In this fifty-eighth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jade Evans from Shrewsbury, a healer and mentor specialising in mother wound healing, generational trauma and postpartum support, helping women reclaim their sovereignty, reconnect with themselves and build lives rooted in authentic freedom.

Jade's journey is deeply personal. From a creative childhood as an only child to a career in photography, she found herself drawn into family psychology and healing work, eventually stepping into postpartum support and ancestral energy work.

Through her own experiences of motherhood and transformation, she has built an online healing practice dedicated to helping women break cycles, heal core wounds and step into their power.

In this episode Alex and Jade explore:

• Childhood influences and how early experiences shape adult healing work
• The mother wound and its impact on postpartum wellbeing
• Generational healing and ancestral energy work
• Reclaiming personal sovereignty and healing core wounds
• Rites of passage in modern birth and motherhood
• Nervous system regulation and cyclical awareness
• Building an online community for postpartum women
• Integrating cycle awareness into business
• Advice for women growing a soulful, values-led business

Key Highlights

• Why the mother wound is at the root of so many postpartum struggles
• The power of generational healing and breaking cycles for future generations
• How reclaiming rites of passage can transform your experience of motherhood
• Why nervous system regulation is foundational to both healing and business
• Building a business as an authentic expression of who you are

Connect with Jade https://www.instagram.com/the_nesting_space_community_/

Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this fifty-seventh episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sharn Khaira, founder of the Asian Female Entrepreneur Collective, a global community dedicated to empowering Asian women to smash through cultural barriers, build thriving businesses and live the lives they truly deserve.

Sharn's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Raised in a strict Sikh family, she went from hiding in school toilets with no friends to becoming a seven figure subconscious and strategy business mentor.

After escaping a toxic corporate role, she built Desi Bride Dreams into an award winning wedding planning business featured on BBC Breakfast, BBC Asian Network and the UK's biggest wedding publications, before founding the Asian Female Entrepreneur Collective in 2017.

In this episode Alex and Sharn explore:

• Growing up in a strict Sikh family and challenging cultural norms
• The journey from isolation and self-doubt to unshakeable self-belief
• Navigating workplace bullying, anxiety and knowing when to walk away
• Leaving corporate in 2014 and launching Desi Bride Dreams against all odds
• Transitioning from wedding planning into coaching and community building
• Founding the Asian Female Entrepreneur Collective and its global mission
• Subconscious reprogramming and the mindset practices that changed everything
• Building a luxury personal brand that attracts high value clients
• Charging premium prices with confidence and knowing your worth
• Navigating grief, seasons in business and embracing change with resilience

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to Sharn's inspiring journey [01:23] Childhood aspirations and societal challenges [03:26] Travel at 18 and breaking free from cultural restrictions [09:01] Transformative experiences from travelling and university [12:29] Workplace bullying and mental health struggles [14:38] Quitting corporate to start a wedding blog [18:30] Launching her first business and overcoming skepticism [22:08] Growing her wedding business into a high value brand [26:52] Transitioning into coaching and mentoring [33:16] Building a luxury brand and charging premium prices [35:22] Gratitude, visualisations and energy management [36:37] Navigating grief, seasons and resilience [41:18] Relentless drive, holistic strategy and subconscious programming [42:43] My business is expansion

Key Highlights

• The power of knowing you hold the ability to change your own course
• Building Desi Bride Dreams into a nationally recognised brand in under two years
• Why subconscious reprogramming is the foundation of seven figure success
• Staying in an elevated emotional state during life's hardest seasons
• Building a luxury brand rooted in consistency, authenticity and confidence

Connect with Sharn afecollective.com instagram.com/sharn.khaira.mentor

Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

In this fifty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Carl Darnell, founder of crdone, a search marketing agency based in Bedford specialising in PPC, SEO and web design for small and medium sized businesses.

He began his career as a marketing apprentice at a local college before working his way up through well known brands, managing campaigns, working with data and presenting marketing performance to stakeholders right up to board level.

In this episode Alex and Carl explore the full journey from apprentice to agency owner, the mindset shifts required along the way and the practical foundations that have allowed crdone to grow sustainably.

In this episode Alex and Carl explore:

• Carl's early career as a marketing apprentice and the path that followed
• The decision to travel and how freelancing abroad led to founding crdone
• Transitioning from freelancer to agency owner and what that shift really involves
• Growing and managing a remote team through COVID and beyond
• Building SOPs and processes that allow a business to scale sustainably
• Hiring for attitude and what Carl looks for in the people he brings into the team
• Creating strong company culture without a shared physical space
• The books and frameworks that have shaped how Carl runs the business
• His mission to make digital marketing transparent and genuinely understood
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and why starting with the end in mind matters

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to Carl Darnell's story

[01:09] Childhood aspirations and family influences

[02:59] Discovering marketing through an apprenticeship in 2009

[05:08] Transition to Bourne Leisure and managing campaigns

[08:33] Deciding to travel and take a sabbatical

[11:02] Starting freelancing from abroad

[14:54] Building a remote business and industry insights [17:20] Transition from freelancer to business owner

[20:10] Growing the team from 1 to 7 members

[22:46] Impact of COVID and recruitment strategies

[25:43] Creating processes and SOPs for scalable growth [29:41] Building company culture remotely

[32:07] Future vision, mission and growth strategies

[38:07] The importance of mindset and attitude in recruitment[41:13] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

[43:06] My kind of business is, Carl's vision

Key Highlights

• Transparency and clarity as the foundation of great agency relationships
• Building processes and SOPs before you think you need them
• Why attitude matters more than experience when growing a team
• The power of frameworks like EOS and Scaling Up for sustainable growth
• Starting with the end in mind as the foundation for building a business with purpose

Connect with Carl

crdone.digital hello@crdone.digital linkedin.com/in/carl-darnell

Connect with Alex

alexmccarthycoaching.com linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

In this thirty-third episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Lauren Troiano, a Female Founder and Entrepreneur behind two Bedfordshire-based businesses: The Little Marketing Company and The Little Yoga Company.

Lauren shares her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, explaining how maternity leave inspired her to build businesses that align with her values. Through The Little Marketing Company, she supports small and medium-sized businesses with marketing strategy, branding, and business growth, offering creative, out-of-the-box solutions to help businesses stand out. Meanwhile, The Little Yoga Company brings mindfulness, movement, and wellbeing to the local Bedford community.

This episode is packed with practical insights for female founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, covering how to grow a business with confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and build a supportive community around your work.

• How maternity leave became a launchpad for entrepreneurship

• Growing small businesses through personal branding and marketing strategy

• Building confidence, creativity, and courage as a female founder

• Balancing family life with running multiple businesses

• The power of community and collaboration in business growth

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing self-belief

• Running purpose-driven businesses with flexibility and impact

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Lauren [02:20] Maternity leave as the spark for entrepreneurship [06:40] Launching The Little Marketing Company [10:55] Building confidence and community in business [15:30] Balancing family and entrepreneurship [20:45] Personal branding and business growth [25:10] Overcoming imposter syndrome [30:00] Community and collaboration in business [34:20] Future plans for The Little Marketing Company & The Little Yoga Company

• Turning maternity leave into a business opportunity

• Growing small businesses with marketing and branding expertise

• Building confidence, courage, and creativity as a female entrepreneur

• Creating a supportive community for business and personal growth

• Running multiple purpose-driven businesses while staying aligned with values

• Sustainable business growth without stress or hustle

• The importance of collaboration, mentorship, and community

LinkedIn: Lauren Troiano Instagram: @thelittlemarketingco

Book a 2026 Business Planning Workshop: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/2026businessplanning Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this sixteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Helen Scotchford, Founder of The Face Therapist – an advanced skincare clinic based in Marston Moretaine, Central Bedfordshire.

Helen’s journey into entrepreneurship started after years of struggling with her own skin issues and a deep passion for skincare. While still working in her corporate job she began studying skincare and slowly built the foundations of her business.

Her decision to step into business came during a huge life shift - becoming a mother - and since then she’s been navigating the ever-evolving balance of growing a business and raising her young family.

In this honest conversation Helen shares the highs and lows of building her business from scratch. She reflects on leaving the security of employment, working through her inner critic, and staying focused on her purpose - helping others regain their confidence through skincare.

We chat about the behind-the-scenes of running a service-led business, the reality of slow, steady growth, and why connection and trust are the heart of everything Helen does. She also opens up about motherhood, boundaries and the courage it takes to back yourself through every season of life.

If you’ve ever felt the pull towards starting something of your own, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom and gentle encouragement.

00:00 – How Helen’s passion for skincare began 08:30 – Transitioning from corporate to business ownership 17:05 – Balancing business with motherhood 23:59 – Challenges, self-doubt, and the inner critic 29:00 – Advice for those considering starting a business

✦ A down-to-earth look at starting a service-based business ✦ The power of passion and purpose in shaping your work ✦ Honest reflections on motherhood and entrepreneurship ✦ Tips on building confidence and trusting yourself ✦ How slow, steady growth can lead to deep fulfilment

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

Website: https://www.thefacetherapistuk.com/

Bookings: https://www.fresha.com/a/the-face-therapist-marston-moretaine-uk-reynes-close-wsntamjh/booking?menu=true

📅 Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this thirty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business Business Coach Alex McCarthy invites you to slow down, breathe and take an honest look back at 2025 so far - the wins, the wobbles, the surprises and the spaces where you grew without even noticing.

Alex shares her own reflections from this year, including the fears she faced when launching this very podcast, the moments of doubt that nearly stopped her, and the unexpected confidence that came from simply taking the next brave step. With warmth and realness, she reminds you that self-reflection isn’t just a ‘nice to do’ - it’s one of the most powerful tools you have for building a business (and life) that actually feels good.

You’ll be guided through intentional questions, simple mindset shifts, and a visualisation exercise to help you reconnect with your future self; the version of you who already knows what you want next. Whether you’re craving momentum, clarity, expansion, or even a gentler pace, this episode will help you reconnect with what matters and build the confidence to act on it.

Alex closes the episode with an invitation to her upcoming 2026 Business Planning Workshop - a supportive, energising space to turn your ideas, visions, and goals into a plan you’ll actually follow through on.

This episode is perfect for business owners, creatives, freelancers, and anyone ready to step into the next chapter with more intention, courage, and clarity.

• Why reflecting on your 2025 achievements (and challenges) creates momentum for your next chapter

• How self-reflection becomes a practical tool for business clarity and long-term growth

• Simple questions to ask yourself to understand what’s working — and what isn’t

• How visualising your future self builds direction, focus, and inner confidence

• Why bold actions often bring rewards you couldn’t plan for

• What Alex learned about fear, visibility, and starting before you feel “ready”

• How to anchor your goals with mindset so you stay committed throughout 2026

• Why your vision is valid, important, and absolutely worth pursuing

• A gentle reminder that you are ready, capable, and more equipped than you think

• How the 2026 Business Planning Workshop can support you to turn ideas into real, sustainable action

https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessplanning2026

• Explore 1:1 business coaching (online or in person)

• Join a monthly Business Connection Session for networking and support

• Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

• Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Self-reflection is one of the most underrated tools for business growth. When you pause long enough to see what you’ve achieved, what you’ve survived, and who you’re becoming, you make space for a braver, clearer, more aligned future. This episode will help you reconnect with your vision, honour your progress, and step into 2026 with confidence, clarity, and intention.

In this third episode of My Kind of Business, Alex explores what it really takes to attract clients — without constantly relying on social media. If you’re tired of feeling like you have to show up online every day just to stay visible, this conversation is a breath of fresh air.

Alex shares a different approach to marketing — one rooted in real connection, confidence and consistency. Whether you’re feeling burnt out by the algorithm or just want to diversify how you grow your business, this episode offers simple but powerful ways to build visibility, trust and momentum off the screen.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I find clients when I don't want to be online 24/7?” — this one’s for you.

What we cover

00:00 Introduction to Client Attraction Beyond Social Media 06:28 The Power of Networking for Client Connections 15:16 Engaging Through Events and Workshops 21:05 Direct Outreach: Personal Connections Matter

Takeaways

• Social media is not the only way to find clients

• Networking should focus on genuine connection, not selling

• Referrals are one of the most effective and underused strategies

• Hosting events helps you showcase your expertise and build trust

• Collaborations can introduce you to aligned audiences

• Direct outreach shows you care and builds meaningful relationships

• Strong client attraction is rooted in relationship-building

• Following up is where real connection deepens

• Personalised outreach is more effective than mass messaging

• Your clients are waiting for you beyond the scroll

Sound Bites

"You don’t have to rely on social media to grow your business." "Relationships build businesses — not just reels." "Sometimes the most powerful strategy is a message in someone’s inbox." "You already have people in your world who would love to work with you."

Connect with Alex

Join the next Business Connection Online Networking Session: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching/ Facebook Community: Join here LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com