2023 was both a beast, and the best, of years. Sometimes the most valuable lessons and strategies for business success and personal growth come from uncomfortable learnings. That was certainly true for 2023.  To mark the end of the year, and the close of this second season of The BrandUp Podcast, I’m trying something new: a personal roundup of what worked and what didn’t in 2023. Most of all? This episode is a celebration. Get ready to hear about how my ADHD and burnout challenged my entrepreneurial ambitions, and what I’m deeply, dizzyingly proud of achieving nonetheless. Hot topics in t ..read more

Meet Sara Kedge – a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant and neurodiversity coach to leaders across the UK and beyond.  Sara’s voice stands out in a crowded industry – as much as her bright teal hair stands out in a crowd! DEI transformation can often feel heavy and hard, Sara brings play and joy. Most of all, she creates bespoke solutions for each of her clients to create truly inclusive workplaces. No box-ticking DEI here!  With play and joy, Sara guides her clients to make uncomfortable changes that stick, and offers reassurance that getting things wrong is part of the DEI p ..read more

Ready to be inspired? This week you’ll meet Dani Wallace, public speaker, entertainer, and the powerhouse behind 'I Am The Queen Bee' and the 'Fly Anyway Foundation.' Dani is a force of nature, and someone whose gift lies in helping all people take up space and tell their stories.  In this episode we talk about: Inclusive Excellence: Discover how Dani builds active inclusivity into every part of her business;  Marketing with Moxie: Learn the bold, authentic marketing strategies that made Dani unforgettable from the start; The Real Deal on Rapid Success: Find out how long it’s really ..read more

What happens when you’re known online for one specialism, but want to change your work completely? Today’s guest shares how she did just that – more than once.  Ebonie Allard is an artist, and a Master Coach who works with Multiple Brain Integration Technique with a special interest in neurodivergence. She’s a certified Human Design specialist and a being whose constant evolution in business is a masterclass in reinvention. In this week’s episode you’ll hear about: How Ebonie went from leading a global community of “misfits” to sharing her art online; What being diagnosed with ADHD an ..read more

 Karin McGivern is the epitome of the get-it-done entrepreneur.  She’s a firm and opinionated presence in an industry traditionally dominated by men – and she’s not apologising for it. Her evolution from not ruffling feathers, to taking a strong stance and speaking up for her clients is one that took courage, clarity and conviction. On this week’s episode, hear how Karin and I worked together to evolve her brand’s voice and messaging. Now a regular contributor to The Shetland Times and spokesperson for farmers across the northern isles, Karin’s confidence and clarity make her a voice fo ..read more

You’re in for a treat this week. My guest G Sabini-Roberts is a brand designer, writer, trainer, speaker, activist and agender creative rockstar.  Their unique and lightning-fast visual brand work is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. And it keeps me coming back for more. This episode is especially delicious for neurodivergent friends who live with autism, ADHD and other forms of neurospiciness.  Get ready to hear G’s take on: The role of gender in branding (spoiler: there is none) Why building a brand that requires you to pretend  or “mask” will hold you back Cre ..read more

Is your brand inclusive? Do you showcase your allyship with marginalised communities? Today’s guest, Aby Hawker, is here to help us do just that. A few years ago Aby founded TransmissionPR, a communications consultancy for brands, individuals and organisations committed to supporting the trans community. Aby features, elevates and advocates for people in the trans community through her work as a communications consultant, trainer and ally. She’s seen brands demonstrate beautiful allyship and has watched as others get it badly wrong – to the detriment of the trans community.  In this epi ..read more

If you’ve ever glanced up from your phone, startled at how much time has passed and wondered why you’re feeling crummy, today’s episode is for you. My guest Rubbi Bhogal-Wood is a social media consultant, trainer and TEDx speaker who is on a mission to reinvent our relationship with social media. You’ll hear her passion and urging for us all to think carefully about how we interact with social media, and why, as we discuss our personal experiences of getting sucked into the digital vortex.  Rubbi's motto is "you control social, not the other way around,” and in this episode she’ll help yo ..read more

What if you could save time and energy while making marketing easier and more powerful?  In this episode you’ll learn how one business owner in Ireland learned to do just that.  Sarah Sproule helps caring adults talk to the kid(s) in their care about sensitive subjects like puberty, bodies, consent and more. It can be touchy stuff, and it’s critical for Sarah to get her words right. In this episode Sarah shares how her brand’s voice helped her jump off the content creation treadmill and reach almost zen-like levels of marketing consistency and effectiveness. Sarah’s reassuring voice ..read more

Do you really know what your clients want, or are you assuming?  Our guest today is Katie Tucker, author of the newly released market research book for small business called Do Penguins Eat Peaches? Katie’s brilliant writing and practical tips make a dry subject feel interesting and manageable – a great plus for ADHD and other neurodivergent entrepreneurs! Katie’s mission is to save you from your own assumptions, and help you find the real gold in your audience, through customer conversations. Before you build your next offer or make your next product: STOP!! Listen to today’s episode ab ..read more