My Kind of Business

In this fortieth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jay, founder of Mayfair Decorating Contractors for a grounded and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, mindset, and building a business from the ground up.

Jay shares his journey into business ownership, including the family influences that shaped his work ethic, what it was really like starting a business at a young age and the lessons he’s learned through b...

In this thirty-ninth episode of My Kind of Business, Business Coach Alex McCarthy reflects on the past eight years of running her business and shares what she would do differently if she were starting again in 2026.

With the new year often bringing pressure to move fast, set big goals, and have everything figured out, Alex invites you to slow down and take a more intentional, grounded approach instead. She talks honestly abou...

In this thirty-eighth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sanne van der Ende – personal trainer, community-builder, and founder on a mission to bring kindness, compassion, and joy back into fitness.

Sanne shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial household to completely rebuilding her life after years of depression, negative body image, and an unhealthy relationship with exercise. She talks about the pi...

In this thirty-seventh episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Bec Johnson – funeral industry marketer, speaker, and Founder on a mission to support independent funeral directors and change the way we talk about death.

Bec shares her journey from uncertainty in her career to finding purpose in the funeral industry. She discusses pivotal moments that shaped her path, including transformative experiences at Camp America, pe...

In this thirty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sue Chalmers – founder of Willow & Hen and former motor industry professional turned lifestyle store owner.

After years working in the motor industry, Sue reached a point where she knew she wanted to build something more aligned with who she was. That intention led her to open Willow & Hen – the calm, community-focused lifestyle store she’d dreamed about...

In this thirty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business Business Coach Alex McCarthy invites you to slow down, breathe and take an honest look back at 2025 so far - the wins, the wobbles, the surprises and the spaces where you grew without even noticing.

Alex shares her own reflections from this year, including the fears she faced when launching this very podcast, the moments of doubt that nearly stopped her, and the unexpected confide...

In this thirty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex McCarthy speaks with Sareena and Nim, sisters and co-founders of Serene Baby, a Bedford-based business supporting parents and babies through baby massage, yoga and wellbeing classes.

What began as Sareena teaching baby massage from her living room has grown into a thriving community-led business helping families across Bedfordshire feel more connected, calm and confident. J...

 

In this thirty-third episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Lauren Troiano, a Female Founder and Entrepreneur behind two Bedfordshire-based businesses: The Little Marketing Company and The Little Yoga Company.

Lauren shares her journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, explaining how maternity leave inspired her to build businesses that align with her values. Through The Little Marketing ...

In this thirty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jessica Leader – co-founder of SureStay Group and former corporate marketing professional turned property entrepreneur.

After a successful career managing marketing budgets and brand reputations in the corporate world, Jess realised she wanted to do work that created both profit and purpose. That realisation led her to co-found SureStay Group – a property inves...

 

In this thirty-first episode of My Kind of Business, business coach Alex McCarthy dives into the crucial role of mindset in business success, exploring how self-belief and emotional intelligence shape everything from your confidence to your decision-making.

Alex shares five powerful mindset shifts that help business owners grow with clarity and calm — from replacing pressure with presence, to focusing on progress ov...

In this thirtieth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sarah Summers – Registered Nutritionist and founder of Sarah Summers Nutrition. Sarah helps midlife women navigate menopause with clarity, energy, and confidence, without confusion, fad diets, or endless Googling.

After 30 years in the corporate world, Sarah’s own breast cancer diagnosis became a turning point that reshaped her life. She left the boardrooms behind ...

In this twenty-ninth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Emma Davies – former teacher and Founder of Is It Time to Play? a creative online business supporting early years and KS1 teachers with playful, practical resources.

Through her website isittimetoplay.co.uk and social media community @isittimetoplay, Emma has built a vibrant space for educators who believe in the power of learning through play.

What began as sha...

Episode 28: How to Align Your Career and Life with Sarah Burrows

In this twenty-eighth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Sarah Burrows – Accredited Career & Business Coach and Founder of Achieving Ambition. Sarah helps women who feel stuck, lost or unfulfilled in their careers to discover a purpose-filled path, whether that’s a career change, developing leadership skills or stepping into entrepreneurship.

With a ...

In this episode of My Kind of Business, business coach Alex McCarthy shares five practical steps to help you attract more clients and grow your business with confidence.

From defining your ideal client to nailing your offer, building visibility, creating trust, and asking for the sale, Alex combines actionable business strategies with honest stories from her own journey and her clients’. You’ll discover how to make your marketing f...

In this twenty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Steph Flynn – former midwife and founder of Birth Nerd, who is redefining antenatal education and changing the conversation around birth.

Steph’s journey is one of passion, purpose and transformation. With a background in nursing and midwifery, and a lifelong fascination with the power of birth, she went on to create Birth Nerd – an antenatal education business ...

In this twenty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Vicki Yadav – Founder of Primary Steps, who made the inspiring transition from teaching into business ownership. Vicki’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, adaptability and determination, showing what’s possible when you step away from a secure career and build a business on your own terms.

From her early aspirations influenced by family, to navigating ...

In this twenty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Katie Corkill – Founder of Katie Corkill Decorating, an award-winning entrepreneur who has carved her own path in a traditionally male-dominated industry, moving from corporate life into trade business ownership with resilience, curiosity and determination.

Katie’s story is one of courage, adaptability and growth. From early influences that sparked her curiosity...

In this twenty-third solo episode of My Kind of Business, Alex dives into five of the most common mistakes small business owners make — and, more importantly how to avoid them.

Drawing on personal experiences and client stories, Alex unpacks the pitfalls that often hold business owners back. From financial blind spots to the dangers of burnout, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you build a busin...

In this twenty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Amy Robinson – a Beauty Business Owner and Educator who has built her business from the ground up, starting in her mum’s kitchen and growing into a thriving beauty space and educator brand known for empowerment, confidence and connection.

Amy’s story is one of resilience, persistence and transformation. From childhood challenges and overcoming bullying, to carv...