In this thirteenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Faye Newman – founder of Faye Newman Design, a kitchen and bedroom design studio and host of the Love Your Kitchen podcast.

Faye shares her refreshingly honest journey from childhood dreams of becoming a plumber to building a thriving design business and podcast — despite never imagining self-employment would be part of her story.

With over eight years of industry experience and more than three as a business owner, Faye reflects on how a neighbour’s kitchen project unexpectedly set her career in motion. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her move from employment to entrepreneurship, the crucial role of her support network, and the lessons she’s learned along the way — from pricing confidently to embracing visibility.

We talk about the importance of taking risks, navigating anxiety, and trusting that you’ll be okay — even when things feel uncertain. Faye also shares the pride she felt securing a podcast sponsor before launching, and how her show now plays a key part in her business growth and creative expression.

Whether you’re at the start of your business journey or evolving your next chapter, this conversation is a down-to-earth reminder that building a business takes courage, support, and a willingness to put yourself out there.

Episode Timestamps 00:00 – From Childhood Dreams to Career Paths 02:56 – Navigating the Kitchen Industry 06:13 – The Journey to Entrepreneurship 09:04 – Overcoming Initial Challenges 12:11 – Current Business Landscape and Growth 15:01 – Moments of Pride and Achievement 18:01 – Mindset and Risk in Business 18:38 – Navigating Anxiety and Embracing Risks 19:35 – The Joys of Business Ownership 22:39 – Facing Challenges in Entrepreneurship 28:21 – Support Systems During Tough Times 33:57 – Key Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

What to Expect

✦ An unexpected path into the world of kitchen design ✦ The mindset shifts needed to go from employee to business owner ✦ Why a support network can make all the difference ✦ Learning to price confidently and value your work ✦ How podcasting supports connection and business growth ✦ Honest advice for anyone considering self-employment

Connect with Faye Instagram: @fayenewmandesign TikTok: fayenewmandesign.com Join her newsletter: Subscribe here

Connect with Alex 📅 Book a free Business Connection Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 🔗 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twelfth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Latifa Aarab – a leadership coach, cultural intelligence expert, and founder of Compatible.

With roots in France, Morocco and the UK, and a career that’s taken her across four continents, Latifa shares how her multicultural upbringing and 17 years in the financial industry led her to the work she does today: helping leaders navigate cultural differences to build more connected, collaborative teams.

This episode is a deep and refreshing look at the realities of entrepreneurship — from leaving the safety of a corporate role to starting a purpose-led business grounded in experience, intuition and personal growth.

We talk about redefining success, the importance of financial security when making a leap, and how nature, mindset and community support your capacity to lead and grow. We also touch on fears around public speaking and hosting events — and why doing the thing that scares you is often the best teacher.

Whether you're a few steps into your business or still sitting with the idea, this is an honest, human reminder that the journey isn’t linear — and that your experiences are your greatest assets.

00:00 – Cultural Roots and Early Aspirations 02:59 – Transitioning from Finance to Entrepreneurship 05:56 – Navigating the Challenges of Intuition and Fear 09:01 – Redefining Success and Life Experiences 11:46 – The Journey of Personal Growth 15:06 – Finding Balance in Business and Life 18:03 – The Role of Nature in Mental Clarity 21:04 – Overcoming Social Challenges in Business 23:56 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 26:55 – Defining My Kind of Business

✦ An honest account of leaving corporate life ✦ How intuition and personal growth support entrepreneurship ✦ Redefining success beyond financial achievement ✦ Cultural intelligence and leading global teams ✦ Encouragement to stretch your comfort zone, especially in public speaking ✦ Why financial readiness matters more than hustle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compatibleofficial/@latifa_aarab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latifaaarabcompatible/ Website: https://compatibleofficial.com/

Book a free Business Connection session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Facebook Group: Business Connection Community LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

We’re surrounded by messages that tie success to income, productivity and recognition. But when we stop and tune in, success can look and feel completely different — softer, slower, more aligned with our values and wellbeing.

In this honest episode, Alex explores how redefining success can bring more fulfilment, self-trust and joy into both life and business. From letting go of societal expectations to honouring the small wins, this is an invitation to create your own version of success — one that actually feels good.

Whether you're rethinking your goals, navigating change, or just feeling disconnected from the hustle, this episode offers a gentle nudge back to what truly matters.

00:00 – Redefining Success: A Personal Journey 05:06 – Aligning Success with Personal Values 10:29 – Intangible Aspects of Success 15:12 – Celebrating Small Wins 19:17 – Self-Reflection and Authenticity

🌿 A grounding conversation on success beyond money or metrics 💬 Honest reflection on aligning with your values 💡 Permission to slow down, shift gears, and trust yourself 🏆 The importance of small wins and how they build fulfilment 🧠 Why mental wellbeing is a vital part of your definition of success

📅 Book a free Business Connection session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 💬 Facebook Group: Business Connection Community 💼 LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy on LinkedIn

In this tenth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Liv, the soulful founder of Lunar Holistic Therapies based in Telford, Shropshire.

What began as a career in pharmacy gradually transformed into a holistic therapy business rooted in energy, rest and reconnection. Liv shares how grief, intuition and a deep desire to support others led her to create a space for healing through massage, reflexology, energy therapy, women’s circles and sound baths.

This is a raw and honest conversation about straddling two worlds — the scientific and the spiritual — and finding peace in creating a business that honours both. Liv speaks about protecting your energy, growing your confidence through community and trusting in the timing of your own journey.

Whether you’re pivoting careers or building something heart-first, Liv’s story is a powerful reminder that your business can be an extension of your personal healing.

Episode Timestamps 00:00 – The Early Aspirations and Spiritual Journey 02:53 – Transitioning from Pharmacy to Holistic Therapy 06:07 – Building a Business: The Journey Begins 09:01 – Balancing Two Worlds: Pharmacy and Holistic Therapy 12:14 – Defining Moments in Business 15:01 – Networking and Community Support 18:06 – Challenges in Business: Gaining Clients and Personal Health 21:59 – Protecting Energy and Wellbeing 27:49 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 30:52 – The Essence of My Kind of Business

What to Expect

• A gentle but powerful career change story

• Honest talk about grief, burnout and self-trust

• Insights on building a spiritual and sustainable business

• Practical advice on managing energy as a therapist

• A reminder that intuition is a valid business strategy

Connect with Liv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunarholistictherapies/ Website: https://www.lunarholistictherapiestelford.info/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094558569797

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Facebook Group: Business Connection Community LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy on LinkedIn Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this ninth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex sits down with Jules McGill - a Personal Trainer, Wellbeing Coach and speaker who left a stable teaching career to build a fitness business rooted in intuition, joy and empowerment.

Jules opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of career change, how she learned to trust her gut, and why setting playful boundaries and stepping back from social media have been game‑changers.

We explore what it really takes to find your voice in a crowded industry and how movement can be a vehicle for confidence, not conformity. This warm, honest conversation is full of insight for anyone ready to do things their own way.

00:00 – From Childhood Dreams to Business Reality 03:02 – The Transition from Teaching to Entrepreneurship 05:59 – Navigating Self‑Doubt and Identity 09:13 – The Early Days of Business 11:57 – Building Resilience in Business 14:45 – Trusting Your Intuition 17:54 – Current Business Landscape and Future Aspirations 23:09 – Challenging Industry Norms 26:05 – Finding Your Voice 29:41 – Social Media Detox 31:01 – Balancing Family and Business 34:12 – Redefining Boundaries 39:14 – Embracing Creativity in Business

• Real talk on the emotional side of leaving a secure career

• Practical steps for tuning into your intuition and rebuilding self‑belief

• Why boundaries (and breaks from social media) fuel creativity

• Reframing movement as confidence‑building, not body‑fixing

• Inspiration for dreaming bigger—Jules’s vision for bringing her work into schools and beyond

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julesmcgill/ Learn more about her offerings and upcoming workshops at julesmcgill.com

• Book a free Business Connection session: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching/

• Facebook Group: Business Connection Community

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mccarthy-coaching/

• Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this eighth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by intuitive mindfulness coach Holly Smith for a warm and powerful conversation about self-belief, mental health and building a business rooted in purpose.

Holly shares her journey from aspiring vet to neurological physiotherapist, and how mindfulness supported her through anxiety and depression — ultimately leading her to start her own business, My Kind of Mind, in 2018. What began as a deeply personal practice evolved into a thriving coaching business offering workshops, retreats and 1:1 support for people navigating stress, burnout and disconnection — including NHS staff.

Alex and Holly talk about the mindset shifts that come with running a values-led business, the challenges of pricing your work, and why consistency and compassion matter more than chasing fast success.

Whether you’re feeling disconnected from your work, craving more meaning, or wrestling with self-doubt, this conversation is full of honest insight and gentle encouragement.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – From aspiring vet to mindfulness coach 02:57 – The seed of a business: how mindfulness changed everything 05:49 – Mindfulness and managing anxiety, depression & burnout 09:01 – What people often get wrong about mindfulness 11:50 – Holly’s business growth and unexpected opportunities 14:53 – What her current work looks like: courses, retreats, and NHS wellbeing support 17:53 – Her proudest moment: public speaking for her own business 21:36 – How personal growth mirrors business growth 25:26 – Mindfulness as a tool for emotional well-being and resilience 28:36 – Reframing pricing, money and self-worth 35:37 – The truth about consistency and sustainable growth 39:46 – Coming back to your ‘why’ — especially when things feel hard

What to Expect

Real talk on mental health, mindfulness and the messiness of business growth Encouragement for anyone navigating change or feeling stuck Insights into intuitive, sustainable business-building A reminder that your path doesn't need to look like anyone else’sHeads-up: the audio is slightly tinny at times on my end — thanks for sticking with it!

Connect with Holly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_kind_of_mind/ Explore Holly’s courses & retreats: https://www.my-kind-of-mind.com/

Connect with Alex

Book a free Business Connection Online Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Facebook Group: Business Connection Community LinkedIn: Alex McCarthy on LinkedIn Website: www.alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this seventh episode of My Kind of Business, Alex reframes the way we think about sales and selling in business. If the idea of selling makes you feel icky, pushy, or uncomfortable, this conversation will help shift your mindset.

Alex explores how sales can be an act of service - rooted in connection, empathy and real transformation. You’ll hear why focusing on outcomes over features, detaching from the pressure to convert and leading with heart can make the sales process feel more aligned, natural and effective.

Whether you're new to business or have years of experience, this episode will leave you feeling more confident, clear and inspired to approach selling in a way that feels good for both you and your clients.

00:00 – Reframing Sales: A New Perspective Alex unpacks the cultural baggage around sales and introduces a fresh, mindset-first approach to selling.

07:24 – Building Genuine Connections Why real connection is the foundation of service-led selling—and how it builds trust without pressure.

10:30 – Focusing on Outcomes Over Features The simple mindset shift that helps potential clients see the real value of what you offer.

12:09 – Detaching from the Pressure of Sales How letting go of the need to convert every lead makes you a more powerful (and authentic) salesperson.

16:03 – Selling as Service: A Heart-Centred Approach Alex closes with a reminder that selling is about helping, serving, and creating space for transformation.

• Selling is service, not persuasion.

• Focus on connection, not conversion.

• Outcomes matter more than features.

• People want to feel seen, heard, and understood.

• Detach from the outcome to reduce sales anxiety.

• Your worth isn’t defined by the number of sales you make.

Business Connection Sessions: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching/

Website: www.alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is talking all about boundaries — something that so many business owners struggle with, especially when it comes to saying no.

She explores what boundaries actually look like in business, how to get more comfortable with saying no (without feeling guilty), and why it’s such a powerful step in protecting your time, energy and growth.

If you’ve ever found yourself overcommitted, undervalued, or just burnt out from trying to do everything — this one’s for you.

00:00 – The Importance of Boundaries in Business Why boundaries matter more than ever in today’s business culture.

05:51 – Listening to Your Gut How intuition can guide decision making — and help you spot red flags early.

12:01 – Practical Ways to Set Boundaries From setting client expectations to protecting your calendar — real-life ways to put boundaries in place.

17:57 – Final Thoughts on Boundaries and Growth A reminder that saying no is often about saying yes to yourself — and your values.

• Saying no is often the key to true growth.

• If you're trying to be everything to everyone, you're nothing to anyone.

• Listening to your gut helps you make better decisions.

• You don’t always have to justify your no.

• Boundaries are a form of self-respect, not selfishness.

Business Connection Sessions: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions

Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmccarthycoaching/

Website: www.alexmccarthycoaching.com