Summary

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Declan O'Toole shares his remarkable journey from marine biology to building a successful catering business, Forerunner Catering.

He discusses the challenges of transitioning from Meals on Wheels to providing school meals, the importance of cash flow management, and the lessons learned from navigating public sector contracts.

Declan reflects on the decision to exit the business, the sale process, and life after exit, emphasising the need for resilience and the fulfillment found in the entrepreneurial journey.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Define "Enough" Early: Declan covers what “enough” was in his life. He applied the 4% rule to plan his exit and financial future.

Public Sector Contracts Can Be Goldmines: Declan talks about public sector contracts and how they can be stable and profitable when executed well.

Systems and Process Create True Business Ownership: A business that can run without the owner is a real business. Declan emphasises how important it was for his catering company to be people-independent and systems-led.

Cashflow is Everything: Declan emphasises that cashflow forecasting is a non-negotiable practice.

Exit Requires Strategy, Not Spontaneity: Declan discusses his exit from the business by tightening operations, ensuring clean books, and building scalability before stepping away.

Legacy Over Maximum Payout: Declan talks about choosing the right buyer, by assessing their values and ability to take care of his team and legacy.

Soundbites

“The bit that’s really good about generating wealth is not having the wealth. It’s the journey from not having it to getting there.”

“You only own a business if it can run without you for three to six months.”

“Cashflow, cashflow, cashflow. There’s nothing else. That’s priority one.”

“Once you get public sector contracts, just don’t f* up.”

“You’ve got to have grit. Everyone I know who’s made it has been through some deep, deep s*.”

“I’m great at building systems. I’m absolutely crap at doing them.”

“Success is waking up looking forward to the day and being happy with what you’ve achieved so far.”

“I’d be a corporate muppet if I hadn’t read Rich Dad Poor Dad.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Declan O'Toole

01:20 From Marine Biology to Catering Business

05:00 Transitioning from Meals on Wheels to School Meals

10:00 Challenges of Rapid Growth and Cash Flow Management

15:00 Navigating Public Sector Contracts

20:48 The Importance of Relationships in Business

27:47 Lessons Learned from the Public Sector

32:54 Deciding to Exit the Business

38:28 The Sale Process and Finding the Right Buyer

47:38 Life After Exit

Dave and Alicia Store, co-founders of DSNM, join the Evolve to Succeed podcast to trace their 25-year journey from a one-man, paper-based chart-correction service to an award-winning super-yacht-navigation technology company with 27 employees and 620 vessels under subscription. Dave candidly recounts the scrappy early years - dot-matrix printers, Pritt Stick, and fax machines - while Alicia explains how joining the firm (initially to cover maternity leave) professionalised its finances, people processes and long-term vision.

The couple unpack the pivotal moments that reshaped the business: realising captains would pay for a fully managed service; raising prices to signal quality; surviving the 2008 crash, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine shock; and, most dramatically, self-funding and launching their proprietary software, Compass. Their complementary personalities - Dave the risk-taking visionary, Alicia the detail-driven operator - emerge as the engine behind DSNM’s culture of obsessive customer service and constant product iteration.

They also share the realities of running a high-pressure, family-run company in a glamorous, yet unforgiving industry. Topics range from work-life integration with their young son Louis, to tight recruitment standards, to the pride (and responsibility) of winning two Queen’s Awards and employing a close-knit team.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

• Find a pain-killer, not a vitamin. Early success came from doing the tedious chart-correction work crews hated.

• Price can signal value. Raising rates—rather than undercutting incumbents—attracted more super-yacht clients.

• Service DNA first, tech layer next. DSNM’s core white-glove support never changed; software (Compass) scaled it.

• Complementary co-founders matter. Visionary risk (Dave) + operational diligence (Alicia) created balanced growth.

• Crisis = clarity. COVID and the Ukraine conflict forced the team to reassess purpose, costs and future bets.

• Culture of “no passengers.” Every hire must be a self-starting problem-solver; weak links show instantly in a small team.

• Bootstrapping builds resilience. Funding software internally preserved speed and ownership—crucial in a niche market.

• Work-life “blend” beats balance. Shared purpose, clear role boundaries, and intentional family time keep burnout at bay.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DSNM and Its Founders

06:50 The Evolution of Services and Software Development

12:04 Navigating Business Challenges and Financial Lessons

20:39 Balancing Growth with Company Culture

30:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy

38:18 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth

42:50 Family Dynamics and Work-Life Balance

48:53 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts

In this captivating episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, host Warren Munson reconnects with returning guests Julie and Sally, fresh from their epic adventure of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

After 59 grueling days at sea, the team successfully completed their journey from La Gomera to Antigua aboard the Ebb & Flow. Julie and Sally share vivid tales of their extreme challenge, from breathtaking wildlife encounters to the relentless mental and physical tests they faced.

This episode is a moving testament to courage, camaraderie, and the power of human determination. Tune in and be inspired!

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Triumphant Arrival: The powerful emotions of crossing the finish line to a cheering crowd and reuniting with loved ones.

Surprises & Challenges: Navigating unexpected battery issues, hand steering for hours, and battling huge storms.

Life at Sea: Their daily routines, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and how they coped with the isolation and vastness of the ocean.

Wildlife Wonders: Magical moments with whales, playful dolphins, and even a curious marlin!

Team Dynamics: Insights into working as a team of three, including how they supported one another during tough times.

Mind Over Matter: The mental strength and resilience it took to row day after day, and how they now see challenges in everyday life differently.

Personal Growth: Reflections on how this experience changed their perspectives and their lives.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey Begins: Crossing the Atlantic

06:02 - Surprises and Challenges at Sea

10:13 - Daily Life on the Ocean

14:39 - Overcoming Fears and Isolation

20:02 - Mental Resilience and Personal Growth

28:31 - Highlights and Pinnacle Moments

29:07 - Surfing the Waves of Adventure

30:08 - Wild Encounters: Whales and Wildlife

31:13 - The Thrill of the Ocean: Sounds and Sights

32:10 - Team Dynamics: Bonding Through Challenges

33:42 - Resilience and Problem Solving at Sea

39:00 - Physical Challenges and Recovery

43:14 - Adjusting to Life After the Ocean

46:35 - Future Adventures: What's Next?

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Emma Burke, co-founder of Laceeze, shares her entrepreneurial journey from the inception of her innovative shoelace solution, to her recent experience on Dragon's Den.

Emma discusses the challenges and successes of developing her product, transitioning to a full-time commitment, and the importance of marketing strategies and brand ambassadors in driving growth.

Emma shares her journey on Dragon's Den, the challenges and opportunities that arose from her appearance, and how it impacted her brand. She discusses the intense experience of pitching, the immediate spike in brand awareness following the show, and the subsequent growth and challenges in her business.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Transitioning from a side project to a full-time business.

Product development.

Brand ambassador programs.

Utilising platforms like Amazon.

Emma’s Dragon's Den experience.

Understanding your audience.

Building a brand community.

Utilising freelancers.

New marketing platforms like TikTok.

Balancing personal life with business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laceeze

03:13 From Concept to Product

05:46 Transitioning to Full-Time

08:48 Product Development and Expansion

12:05 Marketing Strategies and Brand Growth

15:10 Funding and Financial Growth

17:47 The Dragon's Den Experience

21:07 Preparing for the Pitch

27:56 The Intensity of Pitching on Dragon's Den

30:58 The Impact of Dragon's Den on Brand Awareness

34:45 Post-Show Opportunities and Challenges

39:34 Embracing New Marketing Trends

41:02 Personal Reflections

46:28 Balancing Business with Personal Life

48:27 Defining Personal Success

On the 250th episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, shares insights into the legacy of the family-owned brewery and pub company, which has been in operation since 1777.

He discusses the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a family business over generations, the importance of reinvestment in the company and community, and the balance between tradition and innovation in the hospitality sector.

Anthony emphasises the need for educating future generations about the business's values and the impact of structural changes in the industry.

Anthony discusses the evolution of pub culture, emphasising the changing demographics of pub-goers. He also addresses the significance of succession planning in family businesses, sharing insights on legacy and the need for a forward-looking mindset.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

The importance of being a custodian of the family business.

How reinvestment leads to longevity.

Community impact over shareholder profits.

Educating the next generation.

Balancing tradition with innovation.

Headwinds in the hospitality sector.

Changes in pub culture and demographics.

Moral decisions leading to better commercial outcomes.

Trusting the next generation.

Engagement with the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hall & Woodhouse

02:56 Custodians of a Legacy

05:58 Longevity in Family Businesses

09:04 Reinvestment and Community Impact

11:56 Educating Future Generations

15:13 Balancing Tradition with Innovation

18:13 Headwinds in the Hospitality Sector

26:10 Pub Culture and Gender Dynamics

31:27 The Brewing Legacy

36:15 Succession Planning

39:18 Mindset Shift

46:08 Personal Definition of Success

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Jo and Oscar Hjälmås discuss their journey as co-owners of Baggette + Co., a financial services firm.

They share insights on their management buyout experience, the importance of maintaining company culture during rapid growth, and the strategies they implemented to ensure effective communication and team engagement.

In this engaging conversation, Jo and Oscar discuss the delicate balance between delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring financial viability in their business. They share insights on navigating personal and professional boundaries while working together as a couple, the impact of family dynamics on their business, and their definitions of success both personally and professionally.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

• The importance of defining roles and responsibilities in a partnership.
• Effective communication.
• Celebrating team successes.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Organisational structure.
• Working as a married couple in a business setting.
• Employee well-being.
• Delivering service with no sales targets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Baggette + Co.

03:10 The Journey to Business Ownership

05:53 Navigating Roles and Responsibilities

09:03 Management Buyout

11:58 Growth and Expansion

14:54 Maintaining Company Culture During Growth

17:49 Communication and Team Engagement

20:56 Client-Centric Business Approach

31:35 Balancing Customer Delight and Financial Responsibility

36:30 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

42:31 Family Dynamics on Business

46:10 Defining Success: Business and Personal Aspirations

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Louise Southam of Beyond Belief Couching shares her journey from a successful career in recruitment to becoming a leadership and business coach.

She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion for coaching, the challenges she faced as a single mother and the personal growth she experienced during her journey.

Louise emphasises the importance of resilience, manifestation and the power of positive thinking, as well as practical tools like journaling to facilitate self-discovery and empowerment.

Her story is one of courage, determination, and the belief that we can shape our own destinies.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Transitioning from recruitment to coaching.

Balancing motherhood and career aspirations.

Taking leaps of faith.

How personal challenges can shape resilience and determination.

The importance of manifestation in creating a desired life.

Journaling.

Overcoming fears of public speaking.

The importance of networking and asking for help.

Balancing masculine and feminine energies in leadership.

Values in organisations.

One-on-one coaching.

Creating a supportive work environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:07 From Recruitment to Coaching

06:07 Motherhood and Career Aspirations

08:49 The Leap of Faith

11:59 Divorce and Self-Discovery

15:11 Manifestation and the Power of Positive Thinking

18:05 Journaling

21:05 Finding Confidence Through Public Speaking

24:01 Building a Coaching Business

26:17 The Power of Helping Others

28:50 Leadership Challenges

30:36 Heart-Centered Leadership and Generational Shifts

32:08 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

35:51 Masculine and Feminine Energy in Leadership

36:43 The Importance of Values in Organisations

40:45 One-on-One Coaching

45:54 Personal Growth and Inner Happiness

49:19 Quickfire Questions

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Cassidy Macken shares her inspiring journey of starting Cassidy's Beauty Academy.

From her early passion for beauty to the challenges of running a business while raising children, Cassidy discusses the importance of education in the beauty industry and her drive to fill the gaps she identified.

She also opens up about her experience with ADHD and how it influences her approach to business. Cassidy emphasises the significance of securing funding and overcoming fears in the entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

Cassidy shares her journey of entrepreneurship, discussing the nuances of good and bad debt, the challenges of securing funding, and her experiences as a young mother balancing family and career.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Cassidy's journey in the beauty industry at a young age.

Balancing motherhood and running a business.

Education in the beauty industry.

ADHD in business.

Stepping out of comfort zones.

Adapting to industry trends.

Understanding the difference between good and bad debt.

Securing funding.

Finding the right business location.

Having a clear vision for business growth.

Taking risks when young.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Inspiration Behind Cassidy's Beauty Academy

10:16 From Beauty to Education

20:02 Navigating the Competitive Beauty Industry

22:02 ADHD in Business

27:49 Securing Startup Funding

28:20 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

29:51 The Journey to Securing Funding

32:53 Finding the Right Business Location

34:27 Resilience in Business

37:40 Balancing Motherhood and Business

40:05 Vision and Goals for the Business

42:17 Staying Focused on Your Goals

47:11 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

55:32 Defining Personal Success