My Kind of Business

Alex McCarthy Coaching
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Welcome to ”My Kind of Business,” a podcast hosted by Alex McCarthy, a Certified Business and Mindset coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners build meaningful, purpose-driven businesses. In each episode, Alex dives into the real stories behind successful business owners, sharing their wins, struggles and everything in between. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this podcast offers a blend of expert insights, mindset shifts and actionable tips to help you grow your business on your terms. Join Alex as she speaks with inspiring guests from diverse industries who are breaking boundaries and building businesses that matter. From practical advice to motivational conversations, “My Kind of Business” is the perfect space to feel supported and empowered on your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for valuable lessons, actionable strategies and the reminder that we’re all in this together.

  1. Aug 5

    Rebecca McCloskey on teaching, interior design & the art of growing slowly

    In this sixty-seventh episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Rebecca McCloskey, founder of Weave Interiors, a residential interior designer based in Tring whose story is a lovely reminder that the things we loved as children often hold the clues to what we're meant to do. In this episode Alex and Rebecca explore: The childhood passions and creative traits that hinted at her future workGrowing up around entrepreneurial grandparents and business-owning parentsThe transferable skills teaching gave her, from planning to client careHow moving into her own home reignited her love of designThe long fertility journey and how it shifted her focus and prioritiesDeciding to pursue interior design seriously and completing her courseNavigating those first projects and imposter syndrome during COVIDHer nature-led, biophilic approach and love of zoning open-plan spacesCreative, local marketing and the challenge of promoting yourselfLandmark projects and the fulfilment of transforming clients' spacesBuilding support networks and the second business, White and WeavePrioritising family, slow growth and protecting her own wellbeing Key Highlights Why the hobbies you loved as a child can quietly shape the work you're meant to doHow teaching skills like planning, communication and empathy translate beautifully into running a businessWhy home should be a sanctuary, and creating it should feel just as joyful as living in itWhy authentic client care matters far more than perfect contentHow repeat clients and referrals are a truer measure of success than any metricWhy slow, considered growth can be the healthiest way to build a business around your life Connect with Rebecca Weave Interiors: www.weaveinteriors.co.uk / @weave.interiordesign / Weave Interiors on Facebook White and Weave (rental property design, installation and home staging): www.whiteandweave.co.uk / @whiteandweave.homestaging Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

  2. Jul 29

    My Business Story

    My Business Story In this sixty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex flips her usual format and turns the microphone on herself, sharing the story of the last eight years in business, the twists, the turns and everything she's learned along the way. It's an honest, reflective one. Alex talks about growing from a quiet, imaginative child into a business owner, a mother and someone who cares deeply about personal growth. She opens up about the travel that changed how she saw the world, the accidental start of her first business, the leap into coaching, and how motherhood reshaped what she wanted her work and life to look like. If you're building a business around your life rather than the other way around, this is the kind of episode you'll want in your ears. In this episode Alex explores: Her childhood, early confidence and the curiosity that shaped herWhy vulnerability matters in personal and professional growthHow travelling and living abroad expanded her worldview and planted the seeds for her businessThe move from hospitality and export sales into running her own social media management businessBuilding confidence online and getting over the fear of being on cameraHow becoming a mother changed her priorities and her whole approach to businessWhy patience and self compassion are underrated parts of successWhere the business is heading next, including in-person events and new programmes Key Highlights How solo travel built the courage that later powered her businessThe moment self-employment shifted into something aligned with who she isWhy investing in coaching and starting therapy changed everythingHow motherhood became a reason to build differently, not to slow downHer honest advice for anyone stuck at the start: take one step today and trust the process Timestamps: 00:01 - Flipping the rules to share my personal journey 01:29 - Childhood: confidence, imagination and early work 04:05 - Wanting to travel and work abroad 05:22 - How travel shaped my mindset and courage 06:23 - Meeting digital nomads and location-independent work 09:13 - From a PGCE to export sales and corporate life 11:29 - Overwork, boundaries and seeking new directions 13:43 - Long-term travel and life-changing experiences 17:52 - The fight for confidence and authenticity 19:00 - Moving to Australia and working in tech 20:48 - Back to the UK and setting up my first business 23:16 - Building and scaling my social media business 26:08 - Investing in coaching and facing self-doubt 27:37 - Aligning my business with personal development 28:48 - Starting therapy and shifting my mindset 30:23 - Pursuing NLP and coaching qualifications 31:48 - Navigating the pandemic and evolving my business 34:20 - Launching in-person networking and community 36:45 - Feeling aligned and embracing motherhood 38:18 - Travelling solo in Sri Lanka 40:00 - Meeting Dave and starting a new chapter 44:08 - Pregnancy, unexpected changes and big decisions 46:23 - Balancing family with business 50:23 - Staying purposeful through podcasting and minimal social 53:45 - Patience and trusting my timeline 56:51 - Future plans: scaling gently and in-person events 60:23 - Advice: start now, take one step and trust the process Resources & Links: Book: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown Connect with Alex: alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

  3. Jul 21

    What Jealousy & Comparison in Business Are Actually Trying to Tell You

    In this sixty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex McCarthy explores jealousy in a way that might completely change how you think about it. Rather than seeing jealousy as something to suppress or feel ashamed of, Alex reframes it as valuable information — a signal pointing you towards what you genuinely want in your business and life. If you've ever felt that uncomfortable pang when someone else shares a big win, this episode will help you understand what's really underneath it and how to use it to your advantage. Main Topics Covered: Why jealousy is a normal human emotion, not a character flawHow shame often makes jealousy feel heavier than it needs toThe difference between the feeling itself and the story we create around itWhy comparison can distort reality and keep us feeling behindHow jealousy can become one of the most powerful tools for self-awareness and business growth In This Episode: Why jealousy isn't something to fear or suppress, but something to pay attention toHow shame keeps us stuck, while curiosity helps us move forwardThe difference between experiencing jealousy and believing the stories it tells youWhy comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel is never a fair comparison A simple five-step process for working with jealousy: Notice it without judgementGet specific about what you're actually jealous ofAsk what that reveals about your own desiresTurn the feeling into an open question instead of a conclusionSense-check whether it's something you genuinely want or something you think you should wantHow jealousy can become valuable market research, revealing what kind of work, visibility, pricing, freedom or recognition you're really cravingWhy your feelings can become a roadmap for your next business decision instead of a reason to spiral Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome and why we're talking about jealousy 01:08 — Why jealousy is a normal human emotion 03:56 — The shame we attach to feeling jealous 07:42 — Comparison, highlight reels and the stories we tell ourselves 11:18 — Separating the feeling from the meaning you give it 15:10 — The five-step framework for handling jealousy differently 19:54 — Using jealousy as market research in your business 23:06 — Turning envy into clarity, curiosity and action 25:02 — Final thoughts and this week's takeaway Resources and Links: If you're looking for more clarity, confidence and direction in your business, I'd love to help. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or ready for your next level of growth, there are several ways we can work together: Website: www.alexmccarthycoaching.com Book a Clarity Call: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/clarity-call Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching/ If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you subscribed to My Kind of Business and shared it with another business owner who might need to hear it. Remember, jealousy isn't proof you're failing—it's often pointing you towards what matters most. The more willing you are to get curious about it, the more clearly you'll see the path that's right for you.

  4. Jul 15

    Letterbox Cocktails: Jennie Bayliss on Turning a "Boring" Idea into a Brilliant Brand

    In this sixty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jennie Bayliss, founder of Letterbox Cocktails, a serial entrepreneur whose story is packed with resilience, resourcefulness and a healthy dose of fun. Jennie's journey has been anything but predictable. As a child she dreamed of becoming a solicitor, and her early working life took her through accounts roles and part-time jobs before a pivotal chapter saw her studying for a business management degree while raising a young family. Balancing motherhood, work and study taught her lessons she still leans on today. But it's her latest venture that really captures the imagination. Letterbox Cocktails began with a search for a deliberately boring business idea and a LinkedIn mastermind, and grew into a vibrant cocktail delivery brand. Jennie shares the reality of those scrappy early days, from licensing and regulation headaches to the chaos of rapid growth, through to winning the VIP Launch Pad competition and building a colourful, recognisable brand with big plans for TikTok, Amazon and retail. In this episode Alex and Jennie explore: Jennie's early aspirations and the jobs that shaped her pathwayBalancing motherhood, work and a business management degreeStarting a virtual PA business during redundancyBuilding a flexible team of mums and overcoming the loneliness of working aloneThe chance call that led to a project management company and fibre infrastructure workHow a hunt for a boring business idea became Letterbox CocktailsNavigating licensing, regulation and the chaos of early growthWinning the VIP Launch Pad competition and evolving the brandGrowth plans across TikTok, Amazon, corporate sales and retailWhy asking for help and taking imperfect action matter more than being readyKey Highlights How saying yes to unexpected opportunities can completely change the direction of your businessThe power of building a business around your life, not the other way roundWhy community, masterminds and networking can be the difference between an idea and a thriving businessHow scrappy beginnings can evolve into a brand you're truly proud ofWhy you'll never feel fully ready, and why you should start anyway Connect with Jennie https://www.letterbox-cocktails.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniebayliss1/ https://www.instagram.com/letterbox__cocktails/ https://www.facebook.com/letterboxcocktails1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/letterbox-cocktails/ https://www.tiktok.com/@letterbox_cocktails https://www.youtube.com/@LetterboxCocktails Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

  5. Jul 8

    Finding Joy Through It All: Jo Taylor on Resilience, Wellness and Trusting Your Gut

    In this sixty-third episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jo Taylor, founder of Mulberry Wellness, a holistic health business built around retreats, movement and mindfulness, and a woman whose warmth and energy are infectious from the very first minute. Jo's journey has been anything but a straight line. From a childhood shaped by travel and a love of movement, she went on to work as cabin crew, seeing the world and learning lessons about service, responsibility and what genuine contentment really looks like, before finding her way into fitness instruction and discovering the thrill of standing in front of a room and helping people feel better in themselves. Over the years she expanded from aerobics into water-based fitness, Pilates and yoga, developing specialist programmes for people with different health conditions and building a loyal community along the way. Then came a cancer diagnosis that changed everything, personally and professionally. Rather than stepping back, Jo found her work became a source of healing, taking her classes online during lockdown and eventually launching Mulberry Wellness, home to retreats, online classes and corporate wellness work rooted in connection and joy. Through it all, Jo has stayed true to her values, trusted her intuition and never lost sight of life's simple pleasures. Her story is a powerful reminder that business can be built around what genuinely matters to you. In this episode Alex and Jo explore: Jo's diverse early career, from travel and cabin crew to fitness instructionThe lessons travel taught her about contentment and life's simple joysBuilding confidence by standing in front of a room and facilitating changeExpanding into Pilates, yoga and specialist programmes for different health conditionsThe impact of her cancer diagnosis on her life and her businessMoving online during lockdown and building community through her classesLaunching Mulberry Wellness and hosting retreats for connection and growthBalancing business growth with personal values and healthy boundariesWhy trusting your intuition is her biggest piece of advice for fellow business ownersKey Highlights How a varied, non-linear career gave Jo the skills and self-belief to build her own businessThe therapeutic power of doing work you love, even through the hardest chaptersWhy boundaries and values matter more than chasing growth for its own sakeHow adversity can become the catalyst for building something truly meaningfulWhy seeking joy, in business and in life, is always worth itFeatured Resource ☀️ Doors are open for Summer Business School, Alex's six-session live programme, covering everything from vision and values to visibility, sales, mindset and planning your best Q4. Email alex@alexmccarthycoaching.com to sign up. Connect with Jo https://www.mulberrywellness.co.uk https://linkedin.com/in/jotaylor https://instagram.com/mulberrywellness Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

  6. Jul 8

    Stop Doing Everything & Do These 3 Things That Will Actually Grow Your Business

    In this sixty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex McCarthy tackles the trap so many small business owners fall into — doing more and more, being busier than ever, and yet somehow not seeing the growth to match. If you're posting everywhere, tweaking everything and still wondering why the clients aren't landing, this episode strips it all back to the three things that actually move the needle. Main Topics Covered: Why "more is better" is a myth — and the real pattern behind business stagnationHow to craft one clear, simple offer that people instantly understand and can referWhy one visibility channel done consistently beats being everywhere half-heartedlyHow to ask for the sale without feeling pushy or slimyThe quiet power of the follow-up message in turning interest into paying clientsWhy support and structure are what turn knowing into doingIn This Episode: The difference between focus and effort — and why doing less can genuinely do moreHow to test whether your offer is actually clear (and what a confusing offer is costing you)Why clarity on what you sell builds pricing confidenceHow your last five clients tell you exactly where your marketing energy should goWhy offline networking might be working harder for you than any online platformThe problem with vanity metrics — and what to measure insteadA simple piece of homework you can do today: reconnect with everyone who's shown interest recently and hasn't yet said yesTimestamps: 00:00 — Welcome and what this episode covers 00:37 — The problem with doing too much in your business 01:12 — The myth of "more is better" and why busy doesn't equal profitable 04:27 — Focus vs effort: why doing less can do more 06:37 — Focus 1: One clear offer — how to test it, price it, and sell it with confidence 11:17 — Focus 2: One visibility channel done consistently — and how to work out which one 15:45 — Focus 3: Confidently asking for the sale and the power of genuine follow-up 19:49 — Ditching vanity metrics and focusing on real conversions 20:25 — The three strategies pulled together 21:25 — Why knowing isn't enough — support, structure, and doing the work 23:20 — Summer Business School and your homework for today Resources and Links: Summer Business School — Alex's six-session live programme running on Tuesdays from 14th July, covering vision and values, your offer and ideal client, visibility, sales, mindset and Q4 planning. Available in Standard and VIP tiers. Grab your spot by emailing Alex on alex@alexmccarthycoaching.com Connect with Alex McCarthy: https://www.instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching/www.alexmccarthycoaching.comWhether you join Summer Business School or not, this episode will leave you with three clear places to put your energy — and one piece of homework that could land you your next client this week.

  7. Jun 24

    Customer Experience Thinking: How Behavioural Science Builds Trust and Loyalty with Si Elliott

    In this sixty-first episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Si Elliott, a strategic marketing and customer experience leader who has spent over twenty years helping brands build deeper, more meaningful connections, and whose career began less with a master plan and more with a series of happy accidents. Si's journey started with a childhood entrepreneurial streak and a business degree he took without any real idea of where it would lead. It was almost by accident that he found his way into marketing and agency life, working up from student to managing director, and learning to lead long before he felt ready to call himself a leader. Today he co-owns creative agency Diversity and is the founder of customer experience consultancy Fabricx, where he combines behavioural science with practical strategy to design experiences that genuinely resonate. He is also an award-winning guest lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, the University of Nottingham and the Communication University of China, and has just published his first book, Customer Experience Thinking. Through years of organic growth, honest self-doubt and a deep belief in putting people first, Si has built a way of working that proves business can be both successful and genuinely human. In this episode Alex and Si explore: Si's childhood entrepreneurial spirit and his accidental route into marketingGoing from student to managing director, and growing into leadershipNavigating imposter syndrome and building confidence over timeWhy environment, team culture and trusted relationships matter so muchChoosing organic growth over aggressive scalingFounding Fabricx and bringing behavioural science into client workHow behavioural biases shape real marketing and customer decisionsBalancing multiple ventures and keeping variety in his workThe future of AI and automation, and why human connection still wins Key Highlights How a non-linear, accident-driven career can still lead somewhere brilliantWhy self-belief and the right environment are the foundations of good leadershipWhat behavioural science reveals about trust, loyalty and decision makingHow to grow a business organically without losing its human heartWhy, in a world obsessed with clicks and conversions, the human experience is what really counts Featured Resource 🗓️ Join Alex for the Mid-Year Business Reset, a free, live workshop on Tuesday 30th June at 10am to help you take stock, get clear on your business and finish the year strong. 👉 Book your spot here: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/themidyearbusinessreset Connect with Si https://www.linkedin.com/in/si-elliott/ www.sielliott.com https://www.instagram.com/si.elliott Customer Experience Thinking out now: https://mybook.to/CXThinkin Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

  8. Jun 16

    How to Build Unshakeable Confidence in Business with Sian Brennan-Todd

    In this sixtieth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Sian Brennan-Todd, a former dancer turned entrepreneur, host and presenter who built a cheerleading empire spanning 250 schools before transitioning into the world of media and presenting. Sian's journey is deeply rooted in her childhood love of dance. From performing arts college in London at 18 to working abroad in cheerleading and choreography, she has spent her career turning passion into profession. After moving to Australia and building a global cheerleading business, Sian returned to the UK with a renewed focus on hosting, presenting and helping others build confidence through performance. Through years of discipline, resilience and self-belief, Sian has created a business built on fun, passion and adding real value to the people around her. In this episode Alex and Sian explore: Childhood passions and how dance shaped her entrepreneurial mindsetThe discipline and professional skills learned through performing artsBuilding a cheerleading business from the ground up with 250 schools involvedNavigating lockdown and adapting to online sessionsThe move to Australia and building a global enterpriseTransitioning into hosting and presentingHow confidence is built through consistency and practiceBalancing family life with entrepreneurshipAdvice for entrepreneurs feeling stuck or lacking confidence Key Highlights How the skills developed in dance and performing arts translate directly into business successWhy self-belief is the foundation of everything Sian has builtThe power of adapting and pivoting when circumstances changeHow to overcome fear and self-doubt and keep showing up anywayWhat it really means to build a business around something you love Featured Resource 🗓️ Join Alex for the Mid-Year Business Reset — a free, live workshop on Tuesday 30th June 6am to help you take stock, get clear on your business and finish the year strong. 👉 Book your spot here: https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/themidyearbusinessreset Connect with Sian https://www.instagram.com/sianbrennantodd/ sian@baysgymcheerdance.com www.sianbrennantodd.com Connect with Alex alexmccarthycoaching.com instagram.com/alexmccarthycoaching

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About

Welcome to ”My Kind of Business,” a podcast hosted by Alex McCarthy, a Certified Business and Mindset coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners build meaningful, purpose-driven businesses. In each episode, Alex dives into the real stories behind successful business owners, sharing their wins, struggles and everything in between. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, this podcast offers a blend of expert insights, mindset shifts and actionable tips to help you grow your business on your terms. Join Alex as she speaks with inspiring guests from diverse industries who are breaking boundaries and building businesses that matter. From practical advice to motivational conversations, “My Kind of Business” is the perfect space to feel supported and empowered on your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for valuable lessons, actionable strategies and the reminder that we’re all in this together.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex McCarthy Coaching
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Alex McCarthy Coaching
  • Show Website
    My Kind of Business

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