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Hello! We're Liz & Leila Willingham and welcome to "It Runs In The Family". We're the mother and daughter duo working within the public relations and communications agency, Liz Lean PR. Running a business is hard - really hard. Every business has its challenges and it's own ups and downs - but in a family business, this is often exaggerated by the willingness to speak your mind. But it also has some huge advantages that the corporate cultures just can't compete with. In this podcast, featuring a different family business guest in each episode, we're going to be digging into the stories, values and traditions of other family and multi-generational businesses. We'll explore their history, learnings and how they've developed through the generations and the unique advantages they've had over their competitors. We discover where human relationship migrates into business; the ups, downs, twists, turns and landmark moments that seal the fate of these fascinating organisations. You’ll get to hear some brilliant life stories too; some to make you laugh and others that’ll warm your heart. Many of our clients are family businesses who we've worked very closely with over a number of years - we've heard brilliant stories that reveal true values and fun operating as a family business. We want you to feel inspired by stories of others, find their honesty relatable and reach out to us with your own experiences. If you have any questions for future guests, have a story of your own or have any feedback please do feel free to get in touch on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrunsinthefamilypodcast/
85 Episodes
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Every episode of our podcast has posed the same three questions, hoping to track trends across businesses - after 82 episodes, it’s about time we took a look back…In a very special episode of It Runs In The Family, join us for a journey through some of our favourite answers from the likes of Cook, Thatcher’s and Cornishware among many others, with hilarity, practical advice and heartfelt emotions in equal measure.This episode covers:The very first memories that tend to implant themselves into family business owners at an early ageWhat, if anything, people would do differently - and whether any regrets lingerInvaluable advice for any business leader from those who have worked with family Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
In an industry that builds for the present, it takes the care of kinship to build for the future - such is the strategy for Michael and Damien Wynne.These brothers have always been destined to work together, and as Co-Founders of property development company Q New Homes, they’re not afraid to pass up on profit for the benefit of the planet.Learn more about these siblings and how they bring their climate-first homes to life in this week’s It Runs In The Family!This episode covers:The early dreams of working together as kidsWhy Q New Homes do things differently from the rest of their industryThe roster of trusted support that Michael and Damien can call uponHow the brothers deal with disagreementsSupporting each other without question during their times of needQ New Homes: https://www.qnewhomes.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/qnewhomes/https://www.linkedin.com/company/qnewhomes-ltd/Michael Wynne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wynne-b04a28291/Damien Wynne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-wynne-a8aa61225/Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Despite the world of estate agency evolving dramatically the Tailor Made approach remains true 25 years on from its inception.Now led primarily by 2nd generation siblings Robert and Adrian, it’s a business bleeding true family values throughout as they build trust selling on some of the most coveted land in the country - Sandbanks.Join the duo for lessons and laughs in abundance, as their personality seeps into this fantastic episode of It Runs In The Family!This episode covers:How the duo came to work together within Tailor MadeDiffering strengths and skill sets between siblingsValues passed down from the previous generation that serve the business immensely todayStandout memories working as a family, particularly with some star-studded clientsTailor Made Estate Agency https://www.tailormadeestateagency.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailor-made-estate-agents-ltd/https://www.instagram.com/tailormadesandbanks/Adrian Dunford https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-dunford-4500b911/Robert Dunford https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-dunford-32542111/Liz Willingham https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/Leila Willingham https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/
Jim De’Ath grew up with the great outdoors central to his childhood. Now it’s at the heart of his entire family and its business: Valley and Peak.Becoming the 2nd generation to work within the business, Jim’s sights are set on carrying a torch that’ll last for many generations to come…The way that the family has influenced the business is just as fascinating as the inverse, seeing the family dynamic evolve with the brand - we learn more about the fabulous family behind Valley and Peak on this week’s ‘It Runs In The Family’!This episode covers:How outdoor activity in Jim’s childhood fed into his business journeyNavigating huge life events alongside business demandsHow working with family alters your dynamics and time togetherThe invaluable benefits of having trust in those leading around you
From our family business to yours: Happy Valentine’s Day! What better day for us to celebrate all that we love about the people behind the show’s family business guests, and beyond.This week, the Willingham family takes centre stage as we look back on our unbelievable roster of guests, and share our adoration for the traits that they’ve exhibited which you just won’t find outside of the wonderful world of family business!This episode covers:How 2024 has kicked off, and what family businesses can expect from the year aheadCommon touching points for most family businessesThe innate connection between kin within a family firmOur appreciation for the candid honesty from all the guests that have joined us to dateOpportunities that family businesses create for their own next generations
Since its inception in 1980, the humble Glaswegian beginnings of Pagazzi Lighting have bloomed into a leading lighting retailer, with the delightful Pagan family at the helm.Founded by Alan and Laura Pagan, they’re now joined in the business by daughter Rebecca - it’s the mother-daughter duo joining us on the podcast this week to share the charming stories, back-to-the-wall moments and family spirit that lights their way…This episode covers:The story behind Pagazzi’s bold, naive beginningsHow the family dynamic works with work-life balance & handling disagreementsTheir feeling of responsibility for team members, and the extra drive that gives youThe importance of non-family members in the team’s growthPagazzi’s admirable ambitions to continue expanding further south
When Mark Hamblin’s parents rented a single van out throughout the weekdays, little did they know they were laying the simple groundwork for a thriving vehicle hire business.U-Drive’s fleet might be strong, with over four thousand vehicles, but it’s the strength and convictions of the Hamblin family members within the business that one simply can’t help but admire.Mark and Lauren, father and daughter, join us live in the studio this week for a charming episode of It Runs In The Family.This episode covers:How the 42 year old business grew its huge, 4,000+ vehicle fleetStandout moments with the family throughout U-Drive’s illustrious historyHow Lauren formed her connection with the business at a particularly early agePutting the family’s needs ahead of the business
Pembrokeshire is a stunning stretch of Welsh coastline whose beauty should sell itself, but it’s Coastal Cottages’ community-building that builds the experience around it.Join us on It Runs In The Family to hear how Matthew and Sophie Evans channel their complementary talents in building a charming holiday cottage agency, all whilst founding one of Wales’ biggest sporting exports on the side…This episode covers:The story behind how the duo came to run Coastal CottagesHow they hold onto their wonderful staff Why they’re sometimes described as a ‘dating agency for holiday homeowners and holidaymakers’Bringing more family into the businessHow they’re bringing attention to the gorgeous area of Pembrokeshire
The story behind Joe & Seph’s Gourmet Popcorn begins with a penchant for holiday gifts from the USA, and its latest chapter sees an iconic brand sharing natural flavours like no other.Among 4 family Co-Founders is Adam Sopher, whose role now as CEO sees him reside over a business proud to have secured investment and seen its products in Selfridges.We catch up with Adam on this week’s ‘It Runs In The Family’ to discover their delightful story.This episode covers:The business’ swift inception with the family’s appearance at a food show in 2010How securing investment felt like validation of what they’d achieved so farShared family leadership evolving into a more structured approachThe combined skill sets of the family creating something special
Catipilla just celebrated their 6th birthday, and the business’ adorable inception draws upon NASA experience and an unbeatable father-son combination.Designing furniture fit for our feline family is a job purrfectly suited to this week’s special guest, Andy Sutton, who takes us through the humble beginnings of every cat’s favourite furniture brand.This episode covers:Andy’s journey as a NASA engineer, before his entrepreneurial careerHow the family dynamic plays into their decision making processThe charming story behind the business’ humble beginningsMoments of pride on their journey to international acclaim
A 5 year old Christina Veal wanted ice cream, a simple request that set the wheels in motion on a 40 year legacy in the form of New Forest Ice Cream.Christina and her sister, Niki Jenman, now head up the business whose charm is tangible in every tasty scoop. These siblings have such undeniable chemistry, and it’s a joy that they shared it with us in this delicious episode of It Runs In The Family!This episode covers:How the brand has evolved since its charming inception in 1983Standout moments with the family in the businessCarving out time for each otherThe unparalleled role of quality tester for some of the wildest flavoursMaintaining the business’ size alongside its lovely family culture
Greenhouses may not be an essential product, but that makes the charm and connection of family values a non-negotiable for the marvellous Alitex.With celebrity clients from Sheeran to Sting and an indomitable presence at Chelsea Flower Show, it’s no wonder that Tom and Nelly Hall have such pride in their brand.We join the duo on location this week, sheltering from the elements in one of their very own greenhouses, for a uniquely enlightening episode of It Runs In The Family.This episode covers:The impostor syndrome of being connected to the business through your family relationshipSharing complementary skills and combined valuesHow family life has influenced Tom’s approach to business ownershipFamous names on their roster, including David Beckham’s unforgettable visit to Alitex’s HQ
Some businesses’ products you simply can’t, or shouldn’t, live without - Lyfeguard sets out to make everyone’s lives simpler in a way that few other businesses ever can…In the aftermath of a torrid experience handling two late friends’ estates, Gary Steward and son Fraser Co-Founded a company with care and heart at its core. Join us to hear their story, how they separate business from family life, and why for them being a family business is a double edged sword of sorts…This episode covers:Separating business and family livesCombining complementary skills between family members and team membersThe emotional pain that Lyfeguard directly aims to alleviateFraser’s experiences in Parliament
Forget all you know of a farm shop - Nick and Ash Sinfield have created an iconic location in the business they’ve Co-Founded together: Teals.The couple have created a remarkable blend of commerce and hospitality with a food market, restaurant, and range of wellness classes to name a selection of factors that make Teals stand out.We’re joined by Nick and Ash to share how their family dynamic changed when they became Co-Founders, the value of values, and how to keep the business from becoming all-consuming.This episode covers:Teals’ opening three years ago, and bumpy first few yearsThe difference between working together and founding a business togetherCreating a team dynamic where they enable their team, not inhibit themTheir responsibility as a budding B Corp to-beMaintaining a healthy dynamic when the business becomes overwhelming
Sri Lankan food culture brings people together and always lays a space at the table, and that family feel channels into The Coconut Tree’s 9 fantastic locations.Rashintha Rodrigo’s emotional connection with the business has evolved over its 9 years in rather an interesting way - we catch up with him on It Runs In The Family about the chain’s success, and charming ambitions.This episode covers:The strength gained from having multiple Co-FoundersTheir ‘lay an extra spot at the table’ ethos funnelling into the businessHow The Coconut Tree expanded their reach to 9 restaurants in 7 yearsAn evolving emotional connection with the business over time
Glenmuir’s 130 year legacy stands it in great stead, but Managing Director Mikhel Ruia’s constant innovation and tempered approach keeps them moving ever-forwards.We have the rare opportunity to speak with another business within the same family group as last episode’s Sock Shop; both being part of the Ruia Group and interestingly sharing an evidently effective family ethos…This episode covers:Receiving business mentorship from within your entrepreneurial familyMikhel’s pursuit of breaking the ‘3rd gen, rags-to-riches-to-rags’ tropeGrowing up in a culture of commitment and work ethicThe impressive digitisation that Mikhel has brought to the businessFinding extraordinary improvements in the ordinaryHow to have an awareness and tact when handling tense topics
‘Feel good from the feet up’ - one simple phrase underpins the decades-long history of the Sockshop brand, and its direction is guided by the keen intuition of Alok Ruia.As Director of the brand, which lies within the Ruia Group, there’s a fascinating dynamic between his business and those of his brothers, and a philosophy evident throughout the group.Discover Alok’s journey into the family business, the blend of strategy with opportunity recognition, and how Annie Lennox changed the way the world sees socks…This episode covers:The complication of family dynamics in business spacesUnique culture and autonomy being paramountThe fascinating story behind Sockshop’s revolutionary Heat HoldersSurprising cultural impacts that have come from celebrity socks
Audrey Githa Goldberg was a health and skincare pioneer, writing two books heralded as ‘bibles’ in their field. That legacy lives on and flourishes through Care of the Skin.The mother & daughter-run business takes its name from one of these books, and both Lucy & Hannah Bennett continue to bring this industry-leading history to life. Hear more from this outgoing duo as they join us on episode 66 of ‘It Runs In The Family’.This episode covers:The origins of Care of the Skin, harking from a timeless bookChallenges arising from being mother & daughter at all timesExciting future plans to grow the businessCelebrity clients valuing their integrity and discretion
There’s no shortage of hotels offering 5-star experiences, but without the familial touch that’s present in Maisons Pariente’s resorts, they pail in comparison.Launching all three hotels in the same year is challenging enough, let alone having one recognised as the pinnacle of French hospitality in Travel + Leisure’s awards.We dive into the family’s charming approach to hospitality with Co-Founder & Artistic Director, Kimberley Cohen, in a rather continental episode of It Runs In The Family.This episode covers:Kimberley’s shift from the fashion world in LA to hospitality with her familyThe ambitious opening of their 3 hotels all in the same yearHow their familial touch garnered them awards & global acclaimKnowing when to be heard or be quiet, and setting aside your ego
The appeal of Wookey Hole Caves extends far beyond the titular attraction, and that’s thanks to the unrelenting love and ambition of its current custodians.Sarah Ramsay and her daughter Ellen found themselves suddenly helming a beloved legacy, and have brought together their collective creativity to bring the caves to life.It was a delight to speak with Sarah & Ellen on It Runs In The Family, where their passion is a heartwarming spectacle that tops off their incredible story.This episode covers:How the family handled the loss of Sarah’s father from CovidBeing the guardian of a historic brandThe recent rebranding of Wookey Hole to refresh their legacyMoments of alignment and pride with the rest of the family
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