Excel against the Odds: Recent Episodes
Sarah Berthon
In this month's episode I had the honour of interviewing both Victoria Jenkins from Unhidden and Hayley Kellard from Dotty about Braille about the Lilac Review.
Victoria is the co-chair of the Lilac Review and both Hayley and I sit on the Steering Board.
The Lilac Review is an independent, government-backed review looking at tackling the inequalities faced by disabled entrepreneurs.
Launched on the 1st February 2024, the interim report was launched in May 2024 with recommendations for Government, Financial Institutions and Business Support Organisations.
For more details check out the website www.lilacreview.com
Victoria Jenkins Victoria is a multi award winning universal designer, disability advocate, speaker and writer. She has 16 years fashion industry experience as a garment technologist for high street and high end brands. She became disabled in her mid 20's which led to her founding Unhidden, a socially responsible universally designed fashion range, centred on adaptive design for the disabled and chronic sick community. Unhidden is the first universal fashion brand to become a member of the British Fashion Council. In September 2023 she was listed in British Vogues 'The Vogue 25' as well as Vogue Business' 100 innovators list. She is listed as the 2nd most influential disabled person in the UK by the Shaw Trust on their annual Disability Power List. She was the expert designer and co host on Channel 4 show The Unique Boutique, her TedX talk is available on YouTube and she appeared on Dragons Den in February 2023. She has judged for the V&A Innovate challenge and Scope awards this year and is a co-chair for The Lilac Review which is a 2 year government backed review in to supporting disabled entrepreneurs. She sits on the shadow board of Reflect The agency, is a member of the Inclusive Entrepreneurs APPG as well as being a brand ambassador for Models of Diversity, Purple Tuesday and Parallel and a patron of Kurt Geigers' Kindness Foundation
website: https://unhiddenclothing.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/unhidden.uk
Hayley Kellard is the founder of Dotty About Braille, an online business specialising in personalised, accessible braille greetings cards, letters and labels. Hayley is visually impaired and has a condition called POTS so is very aware of the barriers disabled entrepreneurs can face.
Webite: www.dottyaboutbraille.com
The Chronic Empowerment Hub for business owners with chronic illnesses:
https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Jacqueline Samm about her experience of running a business as a Virtual Assistant with ME.
Jackie is a Cornish Virtual Assistant with a chronic illness, supporting chronic illness coaches with social media and general admin, so they can focus their energy on providing solutions for their clients.
In this episode we discuss how Jackie runs her business in alignment with her health and the lessons she has learnt along the way. We also talk about the role that a Virtual Assistant can play in helping you to grow your own business.
For more information and to connect with Jackie:Website: https://www.kernowvirtualsolutions.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-samm/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Self-Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Latasha Doyle about her experience of running a business with Marfan Syndrome.
Latasha Doyle is the owner of Uncanny Content, a full-service content strategy and copywriting agency. Her agency works with businesses owned by women, POC, disabled, queer, and other marginalized folks to help them amplify their reach without burning out. She also has Marfan syndrome and uses her platform to educate about systemic challenges disabled people face.
In this insightful episode, we discuss how growing her agency and employing a team has enabled Latasha to grow her business around her health. Latasha also gives some great tips on creating content when you have a chronic illness.
For more information and to connect with Latasha:
Website: https://uncannycontent.co/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/uncannycontent
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Self-Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
In this weeks episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I delve in to why it is important to build your business around your chronic illness.
We look at:
- Why your business should be chronic-illness friendly
- Considering business model and strategy
- Using technology and outside support
- Prioritising your wellbeing
- Redefining success
- Ensuring that you build an adaptable business
And much more
To download the free masterclass and business self-care checklist:
6 Secrets to Success Masterclass: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-six-secrets-masterclass
Business Self Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Erin Buck about her experience of running a business with Chronic Pain.
Erin, owner of Bizzybee a virtual and social media assistant service. She specialises in helping freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs streamline their social media and business tasks, ultimately giving them more time and less stress to focus on growing their businesses. She also suffers from Chronic pain and foot drop caused by repeated disc ruptures and surgeries causing nerve damage starting her business journey to prove to herself that she still had a purpose.
You can follow her on Instagram, facebook, LinkedIn and pinterest but looking for @bizzybeebollyAs well as listen to her own podcast 'Women In Business' on Spotify and other podcast platforms
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Self-Care Checklist: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-self-care-checklist
In this week's episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I have a special guest, Shabnam Rakhiba, who has joined me to talk about pacing.
When you have a chronic illness, pacing can help you to find the balance that can enable you to achieve what you want to without making your illness worse. But what is pacing? And how can you fit it into your everyday life? Well, Shabnam explains all.
Shabnam Rakhiba is a CPCAB qualified Life Coach & Chronic Illness Mentor. She has an extensive background in psychology, coaching & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Having lived with chronic pain for more than a decade, she founded the Chronic Wellness Lounge, a platform offering support, knowledge and resources to women living with chronic health conditions. She also hosts a free support community on Facebook- Unapologetic Women Collective: Chronic Illness Support. She is the author of the upcoming book 'Healing Through Pain'. www.chronicwellnesslounge.com www.thornsandrosescoaching.com
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
This Small Business Saturday, I invited my wonderful guests to record their thoughts on what running a business chronic illness means to them.
With special guests:
Karen Townsend
Misty Ceramics
https://www.mistyceramics.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/mistyceramics
Deborah Bircham
Live Well With Chronic Illness
https://livewellwithchronicillness.co.uk/
Anita Barzey
Motivate me tutors and Anita the Holiday Fixers
http://anita.theholidayfixer.com/
http://motivatemetutors.com/
Colette Roe
Roe Assist Virtual Services & Nails by Colette
https://instagram.com/colette.roe_virtual_assistant
https://instagram.com/nailsby_colette_
Audrey Zanesse
Step Into Sophrology
https://www.stepintosophrology.co.uk
Elisabeth Jackson
https://www.instagram.com/elisabethtalksmoney/ https://instagram.com/findingbusinessflow/
Amanda Mckinlay
The Butterfly Room
www.thebutterflyroom7.wixsite.com
Zoe Simmons
https://www.facebook.com/ZoeSimmonsJournalist
https://au.linkedin.com/in/zoe-simmons-7119a994
https://www.instagram.com/somethingbeginningwithz
website: https://zoesimmons.com.au/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode I chat with Louise van Vessem about her experiences of running a business with a chronic illlness.
Louisa is a business strategist and mentor from the North West of England. Think of her as your trusty wingwoman and the second brain you never knew you needed. Why? Because she's passionate about untangling your mind, connecting the dots and guiding you from where you are right now to where you want to be.
Louisa is passionate about diversity and inclusion and this is demonstrated in the way she works. Whether it's one-to-one sessions or providing support through her community, InclUSion. She offers done-for-you services with her team, Affinity of Experts, and offers ADHD and autism-friendly digital products.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingeniouscornerco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusioners
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingenious.corner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IngeniousCornerCo
Website: https://IngeniousCorner.com
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
Bee Higgins is a creative copywriter, content writer and messaging mentor for heart-led small business owners ready to express their unique magic with words. From 1:1 mentoring sessions, done-for-you offerings and her group membership, Bloom With Bee, there are a myriad of ways to work with Bee to attract kindred clients and nip copy and content overwhelm in the bud.
When she's not at her desk, you'll find her reading secondhand books, padding the village fields with her dog, and seeking poetry in everyday moments.
In this fabulous discussion, we chatted about the importance of messaging in business and also in the way that people discuss disability and chronic illness. We talked about the imporance of boundaries and of adapting your way of working to fit around your health needs. Bee also recommended some great podcasts which I've been busy checking out.
Social media handles:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bee-higgins/
https://www.instagram.com/bloomwithbeecopy/
https://twitter.com/BloomWithBee
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Jenn Barnett, a culture change and EDI specialist and psychologist and UK Lead for ESG and EDI for the fifth largest professional services firm; Grant Thornton UK LLP.
In this fascinating discussion, we discuss;
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How chronic illness can affect your confidence in the workplace and how mentoring can help
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Applying for promotion when your chronic illness is always front of mind
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Adjustments and accommodations that organisations can make
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How to encourage people to ask for the support that they need
Jenn is responsible for designing and leading the Grant Tornton's distinctive ESG strategy. Her team are focused on reducing the firm's environmental impact, creating an inclusive culture that prioritises wellbeing and improves community impact. Jenn is addressing this through robust governance and measure, chairing diversity and sustainability boards, respectfully challenging board behaviour and business decisions, innovative policy change, and utilising technology to remove barriers in the operating model.
Prior to this role; Jenn was People Experience Director, where she shaped the employee value proposition and influenced senior leaders to change behaviour to improve the people experience. Jenn has expertise in psychological culture change, and is an executive coaching and leadership specialist. Prior to Grant Thornton, she worked in senior roles with The Co-operative Group, BAE Systems and BAA at Heathrow, where she led the transformation of people behaviours to improve customer service in preparation for the Olympic Games in 2012.
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Corporate Services: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/employers
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Amy Walters. Amy is the multi-award-winning Founder and Lead Designer of Bloom Creative, a design business based in Kent who support business owners with a range of services that enhance their brand, including bespoke branding & brand refreshes, eye-catching print design, and quality digital content. When she’s not working with clients helping them to level-up their business look, she enjoys travelling and eating good food!
After a long diagnosis journey, she was diagnosed with 3 co-existing chronic conditions: Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder aka HSD (which affects her joints), Fibromyalgia (which causes pain and fatigue), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome aka POTs (which affects her heart rate and can cause nausea). Amy has found a way to manage her health and her business together, which she talks about in this episode.
https://bloom-creative.co.uk
amy@bloom-creative.co.uk https://linkedin.com/in/amybwalters
https://instagram.com/bloom.creative.uk
mailing list: https://bloom-creative.co.uk/sign-me-up
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I'm looking at the importance of choosing the right strategy for your business.
Chronic illness can mean that we have limited energy to run our business and so we need to ensure that our business strategy give us a good return on our energy investment.
In this episode, I look at why we need to find the right strategy, the different strategies to consider and when it is good to assess your business strategy.
If you want help with your strategy, I'm currently offering business strategy power hours, please send me a message for more details.
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I examine how listening to your body and responding to its needs can be beneficial for your health and your work. Our bodies are great at letting us know when something isn't quite right, whether it's pain, stress or tiredness we're feeling, it is communicating its needs. Learning how to listen and how to respond can really help us.
In this episode we look at why it's important to listen to your body, how doing this can positively impact your work and how to get into the habit of listening to your body.
To find out more information about my Managing your energy levels when running a business workshop plus Energy Tracker and Symptom Tracker click here:
https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/product/workshop-managin…nning-a-business/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Jessica Lorimer a B2B Sales Expert who has ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I loved chatting to Jess and we covered some fascinating topics including what Corporate Organisations can do to better support employees with chronic illnesses along with some great tips on running a business with a chronic illness.
Jess Lorimer is the UK's leading B2B Sales Expert for small business owners. Having been featured in Forbes, CityAM and Good Morning Britain, Jess is widely recognised within her industry and has supported thousands of entrepreneurs to create simple sales processes that successfully sell within the corporate landscape.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesslorimer/
Podcast: Selling to Corporates
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Georgina Merckel.
Georgina is the owner of TOPA, a Business Consultancy and Services Provider. She supports businesses by running, streamlining or assisting with their operations, HR, events functions and working on digital products to increase their income. She provides coaching and training on running a business and talks about her experience of generalised anxiety disorder. In this episode, Georgina talks about how her Generalised Anxiety Disorder manifests in physical symptoms and how she manages working while living with her conditions.
You can find Georgina here:
Instagram: @workwithgeorgina @workwithtopa
Website: www.workwithtopa.com
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Audrey Zannese.
Audrey Zannese is the founder of Step Into Sophrology. Sophrology was recommended to her by a French neurologist when she started the treatment for MS. It had such a positive impact on her life that she trained as a sophrologist and now helps women living with a chronic illness, pain and fatigue to take back control of their body and health so that they can live their lives the way they want.
Audrey is also Director of Education at the Sophrology Academy where she teaches and trains people who either want to become sophrologists or use sophrology as a complement to their existing profession.
Sophrology is a uniquely structured mind-body practice used for personal development, enhancing performance and overall health and well-being. Combining Western relaxation with Eastern meditative techniques, it consists of gentle body movements, breathing exercises and positive visualisations. Exercises are simple and accessible as well as easy to incorporate in busy lives.
The best is to practice - Try her free short and simple practices for everyday life.
You can find Audrey here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StepIntoSophrology/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepintosophrology/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyzannese/
Email: info@stepintosophrology.co.uk
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea Hanson.
Andrea W. Hanson is a motivational speaker and the author of two books about having a positive mindset while living with a diagnosis; "Live Your Life, Not Your Diagnosis" and "Stop Carrying The Weight of Your MS''. She's also a master certified life & mindset coach who's lived with multiple sclerosis for over two decades. Her podcast, "Live Your Life, Not Your Diagnosis" features conversations with people who are creating extraordinary lives while living with chronic illness.
Andrea teaches people how to tune out the noise of their inner critic and listen to their authentic voice so they can feel confident in their ability to make changes and create the life they want. Her upcoming online course uses the Live Your Life, Not Your Diagnosis method to help high achievers living with a chronic illness to create self-care, deeper confidence, and helps them get back to feeling like themselves again. Get more information and join the waitlist at AndreaHansonCoaching.com/waitlist.
Andrea loves to hike in the mountains with her Blue Heeler — and sometimes other humans, too. She's happiest when traveling with her husband and exploring new things — or simply sitting poolside with a good book.
To find out more about Andrea:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/andreawhanson/
FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/AndreaHansonCoaching/
Podcast - https://andreahansoncoaching.com/podcast/
Books - https://andreahansoncoaching.com/getthebook/
Book titles - "Live Your Life, Not Your Diagnosis" and "Stop Carrying the Weight Of Your MS"
Available wherever books are sold
Course waitlist - https://andreahansoncoaching.com/courses/
Website - https://andreahansoncoaching.com/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
When you have a chronic illness, it is easy to worry about the impact of growing your business and how it will affect your health. Yet in this episode, I explain why it can be beneficial to grow your business and how it can help your wellbeing.
I also talk about how to grow your business in a chronic illness friendly way. Working with your health, rather than against it. Using processes and systems to help and exploring the use of outsourcing.
I'm running a free Boost your Business training series in the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group during the week starting 3rd October 2022. In this training, I will teach you the 3 simple growth steps you need for flexibility, freedom & growth in your business.
For more details and to sign up: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/boost-your-business
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I enjoyed speaking to Alexis Bushnell. Alexis is a social media guide and founder of Social Media for Humans, a movement changing the way social media works from the inside. She busts myths and provides an honest, jargon-free explanation of algorithms and strategy to help business owners and individuals use social media effectively, ethically and in a way that's sustainable for both the human running the business and the planet.
Outside of trying to ruin Zuck's master plan, she enjoys walking, dog agility with TiLi, her Bichon Frise, and playing chess.
You can find Helen in the following places:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocialForHumans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbushnell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bushnellcs/
Podcast: https://socialmediaforhumans.buzzsprout.com/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I was delighted to be joined by Helen Dickman, an English tutor and a business coach at the Love Mondays Club.
After being diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition (MED) at the age of 4, she has faced a number of challenges with her health, but this hasn’t held her back.
In her own words: "My goals in life were very simple: I wanted a house, a dog and the freedom to make my own decisions." Feeling uninspired by the corporate world, Helen left the classroom in her early 20s to start her own businesses. She started as an English tutor running group classes, online courses, and memberships.
Now, after years of learning and discovering the route to an easy life, she now coaches fellow tutors and business owners on how to use her simple strategies and processes to grow their online businesses.
You can find Helen in the following places:
Website: https://www.lovemondaysclub.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemondaysclub/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helendcoaching/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In today's episode, I was delighted to interview Pollie Rafferty. Pollie is an experienced storyteller and has been telling tales since 2005, She first started telling stories as a therapy to help her step out of crippling anxiety and move into a more positive personal story. She has since been exploring the power of stories and how they can impact our lives and business. She has a diploma in narrative therapy and is spending hours researching different stories, techniques and how we use stories every day. A Story is like the seed from a Dandelion. It can take root in any environment, and like the Dandelion grows into something beautiful and useful. From this passion and interest, she has developed her own story system and founded Dandelion Tales to change lives through Story. From her motivational storytelling talks, workshops and bespoke speaker training she is impacting people, inspiring them to share their stories to connect with others and show we are never alone.
Trigger Warning for this episode: There is a brief mention of suicide in this episode
You can find Pollie in the following places:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandeliontales1
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollie-rafferty-b237a012b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandeliontales1/
Email: hello@dandeliontales.co.uk
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jill D. Griffin a career strategist and Gallup® certified Strengths Coach. She's spent 20+ building strategy and strengths-based cultures while creating repeated and consistent results. Jill has worked with Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Samsung, Mondelez, and Honda. Just as her career started to take off, Jill was involved in an accident that resulted in head trauma. She spent years learning how to leverage her mindset to work with the cognitive impairment. Today, Jill shows others how to leverage their strengths and their shift mindset towards possibility to create the results they want in their careers. Jill is the host of The Career Refresh podcast.
You can find Jill in the following places:
Website: https://JillGriffinCoaching.com
Instagram: @jillgriffinofficial.
The Career Refresh Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1555531759
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillgriffin/ and https://www.instagram.com/jillgriffinofficial/
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Natasha Lipman, a journalist, podcaster and chronic illness blogger. In this fascinating conversation, Natasha talks about how she works with a chronic illness, the move from working for the BBC to working as a freelance journalist and the techniques she uses to manage her energy and her work. I hope you enjoy listening to the episode as much as I enjoyed recording it with Natasha.
You can find Natasha in the following places:
@natashalipman
www.natashalipman.com
Listen to The Rest Room, a podcast about living well with chronic illness.
Subscribe to my newsletter (also called The Rest Room) for in-depth, slow content about chronic illness, disability, and society.
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare
In this episode, which was recorded in two parts, Rebecca talks about the importance of accessibility in business and how she is helping businesses to become more accessible. Rebecca is blind and has chronic illnesses and in this episode, she discusses how this affects her work and the changes that she has made to ensure that she can run a business while looking after her health. Rebecca has been one of my mentoring clients for the last 6 months and in the second part of the interview she discusses how mentoring has helped her to shape her business and the changes that she has made as a result.
Rebecca is running a free Webinar on the 8th March 2022, the details are below
Website: www.connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Connect-With-Your-Crowd-102716711727534
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thorne-disability/
Free Webinar https://connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk/your-next-steps-with-accessibility/
Email: rebecca@connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
In this episode, I look at what you need to consider when investing in your business. The different ways in which you can invest and the positive impact that it can have on your business. I also talk about what to look out for and the importance of developing an investment strategy. I discuss investing in training, outsourcing, a mentor and memberships. I hope you enjoy!
If you would like more detail about my mentoring you can find it here: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
For more details about the Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
To find a written version of this podcast: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/investing-in-your-business/
In this episode. Dr Rebecca Williams Dinsdale talks about her journey with ME. She was diagnosed with severe ME when she was 17 years old and dicusses her determination to finish her studies and the work that she now does. She speaks about her life as a coach and an author, how she has learnt to adapt to living with her condition and who inspires her.
To find out more information about Rebecca:
Website: www.drrebecca.org.uk
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3xuL8hp.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/drrebeccad/
Facebook group: https://bit.ly/3lgltnw.
Linked In http://linkedin.com/in/dr-rebecca-williams-dinsdale-b514824b
For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do:
Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
The start of the new year often involves making New Year’s Resolutions and the chance to dream big about what we might achieve in the forthcoming year. We might have important goals in our business, decide to work on our fitness or even achieve some long-held ambitions in our personal life. However, without a plan, a goal is just a dream, a desire. It isn’t enough to just set a goal or ambition, you will find yourself disappointed in 12 months time if that’s all you do. In order to make your goal a reality, you need to develop a plan and ensure you understand all the smaller steps you need to take to get there. Having a detailed, yet flexible plan will provide you with the map you need to reach the destination of your goal.
In this podcast episode, I talk you through the different reasons why having a detailed plan to reach your business goals is particularly important and how it can help with procastination, decision making, focus and forward planning.
If you would like more detail about my mentoring you can find it here: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me
For more details about the Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
To find a written version of this podcast: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/the-importance-of-business-planning-when-you-have-a-chronic-illness/
In this episode, Sarah Berthon, the host of the Excel against the Odds podcast, talks about living with ME, PoTS Syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Chronic Migraine. Sarah talks about how her health conditions have affected her work and how they have inspired her to set up a business helping other people with chronic illnesses in the work place. The interviewer for this podcast is David Pope. I hope you enjoy this episode.
David Pope: www.healyourgrief.co.uk
Instagram live interview: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CO2rR3MjqZ9/?utm_medium=copy_link
Excel against the Odds
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
The 6 Pillars of a Chronic Illness Friendly Business Masterclass. Wednesday 10th November 11am GMT www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/masterclass
In this week's episode we look at the benefits of gentle movement when you have a chronic illness. Our guest, Vicky Webster-Clamp talks about when you should exercise and when you should rest and gives some tips on how to increase gentle exercise in your daily life. She also provides information on how to make sure you don't push yourself too hard and talks about her own experiences of living with chronic fatigue.
Vicky is a Mental Health and Exercise Coach plus Personal Trainer. She works with ladies who would like to boost their mental health through exercise. Vicky helps ladies boost their confidence, self esteem and motivation by ensuring her clients short term and long term goals are being worked towards during each session.
Website: www.vickypersonaltrainer.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/vickywebsterclamppt
Excel against the Odds
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
This special episode features members of the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group giving advice on running a business with a chronic illness and explaining why running a business works well for them. This episode has been made to celebrate Excel against the Odds being featured in the Small Biz 100 marking the countdown to Small Business Saturday. To mark this honour, I will be creating a special offer for the membership launching in October. To get on the wait list for the membership and to hear about the special offer, sign up at www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membershiplaunch.
I'd like to give special thanks to Rebecca Thorne for the idea of creating this episode and Vikki King for her technical help in putting it together. I'd also like to thank the Small Biz 100 and all of the wonderful guests who have made this episode so special. Their details are:
Maggie Williamson www.instagram.com/justasprig maggie@justasprig.com
Emma Davis www.facebook.com/The-Parent-pod-108894071282090
Rebecca Thorne www.connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk
Vikki King https://smart.bio/vikkikuk/
Rachel Philpott https://instagram.com/creativenature.arts https://www.facebook.com/groups/makecreateinspire
Claudine Rane www.seascapeblue.co.uk https://instagram.com/seascapeblue
Lauren Ephithite www.laurenephithite.com https://instagram.com/laurenephithite
Lisa Beaumont https://lisabeaumontmarketing.co.uk/
Caroline Bruce https://www.carolinebruce.co.uk/blog
Sam Youngz https://linktr.ee/RubySamYoungZ
Angela Bottger https://linktr.ee/Angelabottger
Nicola Heath www.befulfilled.co.uk
Charlotte Carter is high perfomance coach and in this episode she gives advice and techniques to help turn your business into a high performance business. Techniques covered in this podcast include:
- Understand what your version of success looks like
- Look at what's blocking you from achieving that success
- Understand whether you have any limiting beliefs
- Using affirmations to improve your mindset
- Look at how much you'e achieved and celebrating the successes, no matter how small
- Developing high performance habits such as drinking water and journalling
- Self Acceptance
- Try and find balance by calming the mind and moving the body
charlottecartercoaching.co.uk
www.instagram.com/charlottethehighperformancecoach
www.facebook.com/groups/maximummindsetforsuccess
Excel against the Odds
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode, Jane Chappell talks about how her health conditions, which include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, took her away from a job that she loved but led her to writing her book "Staffroom Secrets". Jane talks about how her conditions effect her and her family, about her passion for teaching and the people that inspire her. I hope you enjoy the episode
Jane Chappell: https://www.staffroomsecrets.co.uk
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/staffroomsecrets
Excel against the Odds
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
Elyssa is a thriving survivor of emotional and medical trauma, perfectionism, toxic relationships, people-pleasing and self-doubt. Having spent the last 5 years paving a road out of the darkness that resulted from all of life's unexpected twists and complications, she promised herself that when she got out to the other side, she would document the way for other women to also make it through to being able to trust and prioritize themselves again.
As a transformational self-love coach, Elyssa specializes in helping busy, overwhelmed women stress less and put themselves first without guilt. Her passion is teaching practical strategies to overcome anxiety and negative self-talk by rewiring the brain toward self-compassion and self-nurturing.
In this episode, we discuss looking after our survival brain using breathing techniques, cross-body tapping and self care.
Website: https://www.yourbestmoment.com/coaching/
Free PDF: Top 5 Hacks to Stress Less - https://yourbestmoment.kartra.com/page/5HacksToStressLess
Women's free FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/thestresslesslounge
Insta: @yourbestmomentisnow
Excel against the Odds
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode, we look at the power of following our own path, and not comparing ourselves to others. We look at some benefits of comparing ourselves: motivation, fresh ideas, innovation. However, we then look at the many negatives and look at the importance of celebrating our successes in our own right and not by comparing ourselves to others.
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by sleep coach, Tracy Hannigan. We talk about different sleep issues that can affect us and Tracy provides insightful advice on how to overcome insomnia and get a better night's sleep.
Website: https://tracythesleepcoach.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracythesleepcoach
Facebook group is Sound Sleep Strategies https://www.facebook.com/groups/soundsleepstrategies
Excel against the Odds
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode I was fortunate to talk to Sandie Balls. We spoke about being aligned, understanding our values, knowing your 'why' which will help you both in your life and your business
We also explore the benefits of gratitude, meditation, visualisations and affirmations.
www.instagram.com/sandie_balls
www.sandieballs.com
Excel against the Odds
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode, Jane Mucklow talks about living with Crohns Disease and her work as a photographer. Jane describes how she manages her time and her condition while working and she also talks about her diagnosis and how it affects her. I hope you enjoy the episode!
Jane Mucklow: www.janemucklowphotography.co.uk / www.pictureyourbrand.co.uk
Jane Muklow Facebook: janemucklowphotography / pictureyourbrand
Jane Mucklow Instagram: janemucklowphoto / pictureyourbrandwithjane
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode, Sarah Butler talks about living with ME and how she has managed to work as a freelancer while managing her chronic illness. Sarah talks about self-care, how her condition affects her work, important lessons she has learnt along the way and about who inspires her. I hope you enjoy the episode.
Sarah Butler: www.looseleafproductions.co.uk
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
Episode 3
In this episode, I look at the importance of self-care and how it can positively impact on your working life, allowing you to be more productive and focused. I look at what self-care means to someone with a chronic illness and the positive impact it can have on those around you. I also explore techniques to make self-care a priority
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
Episode 2
In this episode, I look at how important it is to understand your health in a greater amount of detail and how it can positively affect your work making you more productive and focused. I then look at different methods for getting a better understanding of the way your health affects you.
Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds
In this episode we discuss the challenges of working with a chronic illness whether it is working for an organisation or being self-employed. We also look at what will be coming up in future episodes.
For more information see www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds