Bump to Business Owner

Trigger warning: this episode mentions pregnancy loss, separation and divorce, so if it's not the right time for you, have a listen to an episode from the archive and come back when you're ready. Emma was the first in her family to go to university. She decided to go to law school while sitting on a flat roof during her gap year, and her now-husband said, "Great, do it." Eighteen years later, she's a family solicitor, mediator and co-founder of her own firm. She made partner after having her first son, but kept having to fight for the department she'd built. After a pregnancy loss she felt unsupported at work, and with her second baby born in the middle of the pandemic, she and her colleague Nicki were having a moan on the sofa. Her husband told them to stop complaining and set up on their own. So they did. Emma planned NE Family Law in a notebook during evening naps on maternity leave, and launched just after her son's first birthday. Emma and Caroline talk about building a business that works for your family and why family law is anything but a soft option. Emma also shares how watching her mum rebuild her life after separating in her mid-fifties shaped the way she works, and why every woman deserves to understand her own finances. This is the first in a mini-series with Emma, so there's lots more to come. Topics: "Don't sit here complaining, just do it": the nudge that started a law firm Starting a business on maternity leave, one evening nap at a time Why clients follow the person, not the firm What it's like when your parents separate when you're an adult Why the pension gap matters more than who keeps the house Asking a family lawyer a question doesn't mean you've made a decision This episode is proudly sponsored by Emma Post, mum, business owner and co-founder of NE Family Law, a boutique family law firm in Richmond upon Thames. Emma is a Resolution-accredited family lawyer and accredited mediator who advises individuals and couples through separation or divorce. She understands that when your personal life changes, it can have a huge impact on your family, your finances and your business, and Emma helps clients bring together the right team to navigate those changes. If you'd like to find out more, or access NE Family Law's free resources and webinars, head to https://ne-familylaw.co.uk/.  Chapters: 01:00 Meet Emma Post: family solicitor, mediator and founder 05:13 From a politics degree to a career in law 07:17 Why family law is more complex than people assume 09:15 Small-firm experience and early ideas about motherhood 11:52 The reality of returning to work after having a baby 14:33 The experiences that pushed Emma toward founding a firm 18:08 Turning the idea into a business during maternity leave 21:08 Building the firm with a baby, lockdowns and a renovation 25:23 Finding quiet and perspective on an Alpine cycling challenge 29:19 How parenthood and personal experience shape client support 31:07 The impact of parents separating in adulthood 33:56 Financial independence, pensions and the wealth gap 42:24 Why asking for advice does not mean deciding to separate 46:17 Building a welcoming, people-first family law firm 49:50 Intentional growth, webinars and what comes next 51:40 Cycling, kitchen dancing and small moments of joy Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Substack: https://carolinemarshallupsource.substack.com/ About Emma Post Emma Post is a Resolution-specialist family solicitor, accredited mediator and Co-Founder of NE Family Law, a boutique family law firm she founded with Nicki Beale in 2021. Emma has spent more than 18 years working in family law, specialising in complex children matters, international relocation, high net worth financial remedies and the rights of unmarried couples, as well as mediation and non-court dispute resolution. Emma launched NE Family Law in 2021. Emma Post's Links: Website: https://ne-familylaw.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-post-family-solicitor-divorce-matrimonial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nefamilylawyers   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Trigger warning: this episode briefly mentions neonatal intensive care, so if it's not the right time for you, please listen to an episode from the archive. Caroline is expecting baby number three! And there are questions: will you switch off? Will you take "proper" maternity leave? This week, Caroline explains why her mat leave plan is a bit different, and why that's OK. Upsource, the award winning Virtual Assistant agency, launched six years ago, whilst Caroline was pregnant with baby #2 in lockdown. She designed the business around school runs, mummy days and the times when her kids need her most, rather than for a single year of maternity leave and back to the 9-5. She talks honestly about what she's putting in place this time, from a new fractional COO and new tech to a team who are even more invested. Last mat leave she left a team of 5, now the Upsource team is 40+, there's still a lot to feel nervous about!  More big announcements: After three and a half years and more than 100 episodes, Bump to Business Owner is closing. Caroline explains why, what's next, and why - don't worry! -  this isn't the last episode just yet. Topics "I didn't build a business for one year": rethinking maternity leave as a founder Why "just switch off" isn't as simple as it sounds How Caroline is preparing Upsource to run without her The fear of being missed, and the fear of not being missed Why being pregnant the third time around feels so different Why she's closing the Bump to Business Owner podcast, and what's next Chapters: 00:00 Why founder maternity leave is not a simple switch-off 02:40 Parenting needs extend beyond the newborn year 05:38 What changed between maternity leaves 07:58 Recruiting, pregnancy, and building leadership capacity 10:39 Preparing Upsource with a fractional COO and new systems 12:30 Trusting the team while facing financial pressure 15:49 Experience, support, and learning to rest 17:45 Letting go of meetings and daily decisions 18:51 Using AI and automation to reduce admin 20:51 What Caroline is letting go of 21:41 Why Bump To Business Owner is closing 24:55 Refocusing on Upsource and the assistant community 27:16 The stories behind the final podcast series 28:53 What comes next on Substack Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ Substack: https://carolinemarshallupsource.substack.com/   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

As a child, Nikki dragged her parents round holiday karaoke bars so she could sing My Heart Will Go On. At 14 she found a drama school prospectus in the school library and decided that's where she was going. Her careers adviser told her to come back with a better idea. She did go to drama school. After years of auditions, near misses and temping to pay the bills, she landed roles in Hairspray and Fame. Then, wanting to settle down and start a family, she put performing on the shelf. She and her husband Simon started Jam Pot from home with a new baby, and grew it to around 40 freelancers before selling it in 2023. Nikki and Caroline go back a long way, and their stories share a lot: performing, assistant work and running an agency, all while raising a family. In this episode Nikki talks about what it's really like to sell a business, why she kept the door to performing open, and how she made her West End debut 18 years after leaving drama school. They also talk about job shares, and why they could bring so many talented parents back to the stage. Topics: The careers adviser who told her to come back with a better idea Why years of auditions are the best training for running a business "Nobody will care about your business as much as you do" Knowing when your business isn't fun anymore What selling a business is really like, including the tax bill nobody warns you about Lasting two weeks of doing nothing in Bali before starting a new business Making her West End debut at 44 How job shares could bring parents back to the stage You don't have to be just one thing Chapters: 00:36 Introduction to Nikki 02:31 Returning to the stage in Titanique and her feelings about it 03:35 Nikki's journey from theatre to agency owner 05:32 Early confidence and love for performing as a child 07:31 Challenges of scaling a business as a woman and mother 09:30 Auditioning experiences and early career challenges 12:34 The importance of fair pay and high standards in agencies 15:30 Transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship 16:34 Lessons learned from selling Jam Pot 20:13 Industry reform ideas: job shares and flexible work 25:19 Building a team and scaling the business 30:40 The emotional aspect of business decisions 35:21 Balancing motherhood and career ambitions 35:47 The future of Nikki's ventures and industry change 40:36 Advice for entrepreneurs and industry advocates 45:32 The importance of adaptability and persistence 45:34 Closing thoughts and key takeaways 50:34 Reflections on success, failure, and future plans Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Nikki Wheeldon Nikki Wheeldon is a two-time exited founder, speaker coach, business adviser and West End performer. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and performed in Hairspray, Fame and the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony before moving into business.  With her husband Simon, she founded Jam Pot, a flexible business support agency that they grew over seven years and sold in 2023. She now runs Vocal Lab, which brings her business and performing experience together to help founders, leaders and teams communicate with confidence. Nikki made her West End debut as Molly Brown in Titanique the Musical this year. She is also a mum of two and campaigns for more job shares in theatre so that parents can return to the stage. Nikki Wheeldon's Links: Website: https://vocolab.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiwheeldonhq/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twocanjobshare/ Tintanique The Musical: https://london.titaniquemusical.com/   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Trigger Warning: This episode talks about baby loss, extreme premature birth, NICU and PICU stays, an infant cardiac arrest, birth trauma, PTSD and parental mental health. Please listen when it feels right for you, and look after yourself.   In 2015, Lottie King went into extremely premature labour with twin boys, Leo and Oscar. Leo died shortly after birth. Oscar spent more than 100 days in neonatal care and then years in and out of hospital, so Lottie left her PR career to become his full-time carer. Lottie talks to Caroline about the years after NICU. She describes how EMDR finally helped, and how a body that kept reacting to triggers led her into neuroscience. She also shares the reality of building Leo's Neonatal, her charity supporting NICU families in the North East, and NICU Neuroscience, which trains the professionals who care for them. Resources: EDMR: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/emdr/ Dr Gabor Maté: https://drgabormate.com/ Binaural beats playlist: https://www.youtube.com/live/IE2gBsIoT_M?si=4Hb1URcHHv701kI0 Topics: Why you're not "over it" a few weeks after leaving NICU The guilt NICU mums carry about their older children When talking therapy stops helping: Lottie's experience of EMDR Your brain says you're safe but your body doesn't agree Losing friends after a life-changing event, and finding the ones who get it Building a charity from scratch, and nearly closing it more than once Why NICU staff need support too Lottie's three wishes for NICU families Finding joy again Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lottie's NICU journey and charity work 02:09 The emotional impact of NICU and long-term trauma 03:57 Lottie's background before NICU and her career shift 07:01 The importance of trauma-specific mental health support 10:01 The environment of NICU and its psychological effects 14:54 Building community among NICU parents 20:03 Neuroscience of trauma and nervous system regulation 25:03 Supporting healthcare staff mental health and resilience 29:57 Funding, sustainability, and expanding NICU support programs 34:57 The evolution of Leo's Neonatal and future plans 40:09 Practical steps for trauma-informed neonatal care 44:56 The importance of early intervention and support 49:59 Joy, healing, and finding balance after trauma Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lottie King Lottie King is the founder and CEO of Leo's, a charity based in the North East of England that provides dedicated mental health support to families impacted by neonatal care, baby loss, pregnancy after loss or neonatal care & child development support to babies / children who have spent time in the NICU. She also delivers neuroscience based training to clinical teams globally that care for neonatal families under NICU Neuroscience, which helps fund the vital work delivered by Leo's. Lottie is also a student at King's College London studying an MSc in the Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health.  Lottie King's Links: Website: https://leosneonatal.org/ Website:https://www.nicuneuroscience.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lottie-king1942/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leosneonatal/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicu_neuroscience Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline Marshall shares her personal journey through redundancy, motherhood, and building confidence. She offers practical insights on overcoming challenges, external validation, and the importance of time and perspective in healing. This podcast is the third in a three part series all about redundancy. You can hear Part 1, here https://pod.fo/e/433a31 And Part 2, here https://pod.fo/e/4392e1  Key topics: Redundancy and its impact on confidence The role of motherhood in personal growth External validation and awards as confidence boosters The importance of time in healing and perspective Practical tips for overcoming setbacks   Chapters: 00:30 Introduction 00:43 Regaining confidence post-redundancy 05:13 The role of time in healing 07:22 External validation and its impact 11:36 Empowerment through saying no 13:23 Therapy and coaching 15:33 Perspective and self-development 17:54 Validating feelings and moving forward   Resources: The Women's Chapter Amanda Johnson, VA Training Academy The Mother of All Jobs, Christine Armstrong Work Like a Woman, Mary Portas   Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Caroline Marshall shares her personal experience navigating unfair redundancy, highlighting the importance of support networks, strategic responses, and self-care during career crises. This podcast is the second in a three part series all about redundancy, you can hear Part 1, here: https://pod.fo/e/433a31  Key topics: Handling unfair redundancy Building a support network Negotiation strategies in redundancy Self-care and mental health during career crises Practical tips for your redundancy process Chapters: 00:30 Introduction 01:03 The emotional impact of redundancy 02:25 Navigating the initial shock 04:08 Seeking support and guidance 06:56 Finding clarity and direction 08:11 The importance of self-care 10:38 Building a support network 11:14 Preparing for negotiation 14:16 The negotiation process 17:36 Moving forward after redundancy 19:30 Caroline's tips for navigating redundancy Resources: The Source, Dr Tara Swart Pregnant Then Screwed Insight Timer Headspace The Dose Effect, T.J. Power Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Caroline Marshall shares her personal redundancy story, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and systemic issues in startups. This episode offers insights into navigating redundancy with dignity, supporting women and mothers, and understanding systemic flaws. This podcast is the first in a three part series all about redundancy: stay tuned for advice on how to manage the process, and how to recover from it. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:30 Redundancy and Caroline's personal journey 03:36 The impact of redundancy on women and mothers 08:41 Navigating workplace challenges during pregnancy 14:19 Caroline's redundancy experience 19:31 Fairness and kindness in business Resources: Mambition podcast episode Rachel Childs episode Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

In this episode, Caroline Marshall interviews Sophie Catto and Nicole Goodwin, leaders of AllBright everywoman, about supporting women in their careers, motherhood, and leadership. They discuss the impact of motherhood on career confidence, the importance of community and corporate support, and initiatives like Motherhood Works to empower women at key life stages. Resources: The All BrightYellow Nest Topics: Why purpose is so important for women in their careers How motherhood impacts ambition and definitions of success Merging two businesses with different MOs but the same purpose Why you should never miss a sports day - and make sure it's in your calendar How businesses can support women and mums practically Their manifesto and the upcoming Motherhood Works event Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Albright Everywoman 01:45 The Impact of Motherhood on Careers 08:47 Career Journeys and Personal Growth 15:39 Understanding Women's Challenges in the Workplace 21:47 Creating Supportive Work Environments for Women 23:54 Navigating Workplace Flexibility and Challenges 26:00 The Role of Male Allies in Supporting Women 30:07 Balancing Work and Family Life 30:29 Understanding the Motherhood Penalty 35:46 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs 37:25 The Importance of Community and Networking 44:46 Finding Personal Joy Amidst Motherhood Responsibilities Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Nicole Goodwin Having started her career as an investigative journalist, Nicole Goodwin is a business leader with over 20 years' experience creating and scaling international, content-driven events and membership programmes. As Joint Managing Director of AllBright everywoman, she leads a passionate team dedicated to supporting, connecting and advancing women in business - through world-class learning, corporate partnerships, awards and curated experiences that build powerful networks.  Prior to her eight years at everywoman, Nicole held senior leadership roles as MD and GM at leading global businesses and publishing houses, including C5 and IQPC. Nicole Goodwin's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-goodwin-6a88982/ About Sophie Catto Sophie Catto is Joint Managing Director of AllBright everywoman, the leading global learning, leadership and community platform dedicated to advancing women in business. With over 18 years' experience across media, publishing and purpose-driven organisations, Sophie specialises in building communities, creating strategic partnerships and driving sustainable growth. She leads AllBright everywoman's global community, events, experiences and partnerships, with a focus on deepening engagement, expanding impact and creating opportunities that help women thrive at every stage of their careers. Throughout her career, Sophie has worked at the intersection of commercial strategy, storytelling and community-building, helping organisations connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Prior to joining AllBright everywoman, she held senior commercial leadership roles at Condé Nast, including Associate Publisher of House & Garden and The World of Interiors, and Commercial Creative Director of Tatler. Passionate about the power of connection and collective progress, Sophie is committed to creating platforms, experiences and communities that support women to grow in confidence, leadership and ambition. Sophie Catto's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-catto-1a317824/ Allbright Everywoman's Links: Website: https://allbrighteverywoman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allbrighteverywoman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allbrighteverywoman/ Motherhood Works: https://theallbright.co/motherhood-works/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

In our final episode in our collaborative mini series with Lucy Legal, Caroline chats to Rachel Childs. Rachel is a relationship coach and founder of Parents That Work, and shares insights on maintaining connection, equality, and emotional support in relationships after parenthood. This episode explores the impact of COVID, gender norms, and practical strategies for healthier partnerships. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis Episode 106 - How to use AI for female founders and mums with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy"  Resources: Beyond Baby Talk book Topics:  Impact of COVID on family life Gender norms and maternal gatekeeping Shared parenting and mental load Conversations about finances and careers Supporting emotional well-being in relationships Chapters:  01:00 Navigating the Landscape of Parenting Support 05:10 Career Transitions and the Impact of Parenthood 07:39 The Role of Gender Equity in Parenting 09:46 The Challenges of Managing Multiple Children 14:54 Understanding Relationship Dynamics in Parenthood 17:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Parenting 20:14 The Future of Work and Parenting Dynamics 24:22 The Pressure to Parent Equally 28:04 The Reality of Parenting Dynamics 32:09 Transforming Antenatal Conversations 35:04 Navigating Financial Decisions in Parenthood 39:02 Emotional Support and Communication in Relationships 41:58 Maternal Gatekeeping and Its Impact 47:27 The Path to Parental Equity 51:42 Building a Supportive Community for Parents Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Rachel Childs Rachel Childs is a relationship coach, author, podcast host and founder of Parents That Work, helping couples navigate the transition into parenthood without losing their connection, ambition, or sense of teamwork. After a career in corporate talent development, Rachel moved into coaching and relationship work, combining professional expertise with her own lived experience of unequal parenting and the realities many couples face after having children. She is certified in Hogan Assessments, a Bringing Baby Home Educator, and a Transformational Coach. Through Parents That Work, Rachel supports couples in building stronger parenting partnerships rooted in equality, communication, and emotional connection. Helping families move away from resentment, burnout, and the "default parent" dynamic so many experience in the early years. Rachel is also the creator of The Team Blueprint, author of Beyond Baby Talk, and host of the podcast Equalish, where she explores modern relationships, invisible labour, shared parenting, careers, and why equality in family life can feel far harder in practice than in theory. Rachel Childs' Links: Website: www.parentsthatwork.co.uk Podcast: https://podfollow.com/1840151862 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelchilds-couplescoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parents_that_work/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

Caroline and Lucy Legal explore the multifaceted use of AI in business and daily life, addressing misconceptions, legal considerations, and practical applications. They discuss how women are navigating AI's challenges and opportunities, emphasising responsible use and strategic integration. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to  Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Resources: Episode 33 - "Where are the women in this space?" with Lauren Ingram of Women of Web3 Fiona Young, Carve AI Topics: AI's role in business and life Legal considerations: privacy and IP Women navigating AI challenges and opportunities Chapters: 01:00 Exploring AI's Impact on Business and Creativity 02:25 Gender Perspectives on AI Usage 04:35 AI as a Complementary Tool in Business 08:00 The Role of AI in Legal and Business Strategy 12:04 Navigating AI's Limitations and Misconceptions 16:58 FOMO and the Reality of AI in Business 23:58 Efficient AI Integration in Business Workflows 27:32 Balancing Automation with Human Touch 30:14 Legal Considerations in AI Usage 34:42 Privacy, Data Protection, and AI 38:59 Intellectual Property and AI Co-Creation Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the fifth in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around.  Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realized that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it.  Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/