It Runs In The Family

Liz & Leila Willingham

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/

  1. Small Business, Big Values - Behind the Compassionate Success of Small Family Business with Founders Elliot and Eva Harris #126

    17 DEC

    Small Business, Big Values - Behind the Compassionate Success of Small Family Business with Founders Elliot and Eva Harris #126

    Just because something’s labelled ‘small’, that doesn’t mean it’s incapable of achieving great things - it’s all about opportunities, not limitations for Small Family Business. Elliot and Eva Harris represent two of the three generations that comprise Small Family Business, whose name alludes to the way they operate - not to the limits of their success. Join the father-daughter duo on this week’s episode to explore how reclaiming ‘small’, leading with compassion, and combining generational wisdom is a golden recipe. 🔑 Key Themes The Power of Multi-Generational CollaborationLeading With Kindness and AuthenticityDefining “Small” Businesses Beyond SizeNavigating Family Dynamics Through Open Communication and Shared Respect Building Legacy and Choosing Clients Wisely🔗 Connect with us Small Family Business Website: https://www.smallfamilybusiness.com/Small Family Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-small-family-business/Small Family Business IG: https://www.instagram.com/small_family_business/Eva Harris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-harris-44015122a/Elliot Harris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/infoelliot/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/ Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

    49 min
  2. Philanthropy and Purpose: Why Leading with Values Never Leads You Astray with Samr Trust’s Dr Matee and Dr Kaleem Rajput #125

    3 DEC

    Philanthropy and Purpose: Why Leading with Values Never Leads You Astray with Samr Trust’s Dr Matee and Dr Kaleem Rajput #125

    When they’re not changing lives in their hair clinic, Dr Matee and Dr Kaleem Rajput are changing lives by going out into the community, where it REALLY matters. Family legacy and compassion guide every decision, and as Matee will tell you, that’s all you need to make a success of any industry you enter. These two brothers carry forward their parents’ philanthropic spirit, blending their medical expertise and a shared sense of purpose to make a tangible difference both at home and around the world. Join us as we explore what makes the Samr Trust so special, and why giving back is a non-negotiable for this humble, philanthropic family. 🔑 Key Themes Family Legacy and Intergenerational ValuesIntegrating Professional Life and PhilanthropyUnity, Loyalty, and Trust in Family BusinessPractical Impact of Giving BackPreparing and Inspiring the Next Generation📖 Resources Mentioned Samr Trust Website: https://www.samrtrust.org/🔗 Connect with us Samr Trust Website: https://www.samrtrust.org/Samr Trust LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samr-trust-uk/?originalSubdomain=ukDr Matee Rajput: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matee-rajput-465a3a70/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/ Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

    45 min
  3. ‘Talking Bollocks’ with Toby Freeman: How Levity Forged a Legacy from Loss #123

    5 NOV

    ‘Talking Bollocks’ with Toby Freeman: How Levity Forged a Legacy from Loss #123

    After the heartbreaking loss of his brother Robin to germ cell cancer at just 24, Toby Freeman and his family turned grief into action, founding a charity that has become the UK’s leading voice for young people’s cancer awareness. This candid conversation reveals the raw emotions behind the inception of the charity, detailing both the challenges and the triumphs that come with building a family-led mission in the wake of such profound loss. We’ve seldom heard such a moving story of a family bringing together their combined strengths to save lives, with familial love at the heart of every move they make… 🔑 Key Themes Transforming Personal Loss into Purposeful ActionThe Power of Family, Community and ‘Amazing Strangers’Using Humour to Break TaboosNavigating Grief and Personal Growth Together🔗 Connect with us Guest Website: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/Guest Social Media (IG): https://www.instagram.com/rctcharity/Guest Social Media (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/therobincancertrust/Toby Freeman (IG): https://www.instagram.com/tobytalksbollocks/Toby Freeman (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyfreeman/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/ Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

    53 min
  4. Where Wisdom Meets Vision: Passing the Baton with Boon Brokers’ Gerard & Michael Boon #122

    22 OCT

    Where Wisdom Meets Vision: Passing the Baton with Boon Brokers’ Gerard & Michael Boon #122

    This week we welcome Michael and Gerard Boon, the father-son team behind Boon Brokers, for an inspiring conversation about legacy, innovation, and the journey of transforming a family business.  Michael’s hard work during his early days in the industry has laid the groundwork for Gerard’s tech-driven approach, all while maintaining the all-important human touch. Tune in as we hear what lies behind Gerard’s vision and drive for innovation, the unique dynamics of working with family, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from decades of navigating change together. 🔑 Key Themes Family Legacy and Succession Innovation in a Business Transformation Balancing Work, Life and Personal GrowthMaintaining Client Relationships Through Service Excellence Embracing Change and Learning from Failure 🔗 Connect with us Guest Website: https://boonbrokers.co.uk/Guest IG: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boon-brokers/Guest LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/boonbrokersGerard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-boon-7901baab/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/ Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

    41 min
  5. Catering with Care: How The Pantry Puts Family First with Luke Consiglio #121

    8 OCT

    Catering with Care: How The Pantry Puts Family First with Luke Consiglio #121

    From a small sandwich shop, Luke Consiglio and his family have drawn up the recipe for a national catering powerhouse… without losing the family charm. In this heartfelt episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’, we sit down with Luke, The Pantry’s Owner, to explore the remarkable journey they’ve had and the unwavering support of his family who not only helped build the business, but remain at its core.  Hear how Luke’s approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity as he shares the importance of celebrating each other’s strengths, how giving back has become such an integral part of their identity, and the lessons learned from successes and setbacks. 🔑 Key Themes The Power of Family in BusinessGrowth Through Bold DecisionsCommunity and Giving BackPreserving Values and Culture at ScaleBuilding a Lasting Legacy🔗 Connect with us The Pantry: https://www.thepantrycatering.co.uk/The Pantry (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pantry-uk-limited/The Pantry (IG): https://www.instagram.com/pantry_uk/?hl=enLuke Consiglio (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-consiglio-693675a0/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/ Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

    40 min
  6. Gaelic Roots & Grand Ambitions: Inside the Sonas Hotel Collection with Anne Gracie Gunn and Jennifer Gracie #120

    24 SEPT

    Gaelic Roots & Grand Ambitions: Inside the Sonas Hotel Collection with Anne Gracie Gunn and Jennifer Gracie #120

    The Sonas Hotel Collection’s story spans three generations, and a blend of spontaneity, resilience, and family values have transformed a single guesthouse into a beloved group of hotels. From the very first purchase with Anne’s late husband Ken, to the latest ambitious renovations, the Gracie family’s journey is filled with unexpected turns, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose. Anne and Jennifer are this week’s very special guests, as they open up about the joys and challenges of working side by side as mother and daughter, and how their different personalities and skills have become the perfect balance for their business.  The episode delves into the emotional moments that shaped their path, and the strength they found in each other during difficult times. This behind-the-scenes look at the Sonas Hotel Collection uncovers the heart, humour, and hope that drive this extraordinary family forward. 🔑 Key Themes Family Legacy and Generational InvolvementResilience and AdaptabilityThe Unique Dynamics of Family BusinessHeritage, Culture, and Sense of PlaceThe Warmth and Philosophy of Hospitality🔗 Connect with us Sonas Hotel Collection: https://sonascollection.com/Sonas Hotel Collection (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonas-hospitality-limited/Anne Gracie Gunn (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gracie-gunn-6a253624/Jennifer Gracie (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gracie-626063158/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/ Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

    39 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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/

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