Risking it All

Barry Jolly, Andy McDade, Brian McGill

"Risking It All" is a weekly podcast that explores the real stories of those who have dared to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds and industries, sharing their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in building their careers and businesses. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business professional, or simply fascinated by the world of business, "Risking It All" offers insights and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the into the highs and lows of business, learning from real people stories.

  1. 15 Jun

    Steven McNee on Entrepreneurship, Renewable Energy and Scaling a Modern Trades Business 🚀

    In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Steven McNee, founder of SM Electrical Services, an entrepreneur who has built a reputation in the electrical contracting, solar and battery storage industry through innovation, customer service and a commitment to quality standards being held to the highest possible level. Steven shares his journey from working as an apprentice electrician in his family business, to building a growing business himself in one of the UK's fastest-evolving sectors. He opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the risks involved in scaling a trades business, and how he adapted to the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 In this episode, you will also hear: * ⚡ How he built SM Electrical Services from the ground up * 📈 The realities of growing a business in the electrical contracting & renewable energy sector * 💡 The lessons he's learned from initially working in the family business, to hiring, leadership and business growth Whether you're a business owner, tradesperson or entrepreneur looking to scale, this conversation offers practical insights into building a company, adapting to change and creating long-term success. 👉 Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience, ambition and truly risking it all. 🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing. 🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K. 🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at: www.jollymediamarketing.com

  2. 5 May

    Risking It All: Dr Rashmi Mantri on Building BYITC and Transforming Maths Education

    Dr Rashmi Mantri was born in India as one of six children. Growing up in a traditional, high-caste family, she faced significant cultural expectations that limited opportunities for women, particularly in education and career progression. Despite these constraints, she was determined to carve out her own path and challenge the norms placed in front of her. Her early journey was shaped by challenges that would have held many back: •⁠ ⁠🚫 Limited access to opportunity - Education and career advancement for girls were not prioritised •⁠ ⁠⚖️ Cultural expectations - Strong societal norms defined what was considered appropriate for women •⁠ ⁠👨‍👩‍👧 Family pressure - Life decisions were often influenced by parents and family elders, leaving little room for independence •⁠ ⁠🎓 Fighting for education - Pursuing learning required persistence against both cultural and family barriers In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Dr Rashmi Mantri, Director of British Young International College (BYITC) and a TEDx speaker, who has built a global education platform focused on transforming how children learn maths through innovative teaching methods. Dr Rashmi shares her journey from overcoming cultural barriers in her early life to becoming an educator and business leader. She opens up about the challenges of scaling an edtech company internationally, and the risks she took to bring a new approach to learning into a traditionally structured space. She also reflects on the importance of purpose-led leadership, staying resilient through growth, and building a business that delivers real impact for students and families around the world. In this episode, you will also hear: •⁠ ⁠💡 How she turned a simple idea into a global education movement •⁠ ⁠🌍 The challenges of scaling an edtech business across different markets •⁠ ⁠📈 What it takes to build trust in education and deliver consistent results •⁠ ⁠🚀 Why innovation and purpose are key to long-term success If you are building a business, leading a team or looking to create meaningful impact, this episode offers practical insights and real-world experience from someone who has done it on a global scale. 👉 Tune in for an honest conversation about growth, ambition and truly risking it all. 🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing 🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K. 🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at: www.jollymediamarketing.com

  3. 27 Apr

    Risking It All: Gavin Bell on Scaling Yatter, Selling by 30 and What Comes Next

    In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Gavin Bell, entrepreneur and founder of performance marketing agency Yatter, which he built into one of the UK’s leading agencies before successfully exiting to Velstar Group in 2024 all within just three years and before the age of 30. At the time of acquisition, Yatter had worked with over 250 brands globally, managing more than £10 million in annual advertising spend for clients including StreamYard, Hopin, Aberdeen FC and Chelsea FC. Gavin shares the real story behind building and scaling at speed, leading a fast-growing team, and navigating the pressure that comes with creating a business designed for exit. You will also hear: * 💡 What it really takes to scale an agency fast * 📈 How to build a business buyers actually want * 🧠 The mindset behind selling and starting again * 🚀 Why he is now building a D2C healthtech brand If you are building, scaling or thinking about an exit, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who has done it early and done it well. 👉 Tune in for an honest conversation about growth, ambition and truly risking it all. 🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing. 🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K. 🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at: www.jollymediamarketing.com

About

"Risking It All" is a weekly podcast that explores the real stories of those who have dared to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds and industries, sharing their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in building their careers and businesses. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business professional, or simply fascinated by the world of business, "Risking It All" offers insights and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the into the highs and lows of business, learning from real people stories.