The Start Up Support Surgery

MonkeyPants Productions
  • 4.9 (9)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Introducing the Start Up Support Surgery hosted by Dr Jo Watkins —a podcast tailored for medics and healthcare heroes ready to blend their medical expertise with entrepreneurship. Dive into a world where you juggle your medical calling with building a business or side hustle, carving out flexibility amidst the chaos of work and family life. Discover a new realm of aiding others beyond the NHS's constraints. Starting a venture isn't a walk in the park—it's a wild ride of emotions and learning curves. With two decades of balancing medicine and business as a GP, I'm thrilled to share my experiences, insights, and conversations with experts and fellow healthcare professionals. Join me on this journey of growth, exploration, and empowerment—because your entrepreneurial story starts here.

  1. Episode #45 - Liz Melville - Using A Passion For Helping Women In Business To Bring About Success

    01/12/2025

    Episode #45 - Liz Melville - Using A Passion For Helping Women In Business To Bring About Success

    💬 Show Notes 💬 Show Notes  In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo welcomes Liz Melville, a seasoned entrepreneur and Facebook ads expert, who shares her remarkable journey from the corporate world to empowering women in business. With over 15 years of experience, Liz discusses her transition from a corporate role to launching her own business in social media marketing, highlighting the evolution of her focus from general marketing to specializing in Facebook and paid advertising strategies.     Liz opens up about the unique challenges faced by women, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, as they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship while managing personal life hurdles. She emphasizes the importance of clarity in messaging and understanding one's audience, sharing valuable insights for medics and healthcare professionals looking to establish their personal brands.     Throughout their conversation, Jo and Liz explore the significance of resilience in business, especially in the face of life's unexpected challenges such as grief and menopause. Liz recounts her personal experiences with loss and the lessons learned about building a business that can sustain itself, even during difficult times. She highlights the importance of self-care and community support, advocating for women to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.     Additionally, Liz shares her passion for breathwork and cold water therapy, detailing her transformative experiences and how these practices can enhance mental clarity and emotional resilience. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to thrive in their business while maintaining balance in their personal lives.     CHAPTERS   - Introduction to Liz Melville   - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship   - The Evolution of Facebook Ads Strategy   - Challenges for Women in Business   - Importance of Clarity in Messaging   - Navigating Grief and Personal Challenges   - Building a Sustainable Business   - The Role of Breathwork and Cold Water Therapy   - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs   - Conclusion and Resources     To find out more and connect with Jo:   https://www.jowatkins.com/     Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey.   https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast     Connect with Liz:   https://www.lizmelville.com/     Follow Liz on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/the_lizmelville/

    44 min
  2. Episode #44 - Sarah Brill - Discovering financial freedom and help YOU with your relationship with money

    17/11/2025

    Episode #44 - Sarah Brill - Discovering financial freedom and help YOU with your relationship with money

    💬 Show Notes In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo welcomes Sarah Brill, a dynamic financial coach and money mindset expert, who shares her transformative journey from the corporate world to empowering individuals to achieve financial freedom.    Sarah dives into her passion for helping aspiring entrepreneurs break free from financial constraints, discussing the importance of feeling secure and confident in their financial situations. She emphasizes that financial freedom is not just about a number but rather a feeling of balance and peace of mind for both the present and future.    The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals navigating the transition from salaried positions to entrepreneurship. Sarah provides valuable insights on the significance of understanding one's relationship with money and the impact of family dynamics on financial beliefs. She introduces her innovative approach to identifying money personalities through sacred money archetypes, helping individuals unlock their financial potential.    Jo and Sarah also discuss the evolving landscape of investing, particularly how younger generations are becoming more financially savvy and the ethical implications of their choices. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for anyone looking to take control of their financial journey while balancing their personal and professional aspirations.    CHAPTERS  - Introduction to Sarah Brill  - Understanding Financial Freedom  - The Shift from Salaried to Self-Employed  - The Importance of Money Mindset  - Family Influences on Financial Beliefs  - Sacred Money Archetypes Explained  - Navigating the Investment Landscape  - Practical Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs  - Conclusion and Resources    To find out more and connect with Jo:  https://www.jowatkins.com/    Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey.  https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast    Connect with Sarah:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-brill/  https://www.instagram.com/sarahbrillcoaching/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5h4tVg7gKcZ5gO3cH5QXgA

    50 min
  3. Episode #43 - Amber Vodegel: A Trailblazer in Health Tech, Creating A Platform That Empowers Women Worldwide

    27/10/2025

    Episode #43 - Amber Vodegel: A Trailblazer in Health Tech, Creating A Platform That Empowers Women Worldwide

    In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo chats with Amber, a dynamic entrepreneur and app developer, who shares her inspiring journey from finance to the world of mobile applications.    Amber takes us back to her roots in a small Dutch village, recounting her transition from a finance career to the advertising industry, where she first encountered the burgeoning mobile app space. She reveals the early days of app development, the challenges she faced, and the lessons learned from her initial ventures, including the importance of not starting a business with friends.    The conversation delves into Amber's latest project, 28x, a groundbreaking app designed to empower women with accessible and ethical health information. She discusses her commitment to serving the 80% of society often overlooked by traditional health tech, emphasizing the app's free and safe access to vital health education.    Jo and Amber also explore the ethical implications of venture capital in health tech, the significance of maintaining user privacy, and the potential of AI to transform healthcare. Amber shares her vision for a circular business model that prioritizes giving back, ensuring that profits are reinvested into community initiatives and education.    This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from healthcare backgrounds, encouraging them to embrace their values while navigating the challenges of starting a business.    CHAPTERS  - Introduction to Amber  - Amber's Journey from Finance to App Development  - The Early Days of App Creation  - Lessons Learned from Business Ventures  - Introduction to 28x: Empowering Women  - Ethical Considerations in Health Tech  - The Role of AI in Healthcare  - Building a Circular Business Model  - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs       To find out more and connect with Jo:   https://www.jowatkins.com/     Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey.  https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast      Connect with Amber:   https://www.28x.com/

    37 min
  4. Episode #42 - Dr Andy Egwim - From Medicine to Money Mastery: Empowering Doctors to Invest Wisely

    13/10/2025

    Episode #42 - Dr Andy Egwim - From Medicine to Money Mastery: Empowering Doctors to Invest Wisely

    💬 Show Notes In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by Dr. Andy Egwim, a seasoned physician and the mastermind behind Moneywise Doctor, a platform dedicated to helping doctors navigate the often murky waters of personal finance.  Andy shares his journey from medical practice to financial education, revealing how his passion for investing began at a young age and evolved into a mission to assist fellow doctors in avoiding costly financial mistakes. He discusses the unique challenges that medical professionals face when it comes to money management and the common misconceptions that lead to financial distress.  Throughout their conversation, Jo and Andy delve into the importance of financial literacy, the benefits of investing early, and the critical role of understanding tax efficiency through tools like ISAs. Andy emphasizes that financial education is not just about accumulating wealth, but about empowering individuals to make informed decisions that can lead to financial independence.  Join Jo and Andy as they explore the intersection of medicine and finance, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals looking to take control of their financial futures while maintaining their commitment to patient care. CHAPTERS - Introduction - Andy's Journey from Medicine to Money Management - The Importance of Financial Literacy for Doctors - Common Financial Mistakes Made by Medical Professionals - Understanding Tax Efficiency and ISAs - Investing Basics: Getting Started - Creating a Financial Safety Net: Emergency Funds and Insurance - Building a Community: The Role of Moneywise Doctor - Future Aspirations for Moneywise Doctor     To find out more and connect with Jo:  https://www.jowatkins.com/  Don't miss the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey.  https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast     Connect with Andy:  https://moneywisedoctor.com/  Take the financial health quiz at: https://moneywisedoctor.com/quiz

    1h 8m
  5. Episode #41 - Dr Katie Gillett - Postpartum Meets Perimenopause: Coaching Midlife Mothers

    29/09/2025

    Episode #41 - Dr Katie Gillett - Postpartum Meets Perimenopause: Coaching Midlife Mothers

    In this episode Jo welcomes Katie Gillett, a passionate health coach in training and mother of two, who shares her unique journey from being a GP to exploring the world of health coaching. Katie opens up about her unexpected fear of cows despite growing up on a farm, setting the tone for a candid discussion about her entrepreneurial aspirations and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a burgeoning business idea. As Katie reflects on her experiences during maternity leave, she reveals how the desire to create a health coaching business emerged, fueled by her passion for lifestyle medicine and the need for support among women navigating pregnancy and postpartum recovery in their 40s. Join Jo and Katie as they discuss the importance of finding your niche, the struggles of showing up on social media, and the significance of community support in entrepreneurship. This episode is filled with relatable insights for anyone looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey while juggling the demands of family life. To find out more and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/ Don't miss out on the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your essential guide to transitioning from medic to entrepreneur. This resource will help you navigate the early stages of your business journey. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast Connect with Katie: https://www.instagram.com/drkatiegillett/ https://drkatiegillett.com/

    43 min
  6. Episode #40 - Ruth Machin - From Adversity to YouTube Sensation

    15/09/2025

    Episode #40 - Ruth Machin - From Adversity to YouTube Sensation

    In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo has a candid conversation with Dr. Ruth Machin, a retired consultant radiologist turned health coach and YouTube sensation. Together, they explore Ruth's transformative journey from the NHS to entrepreneurship, discussing the unique challenges and triumphs that come with starting a business after a medical career. Ruth shares her personal experiences, including her struggles with identity after leaving medicine, the impact of her chronic health condition, and her inspiring decision to create one of the UK's first dedicated dry eye charities. As she navigates the world of health coaching and clinical nutrition, Ruth emphasizes the importance of market research and adapting messaging to resonate with her audience. Join Jo and Ruth as they delve into the realities of building a personal brand, the significance of community support, and the power of embracing technology like AI in business. This episode is brimming with valuable insights for healthcare professionals looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys while maintaining their passion for helping others.     CHAPTERS  Introduction  Ruth's Journey from Medicine to Entrepreneurship  The Challenges of Identity After Leaving the NHS  Creating a Health Coaching Business  Market Research and Audience Engagement  The Role of AI in Business Strategy  Building a Community and Personal Brand  Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs     To find out more and connect with Jo:  https://www.jowatkins.com/  Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, 'From Stethoscope to Startup,' a resource designed to help you transition from medicine to entrepreneurship with practical tips and insights.  https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast     Ruth can be found here: https://drruthmachin.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@DrRuthMachin https://www.linkedin.com/in/drruthmachin/ https://www.instagram.com/drruthmachin/

    55 min
  7. Episode #39 - Tessa Davis - From Multiple Roles To Finding Success In Focusing On A Niche

    01/09/2025

    Episode #39 - Tessa Davis - From Multiple Roles To Finding Success In Focusing On A Niche

    In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo sits down with Tessa Davis, a consultant in pediatric Emergency Medicine and an entrepreneur who is redefining how medical professionals prepare for their careers. Tessa shares her unique journey from being a busy consultant at the Royal London Hospital to launching an online business that helps final year trainees and locum consultants ace their substantive interviews. With three teenage children and a demanding career, Tessa reveals her strategies for balancing work, family, and entrepreneurship. Join Jo and Tessa as they discuss the challenges of juggling multiple roles, the importance of focusing on a niche, and how to effectively transition from one-to-one coaching to scalable online courses. This episode is filled with practical insights for medics who are looking to break into the entrepreneurial space while maintaining their passion for healthcare.   CHAPTERS Introduction Tessa's Clinical Background Balancing Work and Family Life The Journey of Building a Business One-to-One Coaching vs. Group Courses The Importance of Community Building Navigating Advertising and Marketing Future Aspirations and Challenges   To find out more and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/ Discover the 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF, your ultimate guide to transitioning from a medic to an entrepreneur. This resource will help you find the time, money, and connections you need to succeed. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast   Tessa can be found here: https://www.dontforgetthebubbles.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-davis-123456/   Resources: Liz Melville - Facebook Ads Specialist - https://lizmelville.com/

    36 min
  8. Episode #38 - Fiona McHardy - Why Niching Down Works – Lessons from a GP Yogi

    18/08/2025

    Episode #38 - Fiona McHardy - Why Niching Down Works – Lessons from a GP Yogi

    In this episode of the Startup Support Surgery podcast, Jo has a heartfelt discussion with Fiona McHardy, a GP, yoga teacher, and life coach. They explore Fiona's transformative journey from traditional medicine to integrating holistic practices into her work. Tune in to discover how Fiona balances her busy life as a healthcare professional and a mother while finding joy and purpose through yoga and wellness. This episode is packed with insights for medics looking to embrace entrepreneurship while maintaining their passion for helping others. Chapters: Introduction Fiona's Journey Blending Medicine and Holistic Practices The Importance of Community Finding Balance in Life Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs   To find out more and connect with Jo: https://www.jowatkins.com/ From 'Stethoscope to Start up' free PDF giving you the blueprint for getting started as a Medic becoming an entrepreneur. How to find the time, money, people and resources that you need. This will also give you access to a weekly newsletter, offers and inspiration. https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast   Fiona can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-fiona-mchardy-6180b560/ https://www.drfionamchardy.com/

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Introducing the Start Up Support Surgery hosted by Dr Jo Watkins —a podcast tailored for medics and healthcare heroes ready to blend their medical expertise with entrepreneurship. Dive into a world where you juggle your medical calling with building a business or side hustle, carving out flexibility amidst the chaos of work and family life. Discover a new realm of aiding others beyond the NHS's constraints. Starting a venture isn't a walk in the park—it's a wild ride of emotions and learning curves. With two decades of balancing medicine and business as a GP, I'm thrilled to share my experiences, insights, and conversations with experts and fellow healthcare professionals. Join me on this journey of growth, exploration, and empowerment—because your entrepreneurial story starts here.

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