Letter To My Younger Self with Dame Mary Perkins DBE, co-founder of Specsavers

In celebration of 200 episodes of Conversation of Inspiration, this special episode tackles some of the greatest challenges faced by our society today. Set against the backdrop of political fever as the general election looms, Holly explores what the future could look like, if the most brilliant minds and founders were spearheading the policies of our country — those who truly are experts, those who have actually ‘walked the walk’. How would they reshape our world with their boundless creativity, limitless common sense and a relentless drive for improvement?  From reimagining the education system or creating a plan to save our high streets, to an alternative vision for social media or tackling climate change, this episode covers some of society's real challenges, and crucially, how we might overcome them. With ideas from Dame Anya Hindmarch, Sir Tim Smit and Mo Gawdat to name just a few, and with two heartfelt letters (prepare with tissues!), this is a very special episode not to be missed.

A micro episode with Dame Mary Perkins DBE, visionary founder of Specsavers and a woman with a passion for people. Whilst sharing her letter to her younger self and reflecting on her 40 plus years spent building an empire, Dame Mary shares her words of wisdom, the things she wished she had known at the start of her journey. Gracious, grounded and utterly genuine, Mary’s words which resonate as much today as they have. This is your micro shot of inspiration and an episode that brings to life the transformative power of a simple letter.

Meet Tom Herbert, the man whose life and work and steeped in the rich aromatic legacy of baking. Tom hails from a family of bakers, where the art of crafting exceptional bread has been passed down through the generations. In this episode, Holly speaks to Tom about the story of his family business, Hobbs House Bakery and delves into his journey to becoming one half of the TV show, The Fabulous Baker Boys. But Tom’s journey didn’t stop there. Fueled by a sense of purpose to change the world through food, Tom founded the community driven initiative The Long Table. A restaurant with a difference and one that fosters community, combats loneliness and one that has created a lasting social impact. Sharing his vision, his experience and his unwavering commitment to using food as a force for good, this episode is a celebration of tradition, vision and the incredible power of breaking bread together. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

In this micro episode, we get a glimpse into the mind of the mission-led entrepreneur David Hieatt, founder of Howies, The Do Lectures and Huit Denim. David’s letter to his younger self is, put simply, a life lesson and one so chock full of wisdom and soulful advice that you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. This is your micro shot of inspiration and an episode that brings to life the transformative power of a simple letter.

This week, Holly meets Helen Pankhurst CBE,  a woman whose life work is testament to the enduring spirit of the suffragettes. And in this episode Helen shares intimate stories from her extraordinary heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and struggles of her pioneering ancestors, diving into how their legacy has shaped her own path in activism and to advancing women’s rights in the 21st century. Helen speaks to Holly about the current landscape of feminism, the progress that has been made since the suffragette era and the challenges that still lay ahead. This is a powerful conversation that explores how the movements and campaigns that we see in today’s society, such as #MeToo and Just Stop Oil will be judged by future generations. So whether you are passionate about women's rights, intrigued by historical legacies, or simply looking for inspiration to make a difference, this conversation with Helen Pankhurst is a must-listen. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

As a legendary footballer and a man who has navigated some of life’s toughest challenges, you might also know that Rio Ferdinand is also a man who isn't afraid to be vulnerable. In this micro episode, you will hear the letter that Rio wrote to his younger self, a letter that speaks about the road he has travelled, from the council estate on which he grew up to the heady heights of success and his journey with grief. It is also a letter that speaks to his resilience, compassion and belief in others. This is your micro shot of inspiration and an episode that brings to life the transformative power of a simple letter.

In this week's episode, join Holly as she sits down with Ben Branson, the remarkable and visionary founder behind Seedlip, Seasn, and Pollen Projects.  From the humble beginnings in his kitchen to pioneering a global brand in just four years, Ben’s story is one of creativity, dedication, and a relentless drive to challenge the status quo. Raised in a family deeply connected to farming, Ben spent his childhood immersed in the wonders of nature, fostering a profound appreciation for the botanicals that would later shape his groundbreaking brand. As the founding father of the non-alcoholic space, Ben’s journey has not only transformed the beverage industry but has also sparked a cultural shift towards mindful drinking. Holly speaks to Ben about the roots of Seedlip's success, from its inception as a kitchen experiment to its meteoric rise as a leader in the non-alcoholic category. Ben’s unwavering dedication and singular vision have not only built a global brand but have also challenged societal norms, paving the way for a more conscious approach to consumption. This podcast includes adult language so you may wish to wear headphones around little people!  Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

In this micro episode, Julie Deane CBE, the remarkable founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company shares her wisdom and reflections of an extraordinary journey in a letter to her younger self. Julie’s letter is one from the heart and one that reminds each of us of the power of embracing our individuality and how by having the courage to go against the grain and trust in our own instincts we will always be one step closer to our dreams. This is your micro shot of inspiration and an episode that brings to life the transformative power of a simple letter.

How can you learn to be self-compassionate and live the life you want to lead?  In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration meet Rosie Nixon, an accomplished author, broadcaster, consultant, and coach, best known for her 16-year tenure as editor-in-chief of Hello! Magazine.  Rosie shares her experiences with stress and burnout, leading to a career reevaluation and her decision to become a life coach. They delve into the importance of self-care, kindness, and authenticity, with Rosie revealing how she’s on a mission to help women navigate midlife reinvention through coaching and retreats.  Enjoy this inspiring conversation about personal growth, resilience, and the power of reinvention. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

What’s the secret to designing award-winning and best-selling homeware for 20 years?  In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration meet Antony and Richard Joseph, twin brothers and co-founders of Joseph Joseph often referred to as the ‘Apple of homeware.’  You'll hear the captivating story of their entrepreneurial journey, from a childhood surrounded by creativity to the thrill of their first major order. Discover how they conquered the European market with sheer determination and a road trip. They delve into the highs and lows of business, from the slow burn of success to navigating the tumultuous times of the pandemic. Embrace their wisdom on protecting their designs, fostering new talent, and staying passionate about their work. Don't miss the heartfelt advice they'd give to their younger selves, a true testament to their experience and resilience in the world of business. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell.  This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow. Time Stamps:  Childhood and Family Influence (00:03:30) The Joseph brothers discuss their creative upbringing and the influence of their parents and family in their design and entrepreneurial journey. Transition to Business (00:12:27) Holly and the Joseph brothers discuss their transition from studying design to starting their business, including the pivotal moment of receiving a significant order for their glass cutting boards. European Expansion (00:18:23) The brothers describe their persistence in seeking more customers, leading to their successful expansion into European markets and the slow but steady growth of their business. Mission statement and product approach (00:22:39) The company's mission statement and approach to identifying and solving household problems. Learning from failures (00:27:16) The lessons learned from product failures and the importance of getting started. Dealing with Copying and Counterfeiting (00:45:27) The challenges of dealing with copying and counterfeiting in the small business community and advice for others facing similar issues.