Conversations of Inspiration

When you’re a footballing legend how can you use your platform as a force for good? That’s the conversation shared between Holly and Rio in this week's fascinating episode.Humble, honest and inspiring, Rio is renowned as one of our most beloved sportsmen but in more recent years Rio has turned his talents to breaking down taboos and campaigning for positive social change.Rio talks openly about the experiences in life that have shaped him, from experiencing racism from childhood to now, his journey with grief, and his desire to instil purpose and drive in the next generation.It’s a captivating conversation that pays tribute to a man who, while navigating some of life’s toughest challenges, has shown enormous generosity of spirit, compassion and kindness. It is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to support positive progress.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with  Sue Fennessy, founder of WeAre8.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

“I didn’t know how to function any more. And then, one day, I watched my dad make a really simple overnight bread, mixing flour, salt and yeast in a bowl. Watching something so simple transform into something so magical made me feel safe.”Meet Kitty Tait and Al Tait, the daughter and father duo who are exceptional bakers with an even more exceptional story. At just 14, Kitty struggled with anxiety and depression which became so acute, she left school. Encouraged by her father, she discovered baking and their lives took an unexpected turn. Recognising that baking had been fundamental in Kitty’s recovery, Kitty and Al set about changing the world one loaf at a time.In this episode Holly speaks to Kitty and Al, and learns more of how they immersed themselves in the world of baking - and how they are now using their knowledge and passion to inspire, educate and empower others, bringing the art of baking to the masses. Sharing many tear-jerking and life-affirming tales from their journey so far, this is a conversation about creativity and self belief, and one that highlights the transformative power that pursuing our passions can have on our lives.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Katy Emck OBE, founding director of Fine Cell Work.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

“I was homeless, I had no teeth and I was dying.”These are the words of DJ Fat Tony, world famous DJ, artist and author of the candid memoir, I Don't Take Requests.Tony grew up on a council estate in Battersea and his hedonistic lifestyle, and rise to fame, made him the DJ of choice for a generation of superstars - from the Beckhams to Elton John.After struggling with a decades-long addiction to drugs and alcohol, Tony finally hit rock bottom and chose a life of sobriety in 2006, then using his learned experiences to help others through dark times in their own lives.In this candid conversation with Holly, Tony speaks with brutal honesty about the derailing of his life, the demons from the past that he has had to face to get back on track, and the compassion and empathy he has had to find for himself along the way.It’s a story of huge mental resilience, of recovery and redemption and one that ultimately celebrates the survival instinct in all of us. It’s also one you won’t want to miss.Please note: It’s worth taking a moment to make sure that no little ears are listening, as the subjects of drug abuse and child abuse are discussed. If this episode resonated with you, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Goldie MBE, DJ, artist and actor.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

If anybody embodies the spirit of a certain era of British fashion, it is Tanya Sarne OBE, founder of the iconic fashion label, Ghost.In this episode, Tanya shares her extraordinary life story, from her humble beginnings as a child born in the war to refugee parents, to travelling all over the world. Her journey had many remarkable moments along the way — moments she generously shares openly from the heart, with no holds barred.Tanya speaks about her time spent struggling as a single mum until her label redefined fashion and became a global success, all whilst coping with an addiction that took hold for 24 years. By her own admission, Tanya has led a very colourful life, one that is so jam-packed with stories you’ll wonder how she managed to fit it all in. At the epicentre of the Swinging Sixties in London, Tanya’s story is one interwoven with fashion, glamour, famous friends and travel.It is also a tale of talent, hard work, strength and utter resilience — and of a free spirit that remains totally, majestically undimmed.This conversation touches on some adult themes, not suitable for little ears. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown and Jones Road Beauty.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“I get emotional because this is a craft I love. It is my life.”These are the words of Keith Brymer Jones, master ceramicist, design expert, author and self-proclaimed emotional judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down.A dyslexic child, Keith found an affinity with clay, ultimately turning his academic struggles into his best-selling and iconic Word Range of ceramics.Now, with over three decades of knowledge and experience under his belt, Keith shares his love of the craft and his thoughts on how the raw form of clay can not only produce something beautiful, but can actually be a channel for our insecurities and vulnerabilities.It’s a fascinating conversation and an insight into one of our nation's most talented designers and kindest TV judges, one who turns formulaic reality competitions on their head and one who always leads the way with empathy, compassion and warmth.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jay Blades MBE, presenter and founder of Jay & Co.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How can you take your passions and turn them into a brand that touches the hearts of thousands nationwide? Cath Kidston Padgham MBE built a thriving British business by embracing her love of textiles, interiors and print, and following her heart. But how?Reflecting on the pivotal moments that led her to success, Cath and Holly explore the breathtaking highs Cath experienced, as well as the heartbreaking loss and grief that have punctuated her journey so far — and also sharpened her senses, built resilience and drove her forwards. Having grown a truly iconic household brand bursting with joy, colour and creativity, she’s an undeniable master in her field, and here she reveals how she did it, and why she’s doing it all again with her new brand C.Atherley. This episode follows Cath’s story from the early days of turning her vision into a reality, and shares the secrets behind her success. It reminds us all of the importance of showing up when times are tough and how sometimes, life takes us full circle to return to our roots.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

As one of the most inspiring stories you'll ever hear, this is a conversation that really will make you appreciate the beauty of life. This week, Holly speaks with TV presenter, author and disability activist Sophie Morgan to find out more of what we can achieve when we refuse to let what happens to us in life — or other people — define us.Paralysed in a car crash when she was just eighteen years old, Sophie has faced gruelling personal challenges, campaigned relentlessly to dispel the myths around disability and spoken out against ableist attitudes ever since.Tenacity, ongoing resilience and a lust for life are just some of the characteristics that Sophie has by the bucketload and it's exactly this attitude that has kept driving her forwards in even the darkest of times.Sophie shares with Holly how all her experiences, at times raw and unflinching, have shaped her as a person, of how art and creativity have helped to heal her and of how she has created a colourful, beautiful life that is bursting with adventure and new horizons.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Josh Patterson, Ultra-athlete, Broadcaster and Mental Health Campaigner.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How do you evolve with your brand as a founder? For over three decades Boden has been serious about style that makes you smile, and this week, Holly sits down with Johnnie Boden CBE to revisit his story since they first met in 2018. Having weathered recessions, Brexit, Covid and now a cost of living crisis, Boden has established itself as a quintessentially British brand, that is also taking the US market by storm. Johnnie shares his secrets of how he has kept Boden on track, how he defied the fashion fads that destroyed his rivals and the single most valuable piece of advice he has ever received.It’s a conversation about life as much as it is business, as Johnnie reflects on how he believes that growing up with his brand is the key to remaining motivated, passionate and in love with his company.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Henry Dimbleby MBE, Co-founder of Leon.Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

Jacqueline Gold CBE, Chief Executive of Ann Summers, made it her life mission to empower women both in the boardroom but also in the bedroom, and unashamedly too. She tackled taboos, redefined an entire industry and made a lasting impact on the next generation of women in business.  As Jacqueline once said, “As women, we should boldly lift our heads above the parapet and celebrate our own successes”.  Jacqueline’s Conversation of Inspiration is one that Holly was truly honoured to hear in 2020, and is one she will hold close forevermore.  In honour of the incredible life of Jacqueline we are sharing this special podcast episode to remember and celebrate her strength, resilience, courage, and a legacy that will never be forgotten. 

It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. Chantal Coady OBE – AKA The Chocolate Detective — is on a mission to help you uncover the finest and most ethical chocolate around.Fuelled by a lifelong love of all things chocolate, Chantal’s business journey began at just 23, opening Rococo on the Kings Road, and stocking in the likes of Liberty, Heals and British Airways. However, there have also been extreme lows, after a terrible experience saw her lose her first business in 2019. Now returning to her creative chocolate roots, Chantal is using her years of knowledge and experience to guide the revolution for ethical, delectable chocolate with the utmost transparency — a mission she has been driving for the past 40 years. This is a life-affirming conversation that reminds us all that in whatever we pursue, passion might be the only thing that can heal us.If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.