Women On Purpose

Toni and Lesley are joined by Sarah Schiewe, a ceramic artist who specialises in bringing stories to life through her unique pieces. Sarah shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, from leaving a creative but restrictive job to starting her own business, Schiewe Ceramics. Listeners will learn about the importance of creativity, identity, and following their passions KEY TAKEAWAYS Listening to your feelings and getting to know yourself is crucial when deciding what to do with your life. Creativity allows you to see other people's perspectives, generating empathy, kindness, and happiness. Juggling the creative aspect of a business with the practical side of running it can be challenging but rewarding. Participating in workshops and trying new things can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Setting a rough schedule and allocating time for different aspects of your business is essential for balance and success. Capturing ideas and focusing on what's important now helps entrepreneurs stay on track and avoid distractions. Seeking accountability and support from others can help you stay focused on your goals and overcome challenges. Sharing your story and collecting others' stories can be a powerful way to connect with people and create meaningful art. BEST MOMENTS  "I want to make art for everybody and anybody. So yeah, that's how it all began. So now I create bespoke pieces of art that tell people's stories." "Creativity is so important because creativity allows you to see other people's perspectives, you know, and if you can see somebody else's perspective, then that's how we generate empathy and empathy is the key to kindness and happiness." "I think the first thing you need to do is stop thinking and start feeling. You know listen to what your body's telling yourself." "I can just do what I want when I want, you know, I've got a little dog, I've got a little spaniel and if I want to go for a walk with her, I can, it's just, If I want to, you know, go see the kids, if I want to just pop off and do this, it's having that flexibility as a family unit to be able to put their needs in place as well as mine now and not have this nine to five schedule." "So I've had to put in place sort of a rough schedule of how I'm spending my time because if I spend too long doing the business side of stuff, I don't have anything for anyone to buy” ABOUT THE GUEST Sarah Schiewe https://schieweceramics.org HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

In this episode, Toni and Lesley interview career coach Bev Nickson. Bev shares her expertise in navigating career transitions, optimising LinkedIn profiles, and overcoming the challenges of job searching. With valuable insights on the importance of self-branding and maintaining a positive mindset, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take their career to the next level. KEY TAKEAWAYS When applying for jobs online, ensure your CV is applicant tracking system (ATS) friendly by avoiding PDFs and excessive white space, as the computer scans for keywords. Highlight your unique selling points and transferable skills on your CV to stand out to potential employers. Embrace career changes as opportunities for growth and development, rather than viewing them as setbacks. Invest in your continuous professional development by identifying skill gaps and taking courses to fill them. Utilise your existing network, especially on LinkedIn, to explore new career opportunities and gain valuable advice. Be cautious when seeking career advice from family members, as they may prioritise their personal desires over your professional goals. Self-branding is crucial when establishing yourself as a consultant or entrepreneur, focusing on showcasing your expertise and successes. Maintain a positive mindset during career transitions by reframing unemployment as a time to explore new opportunities and focus on your strengths. BEST MOMENTS  "It's about saying what you can do and talking about the work that you've been doing with other people and the successes you've had." "If you can set that first goal of saying, right, what can I do? If it's a product, can I price it up? How much will sell? What, who else is a competitor around here? And what are they selling that? And can I offer something different than you're offering?" "A lot of families don't like you to move out of their comfort zone. And if that means that you have to work away or, or whatever, they do get a bit like, why don't you stay here? Why don't you just stay in the job? Or why don't you just stay and that's from their personal want for you, not professional." "Every day is a school day, especially with us." ABOUT THE GUEST Bev Nickson, The Employment & Career Coach, Mentor, and Consultant with a passion for guiding both employed and unemployed individuals toward successful and sustainable careers since 2010 for various organisations.  Bev is also a Qualified Advanced Life Coach, Leadership Coach, Mental Health Trainer, Group Facilitator, and Public Speaker skilled in various coaching styles to empower individuals professionally and also personally.    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bev-nickson/?originalSubdomain=uk https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Employment-Career-Coach/100082947112006/ HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Richard Holmes, the founder of Global Anthem, shares his journey of creating a new communication system for people where language is a barrier to understanding. He describes the challenges, experiences, and impact of his work with refugees and the development of a non-verbal communication system. Richard, Toni, and Lesley discuss the importance of human connection and the need for support in Richard’s mission to make a difference.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Global Anthem aims to create a universal communication system using body gestures and hand movements to help refugees and asylum seekers overcome language barriers. This system facilitates basic communication and understanding in crisis situations, allowing individuals to express their needs and interact effectively, regardless of language differences. Richard plans to spread his new communication system via initiatives and partnerships. He developed a teaching pack and playing cards with gestures and phrases in multiple languages, distributed through charities, aid agencies, and directly to refugees. Partnering with UNICEF and UNHCR, he aims to reach those fleeing conflict zones. Richard Holmes faced challenges working with refugees, including language barriers, limited education, and diverse cultural backgrounds. He struggled with bureaucratic obstacles, lack of support networks, and harsh treatment by some organisations. He has also dealt with his own mental health issues, including PTSD, while remaining committed to advocating for refugees' rights and well-being.   BEST MOMENTS "I've decided to create a completely new communication system for people where language is a barrier to understanding." "What a privilege it is to be able to read, write, understand English, to have had an education, to have the ability to be treated with equality and not prejudged." "I'm not a businessman. I'm not an accountant. I'm in your face, front lines. I will sit in the mud with people. And that's my skill."   EPISODE RESOURCES Global-Anthem Instagram Richard Holmes - Mentor - Ingenuity Impact | LinkedIn   ABOUT THE GUEST Richard Holmes, a film industry model maker turned refugee advocate, founded Global Anthem after aiding Ukrainian refugees. His journey, fueled by a desire to help, led him to realise the need for a universal communication system. Motivated by dignity and integration, he empowers refugees through communication.   HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.   Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years.   ABOUT THE PODCAST   The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Join Toni and Lesley as they sit down with the creative and entrepreneurial powerhouse, Guna Meldere, for an engaging conversation about her inspiring journey from Latvia to Scotland. Discover the power of resilience, the importance of pursuing your passions, and the fascinating world of Human Design. Guna's unique insights and experiences will leave you motivated and eager to embrace your authentic self in both life and business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embracing resilience and finding opportunities, even in challenging circumstances, can lead to personal growth and success. Working while studying can provide valuable real-world experience and a deeper understanding of your chosen field. Human Design is a system that helps individuals make better decisions by understanding their unique energy types and how they interact with others. Knowing your Human Design type can empower you to live more authentically and navigate life with greater ease. Building a business that aligns with your passions and strengths is key to long-term success and fulfilment. Recognising and honouring your natural talents and tendencies can help you create a more harmonious and productive work environment. Asking the right questions, based on an individual's Human Design type, can unlock their potential and foster better communication. Embracing your unique qualities and quirks is essential for personal growth and success, both in life and in business. BEST MOMENTS  "You don't want to put yourself in a box with human design. And with everything, like with any other tool, like also astrology or, or any like soul maps or whatever it is, right? You want it to help you to go back to you, who you truly are." "I feel that people are starting to live so much more free and just stepping into their power back. It feels like they're taking back the driver's seat for their life when they have their charts." "That's how I feel like when I start to be just aware because it's not like something that you need to start to live your human design or something. Yes, there can be happening, the conditioning, because, you know, a lot of times, especially projectors and manifesters are conditioned by other types, by generators and manifesting generators to do more, to be more, and they are always called like lazy ones, but actually they are not." "We don't want to hurt other people, but we want to express ourselves. We want to be true to ourselves, but we don't want to, you know, kind of make somebody else to feel not great. Or we want to show our feelings, but a lot of times, it is challenging." "I think it's really amazing that you didn't go to university at that point and you got a job. And I think that's so much more powerful, especially for young people these days is to go and get work under your fingernails and feel what it's like in the real world" ABOUT THE GUEST Guna Meldere is not just a creative powerhouse; she's also a renowned expert in web design, podcasting, and community building. With over 7 years of experience, Guna has been helping businesses build magnetic and desirable brands by integrating art, creative expression, human design, behaviour psychology, and a dash of adventure into their strategies.   https://www.pinterest.co.uk/gunameldere/ YouTube - @GunaMeldere https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunameldere www.gunameldere.com   HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Toni and Lesley chat with the incredible Eula Clarke. Eula shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and offers practical advice on how to elevate your life and career. Discover the importance of resilience, building strong relationships, and giving back to your community. Eula's wisdom, coupled with her new book "A Call to Elevate," will leave you motivated to pursue your passions and create a fulfilling life! KEY TAKEAWAYS Identify your "why" and let it guide you through challenges and decision-making processes. Develop a plan B while working on your plan A to ensure a smooth transition into retirement or entrepreneurship. Cultivate strong relationships with family and colleagues by communicating effectively and supporting one another. Invest in personal development through courses, mentorship, and coaching to advance your career. Set specific, realistic goals and celebrate achievements along the way to maintain motivation. Prioritise self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain your energy and passion. Embrace resilience and adaptability when faced with challenges or unexpected changes in your life. Give back to your community and find purpose in serving others to create a fulfilling life. BEST MOMENTS  "If somebody says no to you, you don't have to accept that. You need to just find a way around things and kind of challenge yourself and develop yourself."  "Nothing before the time. We don't control that time. We don't control the why and the ifs when things happen."  "Every one of us now have got our own place. Yeah. Yeah. Never rented. Never. Because that's it. You see, your process and how you grow your children, that's, you've seen it happen, so you're going to make sure you follow the same route."  "It's about putting the work in usually. Anything too quick don't last because you've got to put the work in."  "If you want something, then you'll pay for it. You're investing yourself. You'll give yourself the time."  ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.amazon.co.uk/Call-Elevate-Journey-Transformation/dp/B0CT5GNJ9L?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Toni and Lesley are joined by the fabulous Hannah Walker, who shares her rollercoaster journey from a nightmare corporate role to starting her own successful business. This is a conversation full of laughter, hard-hitting truths, and game-changing advice that will leave you inspired and ready to tackle anything. KEY TAKEAWAYS Leaving a toxic corporate environment can be the catalyst for discovering your true passion and starting a successful business. Celebrating small victories and keeping a "bank" of accomplishments can help maintain motivation during challenging times. Embracing the word "no" is crucial for growth and success in business. Inspiring young girls to pursue STEM careers should focus on fostering a positive mindset and exposing them to diverse opportunities. Success is not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about waking up happy and fulfilled every day. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is essential for bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining resilience. BEST MOMENTS  "The biggest challenge that I have faced throughout my career is other women telling me how challenging it must be to be a big woman." "If I could stop people from being a dick, that's what I would say. Yeah, less dicks in the world. The world would just be a much better place if fewer people were dicks." "It's changed a lot as I've got older. When I was younger, my definition of success was all rooted in like my salary and my position and my job title and all this stuff." "Business is not for everybody. Like it is hard going. It's not an easy path to follow, but it's that fire, that spark in the bottom of you that just, it doesn't matter what people throw at you." ABOUT THE GUEST Hannah Walker I am a sales coach and consultant based in the sunny UK!! After years in corporate sales, bringing in deals of up to 9 FIGURES, I had the glaring realisation… It wasn’t for me! I learned the hard way that just because I CAN sell anything doesn’t mean I SHOULD… or that I WILL! I fundamentally believe that the client should ALWAYS come first… So I left! I packed up my trusty coffee mug (you can’t work in sales without a slightly unhealthy addiction to coffee….) and started my own business helping business owners overcome their sales blocks and SMASH their income goals! I have been lucky enough to work with some INCREDIBLE people so far on my journey and watching them grow their business AND their confidence has been amazing!! https://www.facebook.com/hannahwalkerconsultant https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-walker-consultant/ HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Join Toni and Lesley as they dive into the inspirational story of Lindsey Fish, a woman who has come full circle in her career. From corporate life to successful entrepreneurship and back again, Lindsey shares her journey of overcoming postnatal depression, battling alcohol addiction, and finding her true purpose. Discover how she turned her struggles into a powerful drive to help others through her new charity, For the Love of Clarity. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lindsey's journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship and back to corporate, while starting a charity, showcases the importance of resilience and adaptability in one's career. Postnatal depression can have a significant impact on a mother's life, including their ability to run a business and maintain relationships. Seeking help and support from family, friends, and professionals is crucial when dealing with mental health issues and addiction. Returning to work and establishing a routine can be a powerful tool for regaining confidence and a sense of purpose after facing personal challenges. Sobriety can be a life-changing decision, leading to increased self-awareness, personal growth, and the ability to pursue one's true purpose. The normalisation of alcohol consumption in society and media can contribute to the development of unhealthy drinking habits and addiction. Sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph can inspire and help others who are facing similar challenges. Finding one's purpose often stems from turning personal experiences and skills into a means to give back and make a positive impact on others. BEST MOMENTS  "I truly believe nobody else can make you go sober. It has to be your own choice, your own decision." "I want to get other voices heard as well. It's not just about my voice. Hopefully I can help share other voices as well." "I think what led me to launch the charity was to use my skill sets of launching a business before marketing and my ability to do that for good." "It's such a shame that we kind of all realise that at a later point in life because now I like really don't. Yeah. I'm like, and, and I don't know if that comes with menopause. You just lose that give a shit hormone." "Purpose is in all of us. It's tapping into it and trusting yourself to go for it. It's huge. Trust yourself." ABOUT THE GUEST Lindsey Fish   HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Join Toni and Lesley as they chat with the fantastic Vicki Jakes, an online marketing expert specialising in web optimisation and helping businesses boost their sales through Facebook. Vicky shares her inspiring journey of starting her own business while juggling motherhood, overcoming challenges, and finding purpose in her work. Discover valuable insights on remote team management, personal growth, and the importance of showing up on social media.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Starting a business allows for flexibility and the ability to prioritise family life, but it comes with risks and challenges that require self-awareness and personal growth. Building a remote team with overseas talent can be a cost-effective and efficient way to grow a small business while maintaining a work-life balance. Showing up on social media is crucial for service-based business owners to connect with potential clients and build trust by giving them a preview of the experience of working with you. Consistency in social media presence is key to generating leads and maintaining a secure business, even if it means dedicating a few hours each day to engage with your audience. Overcoming the fear of showing up on social media starts with small steps, such as recording a simple video pitch on your phone and remembering that the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Therapy and self-awareness are essential tools for managing the stress and emotional challenges of running a business and processing traumatic life events. As a business grows, the team and strategies need to evolve to adapt to each new phase, which may involve letting go of people who are no longer the right fit and embracing new opportunities. Social media is like networking on a massive scale, and building genuine connections online can lead to valuable friendships, referrals, and business opportunities. BEST MOMENTS  "If you can sell and you're good at selling, you're never really going to go out of business. And if you do, you'll create another business to work on."  "I'm doing exactly the thing that I wanted to do 10 years ago. You know, I wanted to work on social media because it looked fun and cool."  "If you are a business owner and you sell a service where people are interacting with you and you are not using social media to give them a preview of that experience, you are missing out because you've got business on hard mode."  "I treat social media like networking, right? And people will go to networking events and you've got a pool of what? 30 to a hundred people, right? Social media, you got millions, right?"  "I really want to leave, but I don't know what's going to happen, but I think I'm going to make it work."  ABOUT THE GUEST   HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Join us for the very first episode of Women on Purpose! Toni and Lesley chat with Jo Burford, Head of UK Community at TikTok. Jo shares her fascinating career journey from a traditional marketing role to working with influencers and creators at companies like Twitter and TikTok. She offers valuable insights on networking, staying true to oneself, and leveraging social media platforms like TikTok for business growth and personal branding. KEY TAKEAWAYS Networking is crucial for career growth; all of Jo's jobs have come through connections made at events or online. Stay authentic and true to yourself, even when working for big brands; your personal brand matters. Video content is king on social media; get over your fears and start creating to educate or entertain. TikTok favours creators who consistently provide value through educational or entertaining content. Business and entrepreneurship, especially for women, is an unsaturated niche on TikTok with growth potential. Embrace your journey and share your struggles. People connect with relatability more than perfection. Maintain boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout and preserve mental well-being. Continuously learn, adapt, and explore new platforms to stay relevant in the ever-evolving digital landscape. BEST MOMENTS  "TikTok actually loves authenticity, a true character. It's a very entrepreneurial place." "You've got to put in the work to have the talent, to have the skills. And I think in today's such fast world, people want things immediately. And they don't realise that actually things are hard." "I think if you are out there as an entrepreneur, TikTok is a fantastic place to teach, to learn, to teach people." "Most people want more of real people. They want less of the perfect life. I think that's over." "I think people are so used to now quick results because of the internet, the way we work, the likes, the shares, the immediate gratification. But it's not really quick results, is it? And there's this whole thing about talent actually is, and I think that, you know, all the talent competitions and seeing influences is you don't realise the 30 weeks, 30 years of work that went into their 15 minutes of fame." "Particularly if you've got a niche, a passion, and it doesn't have to be that niche, it doesn't have to be crazy niche, but something that is a spinoff from something, let's say it's gardening, you know, if you're doing something particular around a certain style, then you're going to grow." "When you are least feeling it is when you need to sort of tune into that, I don't know, that superhero version of you that says actually she would go out whatever the weather and knowing that, and concentrating on the feeling you're gonna get after." ABOUT THE GUEST Jo Burford HOST BIOS Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.  Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years. PODCAST DESCRIPTION The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.

Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way.    Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator) Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years.