seymour is the Joint Master Licence Holder (alongside Duncan) of Profit First Professionals in the UK. He supports members firstly through the certification programme and secondly by helping them determine how to offer all the techniques they have learned (and continue to learn) to their clients, while also attracting higher calibre clients into their business.

This week on Live & Linking, I’m chatting with the brilliant Judith Rafferty

She is a copywriter and content strategist who’s been quietly using my LinkedIn post ideas since 2022… without me knowing!

When we finally met, she showed me her spreadsheets, and I knew we had to bring her on the show.

Judith’s been in marketing for over 30 years, working across hospitality, events, and beyond, and she’s full of practical advice on making your content hit home.

We dig into why content isn’t about likes, followers, or vanity metrics. It’s not abou the numbers. It’s about connecting with the right people in the right way.

We also cover the power of personal quirks, the importance of scroll-stopping headlines, and why less content but more connection is the key to being remembered.

If you’ve ever struggled with what to say, worried your writing isn’t “good enough,” or felt drowned out by the noise online, this episode will help you see things differently.

Judith’s tips are simple, human, and easy to put into action right away, whether you’re writing for LinkedIn, your website, or just about anywhere else, this episode is for you.

Name: Judith Rafferty

mail: judith@fruitionventures.co.uk

Website: www.fruitionventures.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-rafferty/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruition.copywriting/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copywriter.manchester

Resident doyenne of business copywriting services. She is a Virgo, cat worshipper, Netflix binger, baker, and concert-goer.

You can call me Jude, J, or JR (throwback to my Dallas days in the ‘80s). Just don’t call me Judy. I spent years in sales within hospitality, events, and travel trade before returning to my original childhood calling – words.

When the hospitality and events industries took a hit (thanks, Credit Crunch and COVID-19), I took control and went all-in on business copywriting services. Oh, and did I mention my two children in furry jackets, Minnie and Nelson, keep me sane? And I’m obsessed with the Manic Street Preachers (seen them live 50+ times!).

What Judith can do for you

• Website & Landing Page Copywriting
  

• SEO Article and Blog Post Writing
  

• Sales Emails, Letters, and Email Sequences
  

• LinkedIn Post Writing
  

• Case Studies
  

• Done-With-You Copy Polishing for content you've already written or AI-generated text

Watch the show on YouTube

Connect with Ashley on⁠ LinkedIn ⁠

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Contact InformationAboutSpecialisationsGet your free LinkedIn profile review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt

Marketing Isn’t Magic. It’s a Process

If marketing feels like a mystery or just another thing on your to-do list, this episode will clear the fog.

This week I’m joined by Mags Bradshaw, the founder of My Marketing Button and Red Button Marketing Training. She’s built a career showing businesses (especially accountants!) that marketing doesn’t need to be complicated.

We just need a proper process.

We get stuck into what’s really going wrong with most marketing strategies don’t work. Why your team already holds the key to your best content, and how Mags’ visual marketing framework helps business owners make better decisions.

All without hiring an expensive agency. If you’ve ever felt like marketing is “not for you,” Mags will change your mind.

Connect with Mags: Website: https://www.mymarketingbutton.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-marketing-button/ Red Button: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redbuttonmarketingtraining/ Email: hello@mymarketingbutton.co.uk

You can view the full YouTube episode HERE

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day

Connect with the show The Live & Linking Hub

Free LinkedIn Profile Review: https://just.15mins.day/f/review-yt

How to Lead with AI Without Losing Your Humanity – with Jamie Bykov-Brett

What if the future of AI isn't about robots taking over, but about helping humans thrive?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Bykov-Brett, an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, global innovation expert, and founder of the Executive AI Institute and Netropolitan Academy.

Jamie has worked with leaders across the world to help them understand and apply AI in practical, powerful ways.

We explore how AI can enhance leadership rather than replace it, what business owners need to know about tools like ChatGPT and Custom GPTs, and how immersive tech like digital twins and the metaverse is reshaping education and business.

Jamie shares real-world insights and breaks down the jargon, helping us see how small businesses can start using these tools without getting overwhelmed.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways and big-picture thinking. If you're curious about AI, wondering how to start using it, or want to understand what human-centric innovation really looks like, this one’s for you.

What you'll learn:

• How to use AI to support teams, not sideline them
  

• What Custom GPTs and agents actually are, and how they work
  

• Why inclusion and accessibility are essential in digital transformation
  

• Simple ways to bring automation into your business without losing your values
  

Subscribe to the show and get ready to see AI through a more human lens.

Connect with Jamie Website: bykovbrett.net

LinkTree: linktr.ee/jamiebykovbrett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamiebykovbrett Socials: @JamieBykovBrett

Let me know what you think. If you’ve got a question for Jamie, drop it my way.

You can view the full YouTube episode HERE

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

My Website ⁠https://just.15mins.day