Ambitious Minds

Did you know that ceremonial-grade cacao, the purest form of chocolate, has a range of health benefits? From improved sleep and heart health to lower stress, better skin, and a natural mood boost. This product has been used for centuries, but what you find on the shelves today is far from its natural form.In this episode, I’m delighted to be joined by Adam and Ash, the founders of Nature’s Joint.As well as exploring the benefits of Cacao, we get into a deeper conversation about the importance of ethical business practices that empower local communities and resist exploitation by large corporations, and why buying from small businesses is beneficial for your health and the environment.02:35 Health Benefits of Cacao05:20 Historical Context of Chocolate08:05 Starting the Business16:55 Challenges in Importing29:40 Marketing and Growth Strategies34:32 Ethical Sourcing35:00 Benefits of Buying from Small Businesses39:02 Marketing and Authenticity45:28 Investment and Maintaining Values54:42 Purpose and Passion in BusinessDiscover Nature's JointWebsite - www.naturesjointcacao.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/naturesjointcacao/?hl=enGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

In this week’s must-listen episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Harry Kimberley-Bowen, co-founder of Spacebands and the 2022 Young Entrepreneur of the Year. From selling sweets in school to funding his final year at university with a sustainable fruit juice business, Harry is a natural entrepreneurial.When the pandemic hit, Harry and his best friend Ronan acted fast; instead of sitting enjoying the sunshine like everybody else, they launched a social distancing wearable device that quickly became a success, earning ten times his annual salary in just the first year.Listen as Harry recounts the challenges and successes of starting a business from their spare bedroom, including a hilarious story from their early shipping days. We also explore how Spacebands pivoted from a social-distancing product to a workplace safety device.Harry shares actionable insights on leveraging LinkedIn Sales Navigator to pitch to Angel investors and negotiating with venture capitalists, even with no prior experience. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and stories that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to hear. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please hit the follow button and leave a review — it really helps the show grow and reach more listeners!Expect to hear:03:00 First Entrepreneurial Venture: Frugly04:45 The Birth of Space Bands08:30 Rapid Growth and Challenges13:00 Navigating the Pandemic and Scaling Up16:20 Expanding Product Features and Market31:20 Strategies for Attracting Angel Investors35:40 Transitioning to VC Investment38:25 Negotiating with VCs41:20 The Importance of Resilience and Passion51:00 Balancing Work and Life as a Founder56:55 Advice for EntrepreneursDiscover SpacebandsWebsite - www.spacebands.comFollow HarryLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/harrykimberley-bowenGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Booking a physio appointment is one of those things we know we should do but we rarely actually do it.In this episode, I’m joined by David Thomas, the founder of Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance.David’s career has taken some fascinating turns, from working with NHS patients to treating elite athletes, including footballers, rugby players, and Olympic competitors.We dive into what it's like to work in the NHS, David's thoughts on areas for improvement, and the contrasts between public and private sector work. We also explore the true benefits of physiotherapy and David's approach to getting rid of pain for good — spoiler alert - these don’t include the quick fixes you see online.David shares his journey of starting a business from scratch and offers practical strategies for finding clients, the can be applied across any industry.Expect to learn03:30 Dave's Journey into Physiotherapy06:10 Working in the NHS: Challenges and Insights09:00 Preventative vs. Reactive Healthcare15:40 Building a Physiotherapy Business38:35 Networking and Business Growth Strategies50:10 Starting a Business: The Hard Work Behind the Scenes52:40 Challenges of Competing in a Big City57:40 Outsourcing and Focusing on Strengths01:07:45 Advice for Aspiring Physiotherapists01:18:15 The Value of Professional HelpKaizen Physiotherapy & PerformanceWebsite - www.kaizenphysio.co.uk/Instagram - www.instagram.com/kaizen.physiotherapy/Get In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

Did you know that 80% of the world’s workforce does not sit behind a desk, and these people are often overlooked by traditional HR platforms that provide necessary functions such as your payslip, holiday schedule, or employee information.Simon Ellis is the CEO and Co-Founder of Jem, an innovative technology company that has developed a game-changing solution that makes essential HR functions accessible via WhatsApp. Already trusted by over 115,000 users every month, Jem is revolutionising the way non-desk workers interact with HR.In this episode, we dive deep into Simon’s entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Jem, and his ambitious vision for integrating even more daily tasks into WhatsApp. We explore how Simon plans to scale Jem to $100 million in revenue by 2030 and his people-first leadership approach, which helps employees discover their ‘genius zones.’This conversation goes beyond business strategy—we discuss personal fulfilment, professional growth, work-life balance, authenticity, and the value of true partnerships. Simon also shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs, including his favourite podcasts and the book he’s gifted to over 100 people.If you’re new to the podcast and enjoyed this episode, please hit the follow button and leave a review. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us grow and improve the show.04:00 Priority Shifts in Your 30s07:50 Starting the Business09:35 Empowering Employees12:17 Challenges and Growth23:40 WhatsApp as a Business Tool31:00 Partnership Dynamics43:57 The Role of Advisors and Mentors44:22 The Importance of Vulnerability45:27 Learning from Successful People48:01 Balancing Work and Personal Life54:51 Building Authentic Personal Brands01:06:33 Living an Extraordinary Life01:12:01 Book Recommendations and InspirationsDiscover JemWebsite - https://www.jemhr.com/Follow SimonLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-reid-ellis?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Oli and Ash, the founders of Sipp’d, a craft soda brand that, now that you’ve heard of it, you’ll start seeing everywhere!Their journey is an inspiring one — two accountants who decided to leave their careers behind and launch a business together in November 2019, just before the Covid pandemic struck.We dive into the challenges they faced during that uncertain time, how they adapted when the pandemic hit, and how they scaled the business despite numerous challenges. We also explore the realities of being your own boss and what sets their product apart from traditional sodas.Oli and Ash share invaluable advice on bootstrapping a business, using social media for free marketing, and the lessons they've learned along the way—offering guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.They also discuss the exciting opportunities for challenger brands in today’s market, and I hope this conversation inspires you on your own journey.Expect to learn:05.30 The Birth of a Business Idea07.15 Quitting Jobs and Starting Fresh09.25 Navigating COVID Challenges12.40 Early Sales and Market Strategies15.05 Growth and Expansion17.35 Balancing Work and Personal Life23.25 Product Development and Refinement26.00 Manufacturing Process Insights33.30Craft Beer Collaboration35.00 Business Evolution and Goals36.40 Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs39.40 The Importance of Resilience41.30 The Power of Partnerships53.15 Navigating Sales and Rejection56.25 The Role of Social MediaSipp'dWebsite - www.sippd.co.uk Instagram - www.instagram.com/sippd_drinksGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

In this week’s episode, I’m excited to be joined by Neil Gill, a restaurateur and property developer who has spent most of his career working for himself.In our conversation, you'll get a glimpse into the mind of a natural entrepreneur, as Neil creates 2 business plans on the spot, including how to start a business with ZERO capital.He also shares insights from his experience working alongside Alan Yao, the founder of Wagamama, and explains how he created this opportunity for himself. Neil reflects on the biggest risks he has taken throughout his career, his relentless pursuit of new opportunities, opening his first restaurant, and how he unexpectedly fell into his current business. This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone considering starting their own business, and Neil shares the honest truth about what it takes to work for yourself.Expect to learn:02:30 From Sports Dreams to Hospitality11:30 The Harsh Realities of Business in London14:00 Navigating Entrepreneurship: Motivations and Misconceptions25:30 Working Alongside the Founder of Wagamama44:45 Building a Business With ZERO Capital48:00 The Sacrifices of Entrepreneurship49:00 The Reality of Running a Business50:45 Corporate Life vs. Entrepreneurship51:15 Business Ideas and Execution01:00:00 Risks in Entrepreneurship01:15:00 Defining SuccessGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

In this week's episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Piers Dickinson, founder of Hyde & Hare, a luxury interiors e-commerce brand inspired by the Danish Hygge lifestyle.Piers's entrepreneurial journey began as a teenager buying and selling shoes on eBay. He eventually launched Hyde & Hare after a serendipitous conversation with Liz Hurley at a safari lodge in Kenya.Piers talks about the challenges of starting and scaling a business, from packaging products at his kitchen table to expanding the brand internationally, sourcing high-quality products, and dealing with lawsuits from some of the world's biggest fashion brands.He also reflects on the importance of work-life balance, mentorship, and his ambitions for growing Hyde & Hare.If you've ever considered starting your own e-commerce brand, this episode is a must-listen. Piers shares not only the successes but also the challenges he’s faced, providing valuable insights to help you on your journey.Expect to learn:03.00 Starting Hyde & Hare 04.30 Building the Brand 09.20 Kenya Experience and Inspiration 11.30 Launching CDC Collections 16.15 Challenges and Growth 25.30 Understanding SEO Basics 28.00 Challenges of Entrepreneurship 29.20 Balancing Work and Life 35.15 Scaling the Business 49.30 Lessons Learned and Future Plans Hyde & HareWebsite - www.hydeandhare.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/hydeandhareGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

In this week’s episode I’m joined by Joe Haynes, the founder of Penzer Wines, a fine wine importer, and co-owner of Cloth Restaurant, an incredible new restaurant in central London. I met Joe when visiting the restaurant, and when I discovered he was the owner I wanted to understand how this young man had started his own restaurant. Joe opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, starting with his experience working on vineyards across Europe. He also talks about the early days of balancing a full-time job while building his wine import business in the evenings. Joe offers a number of fantastic insights for entrepreneurs, including the importance of finding the right team, securing investment for both businesses, how he found the location in central London, and the key ingredients that have made opening the restaurant a success.Whether you’re curious about the food and wine industry or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons for everyone, and I’m so grateful to Joe for sharing his insights.04.00 Starting the Wine Business08.30 Challenges and Successes in Wine Importing19.30 Opening a Restaurant: The Journey Begins29.00 Facing Pre-Opening Jitters30.00 The Power of Word of Mouth and PR38:45 Future Plans and Expansion42:30 Balancing Work and Personal Life45.30 Lessons LearnedCloth RestaurantInstagram - www.instagram.com/clothrestaurant Website - www.clothrestaurants.comPenzer WinesInstagram - www.instagram.com/Penzer_WinesWebsite - www.penzer-wines.ukGet In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast

In this week’s episode, I’m super excited to be joined by Tom Merrick; an online fitness coach and YouTuber with over 1 million subscribers and 100 million views.I've been following Tom’s videos for the last four years during my own journey to improve flexibility since the pandemic. This episode showcases the power of the internet, as I’ve learned so much from Tom’s online content, and now we had the opportunity to record a podcast together.In this episode, Tom shares his journey from editing online gaming videos in university to creating fitness content nearly a decade ago, driven by passion and a desire to help others.He discusses his approach to content creation, strategies for monetising on YouTube, why some videos perform better than others, and the surprising workings of YouTube.This episode is especially relevant in today’s world, where many people are trying to monetise social media. Tom provides plenty of tips for newcomers from his decade-long experience in the space.I highly recommend checking out Tom’s YouTube channel, which is packed with valuable health and fitness content.Expect to hear:02.30 Early YouTube Days and Growth04.15 Combining Passions: Fitness and Creativity06.30 Starting a Career in Fitness09.00 Monetising YouTube and Coaching11.15 Creating Valuable Content15:15 Advice for Aspiring YouTubers31.30 Balancing Privacy and Fame33.30 Ambitions and Goals36.00 Diversifying Interests40.15 The Importance of Asking for Help45.00 Working for Yourself50.15 Fitness and LongevityConnect with Tom: YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCU0DZhN-8KFLYO6beSaYljg Instagram - www.instagram.com/thebodyweightwarrior/ Website - www.bodyweightwarrior.co.uk Get In Touch:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lawrence-5a4b3357/ Website - ambitiousmindspodcast.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/ambitiousmindspodcast