Most people don’t start businesses because they’re ready.

They start because something inside them says, “There’s more than this.”

In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, Simon sits down with Michelle Reade, founder of a wellness coaching practice, to unpack what it really takes to move from employed, to franchise success, to building a business of your own.

Michelle spent 17 years helping others grow their businesses through franchising, scaling teams, and developing people — before finally taking the leap herself. What followed wasn’t just a new business, but a complete shift in identity, confidence, and direction.

This is a conversation about more than business strategy.

It’s about fear, confidence, and backing yourself.

Inside this episode:

• Why franchising can be a powerful way to start a business — and where it goes wrong

• The biggest mistake service-based business owners make when they go out on their own

• Why “borrowed advice” and copying others is holding people back

• The truth about networking, confidence, and finding your tribe

• How loneliness is quietly affecting business owners and their performance

• What it really takes to move from practitioner to business owner

Michelle also shares her longer-term vision of building accessible business support for people who wouldn’t normally get it — creating community, not just clients.

If you’re starting out, feeling stuck, or trying to figure out your next move, this episode will give you a clearer direction — and probably a bit of a push.