The ups and downs of a small business owner Youtopia

Join eco-influencer and holistic health advocate Gill Perkins as she defies societal norms, embraces individuality, and leads her own narrative to inspire small business owners on their journey to success.



In this episode, you will be able to:



My special guest is Gill Perkins, a multi-talented content and communication specialist, eco influencer, and holistic health podcaster, who joins me today. With her extensive experience in content creation, product testing, and aiding small businesses with their creative content, she brings a unique perspective to our discussion. Gill is also a dedicated yogi, twin mom, and passionate cook, embodying the essence of conscious consumerism and sustainability in her everyday life. Her grassroots eco approach, influenced by her upbringing, offers an authentic and relatable insight into making tangible, impactful changes towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Gill's journey and expertise are sure to inspire and guide fellow small business owners looking to embrace their individuality and lead their own narrative.



Here is a link to the JamJarGill podcast

You can also contact her on Linktree

Driven finance professional Adam Cooper grapples with the shifting value of money, as he strives to prioritize time and relationships over material wealth in a world focused on financial success.

In this episode, you will be able to:


Gain strategic financial insights for your small or medium-sized business with fractional CFO services.


Navigate the challenges of merging personal and business relationships with expert advice.


Learn valuable lessons from failures in the finance industry to avoid common pitfalls.


Discover the profound impact of AI on the finance industry and how it's reshaping the landscape.


Explore the shifting perceptions of money and wealth, and how they can influence your business decisions.



My special guest is Adam Cooper

Adam Cooper, a fractional CFO at ACC Finance Solutions, brings over two decades of experience as a finance director in the corporate world. His expertise lies in providing part-time CFO and finance director services to small and medium-sized businesses, assisting them with finance strategies, fundraising, and cash flow management. With a background in education and a penchant for numbers, Adam's journey from teaching to finance reflects a unique perspective, making him a valuable guest to delve into the shifting perceptions of money and wealth, offering insights that resonate with small business owners seeking financial guidance.

The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction to Fractional CFO 00:05:32 - Career Journey and Passion Discovery 00:08:30 - Transition to Self-Employment 00:11:14 - Work-Life Balance and Family Support 00:12:12 - Importance of Network and Mentors 00:13:53 - Benefits of Networking and Helping Others 00:14:49 - Learning from Family Business Experience 00:15:56 - Balancing Personal and Business with a Spouse 00:19:40 - Embracing Failures and Learning from Them 00:22:40 - Navigating High-Pressure Situations and Achieving Success 00:28:40 - Overcoming Financial Challenges 00:30:23 - The Importance of Vision and Passion 00:32:37 - The Role of Finance in Business 00:34:15 - The Importance of Budgets and Forecasts 00:39:08 - Future Goals and Impact of AI 00:42:34 - Impact of AI on Finance Industry 00:43:27 - The Role of Finance Professionals 00:45:54 - Reconciliation with Family 00:47:45 - Changing Perceptions of Money 00:49:14 - Finding Contentment

An inspiring entrepreneur invests in his belief, empowers his employees, and challenges the status quo to create a successful business that makes a positive impact on the world.

In this episode, you will be able to:


Learn how to start a business that makes a positive impact in your community and beyond.


Discover the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the success of your small business.


Explore the unique challenges and benefits of maintaining sobriety as an entrepreneur, and how it can positively impact your business and personal life.


Find out how to balance financial stability with giving back, and create a business that makes a difference in the world.


Understand the value of selflessness in entrepreneurship and how it can lead to greater success and fulfillment in your business endeavors.



My special guest is James Marshall

James Marshall is our guest today, a Northern entrepreneur with a passion for making a positive impact. With a decade of entrepreneurial experience under his belt, James knows what it takes to start and grow a successful business. His journey began with a realization during a visit to an orphanage in India, where he felt a deep desire to create meaningful change in the world. This moment sparked his decision to leave his corporate job and start his own business, driven by a mission to provide young adults with the best possible start in life and support them in their career development. James's down-to-earth approach and commitment to making a difference make him an inspiring guest for aspiring small business owners who want to create successful businesses that have a positive impact.

The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:32 - Being an Entrepreneur 00:02:28 - Starting a Business 00:03:50 - The Moment of Decision 00:06:18 - Finding Your Why 00:14:23 - The Importance of Sales in Business Growth 00:16:28 - Giving Back to Charitable Organizations 00:18:07 - Supporting Career Growth and Development 00:19:30 - Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others 00:27:27 - Helping and Supporting Others 00:29:06 - Making an Impact in Business 00:30:29 - Changing Lives 00:32:06 - The Power of Being an Entrepreneur 00:35:03 - Accountability and Legacy 00:41:52 - Investing in the Organization 00:42:35 - Supporting Employees' Growth 00:45:19 - Defining Happiness 00:46:09 - Evolving Mindset and Happiness 00:49:32 - Wrapping Up

Do you want to master the art of balancing your work and personal life while still achieving long-term success for your small business? Are you ready to prioritize your relationships and self-care to ensure a thriving business and a fulfilling personal life? Look no further, because our guest, Rachel Harris, is here to share the ultimate solution for achieving this elusive result. By implementing her proven strategies, you can unlock the key to maintaining harmonious relationships, nurturing your well-being, and securing the long-term success of your small business.

In this episode, you will be able to:


Prioritize self-care for long-term success.


Build strong relationships for business growth.


Achieve work-life balance for sustainable entrepreneurship.


Reflect on achievements for continued motivation.


Gain insights on AAT qualification and industry perceptions.



My special guest is Rachel Harris



Rachel Harris, the owner of striveX Accountants and an AAT trustee, is a prominent figure in the accounting industry. With a reputation as a disruptor, Rachel is challenging traditional notions of what it means to be an accountant. Through her extensive content creation on various platforms, she aims to provide free and accessible educational resources for those in need. Rachel's journey as a carer for her disabled identical twin sister has greatly influenced her approach to business, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and creating a safe space for clients. Her personal experiences as a free school meal child and a charity shop kid have fueled her drive to achieve financial security and help others do the same. Rachel's success in growing her business from zero to a million pounds in less than three years is a testament to her hard work and determination. With her expertise, innovative ideas, and dedication to client satisfaction, Rachel is making a significant impact in the accounting industry.

The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:42 - What is a disruptor? 00:01:23 - Early Life and Caring for her Twin Sister 00:03:17 - Childhood Dreams and Becoming an Accountant 00:07:37 - Going Solo and the MBA 00:13:49 - Importance of Listening and Handling Complaints 00:15:05 - The Importance of Supportive People 00:17:21 - Disagreements and Communication with James 00:18:55 - Work-Life Integration 00:20:53 - Failure and Prioritizing Self 00:27:34 - Opening doors for AAT education 00:28:54 - Extending impact through philanthropy 00:30:03 - Corporate bursary scheme 00:30:32 - Evaluating the success of the business 00:32:25 - Overcoming challenges with hearing loss 00:41:40 - The Importance of Accessibility and Monetizing Problems 00:42:17 - ACCA vs. AAT 00:43:53 - The Value of AAT 00:45:52 - Balancing Personal Branding and Bad Days 00:49:01 - Building the striveX Family 00:51:18 - Legacy and Changing Lives 00:55:46 - The Importance of Reflection 00:56:15 - Visualizing Success 00:56:37 - Lack of Celebration

In a world full of dreams and aspirations, Tanya Gordon's journey as a small business owner took an unexpected turn. A twist of fate redirected her path from owning a pub to becoming the owner of her father's engraving company. But little did she know, this detour would lead her to a profound realization about work-life balance. Join us as we unravel Tanya's story, where the pursuit of her dreams collided with the demands of family, leaving her on a precipice of choices, with an uncertain future looming ahead.

In this episode, you will be able to:

My special guest is

Tanya Gordon, the owner of The Many Hats of Business and Total Industrial Graving Limited, joins host David in this episode. Tanya describes herself as fun and sensible, a loyal worker with a passion for business. Starting her journey with the dream of owning her own pub, Tanya quickly realized that the work-life balance wouldn't align with her future goals of having a family. Joining her father's engraving company at 19, Tanya took over the business and implemented innovative strategies like SEO and blog writing to generate organic leads. With her determination and business-minded approach, Tanya successfully grew the business and navigated the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. Tune in to hear Tanya's insights and experiences as a small business owner striving for that elusive work-life balance.

In a world where corporate constraints suffocated her authenticity, Sam embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. From the invigorating wilderness of Scouting to the lonely landscape of finance, she discovered an unexpected twist that would shape her destiny. It was the dire need for authenticity in business that fueled her rebellion against the status quo. Now, as she took flight with her own venture, Simplicity, the question remained: Would her authenticity be the key to success or her downfall?

My special guest is Sam

Stepping into the spotlight today, we introduce you to Sam Bradford. From an energy-infused child, always looking to take on more, to a highly experienced financial advisor with over two decades of experience, Sam has always been unstoppable. Her love for the outdoors and natural inclination for leadership were nurtured over her 20-year stint as a Scout leader. Now, as the founder of Simplicity Financial Planning, she takes her lessons from running a cub pack of 40, investing them into her dedication to helping small businesses and reinforcing the importance of being true to one's brand ethos.

There's always that why would you want to look after other people's children? Don't you feel that you've got such a responsibility? And I guess the love of teaching someone or a young person new skills overrides the fear of what if it went wrong.

In this episode, you will be able to:


Learn how staying true to oneself can amplify business growth.


Explore the pivotal role of openness and emotional honesty in entrepreneurial success.


Appreciate the essence of teamwork and community spirit in facilitating small business success.


Expose yourself to the vital importance of finding a good work-life balance as a business owner.


Gain insight on the importance of not only understanding but also addressing client needs beyond the financial sphere.



Role of VulnerabilityVulnerability in business is about embracing challenges, admitting mistakes, and showing openness. Though often perceived as a weakness, vulnerability can actually be a strength for entrepreneurs as it encourages genuine connection, fosters growth, and cultivates resilience. By embracing vulnerability, entrepreneurs can show their human side, thereby building trust and strengthening relationships with clients and team members.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:


Visit Simplicity Financial Planning's website to learn more about their services and how they can help you with your financial planning needs.


Contact Sam Bradford directly through the website or by phone to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific financial goals.


Follow Simplicity Financial Planning on social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on their latest news, tips, and insights.


Explore the outdoor activities and hobbies mentioned by Sam, such as foraging, making tinctures, growing vegetables, and raising chickens, to add more simplicity and fulfilment to your life.


Consider joining a local scouting group or outdoor organization to experience the joys of being outdoors and develop valuable leadership and management skills.


Learn more about the art of campanology (bell ringing) and how you can get involved in your local church or community.


Reflect on your own career and assess if your current environment and culture align with your values and goals. If not, explore the possibility of starting your own venture or seeking opportunities that allow you to be true to yourself.


Research and attend events or courses that focus on personal and professional development, specifically tailored to women in various industries, to gain valuable insights and perspectives.