The Impact Specialist Rachel Dunford is a management consultant turned entrepreneur who specialises in helping businesses and charities to prioritise the impact they create through the work they do. She joins us on the podcast to discuss her vital work and how she got there. While eight months' pregnant, Rachel was made redundant. It led to a decision to work for herself, to care for her baby as much as to control her own destiny.

Turning a challenging situation into an opportunity to redefine her career, she leveraged her consulting background to transition from managing youth programs to establishing her own business. Drawing on her two decades of experience of delivering change programmes and running evaluation projects, Rachel now runs a multi-award winning business, giving her clients the tools they need to capture and measure their impact, empowering them to have the vocabulary they need to talk about it, and equipping them with the confidence to share and showcase it.

Rachel sheds light on a unique approach to aligning business practices with impactful outcomes. Consequently, she offers valuable insights into how businesses can confidently assess and communicate their impact for success and transformation.

We uncover the critical role of evidence-based insights in guiding strategic decisions, improving staff morale, and optimizing resource allocation. Rachel shares how challenging assumptions and aligning team roles with business objectives can drive success and credibility in a crowded marketplace.

Being the Business Awards Show, we have to celebrate Rachel's recent award wins. Having won a Golden Peacock Award followed by two silver awards at the 2024 Best Businesswomen Awards, we discover the transformative power of external recognition. Rachel explains how awards like "Businesswoman of the Decade" can significantly boost credibility and open new opportunities.

Throughout, Rachel emphasizes the importance of seeking help and investing in professional development. She offers advice from her 13-year journey that is sure to resonate with both new and established entrepreneurs. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a celebration of impactful business growth.

{2:12} Rachel's path to starting her own business.

{6:41} How impact can be measured.

{10:43} Taking a deep dive into the client's mindset.

{16:06} Entering the Colden Peacock Awards.

{19:51} Winning two Best Businesswomen Awards in 2024.

{23:06} The impact of awards on Rachel's business.

{26:37} Rachel's words of wisdom.

{29:52} Plans for 2025.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Rachel Dunford: https://racheldunfordconsulting.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimpactspecialist/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theimpactspecialist/

Empowering Women, Embracing Diversity with Gillian Jones-Williams is the latest fascinating episode of the Business Awards Show. Gillian was recently acclaimed as the Business Woman of the Decade at the Best Business Women Awards and is the founder of Emerge Development Consultancy.

She created Emerge to facilitate a better future for organisations by enabling them to drive transformation through people. It delivers Leadership, Graduate and Personal effectiveness programmes plus Executive Coaching. Crucially, Emerge specialises in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity and delivers an empowered women's development programme RISE internationally.

Her personal narrative, marked by a unique upbringing with a mother who was chronically bipolar and her own experiences with cyclothymia, fuel her passion for overcoming limiting beliefs and unlocking potential.

Explore how Gillian and her team navigated the maelstrom of Brexit, economic recessions, and lockdown by turning challenges into opportunities. Forced to rethink the traditional business model, Gillian successfully shifted from face-to-face training to virtual platforms, achieving financial stability just six months after the lockdown. The episode shines a light on the importance of embracing new trends like micro-learning and addressing evolving challenges in the DEI space. Furthermore, she has aspirations for future growth and discusses her succession plan now her daughter plays a senior role in the business.

Gillian's nearly 30-year career is further distinguished by her literary contributions and aspirations for a TEDx talk. Her lockdown diary and the forthcoming "Say What You Mean," which equips women with assertive communication scripts, underscore her commitment to empowering others.

The recognition from winning prestigious awards not only enhances her reputation but also opens doors for new opportunities. Join us in celebrating Gillian's achievements and learn how her experiences can inspire personal and professional growth.

{1:30} The work of Emerge Development Consultancy.

{2:24} The difficulties for women in Saudi Arabia.

{3:02} Delivering programmes in Saudi.

{3:43} Coaching teams v indiduals.

{4:19} What gets in the way of success?

{4:54} Doing work that is transformational.

{5:38} Gillian's path to personal development.

{10:45} Where 'Emerge' came from.

{11:22} The challenges Gillian has faced along the way.

{13:39} Why the pandemic proved to be a gift.

{13:59} Businesswoman of the Decade - an award dedicated to Gillian's team.

{16:23} Future plans.

{17:04} Taking an effective approach to diversity and inclusion.

{18:32} Emerge's typical client sectors.

{19:11} When awards first appeared on the radar.

{20:16} The personal accomplishment of winning Businesswoman of the Decade.

{20:56} The PR gained from winning the award.

{22:15} Targeting speaking opportunities and Tedx Talks.

{23:09} Gillian's books.

{25:06} The lockdown diary.

{25:21} The Little Book of Scripts.

{26:47} Gillian's words of wisdom.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Gillian: https://emergeuk.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergedevelopmentconsultancy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emerge.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emerge-development-consultancy-ltd/

X: https://x.com/EmergeUK

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobJB120

Laura Taylor is The LinkedIn Guru and the founder of Social Flow Collective, working as a marketing consultant specialising in LinkedIn. Her service isn't just LinkedIn training - it's economic empowerment for women.

Laura opens up about leaving a toxic work environment and the uncertainties of the pandemic, only to emerge as an award-winning entrepreneur with a thriving business built solely on LinkedIn. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of family support in overcoming adversity and achieving professional success.

Laura generously imparts her wisdom on LinkedIn marketing, offering practical strategies and tips that every entrepreneur can use. She underscores the importance of maintaining a vibrant company page to build your presence online. She explains why newsletters are more effective than articles, and shows how to post effectively without overwhelming your audience. With a focus on building genuine connections, Laura advises against cold messaging and stresses the need for security when sharing content links. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to harness the full potential of LinkedIn to expand their business reach.

Reflecting on her experiences with LinkedIn Premium and the strategic use of industry awards, Laura emphasizes the importance of visibility and recognition, especially for women in business leadership roles.

She shares her thoughts on the evolving workplace and the necessity of creating a strong digital presence. Laura’s reflections on personal development, positive influences, and trusting one’s instincts offer a powerful narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of modern business environments.

Laura loves working with LinkedIn because, unlike some of the other social media platforms, success comes from connection, collaboration and giving support and value. It’s where reputations are built, credibility established and careers are developed.

Her breadth of experience on LinkedIn over the past 4 years has attracted a global portfolio of clients across different cultures and time zones, giving her an international edge. Laura’s work has been featured in Forbes and she recently won an award for Marketing and PR at the Best Business Women Awards.

This episode is a rich resource for those eager to learn from a trailblazer in the world of LinkedIn marketing.

{2:24} How Laura came to start Social Flow Collective.

{4:35} Relocating from London to Liverpool.

{5:25} Laura's tips for starting out on LinkedIn.

{7:54} Building a company page on LinkedIn.

{9:17} Newsletters v articles.

{10:33} How often should you post?

{11:47} Sending direct messages.

{13:22} Free v Premium LinkedIn.

{15:39} Why Laura started entering awards.

{19:10} Laura's future plans.

{22:25} Lessons from five years in business.

{25:09} Loving the flexibility of self-employment.

{26:26} Awards as part of business strategy.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Laura: https://www.socialflowcollective.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialFlowCollective

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.taylor.linkedin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-taylor-socialflow/

LinkedIn SSI Score: https://business.linkedin.com/sales-solutions/social-selling/the-social-selling-index-ssi

Laura's Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancabarratt/2024/01/08/entrepreneurs-this-is-how-to-use-linkedin-to-sell-in-2024/

Fixing the Chaos in Business with Leah Boxell discusses the work of a business consultant who helps bring order to struggling businesses. Boxell is the visionary founder of Enablists, and joins us to share her remarkable journey from a thriving corporate career to launching her own business in 2023.

Leah's experience with NHS Professionals during the pandemic, where she managed critical initiatives like the test and trace service, served as a catalyst for her leap into entrepreneurship. Motivated by these experiences and a bout of insomnia, she founded Enablists with the goal of simplifying project management and driving impactful change across various industries.

Throughout the episode, we explore the hurdles she faced when transitioning from a secure job to the unpredictability of entrepreneurship. Leah opens up about the financial uncertainties and the isolation that often accompanies starting a new venture. She emphasizes the importance of a robust support system, detailing how family and former colleagues have been pivotal in her journey.

We also discuss her strategic plans for Enablists, focusing on enhancing user experience, expanding into new markets, and addressing workforce challenges within the NHS. Leah's insights into differentiating genuine networking opportunities from mere sales pitches are invaluable for any budding entrepreneur.

Leah's success in winning prestigious awards has not only validated her efforts but also bolstered her business's visibility and credibility. As a judge for several business awards, she provides unique perspectives on the judging process and the significance of recognition. We delve into how these accolades influence strategic planning and help forge meaningful networks that transcend sales.

Lastly, Leah shares her aspirations to engage in public speaking to educate others on the impact of such awards. Her advice for aspiring business owners is candid and insightful, drawn from her own experiences as a newly minted entrepreneur. If you're thinking of starting a business, or entering awards for the first time, this episode is a must.

{1:45} Leah's journey to creating Enablists.

{5:03} When awards appeared on the radar.

{5:54} Leah's perspective as a judge.

{7:12} What drives Leah in her business.

{8:38} Leah's most formidable business challenges.

{10:15} The support Leah received to set up Enablists.

{12:35} Leah's future plans.

{13:43} Enablists target industries - especially the NHS.

{16:00} How Leah acquires clients.

{17:43} Winning a UK Startup Award.

{18:09} Winning Silver at the Best Businesswomen Awards.

{18:24} Maximising Award wins.

{18:54} Do awards generate new business?

{19:33} Becoming an awards judge.

{20:44} Awards as a networking opportunity.

{21:27} Leah's plans for speaking opportunities.

{22:23} Leah's advice to new business owners.

{24:15} Working with Enablists as a startup.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Leah: https://enablists.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092285088099

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enablists/?originalSubdomain=uk

Branding Photography with Purpose follows award-winning photographer Wendy Gannon's transformative journey from the corporate world of recruitment to the vibrant realm of photography. Spurred by a LinkedIn comment during the pandemic, Wendy turned professional burnout and personal challenges into a catalyst for her newfound passion. Our conversation touches on her recent silver award win at the Best Business Women Awards and the unexpected growth of her business.

Wendy passionately explains how personal branding photography is more than just taking pictures—it's about capturing the essence of a client's personality and business ethos. This episode is a testament to the power of following your passion and the profound impact it can have on professional and personal fulfillment.

Step into Wendy's world, where networking isn't just a strategy but a cornerstone of building meaningful connections. We explore her insights on personal branding's evolution as a critical business strategy, particularly for women who are confident personally yet seek to express that confidence professionally.

She tells us about her new project fighting for women to be their true selves in business, not what they are expected to be. Hear how her crowdfunding round was oversubscribed as she went across the country taking pictures of women for her Female 5 Million Project. Watch out for exhibitions and a coffee-table book in 2025.

From the warmth of award events to the ingenuity behind crafting a comfortable atmosphere for clients during photo shoots, Wendy's story is both inspiring and instructive. Join us to uncover the artistry and strategy behind Wendy Gannon's success and the vibrant community that celebrates it.

{2:45} Wendy's jouirney to becoming a photographer.

{3:12} Pro-spotters and how Wendy became one.

{3:57} COVID and a change of direction.

{6:18} When awards came on Wendy's radar.

{7:21} Wendy's new project - The Female 5 Million.

{9:48} Planned exhibitions for 2025.

{11:37} Wendy's views on branding.

{13:47} How Wendy photographs her clients.

{14:56} Acquiring clients.

{15:22} Attending the BBWA Gala Final.

{16:46} Getting an appetite for awards.

{17:33} Making awards part of business strategy.

{19:39} Wendy's lessons after two years in business.

{21:29} FSB and their support of small businesses.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Wendy: https://www.wo0.co.uk/biz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wo0photography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wo0.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wo0photography/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/wo0photography/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wo0photography

Female 5 Million: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wo0photography/working-title-female-five-million

Michelle Eskeri, founder of Let Me Write, explains how she moved out of the finance world and shares how to start a copywriting business . With her rich background as an accountant, Michelle brings a unique perspective to crafting compelling narratives for businesses, particularly within the financial sector. She discusses the undeniable value of professional writing for commercial success and why human expertise often trumps AI solutions like ChatGPT. Beyond her financial niche, she explores how her passion extends into projects in health, well-being, and education, highlighting the adaptability required to thrive as an entrepreneur.

Join us as we uncover the secrets to blog success, from crafting irresistible headlines to leveraging SEO, all while keeping content fresh and engaging.

Michelle also reflects on how entering business awards can provide crucial insight and networking opportunities, sharing her personal journey as a finalist in the SME Hearts awards. Her experience underscores the importance of patience and persistence in entrepreneurship, with networking playing a pivotal role in landing her first copywriting client.

This episode is packed with practical advice about blogs, content creation, repurposing content and leveraging award wins. It is an essential lesson for all entrepreneurs, especially those in the early stages of their journey.

{2:04} What brought Michelle to copywriting.

{5:05} Writing for the financial sector.

{6:46} The growth of Chat GPT in copywriting.

{8:45} How Michelle works with her clients.

{10:29} The services she offers

{11:41} The ingredients of a great blog.

{12:53} The ideal length for a blog.

{14:47} How often should a blog be published.

{16:19} How Michelle publicised her award win.

{17:26} Why she decided to enter business awards.

{20:14} Maintaining awards as part of business strategy.

{20:47} The learnings from five years in business.

{22:14} Getting the first clients into the business.

{24:25} Projects for 2025.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Michelle: https://www.letmewrite.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/let.me.write4u/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letmewrite4u

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleeshkeri-finance-copywriter/

Trailblazer Vicky Grammatikopoulou graces our latest episode, sharing her story of success from language teacher to aesthetics entrepreneur. With clinics across London, Essex, and Stuttgart, Vicky has won over 30 prestigious awards, including double gold at the Best Business Women Awards. Her story is one of empowerment, from founding a private language school in Greece to achieving global success. Vicky's commitment to celebrating women's accomplishments shines through as she discusses the transformative power of merit-based recognition.

Establishing a clinic in the aesthetics field is no small feat, especially within the unregulated UK market. Vicky passionately addresses the need for proper qualifications and the challenges faced by medical professionals due to inadequate regulations. This episode brings to light the critical importance of client safety and the call for collective efforts to raise industry standards. Vicky's insights highlight the dedication and resilience required to navigate such a competitive landscape.

From navigating marketing challenges to fostering a community of shared knowledge, Vicky's journey emphasizes the significance of collaboration and open communication. Moving from solo endeavors to building a supportive in-house team, her experience underscores the value of investing in marketing and industry collaboration. By hosting webinars and workshops, Vicky has cultivated a spirit of mutual growth and innovation. Her marketing business is today helping many other aesthetics businesses thrive.

This episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on how passion and creativity drive her mission, proving that true fulfillment is found when work feels like play.

{2:52} Becoming a double award winner twice!

{5:34} Vicky;'s journey to creating an aesthetics business.

{13:32} Opening her first clinic.

{14:45} The crucial role awards played in the business's development.

{15:34} The challenges of an unregulated industry.

{17:46} What people must look for when getting aesthetic treatment.

{20:23} The dangers of using unqualified practitioners.

{22:48} Vicky's awards strategy.

{25:30} Starting a marketing business.

{28:48} Being an expert in the aesthetics industry.

{30:45} Vicky's business advice.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Vicky: https://www.vie-aesthetics.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vie_aesthetics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vieclinics/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vie-aesthetics-ltd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VieAesthetics/videos

The Personal Travel Agent welcomes Lisa McCallum, a travel agent from Not Just Travel, who recently won a silver award for Best Customer Service at the Best Businesswomen Awards. Listen in as Lisa shares her journey, beginning with departing from home at 16 under challenging circumstances, to becoming a successful business owner. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief and overcoming doubts, even those from her 13-year-old son, as she highlights how determination and a passion for customer service propelled her to unexpected success.

Explore the transformative journey toward self-employment in the travel industry, as she explains how she invested in a travel franchise. At 24, despite having a seemingly perfect life, Lisa felt unfulfilled until a spontaneous decision to become a holiday rep showed her that loving her work was possible.

Returning to an unfulfilling retail career, motherhood inspired a new path. Her husband's decision to retrain, led her into the travel business. Driven by the need to focus on two autistic sons, she needed the ability to work from home. Thus, a new chapter began, embracing opportunities for growth and passion in a home-based travel business.

Finally, discover the essence of personalized customer service in the travel industry and the benefits of being a franchisee. We explore the importance of catering to clients' unique needs, enhancing their travel experiences with thoughtful gestures, and providing unwavering support during crises. The change from simple package holidays to the allure of off-the-beaten-track destinations showcase the dynamic nature of the travel industry.

Lisa demonstrates how following your passion can earn you an income doing something you love. Her determination to enter awards despite others trying to deter her, shows how important resilience and belief are to entrepreneurs. Anyone fascinated by travel will love this episode. It clearly demonstrates the benefits of using a travel specialist. And for any female entrepreneur mums out there, you'll be reassured that it is possible to manage the needs of your family with your business.

{1:20} Lisa's PR from winning her award.

{1:59} Lisa's thought process that led to entering the awards.

{4:26} The journey to starting a travel franchise.

{11:45} Lisa's travel services.

{12:46} Growing a business despite the pandemic.

{18:11} How a travel agent supports customers in a crisis.

{19:08} 2025's hottest travel destinations.

{21:29} How Lisa plans her own travel.

{23:00} Lisa's forthcoming travel agenda.

{24:14} The benefits of being a franchisee.

{28:06} Lisa's business tips.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Lisa McCallum: https://lisamccallum.notjusttravel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njtlisamccallum/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJTLisaMcCallum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mccallum-personal-travel-specialist-8bb26a126/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notjusttravel