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 thirty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jessica Leader – co-founder of SureStay Group and former corporate marketing professional turned property entrepreneur.

After a successful career managing marketing budgets and brand reputations in the corporate world, Jess realised she wanted to do work that created both profit and purpose. That realisation led her to co-found SureStay Group – a property investment company that generates strong returns for investors while providing safe, stable homes for vulnerable families.

Jess’s journey is a powerful example of how aligning your business with your values can create a more fulfilling and impactful path. She shares openly about the transition from the security of corporate life to the challenges and freedoms of entrepreneurship, the importance of trust and relationships in business, and how she’s built a model that combines financial success with social good.

In this conversation, Alex and Jess explore:

• How to transition from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship

• The power of aligning personal values with business goals

• Building trust and supportive networks for growth

• Creating social impact through property investment

• Balancing profit with purpose in business

• Managing investor relationships with integrity

• Finding flexibility and freedom as an entrepreneur

• The importance of quick execution and learning through action

• Balancing family life and business with intention

Whether you’re considering a shift from corporate to entrepreneurship, or simply want to build a business that feels meaningful and values-led, Jess’s story will leave you inspired to take bold, purpose-driven action.

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Jess [02:15] From corporate marketing to property investment [07:00] The story behind founding SureStay Group [11:40] Creating profit with purpose [16:25] Building a trusted network and managing investor relationships [21:10] Lessons from entrepreneurship and taking action quickly [26:00] Balancing family life and business growth [30:15] Continuous learning and the evolution of SureStay Group [34:30] Jess’s vision for the future of socially impactful housing

• Aligning personal values with business goals for greater fulfillment

• Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship with confidence

• Combining profit with social impact through purpose-driven property investment

• Building strong, trustworthy relationships with investors and partners

• Balancing family life while growing a meaningful business

• The importance of learning, mentorship, and community in business growth

LinkedIn: Jessica Leader SureStay Group: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Join the 2026 Business Planning Workshop: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/2026businessplanning Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this thirtieth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sarah Summers – Registered Nutritionist and founder of Sarah Summers Nutrition. Sarah helps midlife women navigate menopause with clarity, energy, and confidence, without confusion, fad diets, or endless Googling.

After 30 years in the corporate world, Sarah’s own breast cancer diagnosis became a turning point that reshaped her life. She left the boardrooms behind to become a nutritionist, driven by her passion for how food, lifestyle, and mindset can support hormones, energy, resilience, and overall health in midlife.

Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder of the role of gut instinct, community, and informed choices in creating a life that aligns with your values. In this episode, she shares her journey of personal growth, resilience, and empowerment, and offers practical tips for navigating midlife health and lifestyle changes.

In this conversation, Alex and Sarah explore:

• How gut instinct can guide life-changing decisions

• Breast cancer as a catalyst for lifestyle transformation

• Nutrition’s vital role in energy, hormone balance, and resilience

• Community support and networking as keys to personal growth

• Menopause as a time for self-discovery and empowerment

• Managing overwhelm from social media and seeking trusted sources

• Continual learning and developing sustainable healthy habits

Whether you’re navigating menopause, seeking a healthier lifestyle, or wanting to make empowered choices for your health and business, Sarah’s insights are honest, practical, and inspiring.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Sarah [02:15] Corporate career and early life [06:10] Breast cancer and lifestyle shift [10:45] Embracing nutrition and further education [15:20] Building a new career and supportive community [20:05] Gut instinct and making empowered choices [25:40] Resilience through challenges [32:15] Navigating menopause and self-discovery [38:00] Practical tips for health, growth, and networking [44:10] Reflections and what’s next for Sarah

Key Highlights

• Transitioning from a corporate career to midlife nutrition and coaching

• Using health challenges as a catalyst for empowerment and lifestyle change

• Nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset strategies to support midlife health

• Building resilience and community support for personal growth

• Networking for learning and growth, not just selling

Connect with Sarah

Instagram: @sarahsummers_nutritionist Website: Standard | VIP

• Shropshire Women in Business Networking Group: shropshirewomeninbusiness.com

Connect with Alex

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

Through her website isittimetoplay.co.uk and social media community @isittimetoplay, Emma has built a vibrant space for educators who believe in the power of learning through play.

What began as sharing simple ideas on Facebook during lockdown has grown into a thriving online business offering downloadable planning packs, themed play provocations and time-saving classroom resources.

In this episode, Emma shares her inspiring journey from teaching in the classroom to running her own successful business, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From balancing part-time teaching while starting out, to navigating the leap from security to self-employment — her story is full of honesty, encouragement and practical advice for anyone considering turning their experience into a business.

Emma’s story is a reminder that with creativity, courage and a clear sense of purpose, you can build a business that reflects your values and supports others in meaningful ways.

In this conversation Alex and Emma explore:

• How Emma balanced part-time teaching while growing her business

• The challenges (and freedom) of leaving a secure job behind

• Turning a simple Facebook group into a full-time business

• The mindset, resilience and personal growth behind entrepreneurship

• Navigating freedom, flexibility and boundaries as a solo business owner

• The power of community and staying true to your mission

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Emma [02:10] Emma’s background and where Is It Time to Play? began [06:30] Balancing part-time teaching with building a business [10:45] Making the leap from secure employment to entrepreneurship [15:20] Growing a Facebook community into a full-time business [20:05] The importance of mindset, resilience and personal growth [25:40] Freedom, flexibility and the challenge of boundaries [32:15] Building a values-led, sustainable business [38:00] Advice for teachers and creatives starting a business [44:10] Final reflections and what’s next for Emma

• How Emma turned her teaching experience into a thriving online business

• The mindset shifts that helped her transition from employment to entrepreneurship

• Lessons on balancing passion with practicality

• Why play and creativity matter — in education and business

• Practical advice for teachers, creatives and early years professionals considering self-employment

🌐 Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/isittimetoplay 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/isittimetoplay

💻 Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

Episode 28: How to Align Your Career and Life with Sarah Burrows

In this twenty-eighth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Sarah Burrows – Accredited Career & Business Coach and Founder of Achieving Ambition. Sarah helps women who feel stuck, lost or unfulfilled in their careers to discover a purpose-filled path, whether that’s a career change, developing leadership skills or stepping into entrepreneurship.

With a background spanning psychology, the British military and the charity and corporate sectors, Sarah brings both expertise and lived experience to her work. She shares openly in this episode about her own journey – the fears, the challenges and the joy of creating a business that aligns with who she is.

Sarah’s story is a reminder that building a career or business you love is rarely a straight line – it’s about tuning into your energy, giving yourself permission to rest and embracing the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile.

In this conversation Alex and Sarah explore:

• Using fear and uncertainty as a catalyst for growth

• Designing your business and life around your energy and priorities

• The power of mindset, support and allowing yourself to rest

• Standout “pinch me” moments of entrepreneurship

• Why alignment matters more than following a traditional path

• Practical advice for anyone considering a career change or new business

Whether you’re at a crossroads in your career, thinking about launching your own business, or simply looking for encouragement to create work that lights you up, Sarah’s insights are filled with honesty, warmth and inspiration.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Sarah [02:15] Sarah’s career background and early influences [06:10] Making the leap into coaching and entrepreneurship [10:45] Using fear and uncertainty as growth fuel [15:20] Building a business around energy and priorities [20:05] The importance of mindset, support and rest [25:40] Standout “pinch me” moments in business [32:15] Navigating challenges and celebrating wins [38:00] Advice for career changers and new entrepreneurs [44:10] What alignment really means in work and life [50:00] Closing reflections and what’s next for Sarah

Key Highlights

• How Sarah transitioned from psychology and corporate roles into business ownership

• Why fear and uncertainty can be powerful catalysts for growth

• The role of energy, priorities and rest in building a sustainable career or business

• Standout moments that make entrepreneurship so rewarding

• Practical advice for career changers, leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs

Connect with Sarah Website: https://www.achievingambition.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achievingambition

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

In this episode of My Kind of Business, business coach Alex McCarthy shares five practical steps to help you attract more clients and grow your business with confidence.

From defining your ideal client to nailing your offer, building visibility, creating trust, and asking for the sale, Alex combines actionable business strategies with honest stories from her own journey and her clients’. You’ll discover how to make your marketing feel natural, how to connect with the right people, and how to turn conversations into paying clients.

This episode is perfect for you if you’re just starting out in business or looking for ways to grow sustainably without burning out. Expect real-life examples, clear steps you can take today, and reassurance that business growth doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

• How to define your ideal client (even if you’ve never worked with anyone before)

• Why your offer should focus on transformation, not just services

• How to build visibility that feels sustainable and authentic

• The role of trust, testimonials and storytelling in client attraction

• Simple ways to ask for the sale confidently without feeling pushy

business growth, client attraction, marketing strategies, business coaching, visibility, trust building, sales techniques, ideal client, offer clarity, personal stories

✦ Explore one-to-one business coaching (online or in person) ✦ Join a monthly Business Connection Session for networking and support ✦ Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com ✦ Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Growing your business and attracting clients doesn’t have to feel exhausting. These five steps will help you find clarity, build momentum and enjoy the process of creating a business that works for you.

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