What happens when your co-founder (and sister!) steps away and you’re managing a business solo, as well as being mum to 2 kids?

In this week’s delicious episode I’m in conversation with Nicola Ward, founder of CakeDrop, who talks me through her experience of exactly that.

Nicola has run her business incredibly intuitively and flexibly, focusing on building relationships and leaning into creativity when Covid meant a pivot. She has some incredible advice to other founders thinking about motherhood and the trade offs we as working mums make.

My main takeaway? You don’t need more strategy, you just need to take action.

Takeaways:

• The unique dynamic between cofounder sisters

• Covid forcing you to pivot and get creative

• The benefits of being a small business in challenging times

• Relationship building

• Nicola’s fundraising experience

• What happens when your cofounder steps away

• The trade offs working mums make - guilt and code switching

• Advice for founders thinking about motherhood

• Why you don’t need more strategy

Chapters:

00:30 Introduction to CakeDrop and Nicola's Journey
02:36 The Dynamic of Sister Co-Founders
05:03 Navigating the Business Landscape
07:49 Adapting to Challenges During the Pandemic
10:32 Transitioning to Solo Leadership
13:03 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
18:35 Fundraising Challenges and Experiences
19:02 Navigating Angel Investment and Fundraising Challenges
21:41 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
26:15 The Impact of Parenting on Business Perspective
28:49 Embracing the Uncertainty of Motherhood
30:45 Building Relationships with Major Brands
31:49 The Importance of Execution Over Strategy
34:01 Future Growth Plans for CakeDrop
35:06 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

Links:

Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/

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

About Nicola Ward

Nicola Ward is the founder of CakeDrop, the award-winning solution bringing sweet treats to some of the UK's most exciting places, including Meta, Ladbible, Beauty Pie, and Netflix. Cake Drop specialises in branded treat experiences and automated gifting for employee birthdays and work anniversaries, making workplace celebrations seamless and delicious.

Nicola's journey into entrepreneurship began alongside her sister Anna, inspired by their own experiences working in the city, where they noticed the challenges of organizing office celebrations. This insight led to the creation of CakeDrop, aiming to make office celebrations effortless and enjoyable. Nicola has faced many highs and lows on her journey, from the shift to becoming a solo founder to navigating major business challenges, including the pandemic and operational hurdles.

Nicola Ward’s Links:

Website: https://cakedrop.london/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-ward-30404427/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakedropldn

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/