She's Taking Over - with Jenna Davies

Jenna Davies

She’s Taking Over is the go-to podcast for ambitious founders ready to scale smarter, lead better, and build a business that actually fits the life they want. Hosted by Jenna Davies, consultant, strategist, and founder of Big Uppetite. Each episode blends raw behind-the-scenes stories with tactical insights on brand, business, mindset and growth. From navigating her personal and professional life and pivoting with purpose to raising capital and rebuilding from scratch, this is where the real founder conversations happen. If you're evolving faster than your environment and ready to do the thing, this one's for you 🚀 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 12/14/2025

    92-Hour Work Weeks to Raising Capital, How a Former Tradie is Now Disrupting Beauty Tech with GlamUare

    He worked 92-hour weeks in construction to fund his dream. DM’d 1,000 strangers and raised €60k in 7 days. Launched a beauty app with no tech background. Lost it all. Rebuilt. And now? He's raised again and GlamUare is live, funded, and shipping features every 2 weeks. Sean MacAdams is not your typical tech founder and GlamUare is not your typical beauty platform. In this episode, we go deep on Sean’s wild journey: from almost dropping out of high school to pitching investors in Saudi Arabia, managing a 30,000+ women’s community in Bondi, and building a beauty-tech platform that’s making real impact. He didn’t come from money. He didn’t have a cofounder. He didn’t even code. But what he did have was a relentless work ethic, a community-first vision, and the nerve to keep showing up. What You’ll Learn: How Sean raised €60k in a week by DMing strangers with no pitch deckWhat happened when his first launch fell apart 24 hours before go-liveThe painful lessons from giving away equity too early and how he bought it backHow he worked 92-hour weeks in construction to keep the dream aliveWhy he turned down Saudi investment (and what misaligned money almost cost him)What makes GlamUare different from every other booking app in beautyHow he’s scaling now: fresh funding, bi-weekly feature drops, and go-to-market underwayThe community monetisation playbook behind Bondi Beach Babes, no ads, 30K+ members This Episode Is For: Founders building from scratch with no fancy backgroundNon-technical tech founders who’ve hit brick walls with dev teamsCreators and coaches trying to monetise community the right wayAnyone who's ready to hear what building really takes Follow Sean + Explore GlamUare: GlamUare App: glamuare.comSean on Instagram: @sean_mac_adams If you believe in grit over degrees, vision over validation, and community over hype, this episode is for you. Share it. Tag @sean_mac_adams. Let people know what’s coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  2. 12/07/2025

    How Frank Greeff Built, Sold and Rebuilt: The Founder’s Marketing Playbook for Talent, Distribution and Team Performance

    What does it take to build a category-leading company, exit, and then choose to do it all again… but on a bigger stage? In this episode, I sit down with Frank Greeff, co-founder of Realbase (acquired by Domain) and now building Kinso, to unpack how he thinks, hires, communicates and builds momentum. This is a candid look at the systems, standards and decisions behind scaling companies, attracting exceptional talent and using personal brand as a genuine growth engine. We talk through: Why he interviewed 110 engineers to hire fiveHow founder-led content generated 11,000+ waitlist sign-upsWhat actually creates culture (and what kills it instantly)How to attract A-players without diluting standardsWhy teams only perform when they’re energised, not micromanagedDesigning a life that supports ambition: family, fitness and focusThe skills his kids will need in an AI-dominant world Core ideas: Hiring is a benchmark game, not a box-ticking exerciseStandards shape culture and they slip fast if you let themPersonal brand multiplies distribution, trust and talent flowPresence matters more than paceImplementation beats informationPeople stay when they feel they’re becoming someone betterDocumenting the build creates belief and momentumHuman energy becomes the advantage as AI scales Key timestamps: 3:00 Scaling Realbase to 400 staff 4:06 Why Frank chose to build again 5:28 The 110-interview hiring philosophy 9:12 What actually builds culture 28:33 The content engine behind Kinso 31:52 Why Kinso hires people who want to be on camera 40:35 Personal brand as leverage 42:25 Documenting the build 52:08 Skills the next generation will need I’m on a mission to bring that global, collaborative founder energy to Australia. If something in this episode hit home, pass it on to a founder who’ll appreciate it, and share it on your socials @jennadaviesmarketing. Connect with Frank: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankgreeff_/ Kinso Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinso.app/ Kinso: kinso.ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    Serisha Barrat: From Losing Millions to Building Global Legal Tech

    She Built the App. It Failed. She Rebuilt It. Now She’s Scaling Globally. Serisha Barrat is the founder and CEO of Lawyered Up — an AI-powered legal tech platform making affordable legal support accessible to small businesses. She’s been recognised globally: → Top 50 Inspiring Women in Tech (2023) → Top 100 Most Influential Young Africans → Glamour Women of the Year: Technology Game Changer → Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans She’s leading a fast-growing, women-powered team, scaling Lawyered Up across four African countries, and speaking on some of the world’s biggest tech stages, including London Tech Week and the AI Summit. But what made me most excited to sit down with Serisha is the story behind the headlines. Because this platform? She built it twice. The first version failed. She lost everything, partnerships collapsed, capital dried up, and she had to start over. But she did. And now, she’s building one of Africa’s most promising tech startups with a clear mission: justice, made accessible. In this episode, we dive into: → What really happened when the first version of Lawyered Up failed → How she found the courage to rebuild → Why hiring the right team changed everything → What it takes to lead as a woman in tech and why representation matters → The biggest lessons from fundraising, partnerships, and scaling across borders This is a story about resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to build a mission-led company when the odds are stacked against you. 🎧 Listen now 💼 Connect with Serisha on LinkedIn: Serisha Barrat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  4. 09/04/2025

    Risk, Logic & Instinct: How to Make Faster, Smarter Business Decisions

    Risk, Logic & Instinct: How to Make Faster, Smarter Business Decisions. If you’re stuck in decision limbo, overthinking, second-guessing, or dragging your feet, this episode will hit hard. I’m breaking down how to use risk, logic, and instinct to move faster and lead smarter. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between fear and feedback, how to stop outsourcing your decisions, and how to make calls that align with your growth not your guilt. This isn’t mindset fluff. This is tactical, emotional leadership that gets results. 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYSThe decision-making filter I use to know when to pivot, pause, or press onHow to balance data with gut and stop gaslighting your intuitionThe real reason you’re stuck (and how to move even when you don’t feel “ready”)Why “killing your darlings” in business creates more energy and clarityThe difference between risk tolerance and emotional avoidanceWhat to do when logic and instinct are pulling you in two different directions 💬 Timestamps03:07 – When to pivot, when to push, and why quitting isn't failure05:46 – Emotional well-being isn’t soft — it’s a business multiplier08:29 – How to stop outsourcing decisions and trust your instincts11:35 – Balancing risk, logic, and gut: the real CEO skillset14:21 – Getting bored vs. getting distracted — and staying in your lane17:29 – Full circle moment: why alignment beats ambition21:05 – You’re not behind, you’re building in real time23:30 – DM me on IG to join the private founder network 👉 @jennaannedavies 💬 Send this to another founder who gets it! DM me on Instagram @jennaannedavies to join my private founder network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min

  5. 08/17/2025

    He Spent 15 Years Building a Business the Traditional Way Then One Year of Content Changed Everything

    “I spent 15 years building the business... but it was the content that made it visible.” – Gareth ShearsIf you’re still relying on referrals, reputation, and word-of-mouth to grow, this is the episode that’ll make you rethink everything. For almost two decades, Gareth Shears built a successful financial planning firm the traditional way, loyal clients, steady referrals, zero public presence. Then in 2020, he tried what everyone was preaching: be everywhere. Podcasting, posting, YouTube, LinkedIn all at once. It didn’t work. He spread himself too thin, saw little return, and quietly pulled the plug. In 2023, he tried again, but differently. One platform. Two posts a day. No shortcuts. No skipping. Twelve months later, his content speaks for him. The consults are booked. The business runs around his life, not the other way around. This episode is for any service provider sitting on deep expertise, wondering if it’s too late to show up online. Gareth proves it’s not. You don’t need to start over. You just need a smarter way to be seen. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why most service providers burn out on content and how to reset your strategy so it actually worksThe mindset shift that will help you go from overlooked to in-demandHow to create content that connects and converts, even in a regulated or “boring” industryThe exact strategy that helped Gareth book 70 consults from a single postHow to turn your audience’s real questions into your most valuable marketing toolThe simple AI and automation systems Gareth uses to protect time without losing trustThe money questions you should be asking (and how knowing them could change your business)Why content is no longer optional if you want leverage, lifestyle, or long-term brand equity ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 From police officer to financial planner: Gareth’s unexpected backstory 03:10 What 240 podcast episodes taught him about burnout and reach 07:30 The decision to post twice a day and how it changed everything 10:20 Why focusing on one platform outperformed being everywhere 13:00 How Gareth uses AI to automate admin while deepening client trust 18:00 Why most founders mismanage their finances and what to do instead 24:00 Making finance content scroll-worthy without dumbing it down 29:00 One carousel, 70 consults and why it worked 34:00 Personal branding as a service provider and how to do it with integrity 42:00 The 12 money questions people always ask and how they drive his content 48:00 Building a business that fits your life not the other way around 📢 If you loved this episode Send it to the friend who keeps saying, “I should post more.” Tag @garethshearscoach and @jenanannedavies on Instagram and share your biggest takeaway. And if you’re building a business that’s bigger than your bio, hit follow. The next episode’s already waiting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  6. 08/13/2025

    Maybe It’s ADHD Holding You Back - From Scared to Succeeding with Laura

    “Everything you believe about yourself… that’s your cap.” - Laura Gerebenics 🧠💣 If you have ever wondered why you cannot seem to finish what you start, why focus is fleeting, or why you feel constantly “on” yet rarely satisfied, this episode will feel like a mirror. Laura is a trained psychologist and coach who specialises in helping ADHD and ADD founders build the structure, support, and self-awareness they need to succeed without burning out. We dive into the habits that are quietly holding you back, the myth of 12-hour productivity, and the reality of running a business without losing your sanity (or yourself). Suppose you have been riding the rollercoaster of big ambition, bigger anxiety, and zero off-switch. In that case, this conversation will help you untangle your thoughts, identify your patterns, and provide practical tools to help you get unstuck. What You Will Learn in This EpisodeThe link between ADHD, dopamine, and why you start but don’t finishWhy “12-hour productivity” is a lie (and what to do instead)Three quick ways to set your brain up for success every dayHow to reverse-engineer your calendar to protect focusWhy most founders fail without support (and how to find yours)The hard truth about success, comparison, and your algorithmWhat cognitive dissonance is, and why it’s keeping you stuckHow to stop outsourcing your decisions to AIWhy human connection is still your greatest growth tool Timestamps00:00 Why 85% of entrepreneurs have ADHD or ADD 02:35 The myth of 12-hour productivity 05:56 Dopamine, distraction, and setting yourself up for a win 09:15 The loneliness of running a business 15:39 Why can’t you do it alone 19:09 The AI problem no one’s talking about 23:54 How to know yourself (for real) 27:17 The comparison trap and the “gap” effect 29:49 Redefining success when the money doesn’t make you happy 32:13 Cognitive dissonance explained 34:32 Getting comfortable in the fast lane and knowing when to exit 39:59 Advice for building while still in your 9–5 42:12 Bet on yourself, buy yourself time 43:53 Stop consuming, start applying what you know If you loved this episodeSend it to the friend who’s always “busy” but struggles moving forward. Tag @jennaannedavies and @lauragerebenics on Instagram with your biggest takeaway. If you’re ready to stop stalling and start succeeding, hit follow. The next episode will keep you moving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m

  7. 06/28/2025

    From Popular to Politics: How This Reality TV Star Rebranded Her Whole Life

    In this episode of She’s Taking Over, I’m joined by Holly MacAlpine, someone you might know from Big Brother, FBoy Island or The Amazing Race. But the version of her you’ll meet today is nothing like the one you saw on TV. In the last 12 months, Holly has landed a new job, stepped into politics, built a loyal audience, and rebranded her entire life all by creating content that aligned with her actual interests. She stopped trying to fit the aesthetic, leaned into her voice, and started taking up space in rooms she never expected to walk into. This is what happens when you back yourself before the world catches up. 💡 What you’ll take away How Holly’s content created unexpected career opportunitiesWhat changed when she stopped trying to be likeable and started being herselfThe mindset shift that helped her stop second-guessing and start sharingWhat consistency really looked like in the early stagesHow to deal with assumptions when your identity evolves publiclyWhy you don’t need a niche to be memorable — you need clarityHow Holly handled imposter feelings while stepping into new spacesWhat rebranding your life actually looks like behind the scenes ⏰ Key moments 00:00 How this episode came about 03:40 From FBoy Island to Parliament — no, seriously 07:10 Starting over without over-explaining 10:45 What Holly was scared of — and why she did it anyway 14:20 Showing up for what you actually care about 18:00 When you’re ready for more — but don’t know what 22:10 How content helped Holly build momentum 28:20 Rebuilding your identity in public 35:50 What’s next — and why this is just the beginning This is She’s Taking Over in motion — choosing to evolve, showing up before you feel ready, and letting your actual interests, not other people’s expectations, shape the life you build. If you’re in the middle of your own rebrand, personally or professionally, this one’s for you. 🎯 Leave a review if it hit, tag @jennaannedavies and @hollyunmuted in your story, and let us know: what part of your life are you ready to take over next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  8. Why Creative Freedom Isn’t Enough (And What You Actually Need to Succeed)

    06/26/2025

    Why Creative Freedom Isn’t Enough (And What You Actually Need to Succeed)

    BONUS: Why Creative Freedom Isn’t Enough (And What You Actually Need to Succeed)In this bonus episode, Jenna flips to the other side of the mic, joining filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Caleb Coroneos for a candid conversation about what happens after you hit your goals. You’ve built the business, bought your freedom, and proven to yourself that you can do hard things. Now what? This episode explores the quieter shift most founders don’t talk about—when the things that used to drive you no longer fit, and you’re ready to build from clarity, not chaos. Whether you’re refining your business model, evolving your identity, or letting go of what no longer aligns, this one’s for you. What you’ll take awayWhy creative freedom isn’t the finish line and what actually matters nextThe cost of staying in survival mode when your life’s moved onWhat it looks like to lead without chaos as your motivatorHow to let go of things that are working but no longer alignedRebuilding your identity when your environment hasn’t caught upJenna’s lessons from London, Cape Town, and startup lifeFive skills that actually move the needle as a modern founder⏰ Key moments00:00 Jenna joins Caleb as a guest on his podcast 03:30 Leaving corporate—and the fear under the leap 08:50 “Search for pride, not happiness”—the mindset shift that stuck 12:10 Letting go of what no longer aligns (even when it’s working) 17:30 Why freedom stopped feeling like the goal 21:00 Control, communication and leadership as identity shifts 26:40 When chaos no longer drives you—what comes next 30:10 Burnout, safety, and building from a different energy 36:50 Ambition, delusion, and taking the next big swing 41:00 What Jenna learned living overseas 47:20 You only get 8 big opportunities in life—here’s how to choose 50:30 5 essential skills for growth-stage founders 55:00 What Jenna wants to be remembered for You can reach a point where the business you built no longer fits who you’re becoming. That doesn’t mean something’s wrong, it means it’s time to realign. This episode is for the creator who’s built the thing, earned the freedom, and is now ready to create from clarity, not chaos. If you’re feeling that internal nudge to evolve, even when things look ‘fine’ from the outside, this conversation will make sense of what you’ve been feeling. Send it to someone navigating the same shift. And let us know what it unlocked for you 🧠🚀 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
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About

She’s Taking Over is the go-to podcast for ambitious founders ready to scale smarter, lead better, and build a business that actually fits the life they want. Hosted by Jenna Davies, consultant, strategist, and founder of Big Uppetite. Each episode blends raw behind-the-scenes stories with tactical insights on brand, business, mindset and growth. From navigating her personal and professional life and pivoting with purpose to raising capital and rebuilding from scratch, this is where the real founder conversations happen. If you're evolving faster than your environment and ready to do the thing, this one's for you 🚀 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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