In this twenty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Steph Flynn – former midwife and founder of Birth Nerd, who is redefining antenatal education and changing the conversation around birth.

Steph’s journey is one of passion, purpose and transformation. With a background in nursing and midwifery, and a lifelong fascination with the power of birth, she went on to create Birth Nerd – an antenatal education business that helps expectant parents feel informed, confident and empowered. Her approach combines clear, practical teaching with tools like hypnobirthing, all rooted in the belief that knowledge and choice are at the heart of positive birth experiences.

Before having her eldest child, Alex attended Steph’s birth preparation course – an experience that shifted her entire perspective. She went from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to empowered, calm and confident in her decisions. It’s the same impact Steph now brings to families through her courses, workshops and community initiatives such as Kin Shropshire.

In this conversation Alex and Steph explore:

• Steph’s path from nursing into midwifery and antenatal education

• The personal experiences that inspired the creation of Birth Nerd

• Why informed choices matter in pregnancy and birth

• The role of hypnobirthing as a supportive tool

• Building community support through Kin Shropshire

• The complementary roles of doulas and midwives

• Birth trauma awareness and the importance of education

• How Birth Nerd is transforming antenatal classes for modern parents

Whether you’re expecting a baby, planning your birth, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of antenatal education, this episode is full of insight. It’s a powerful reminder that mothers are not just numbers in a system – they deserve knowledge, confidence and community support at every step.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and background [03:00] Steph’s transition into midwifery [09:00] The Birth Nerd journey [15:00] Informed choices and hypnobirthing [21:00] Community support and Kin Shropshire [27:00] Empowerment through antenatal education

Key Highlights

• Informed choices are key to positive birth experiences

• Hypnobirthing is a tool, not a complete solution

• How personal experiences shape professional paths

• The power of community in antenatal education

• Birth Nerd’s unique approach to empowering parents

Connect with Steph Website: https://www.birthnerd.co.uk/ Instagram: @birthnerduk

Connect with Alex Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Vicki Yadav – Founder of Primary Steps, who made the inspiring transition from teaching into business ownership. Vicki’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, adaptability and determination, showing what’s possible when you step away from a secure career and build a business on your own terms.

From her early aspirations influenced by family, to navigating the uncertainty of leaving teaching behind, through to starting a business during the pandemic, Vicki’s story highlights the reality of entrepreneurship: balancing personal life with business, facing setbacks head-on, and finding the courage to grow something sustainable.

Today, Vicki runs Primary Steps, supporting teachers with practical tools, resources and guidance. Her journey shows small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the importance of mindset, community and perseverance when growing a business from the ground up.

In this conversation Alex and Vicki explore:

• How childhood aspirations and family influence shaped Vicki’s early career

• The leap from teaching into starting her own business

• The impact of COVID as a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey

• The challenges of launching a small business during uncertain times

• How to use community and social media to grow your business

• Overcoming tech hurdles and learning as you go

• The importance of resilience, adaptability and perseverance for entrepreneurs

• Vicki’s advice for small business owners navigating change and growth

Whether you’re thinking about leaving a secure career, already running your own business, or looking for encouragement to take the next step, Vicki’s story is proof that with resilience, community and clarity, you can create a business that aligns with your values and supports your life.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Vicki [02:01] Early aspirations and family influence [05:31] Transition from teaching to business [10:01] The impact of COVID-19 on career decisions [15:01] Starting a business during challenging times [20:01] Building a community and using social media [25:01] Overcoming tech challenges and learning on the go [30:01] Shifting focus from parents to teachers [35:01] Key milestones and moments of realisation [40:01] Financial challenges and pricing strategies [45:01] Advice for aspiring business owners [50:01] The importance of community and support networks [55:01] Closing thoughts and future plans

Key Highlights

• How family influence shaped Vicki’s aspirations

• Why the pandemic became a pivotal moment in her career

• The realities of starting a small business during uncertain times

• The role of mindset, community and social media in business growth

• Lessons in resilience, adaptability and perseverance for entrepreneurs

Connect with Vicki Website: https://www.hub.primarysteps.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primary.steps/

Connect with Alex Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Katie Corkill – Founder of Katie Corkill Decorating, an award-winning entrepreneur who has carved her own path in a traditionally male-dominated industry, moving from corporate life into trade business ownership with resilience, curiosity and determination.

Katie’s story is one of courage, adaptability and growth. From early influences that sparked her curiosity, to leaving behind the security of a corporate role to pursue more meaningful work, her journey highlights the importance of mindset, integrity and persistence in building a business.

Today, Katie is not only running her own painting and decorating business but also showing what’s possible when you reframe fear as opportunity and embrace the challenges along the way.

In this conversation Alex and Katie explore:

• How childhood influences and encouragement shaped her entrepreneurial spirit

• The “quarter-life crisis” that sparked her transition from corporate to trades

• The challenges and triumphs of starting her own business

• Why mindset shifts are crucial for overcoming self-doubt

• The role of resilience, honesty and hard work in sustainable growth

• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own journey

Whether you’re considering stepping away from a corporate job, starting a business from scratch or simply need encouragement to take that next bold step, Katie’s journey is a reminder that perseverance, adaptability and integrity will carry you through.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Katie to the podcast [01:15] Childhood curiosity, family influences and early skills [05:30] Transitioning from corporate to exploring trades [09:45] The leap into business ownership [15:20] Mindset shifts and reframing fear [20:10] The role of support networks in business growth [24:00] Katie’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs [28:30] Lessons in resilience, honesty and fairness [32:00] Looking ahead: what’s next for Katie

Key Highlights

• The influence of childhood experiences in shaping entrepreneurial curiosity

• How a “quarter-life crisis” can lead to meaningful career change

• The importance of mindset when facing challenges and self-doubt

• Why honesty, fairness, and resilience are cornerstones of sustainable business

• Katie’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on taking calculated risks

Connect with Katie https://katiecorkilldecorating.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/katie_corkill_decorating/

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com