Bump to Business Owner

Caroline Marshall

Bump to Business Owner is the go-to podcast for mums who don't want to compromise on their careers but know that traditional full time employment just isn't compatible with family life. It's a space for female entrepreneurs and future founders creating autonomy and a deeper sense of purpose for themselves, their business and their children. Join your host, Caroline Marshall, founder of award winning Virtual Assistant agency Upsource and mum of two boys, in conversation with real women: mothers and entrepreneurs juggling the challenges of growing a successful business whilst raising a family.

  1. May 21

    E107: Maternal gatekeeping and creating gender equity at home with Rachel Childs

    In our final episode in our collaborative mini series with Lucy Legal, Caroline chats to Rachel Childs. Rachel is a relationship coach and founder of Parents That Work, and shares insights on maintaining connection, equality, and emotional support in relationships after parenthood. This episode explores the impact of COVID, gender norms, and practical strategies for healthier partnerships. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis Episode 106 - How to use AI for female founders and mums with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy"  Resources: Beyond Baby Talk book Topics:  Impact of COVID on family life Gender norms and maternal gatekeeping Shared parenting and mental load Conversations about finances and careers Supporting emotional well-being in relationships Chapters:  01:00 Navigating the Landscape of Parenting Support 05:10 Career Transitions and the Impact of Parenthood 07:39 The Role of Gender Equity in Parenting 09:46 The Challenges of Managing Multiple Children 14:54 Understanding Relationship Dynamics in Parenthood 17:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Parenting 20:14 The Future of Work and Parenting Dynamics 24:22 The Pressure to Parent Equally 28:04 The Reality of Parenting Dynamics 32:09 Transforming Antenatal Conversations 35:04 Navigating Financial Decisions in Parenthood 39:02 Emotional Support and Communication in Relationships 41:58 Maternal Gatekeeping and Its Impact 47:27 The Path to Parental Equity 51:42 Building a Supportive Community for Parents Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Rachel Childs Rachel Childs is a relationship coach, author, podcast host and founder of Parents That Work, helping couples navigate the transition into parenthood without losing their connection, ambition, or sense of teamwork. After a career in corporate talent development, Rachel moved into coaching and relationship work, combining professional expertise with her own lived experience of unequal parenting and the realities many couples face after having children. She is certified in Hogan Assessments, a Bringing Baby Home Educator, and a Transformational Coach. Through Parents That Work, Rachel supports couples in building stronger parenting partnerships rooted in equality, communication, and emotional connection. Helping families move away from resentment, burnout, and the "default parent" dynamic so many experience in the early years. Rachel is also the creator of The Team Blueprint, author of Beyond Baby Talk, and host of the podcast Equalish, where she explores modern relationships, invisible labour, shared parenting, careers, and why equality in family life can feel far harder in practice than in theory. Rachel Childs' Links: Website: www.parentsthatwork.co.uk Podcast: https://podfollow.com/1840151862 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelchilds-couplescoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parents_that_work/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    57 min
  2. May 14

    E106: How to use AI for female founders and mums with Lucy Legal

    Caroline and Lucy Legal explore the multifaceted use of AI in business and daily life, addressing misconceptions, legal considerations, and practical applications. They discuss how women are navigating AI's challenges and opportunities, emphasising responsible use and strategic integration. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal Episode 105 - Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to  Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Resources: Episode 33 - "Where are the women in this space?" with Lauren Ingram of Women of Web3 Fiona Young, Carve AI Topics: AI's role in business and life Legal considerations: privacy and IP Women navigating AI challenges and opportunities Chapters: 01:00 Exploring AI's Impact on Business and Creativity 02:25 Gender Perspectives on AI Usage 04:35 AI as a Complementary Tool in Business 08:00 The Role of AI in Legal and Business Strategy 12:04 Navigating AI's Limitations and Misconceptions 16:58 FOMO and the Reality of AI in Business 23:58 Efficient AI Integration in Business Workflows 27:32 Balancing Automation with Human Touch 30:14 Legal Considerations in AI Usage 34:42 Privacy, Data Protection, and AI 38:59 Intellectual Property and AI Co-Creation Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the fifth in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around.  Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realized that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it.  Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    45 min
  3. May 7

    E105: Twins, fintech and NICU recovery with Sophia Jarvis

    Sophia Jarvis, CEO of Mia Wealth, shares her journey through high-risk pregnancy, neonatal intensive care, and building a fintech startup while navigating motherhood. Discover insights on balancing ambition, personal resilience, and innovative approaches to children's financial futures. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline Episode 104 - Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to  Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Topics: Sophia's career in wealth management and transition to fintech Her high-risk pregnancy and NICU experience with twins The founding and mission of Mia Wealth Challenges of fundraising while pregnant and with twins Maternal mental health and support systems Resources:  Sophia's Angel Doctor Meena: www.maternitywellnessclinic.com Nugget Savings: www.nuggetsavings.com Chapters: 01:00 Introduction to Sophia Jarvis and Mia Wealth 03:37 The Journey of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 06:12 Transitioning from Wealth Management to Fintech 08:57 The Birth of Mia Wealth: A Solution for Children's Financial Futures 11:10 Navigating Pregnancy and Business Challenges 13:56 Experiences with NICU and Maternal Mental Health 26:45 Navigating Maternal Mental Health Challenges 29:31 The Importance of Support Systems 32:10 Balancing Motherhood and Business 39:44 Surprises in Building a FinTech Company 44:35 Defining Success and Future Aspirations Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Sophia Jarvis Sophia Jarvis is the co-founder and CEO of Mia Wealth, a family investment app on a mission to change the way we give gifts to children, turning presents into long-term financial futures. With over a decade in wealth management across London and Dubai, and a CFA under her belt, Sophia left behind a successful and secure career to build a business designed to help families create lasting legacies for the next generation. But Mia Wealth isn't just a fintech story, it's a deeply personal journey. Sophia launched and raised her pre-seed round whilst pregnant and then navigated the first year of building a startup alongside becoming a mum to twin girls.  Sophia Jarvis's Links: Website: https://miawealth.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-jarvis-cfa-361772b/ Instagram (Mia Wealth): https://www.instagram.com/miawealthapp/ Instagram (Sophia): https://www.instagram.com/sophiajarvis__/   Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    47 min
  4. Apr 30

    E104: Preparing your business (and life!) for Maternity Leave with Lucy Legal

    In this conversation, Caroline Marshall and Lucy Legal discuss the often unspoken realities of maternity leave for business owners. They explore the differences between expectations and reality, the challenges of maintaining identity while navigating motherhood, and the importance of flexibility in work-life balance. The discussion also touches on shared parental leave experiences, the impact of different children on parenting, and the struggles of returning to work after having a baby. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for open conversations about the complexities of motherhood and the choices women make.  Please note, Lucy and Caroline are both UK based, the advice you'll hear is based on their experience so may not be as relevant for overseas listeners. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal Episode 103 - My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Topics: Expectations vs. reality of maternity leave Emotional challenges and identity loss Practical planning and flexibility tips Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Reality of Maternity Leave 07:29 Flexibility in Business Ownership 15:16 Shared Parental Leave Experiences 21:09 Returning to Work After a Baby 28:46 Navigating Loneliness in Motherhood 35:00 Identity Crisis: The Transition into Motherhood 44:03 Establishing Boundaries as a Business Owner and Mother 54:53 Embracing Change and Letting Go Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the third in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around.  Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realized that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it.  Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    57 min
  5. Apr 23

    E103: My experience of motherhood, business and what I would have done differently, Lucy Legal interviews Caroline

    Trigger Warning: Discussion of Sudden Infant Collapse and PTSD In this special episode Lucy interviews Caroline as she reflects on her journey through motherhood, entrepreneurship, and overcoming challenges, sharing insights on balancing business and family, mental health, and the importance of community support. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to To hear the rest of collaboration with Lucy Legal listen to Episode 102 - Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48hours with Lucy Legal To hear Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please listen to Episode 17 - "Every single person thought I was crazy" Topics: Motherhood and career balance Building and scaling a virtual assistant agency The emotional journey of motherhood during a pandemic The importance of mental health and therapy Strategies for business continuity during maternity leave Chapters: 01:00 Reflections on Motherhood and Career Choices 02:58 The Birth of a Podcast: Caroline's Journey 05:37 The Impact of COVID-19 on Career Paths 07:49 Building Upsource: From Idea to Agency 10:38 Balancing Business and Motherhood 13:32 The Evolution of Virtual Assistants 15:24 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 22:56 Manifestation vs. Hard Work in Client Acquisition 25:16 Navigating Maternity Leave and Client Management 31:04 Identity Shifts: Balancing Motherhood and Business 36:43 The Pressure of Societal Expectations on Mothers 42:37 Navigating Parenting Pressures 45:00 Trauma and Resilience in Parenthood 49:00 Managing Expectations in Parenting 52:46 The Challenges of Parenting Under Twos 54:40 Planning for Breaks in Business 56:32 Reflections on Motherhood 59:25 Future Aspirations for the Podcast Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/   About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is the second in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around.  Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realised that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it.  Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    1h 2m
  6. Apr 16

    E102: Mum guilt, leveraging audiences and making £23k in 48 hours with Lucy Legal

    In this episode, Caroline Marshall and Lucy Legal discuss the transformative journey of designing a career around family rather than conforming to traditional work structures. Lucy shares her experiences transitioning from a conventional legal career to creating a flexible business that aligns with her values as a mother. They explore themes of success, personal challenges, societal expectations, and the courage it takes to pursue a different path in life and work.  This episode is brought to you in collaboration with Lucy Legal and her Get Legit Hub. Don't trust ChatGPT for legal advice! Go to www.lucylegal.co.uk/the-hub for real legal guidance, templates and support. For Caroline's original conversation with Lucy, please go back and listen to Episode 17. Topics: The journey from traditional law career to family-centered business Redefining success and work-life balance Setting boundaries and managing expectations The role of support systems and childcare in entrepreneurship Overcoming societal norms and gender stereotypes Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 06:14 The Shift from Corporate to Entrepreneurial Life 08:23 Navigating Personal Challenges and Career Decisions 10:55 Building a Business with Family in Mind 13:31 The Courage to Take the Leap 16:11 Overcoming Societal Expectations 20:09 Reflections on the Journey 22:05 Leveraging Audiences for Success 23:32 The Right Place at the Right Time 25:28 Navigating Business and Motherhood 34:01 The Freedom and Challenges of Entrepreneurship 38:01 Understanding Mum Guilt and Childcare Decisions 42:30 Redefining Success 47:16 The Juggling Act of Parenthood and Work 53:04 Finding Balance in Chaos 57:28 Creating Boundaries for a Fulfilling Life 60:27 Rediscovering Joy Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Lucy Legal Lucy Wheeler, founder of Lucy Legal, is on a mission to make legal support more accessible for small business owners while also building a life that genuinely works for her as a mother. This episode is also the first in a special six episode partnership with Lucy Legal and a really exciting one as Lucy is a returning guest. The first time we spoke, she was in the thick of new motherhood and in the early stages of building her business. Now still very much in the reality of raising a young family. I'm so excited to welcome her back to explore how that journey has evolved and dive into areas we didn't get to cover in the first time around.  Lucy followed what she describes as a predestined path into law, working within the traditional firm model and on track for a very conventional version of success. But everything shifted when she began planning to become a mother and realised that the legal world she worked so hard to build a career in simply didn't align with the life she wanted at home. So she made a bold decision to step away from that path and build something entirely different. A business that was flexible, scalable and designed intentionally around her family, not in competition with it.  Lucy Legal's Links: Website: https://www.lucylegal.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wheeler-lawyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_legal/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    1h 4m
  7. Mar 26

    E101: Going viral and leveraging it into a business with Amy Grilli, founder of Five Hour Club

    Amy Grilli shares her inspiring journey from teacher to co-founder of Five Hour Club, a platform revolutionising flexible work for parents. Discover how her viral LinkedIn post sparked a movement, the importance of flexible careers for mums, and practical tips for balancing work and family. Topics: The origin of Five Hour Club and its mission Amy's personal career journey and challenges as a mum The impact of her viral LinkedIn post and movement creation The importance of flexible, part-time, and remote work options Strategies for managing identity, ambition, and family responsibilities Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:46 The Challenge of Finding Flexible Work for Parents 04:29 Identity Crisis: Balancing Motherhood and Career 07:36 The Viral LinkedIn Pos 10:12 Creating the Five Hour Club 12:59 Building a Job Board for Flexible Careers 15:54 Working with Employers: Educating on Flexibility 18:35 Success Stories and Future Plans 24:32 The Role of Team Leadership in Success 25:41 Balancing Work and Parenting 28:53 Finding Identity and Joy in Motherhood 30:13 Navigating the Default Parent Dynamic 33:42 Intentional Parenting and Career Choices 40:16 Creating Opportunities for Parents in the Workforce Links: Website: https://www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Amy Grilli Amy Grilli is the co-founder of Five Hour Club, a fast growing platform and movement rethinking how work works for parents. Before that, Amy was a teacher, a literacy specialist, and then like so many women, she stepped back from her career to raise children, becoming what so many of us women and mums relate to as the default parent. After years out of traditional work, Amy found herself standing at the school gates, feeling like she no longer belonged in her professional identity. She even considered removing herself from LinkedIn entirely due to the shame of her career gap. Instead, she wrote a post. That post went viral, reaching millions, sparking tens of thousands of conversations and revealing something powerful. This wasn't just Amy's experience. It was a global problem. From that moment, Amy and her co-founder Emma Harvey turned insights into actions, surveying thousands of parents launching a job board within two months and building Five Hour Club, a platform championing five hour careers designed to fit around school hours without compromising ambition. In just one year, they've shaped over 140 roles partnering with forward thinking employers and starting to challenge the very structure of the nine to five.  Amy Grilli's Links: Website: https://fivehourclub.com/ LinkedIn (Five Hour Club): https://www.linkedin.com/company/five-hour-club/ LinkedIn (Amy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygrilli/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivehourclub/ Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    45 min

Trailers

About

Bump to Business Owner is the go-to podcast for mums who don't want to compromise on their careers but know that traditional full time employment just isn't compatible with family life. It's a space for female entrepreneurs and future founders creating autonomy and a deeper sense of purpose for themselves, their business and their children. Join your host, Caroline Marshall, founder of award winning Virtual Assistant agency Upsource and mum of two boys, in conversation with real women: mothers and entrepreneurs juggling the challenges of growing a successful business whilst raising a family.

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