In this episode of the Online Entrepreneur Academy podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant and wonderfully frank Anne Bates OBE – a woman who has reinvented her life more than once, not by choice, but through sheer determination, humour, and a refusal to stay quiet.

Anne shares how she went from being expelled from school and working as a secretary, to becoming a nursery nurse, a college lecturer, and eventually Chair of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, advising the UK government on accessible transport. Along the way, she was awarded an OBE – which she wryly rebrands as “Other Buggers’ Efforts.”

We talk about:

• How serious illness and disability forced a career change she never asked for
• The realities of life as a wheelchair user in a world designed for everyone else
• Why language, assumptions, and “special assistance” can help – or completely miss the point
• The difference between the medical model and the social model of disability
• How humour, stubbornness, and a sharp eye for injustice can drive real change

This is a conversation about access, dignity, and unexpected career pivots. It’s honest, funny, and quietly fierce – especially if you’ve ever felt like a square peg being shoved into a round hole.

You can find Ann on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-bates-obe-5bb84227/

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

In this episode, I’m joined by the remarkable Gabriel Topman - a coaching entrepreneur, investor, and strategic thinker with a seriously impressive background in business growth and brand positioning. Gabriel brings something refreshingly different to the table: a mix of traditional business sense, sharp strategic thinking, and modern insight into how entrepreneurs can truly stand out online.

We explore why he runs not one, but three websites, how “alignment” and “differentiation” can transform your business, and why even the best ideas fail without a solid strategy behind them. It’s a fascinating conversation that blends depth with practicality - whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this one will give you plenty to think about.

You can reach Gabriel here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-topman/

gabrieltopman@gmail.com

https://gabrieltopman.com/

And https://businessgrowthaction.com/

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

Hello and welcome back to the Online Entrepreneur Academy podcast. In this episode I’m thrilled to introduce Andy Kyle , a former secondary school language teacher who spent 14 years in the classroom, and management roles, before making a bold pivot into running his own virtual assistant business.

In this conversation, Andy shares what sparked the change, how he mapped his transferable skills to the corporate world, and why flexibility for family life became non-negotiable. We get into the nuts and bolts of starting from zero, including LinkedIn outreach, landing first clients, and learning new systems.

He also offers honest advice for teachers who are considering a move: take time for self-reflection, make a practical financial plan, and find communities that lift you up.

We finish with our Desert Island choices for a bit of fun.

If you’re a teacher or solopreneur who wants more freedom, or you’re curious about turning classroom skills into a thriving service, this one’s for you.

Check the notes below for Andy’s website and LinkedIn. Enjoy!

Andy's websi: www.andykyleva.co.uk
Email: andy@andykyleva.co.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kyle-070b17aa/

And Andy referenced this organisation in our conversation

https://www.adventuresafterteaching.com/

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

Hello and welcome back to the Online Entrepreneur Academy podcast. In today's short solo episode, I'm talking about white space, not just in your posts or designs but in your week, your plans, and even your headspace.

It's about giving your message and yourself room to breathe. So grab a coffee, take a breath, and let's dive into how a little space can make a big difference to your content and your creativity.

Thank you for joining me :)

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

In this solo episode of The Online Entrepreneur Academy Podcast, I share the simple, consistent habits that quietly build your online presence.

From replying to one comment properly each day to keeping your bio fresh and your posts conversational, these are the small things that make a big impact over time.

🎧 A quick listen packed with practical ideas you can start using today.

#OnlineEntrepreneurAcademy
#SmallHabitsBigDifference
#SoloEpisode
#ContentMadeEasy
#StayVisibleOnline

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

🎙️ Marketing Moments with Mark & Susan — Episode 1

Welcome to the first of many Marketing Moments with Mark & Susan — your fast, friendly dose of marketing and content inspiration that actually works in the real world.

Mark, known as Mr. Marketing, brings decades of small-business strategy and profit-boosting insights.
Susan, your “Susan on your Shoulder”, helps you turn those ideas into easy-peasy, high-value content that connects and converts.

In this inaugural episode, they unpack a true case study of a UK coffee vendor whose simple 3-minute move to a better location completely transformed his business.
You’ll discover:

• Why location beats loyalty (and what that means online)
• How to replace forgettable 10% discounts with offers people talk about
• Simple ways to borrow traffic from nearby, non-competing businesses
• The importance of owning your audience through email
• How to apply these lessons to your own business—whether you’re a solo café owner, a local gym, a creative studio, or a national brand team looking for grassroots inspiration.

💡 Every episode delivers practical, adaptable advice that applies across industries and business sizes — from small local ventures to larger enterprises that want to think more nimbly and human.

👉 Got a marketing or content question?

Drop us a DM

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

In this episode, it was my pleasure to catch up with Stuart Holcroft, Sports and Life Performance Specialist and founder of Fearless Putting Ltd.

Stuart shares his journey from Award -winning RAF officer to entrepreneur, blending psychology and neurotech to help people improve their focus, sleep and overall wellbeing. It’s a fascinating and down to earth conversation about health, discipline, and building a business that genuinely helps others.

His RAF career and a love of psychology led him to sports and life performance. We dig into wearable neurotech that supports brain balance and focus, practical wellbeing habits for those of us who end up sitting at computers for a long time(!) and simple ways to grow a value-led business through collaboration and real conversations.

As Stuart is a keen advocate of simple, drug free approaches to wellbeing the conversation is packed with great examples of improved lives.

Listen in to immediately find actionable, better ways to take care of your health while working, and also learn so much about neurotechnology. Possibly a very well kept secret!!

Please Note: This conversation shares personal experiences and general information. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional about your health.

Contact Stuart on LinkedIn

Email stuart@fearlessputting.com

Or Phone (UK) 01296 92 94 36

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details

In this inspiring conversation, Bige Turan shares how she went from English literature graduate to teacher, book translator, and now a creative force behind a family psychology practice in Crete.

Start a conversation with looking at Freelancing truths: discipline, self-motivation, working alone. Something that all entrepreneurs, and especially solopreneurs, face regularly.

We unpack the realities of freelancing (discipline, loneliness, self-management), the art of translation beyond words, and why choosing one focus beats doing everything at once. Bige explains how her team narrowed their social content to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and anxiety, why country-by-country platform habits matter, and how AI helps only when it supports authentic, personal stories.

She also opens up about macramé and mandala drawing as therapeutic practices - and how they became community workshops.

If you’re building a business from blended skills, you’ll love this one.

Website ( In English and Greek) : https://hypnosisgreece.gr/
Email: info@hypnosisgreece.gr or Bige's personal email bigetur@gmail.com

Do message us, suggestions, feedback guests you'd like to have in a conversation here? Thank you for you support and interest. Apprecaited

My podcast is advert-free and jingle-free, simply put together, and hopefully demonstrates you can be working alone, keep the tech simple, and still share fabulous information.

Keeping business simple is my motto! ...Although I will at some point have some music and a jingle!!

Thank you for joining us, you'll find us here:
https://calendly.com/susanmaghrabi/coffee-chat Book your Complimentary Appointment

The Rest :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-lancaster-maghrabi/
👉http://bit.ly/OLEAGroup My free FB Group,
https://www.facebook.com/susanlancastermaghrabi/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanMaghrabi101
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpIKPhe3_SD1qNytfILNXQ
The Charity we support:
https://www.facebook.com/StKizitoPrimarySchool see the page for details