• Talk Straight | Think Smart with Ashlee Jane
    Dec 14 2022

    Ashlee Jane didn't have grand plans to set up her own business when she created an Instagram account showcasing her floristry hobby. But after building a large online community she took the plunge and founded her business The Suffolk Nest.

    In this episode, Ashlee shares her journey to becoming an accidental entrepreneur and her plans for the future. She talks about her upcoming book launch, strategies to manage incredible demand, and her desire to go global.

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with Dan Warne
    Oct 31 2022

    With a five-year stint as MD of Deliveroo, Dan Warne has a deep understanding of the food and drink sector. But it's his passion for the music industry that inspired him to reimagine the UK food scene and start his own business Sessions. In this episode, Lydia Christie talks to Dan about his journey to starting the business, investment in tech, recruitment strategies in the current market, future expansions, and more!

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with Charlotte Ferguson
    May 5 2022

    Charlotte didn't have a background in business when she started skincare brand Disciple. But what she did have was a background in psychotherapy, a unique insight into the causes of skin issues, and a solution that could transform not only her own skin but other people's too. In this episode, Lydia Christie talks to Charlotte about the inspiration behind her skincare brand Disciple, how it was named, the impact COVID had on the business, investment opportunities and sustainable plans for the future.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with Chris Forbes
    Mar 9 2022

    The Cheeky Panda has three core values: impact, inspire and innovate. And everything comes back to the importance of being green. From day one, Co-Founder Chris Forbes has been focused on bringing sustainability to the mass market, and the impact the business has had is incredible. In this episode, Chris tells host Lydia Christie how by putting purpose before profit, the money follows.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with Hannah Rhodes
    Feb 3 2022

    How did a beekeeping experience on the top of Tate Britain lead to a new business? With experience and passion for beer, and a new found interest in bees, Hannah Rhodes came up with an idea to bring them together. In this episode, Hannah tells host Lydia Christie about the experiences that led to her starting her own business, her passion for sustainability and local produce, and creating the first beer that used honey in the fermentation process.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with Chris Penn
    Dec 2 2021

    Following a lengthy career in the hotel industry, Chris Penn went out on his own and started his business Birch Community. Birch intends to be a medium for change, providing a different kind of "hotel" focusing on wellbeing and humanity, where people can escape the shackles of modern life and reconnect with themselves. In this episode, host Lydia Christie speaks to him about his inspiration to start the business, the challenges COVID brought and how he envisions their future.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with... Howard Kennedy: The recap episode
    Nov 18 2021

    In this special edition, Lydia Christie joins series one host Adam Walford to ask him about the lessons learned from the impressive guests he's interviewed this year. What did Adam think were the key ingredients needed to create a successful entrepreneur? A strong work ethic, bravery, confidence and imagination. Find out why by listening to this recap episode.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Talk Straight | Think Smart with Spencer Craig
    Aug 4 2021

    Following the influence of entrepreneurial family members, and inspired by trends in New York and his own habits, Spencer came up with the idea for Pure. After selling his flat and getting investment from family and friends he set up the first shop in Soho. Host Adam Walford speaks to him about founding the business, what makes them special and their recent support from DJ Chris Evans.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins