Brand to Scale

Alchemy

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Brand to Scale is a podcast where we talk to business leaders and industry influencers about how they built their brands. Each episode dives into real stories about starting up, growing through challenges, and what success looks like behind the scenes. It's an honest look at the people and ideas driving business forward.

MAR 20

From Retail Success to Real Support: Helen’s Founder Shift

What happens after you build and sell a successful retail business? In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess sits down with Helen, a founder who grew and exited a major retail business, then rebuilt her career around supporting other women in business. Work with us. 00:00 Intro & Welcome00:30 Growing Up in Family Business03:20 From Property to Flying Tiger09:50 Starting the Retail Venture17:10 Fast Growth and Hard Lessons20:50 Becoming Someone Else to Lead26:00 Fertility, Burnout and Business Pressure32:00 Moving Into Coaching and Support35:20 Why Female Founders Lose Confidence44:50 Building She Thrives Collective52:50 What’s Next for Helen56:00 Helen’s Personal Formula for Success Helen shares the real story behind her entrepreneurial journey, from working on her parents’ market stall in Cardiff to helping launch and grow Flying Tiger Copenhagen across Wales and Bristol. She talks openly about ambition, burnout, fertility struggles, confidence, identity, and what it really takes to build a business without losing yourself in the process. This is a powerful conversation about what success looks like after the exit, and why support, boundaries and self-awareness matter just as much as strategy. In this episode, Helen talks about: Growing up around family business and market tradingLaunching and scaling a retail business in WalesBuilding Flying Tiger Copenhagen through a joint venture modelThe pressure of fast growth and leadershipBurnout, fertility struggles and running a business through hard seasonsWhy confidence drops for many female foundersThe importance of boundaries, rest and real supportCreating She Thrives Collective to support women in businessWhy what is missing matters more than what looks brokenHow to build a business that actually fits your lifeIf you are a founder, entrepreneur, business owner or ambitious woman building something of your own, this episode will give you honest insight and practical perspective. This is a conversation about growth, identity, business support and creating success on your own terms. Connect With UsYouTubeInstagram Facebook LinkedIn Website

1h 3m
FEB 27

From One-Man Band to £20M Business: Jay’s Scale Strategy

From One-Man Band to £20M Business: Jay’s Scale Strategy What does it really take to scale from a one-man operation to a £20M tech business in under four years? In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek, shares the real story behind building and exiting his first company, retiring at 35, then returning to build something even bigger. This is not overnight success. This is disciplined growth, bold acquisitions and relentless focus. Jay talks openly about: Growing organically versus growing through acquisitionThe mindset shift from solo founder to board-led CEORaising debt to scale fasterIntegrating 14 acquisitions while protecting cultureWhy most businesses misunderstand AILeading by example and staying groundedFlotek has grown from zero to nearly £20M in revenue in just three and a half years. Much of that growth has come through acquisition. But behind the numbers is a clear strategy, strong financial discipline and a deep commitment to people. Jay also shares: Why he failed at retirementThe difference between an entrepreneur and a business ownerHow AI should actually be used inside SMEsWhat small businesses must understand about cybersecurityWhy leadership is learned but instinct cannot be taughtIf you are a founder, CEO or ambitious business leader looking to scale properly, this episode is packed with practical insight. This is growth done with intention. 🔗 Connect With UsWebsiteLinkedIn YouTubeInstagramFacebook 🎧 Listen on Your Favourite Platform SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon Music

1h 15m
12/19/2025

From Grind to Growth: Hannah’s Path to Purpose

Work with Alchemy - https://alchemybranding.studio/contact/ Welcome to Brand to Scale, where I explore the real stories behind visionary leaders who turn ambition into action. Today's guest has a truly unique journey from launching one of Wales' most successful independent brewery, now helping build the next new ventures. Join us for inspiration and a deep dive into entrepreneurship, exploring the path to success stories. 00:00:00 Welcome & Intro 00:00:13 Early Entrepreneurial Journey 00:05:23 Building Tiny Rebel 00:11:31 Leading Through Crisis 00:17:27 Redefining Success 00:24:03 Leaving the Family Business 00:29:59 Starting a New Chapter 00:38:01 Supporting Women in Business 00:46:51 Embracing AI & Innovation 01:07:12 Final Reflections & Wisdom

1h 17m
11/21/2025

From Vision to Values: Anthony on Building with Integrity

From Vision to Values: Anthony on Building with Integrity In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Anthony Levy, a founder who has spent nearly two decades building a business with long-term thinking and values at its core. Anthony shares how his journey evolved from a commercially driven vision into one built on integrity, resilience, and purpose. This is a powerful conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone looking to grow a business without losing sight of what matters. In this episode: How Anthony built a company over 17 yearsMoving from short-term wins to long-term valueWhy integrity is a non-negotiable in leadershipLessons learned from early struggles and self-reflectionThe emotional cost of growing fast without alignmentAdvice for founders on staying grounded and building sustainablyWhether you're starting out or scaling up, Anthony’s story will help you pause and rethink what growth really means.

1h 31m
10/17/2025

From Consulting to Culture: Toby’s Leap into Leadership

From Consulting to Culture: Toby’s Leap into LeadershipIn this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Toby Henry, a former consultant who made the leap into business ownership. Toby shares why he stepped away from the corporate world, how he bought a business, and what it really means to lead with people at the centre. This episode is full of real insights on leadership, building culture, and staying true to your values while growing a business. In this episode: Why Toby left consulting to run a businessWhat people-first leadership looks likeHow to rebuild company culture after an acquisitionThe right way to hire for values and fitBalancing commercial success with long-term purposeIf you care about growing a business the right way, this is an episode you won't want to miss. #BrandToScale #TobyHenry #Leadership #PeopleFirst #BusinessGrowth #CultureDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PurposeLedBusiness

1h 15m
09/19/2025

From Nudge to Next Level: Matt’s Leadership Rise

From Nudge to Next Level: Matt’s Leadership Rise In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Matt Webb – a thoughtful and experienced leader who shares the story of his rise to CEO. Matt's journey shows that leadership isn't always loud. Sometimes, it starts with a quiet nudge and builds through intentional growth. Matt reflects on the turning points that shaped his career – from his early jobs in customer service to moments of doubt and clarity. He speaks openly about being pushed outside of his comfort zone, and how that led to meaningful change and new opportunities. This episode is full of real, human insights about growing into leadership, staying grounded, and leading with purpose. In this episode: Why a simple nudge changed everythingHow Matt approaches leadership todayMoments of transition and reinventionThe mindset shift from manager to CEOStaying aligned to personal valuesWhether you’re leading a team or thinking about your next step, Matt’s story is full of useful takeaways. #LeadershipDevelopment #BrandToScale #CareerGrowth #CEOStories #ValuesBasedLeadership #MattWebb

1h 19m
08/15/2025

From Big Vision to Real Value: Richard’s Brand Story

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess sits down with Richard Chapple, founder of The Growth Foundation. Richard has been at the heart of scaling some of the UK's most exciting brands. His experience spans names like Gymshark, The Hut Group and many others. This conversation covers more than marketing. Richard talks about clarity, storytelling, leadership, and getting the right people in the right roles. He shares what businesses often get wrong about growth and why brand vision must turn into real value for customers. In this episode: How Richard moved from retail to brand growthLessons from scaling fast-growth businessesBuilding marketing teams that deliverWhy founders need clarity and focusTurning vision and mission into strategyRichard offers honest, practical advice for founders, marketers and business owners who want to scale with purpose and avoid common mistakes. Topics covered: Brand strategy and growthBuilding strong marketing teamsFounder leadership and communicationStorytelling for businessScaling brands with claritySubscribe for more real conversations with people building better businesses. #BrandToScale #TheGrowthFoundation #BrandStrategy #BusinessGrowth #FounderStories #MarketingLeadership

1h 40m
07/18/2025

From HR Playbook to Personal Growth: Sam’s Mission

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Sam Heighway, founder of The Business Fit. Sam shares how she moved from corporate roles to creating a business dedicated to real leadership and behaviour change. This is a conversation about more than HR policies. It is about building cultures where people talk openly, own their values and lead with purpose. Sam explains the practical side of leadership, from tough conversations to recognition and empathy. She also talks about the mindset shift required when you move from employee to business owner, and why investing in people is the best decision any leader can make. In this episode: Why Sam started The Business FitMoving from employment to entrepreneurshipBuilding behaviour-led culturesKeeping values alive at workThe real role of coaching and feedbackSam’s insight comes from real experience. If you want to understand what leadership really means beyond buzzwords, this episode is for you. Topics covered: Leadership developmentBehaviour change at workValues-led businessBuilding strong teamsCoaching conversations in leadershipSubscribe for more honest conversations with founders and leaders making a real difference. #BrandToScale #TheBusinessFit #LeadershipDevelopment #BehaviourChange #BusinessCulture #EntrepreneurStory

1h 16m
06/20/2025

From Lost Voice to Leading Voice: Emma’s Empowerment Mission

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Emma, founder of Empro. Emma helps individuals and businesses communicate with clarity, confidence and impact. But this is not just a story about communication. It's about rebuilding identity, finding strength, and using personal experiences to fuel meaningful work. Emma opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that reshaped her path. She shares how a difficult period led her to reassess everything. What followed was the creation of Empro, a business focused on helping others find their voice. In this episode: What it means to really be heardHow Emma turned a low point into a new beginningWhy voice, language and presence matter in businessThe power of showing up with confidenceWhat communication really means in high-pressure settingsEmma’s work blends lived experience with a deep understanding of human connection. She speaks with calm authority, practical insight and clear intention. This episode is ideal for founders, leaders, professionals and anyone looking to communicate with more purpose. Topics covered: Confidence in communicationBuilding personal presenceFinding purpose through adversityVoice as a business toolAuthentic leadership and messagingSubscribe for more honest conversations with people growing businesses that matter.

1h 31m
05/16/2025

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Jay’s Mission to Rebuild and Lead

From Battlefield to Boardroom: Jay’s Mission to Rebuild and Lead In this powerful episode of Brand to Scale, Jess speaks with Jay, a former military leader who has transitioned into humanitarian work and business strategy. His story is honest, moving, and deeply relevant. Jay talks openly about the identity crisis he faced after leaving the military, the emotional weight of stepping out of uniform, and how he began to rebuild a sense of purpose. His journey touches on mental health, resilience, and rediscovering leadership outside of the armed forces. Now working on the ground in Ukraine, Jay shares how his mission has changed from commanding troops to supporting communities in crisis. In this episode, you will hear: Why transition can be one of the hardest battlesHow veterans can apply their skills to business and community workJay’s approach to trauma, silence, and inner reflectionThis conversation is about purpose, identity, and leading with impact through difficult transitions.

1h 6m
05/14/2025

From Dumplings to Disruption: Jyotendra’s AI Journey

In this episode of Brand to Scale, host Jess sits down with Jyotendra, co-founder of Omind Technologies, to explore a truly extraordinary journey. From growing up in the hills of Manipur and launching a humble dumpling restaurant to becoming a leader in the world of generative AI and customer experience innovation, Jyotendra's story is full of resilience, curiosity, and strategic thinking. He shares insights into building businesses in tough environments, the emotional decision to walk away from early success, and how he’s now transforming customer support through AI. At every step, Jyotendra stays grounded in solving real-world problems with purpose. What you'll learn: How early adversity can fuel entrepreneurial ambitionWhy curiosity is a founder’s most valuable assetPractical use cases of AI in customer serviceThe importance of mentorship in business growthHow to scale a company with purpose and clarityThis episode is packed with lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone curious about turning obstacles into opportunities.

59 min

11 Episodes

Brand to Scale is a podcast where we talk to business leaders and industry influencers about how they built their brands. Each episode dives into real stories about starting up, growing through challenges, and what success looks like behind the scenes. It's an honest look at the people and ideas driving business forward.

Creator

Alchemy
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Alchemy