Conversations of Inspiration

What if the key to a more just, compassionate world started in the classroom? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Holly speaks with award-winning filmmaker, human rights advocate, and education activist, Leslee Udwin. Known for her groundbreaking documentary India's Daughter and as the visionary behind Think Equal, Leslee shares her journey from confronting injustice on the screen to reshaping education for empathy, compassion, and social equality.Throughout their conversation, Leslee discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to dedicate her life to creating an education system rooted in emotional intelligence and mutual respect. Think Equal imagines a world where empathy is as essential as numeracy or literacy, teaching children from a young age to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, genders, races, and religions.This episode is both inspiring and, at times, deeply raw, as Leslee speaks openly about the painful realities that have driven her mission. But her passion for creating a world where children learn empathy, respect, and emotional resilience shines through, offering hope for a more peaceful future.Trigger Warning: This episode addresses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including discussions on race, sexual violence, child abuse, and violence against women. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage you to prioritise your well-being. Please pause or skip sections that may be triggering for you.

What drives someone born into one of the UK’s most prominent aristocratic families to dedicate their life to prison reform, particularly advocating for the needs of women behind bars?In this episode, Holly speaks with the remarkable Lady Edwina Grosvenor, whose background might lead you to expect a life of privilege and tradition—but her story is anything but conventional. Edwina shares how, “From a really young age, I felt that injustice of the luck of birth,” an early realisation that sparked her commitment to the most marginalised members of society.From the impact of privilege on her perspectives to her work in addressing the systemic injustices faced by incarcerated women—like the lack of access to basic necessities—Edwina shares a rare, firsthand view of the hidden world of prisons. She dives into the complex relationship between domestic violence and incarceration rates, and why trauma-informed care is essential for breaking cycles of recidivism.She challenges us all: “Do we want our prisons to be warehouses for the incorrigible or greenhouses for the redeemable?” Her vision for a more compassionate justice system is clear: “Should we be helping people to lead a better life or should we be actively preventing it?”Listen now for a conversation that will open your eyes, challenge your assumptions, and inspire you to consider how empathy can drive real change. Join us in exploring the hidden world of prisons and the transformative power of hope.Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to share? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This opportunity is brought to you in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions.Exclusive Dell discount for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: Save up to 20% through Dell Exclusive Offers by using your email and the exclusive Holly & Co password: ‘HCO’.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about the deaths of babies, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need to, please skip from 26 to 28 minutes. Take care while listening.

Imagine turning down a dream job, facing a mountain of debt, and surviving a life-or-death experience—only to emerge with a mission that’s transforming the world of giving. In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration, Matt Pohlson, co-founder of Omaze—a platform that offers life-changing experiences and prizes while raising funds for charitable causes—shares his remarkable journey. It’s packed with insights for anyone looking to make a difference.What you’ll learn: Turn fear into fuel – Matt reveals how he overcame $200,000 in debt and turned down a major job offer, staying true to his mission even when the challenges felt insurmountable. Build trust through vulnerability – Find out how embracing honesty and openness can forge deeper connections, whether in business or in life. Combine profit with purpose – Discover how Omaze has raised over £60 million for charities by harnessing the power of storytelling. Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that our toughest moments can become our greatest sources of strength. Tune in to see how these lessons could shape your own journey.Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to share? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This opportunity is brought to you in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions.Exclusive Dell discount for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: Save up to 20% through Dell Exclusive Offers by using your email and the exclusive Holly & Co password: ‘HCO’.

Meet Patrick and Karen O’Flaherty, the dynamic husband and wife duo behind Pip Organic, a pioneering force in the organic food and drink industry.Their story began in the bustling heart of London, where their shared passion for health, sustainability, and community blossomed into a visionary business idea. United by their commitment to creating wholesome, organic products, Patrick and Karen embarked on a journey to transform the way people consume food and beverages.In this episode, Patrick and Karen reveal the intricacies of their entrepreneurial journey sharing the complexities of being an organic business and managing a sustainable supply chain all whilst ensuring that Pip Organic remains synonymous with purity and simplicity.But it’s not just a story about business, Patrick and Karen’s journey is also testament to the remarkable power of a family-run enterprise and of how they have woven their personal values into the fabric of their brand.Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to tell? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions.Exclusive Dell discount code for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: You can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’.

What does it really take to build a legacy of success while lifting others up along the way?  In this episode, Holly speaks with Debbie Wosskow OBE, the powerhouse entrepreneur, investor, and author behind multiple thriving businesses. From her entrepreneurial roots, Debbie grew up understanding the value of hard work and resilience - traits that have fueled her remarkable journey from founding Mantra, Love Home Swap and AllBright to empowering thousands of women across the globe. Now, at 50, Debbie reflects on how she’s become the fullest version of herself—balancing entrepreneurship, life and her role as a champion for investing in female-founded businesses.  Debbie’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength and tenacity of women in business. Her insights on grit, grace, and graft will inspire you to recognise your worth and pursue your dreams with confidence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode of Conversations Of Inspiration is packed with wisdom and encouragement. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to tell? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions.  Exclusive Dell discount code for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: You can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’.

Paul Hargreaves, the visionary founder behind Cotswold Fayre, a speciality food wholesaler, and Flourish, a 9,000 ft food hall, restaurant and home and lifestyle store is a journey is one of remarkable resilience and purpose-driven leadership. With an unwavering commitment to his values,  Paul shares with Holly the profound impact of a life changing trip to Kenya that shifted his perspective, igniting a deeper commitment to creating a business that prioritises people and the planet alongside profit.A passionate ambassador of the B Corp movement, Paul champions the fourth bottom line - the belief that it is only through personal change and with empathy and authenticity, that we can become compassionate leaders and drive both personal fulfilment along with business success.So whether you are an entrepreneur, business leader or someone passionate about making a positive impact through business, this conversation, from one of the industry's leading voices, is one packed full of wisdom and inspiration on how you too can make a meaningful difference.This heartfelt conversation offers a wealth of wisdom for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to infuse their ventures with purpose and humanity.Plus, for weekly inspiration, creative ideas and more from brilliant small businesses, sign up to Holly's emails. Or for more insights into building a purpose-driven business, subscribe to Holly’s monthly newsletters. You'll also get exclusive offers and 'ungoogleable' business advice delivered straight to your inbox.Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to tell? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions. Exclusive Dell discount code for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: You can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’.

Did you know that 30% of the new clothes made every year are never sold? This year that will be 26 billion items of clothing!   CEO and co-founder of This Is Unfolded, Cally Russell, is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion. Known for his bold decision to walk away from lucrative offers on Dragon’s Den, Cally has dedicated his career to disrupting the fashion industry by tackling waste and promoting conscious consumerism. In this episode, Cally shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a movement that aims to make fashion more sustainable and ethical. Learn about the challenges he faced in turning his vision into reality, the strategies that helped him succeed and the impact This Is Unfolded is making on both the industry and the planet. Discover how Cally’s innovative approach is not just about selling clothes, but about creating a new model for fashion retail that values people and the environment over profit. His story is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right mindset, it’s possible to challenge the status quo and make a lasting difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will make you rethink how you shop and why sustainability is the future of fashion. If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Lucy & Yak’s founders, who are also at the forefront of sustainable fashion. Plus, for weekly inspiration, creative ideas and more from brilliant small businesses, sign up to Holly's emails. Or for more insights into building a purpose-driven business, subscribe to Holly’s monthly newsletters. You'll also get exclusive offers and 'ungoogleable' business advice delivered straight to your inbox. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to tell? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions.  Exclusive Dell discount code for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: You can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’. Time stamps: Cally’s Entrepreneurial Journey (00:03:12): From turning down Dragon’s Den offers to launching This Is Unfolded. Challenges in Sustainable Fashion (00:10:45): The hurdles Cally faced in creating a zero-waste fashion brand. The Impact of Fast Fashion (00:20:30): Cally discusses the environmental toll of fast fashion and how This Is Unfolded is offering a solution. Building a Purpose-Driven Business (00:29:57): Insights on balancing profit with social and environmental impact. Engaging the Conscious Consumer (00:36:22): Strategies for educating and inspiring customers to make sustainable choices. The Future of Fashion (00:45:11): Cally’s vision for the industry and the role of innovation in driving change. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (00:52:40): Cally shares his tips for those looking to start a purpose-driven business. Letter to Younger Self (01:02:30): Cally reflects on his journey and offers advice to his younger self.

In this captivating episode, Holly sits down with visionary entrepreneur Nick Hounsfield, founder of The Wave and One Blue World, for an inspiring conversation about creating change, overcoming challenges, and his journey from osteopath to social impact pioneer.Nick's story is nothing short of an entrepreneurial fairytale—a dream born from £500, a love for water, and a relentless determination to bring a piece of the ocean to Bristol. He shares the decade-long journey of building The Wave, an inland surfing destination, where purpose-driven vision meets groundbreaking engineering.As Nick recounts the highs and lows of raising £23 million, navigating personal health challenges, including a stroke, and seeing his dream come to life, the conversation delves deep into resilience, purpose, and the power of nature. His passion for health and well-being, connection to people, and Blue Health (the therapeutic benefits of water) shines through in every story.Key Takeaways: The Power of Blue Health: Nick explains the concept of Blue Health—how being around water improves our mental and physical well-being. Entrepreneurial Resilience: From facing financial obstacles to experiencing personal hardship, Nick’s story of overcoming adversity is both humbling and motivating. A Purpose Beyond Profit: The Wave is more than just a surfing destination. It's a place that fosters connection, wellness, and social impact. Impact and Legacy: Nick’s vision doesn’t stop at surfing. With One Blue World, he’s working to create spaces that connect communities to nature and each other, redefining how we live, work, and play. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or simply looking for inspiration, Nick’s story will remind you that the impossible can be achieved with unwavering passion and a clear sense of purpose.Grab your pen and paper for this one—you won’t want to miss the life lessons from a man who's created waves, both literally and metaphorically.Tune in now and prepare to be inspired by Nick’s incredible journey of creating impact through connection to water and community. Win an Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration thanks to Dell Technologies  Thank you Dell Technologies for helping us bring Conversations of Inspiration to life. Did you know that each week they give a small business the chance to win an Independent Ad Break on this very podcast? If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to share your story with hundreds of thousands of potential customers head over to holly.co/dell. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.Exclusive Dell Discount Code for Conversations of Inspiration ListenersYou can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’. 

In celebration of 200 episodes of Conversation of Inspiration, this special episode tackles some of the greatest challenges faced by our society today.Set against the backdrop of political fever as the general election looms, Holly explores what the future could look like, if the most brilliant minds and founders were spearheading the policies of our country — those who truly are experts, those who have actually ‘walked the walk’. How would they reshape our world with their boundless creativity, limitless common sense and a relentless drive for improvement? From reimagining the education system or creating a plan to save our high streets, to an alternative vision for social media or tackling climate change, this episode covers some of society's real challenges, and crucially, how we might overcome them.With ideas from Dame Anya Hindmarch, Sir Tim Smit and Mo Gawdat to name just a few, and with two heartfelt letters (prepare with tissues!), this is a very special episode not to be missed.

Meet Tom Herbert, the man whose life and work and steeped in the rich aromatic legacy of baking. Tom hails from a family of bakers, where the art of crafting exceptional bread has been passed down through the generations. In this episode, Holly speaks to Tom about the story of his family business, Hobbs House Bakery and delves into his journey to becoming one half of the TV show, The Fabulous Baker Boys. But Tom’s journey didn’t stop there. Fueled by a sense of purpose to change the world through food, Tom founded the community driven initiative The Long Table. A restaurant with a difference and one that fosters community, combats loneliness and one that has created a lasting social impact. Sharing his vision, his experience and his unwavering commitment to using food as a force for good, this episode is a celebration of tradition, vision and the incredible power of breaking bread together. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.