Making of an Empire

Aditi Jajal-Newey

Making of an Empire pulls back the curtain on the unglamorous work of building an iconic business empire. Expect honest conversations, strategy breakdowns, and lessons from founders and creators who are in the arena, not just talking about it.

  1. Episode 17: The Missing Pillar: Why Accountability Alone Isn’t Enough with Rebecca Scoular

    3d ago

    Episode 17: The Missing Pillar: Why Accountability Alone Isn’t Enough with Rebecca Scoular

    The most ambitious version of you already exists. She is not waiting in the future. She is already in the room. In this episode, Aditi sits down with Rebecca Scoular, founder of Progress Partners, to explore what it actually takes to build a business without losing yourself in the process. Think less noise, more clarity. Less isolation, more community. And a whole lot more permission to stop. Let's Dive Into the Highlights The Thinking Gap: Why the most successful entrepreneurs are not the ones working hardest, but the ones who protect space to think clearly, make better decisions, and lead from a calmer place.Failure as a Filing System: Rebecca and Aditi unpack why the best entrepreneurs do not just survive failure, they mine it for wisdom and reframe it as the most honest teacher in the room.The Mindset Muscle: Is a growth mindset coachable? Rebecca makes the case that it absolutely is, and shares the simple daily practice inside Progress Partners that trains the brain to find the win, even on the hardest days.The Energy Flow Framework: Why time management alone is only half the system. Rebecca introduces her framework for matching the energy you bring to the tasks that need it, so nothing important gets your leftovers.The Accountability Levels: From a soft check-in to a full level five 'no excuses' sprint, Rebecca explains how to choose the right kind of accountability for where you actually are, not where you think you should be. Behind the Breakthrough Rebecca Scoular has spent over two decades in rooms with entrepreneurs. She has seen what separates the ones who thrive from the ones who stall, and it rarely comes down to strategy. It comes down to clarity, the courage to ask for help, and the willingness to stop long enough to actually think. She is the founder of Progress Partners, an invitation-only community built on three pillars: clarity of thinking, accountability, and the kind of peer community where egos get left at the door and real relationships take their place. Through weekly sessions, in-person workshops, and structured accountability, Rebecca has created a space where founders can step off the treadmill, see their businesses clearly, and move forward with confidence. Her approach is not about adding more to your plate. It is about creating the conditions where you can finally access the answers you already have inside you. The Guest Said It Best "If you've got anything where you think it's perfect, you're in trouble." "The best entrepreneurs out there are the ones that have probably failed the most. And they see themselves not as failing, but as having an opportunity to learn." "You have the answers inside of you. That's really what coaching is. It's just drawing the answers out of you." "If you don't take a break, your body's going to do it for you." Key Takeaways Space is a Strategy: Protecting time to think is not a luxury, it is the foundation of every good decision. If you are always in the doing, you are running the business blind.Reframe Before You Move On: Processing failure is not wallowing. It is the work. Moving straight past it means carrying it into your next decision, from a scarcity headspace.Wins Are a Daily Practice: Waiting until the end of the year to acknowledge progress is too long. Small, daily wins compound into a mindset that is genuinely resilient, not just performing resilience.Match Energy to Task: Switching between tasks that need different energy types is one of the most draining things you can do. Batch by energy, not just by time.The Right Community Changes Everything: Accountability only works when there is genuine respect, likability, and a shared rhythm. The wrong room is worse than no room. A Question for You Rebecca says that the future version of you is not out there somewhere in the distance. She is already inside you right now. So what would it look and feel like if you stopped chasing that version of yourself and started making decisions as if you were already her? Take the Next Step Ready to find your community? Rebecca's work through Progress Partners is designed for established business owners who are ready for their next level, without burning out to get there. Connect with Rebecca: Website: https://progress-partners.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-scoular-14763a7/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scoularrebecca/________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Making of an Empire Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Making of an Empire! Our mission is to help you unlock the tools you need to build a business and a life that reflects your highest potential. Connect with Aditi: Website: https://www.plentitudestrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditijnewey/ Substack: https://substack.com/@aditijnewey

    1h 8m
  2. Episode 16: Pivoting for Growth with Susanne Todnem

    May 26

    Episode 16: Pivoting for Growth with Susanne Todnem

    Aditi sits down with Susanne, the visionary founder of Poynt, to challenge the "hustle harder" narrative that keeps so many entrepreneurs stuck. This episode is a masterclass in the courage required to dismantle a successful but draining business model to make room for a scalable, high-profit empire. Let’s Dive Into the Highlights The Cinnamon Bun Trap: Why being "the best" at a service you no longer enjoy is the fastest way to stall your growth.The 30-Hour Work Week: How Susanne has successfully maintained a four-day work week for a decade while serving top-tier corporate clients.Revenue vs. Profit: Understanding why a smaller, leaner business can often result in a much larger personal take-home pay and more freedom.Auditing for Autonomy: How to transition from being the person who "does the work" to the person who "leads the strategy." Behind the Breakthrough Susanne spent a decade building a high-performing agency before realising she was on a "merry-go-round" of execution-based tasks. By radically pivoting toward strategic advisory and board positions, she reclaimed her vision and scaled her influence without increasing her hours. A "forever learner" and former PayPal specialist, Susanne has founded five companies and invested in nine startups. Today, as the General Manager at Poynt, she bridges the gap between high-level marketing and AI for the energy and IT sectors. Beyond the boardroom, she is a Keynote Speaker, a Podcast Producer, and a Lecturer at the University of Stavanger and BI. The Guest Said It Best  "Don't let fear run your business." "The most important thing is just to get started, right?" "It's scary obviously, but it's also necessary sometimes to do the scary things" "I want to be proud of the work that I do and if I know that I'm not creating a change anymore then I don't want to be there" Key Takeaways Efficiency is a Choice: If you give yourself a 40-hour window, tasks will expand to fill it; restricting your time forces you to be more effective.Profit is the Only Real Metric: High revenue is a vanity metric if your costs, and your stress levels, are equally high.The Goal is Autonomy: A true empire should serve the founder's life, allowing for freedom of time and the “audacity” to say no to misalignment.Leverage Modern Tools: AI shouldn't just be a convenience; it should be the engine that automates your "low-value" tasks so you can focus on your unique genius. A Question for You Susanne proves that efficiency is a choice, not a luxury. If you were forced to run your entire empire in just 30 hours a week, what 'faffing around' would you have to cut today to make it work? Connect with Susanne: Website: www.poynt.noLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todnem/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannetodnem/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/avdelingsm%C3%B8te/id1506734170Sign up to On Poynt here: https://www.poynt.no/nettbutikk/medlemskap  Connect with Making of an Empire Thank you for tuning in to Making of an Empire! Our mission is to help you unlock the tools you need to build a business and a life that reflects your highest potential. Connect with Aditi: Website: https://www.plentitudestrategy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditijnewey/ Substack: https://substack.com/@aditijnewey

    1h 1m
  3. Episode 15 - Make Communication Your Superpower with Ty Hoesgen

    01/31/2025

    Episode 15 - Make Communication Your Superpower with Ty Hoesgen

    The Help Me Unlock Podcast has been rebranded to Making of an Empire. Same magic, same awesome guest line-up, just a bit of that empire energy!  -- The No.1 skill to grow your business today? Communication. Online, offline, in person, on social media, on the mic, on stage, in classrooms, on sales calls - every one of those spaces is vibrating with opportunity IF you can communicate effectively.  In this episode, communication coach and 3X best-selling author Ty Hoesgen shares transformative tools to help professionals like you level up their communication skills—whether in one-on-one meetings, presentations, or high-stakes business interactions. Ty, Founder of Advanced Growth Institute, specializes in turning communication struggles into strengths. Drawing from his journey of overcoming shyness and years of research, he’s coached over 300 individuals to radically transform the way they speak, listen, and show up in their personal and professional lives. What You’ll Gain from This Episode: The 3C Framework: Learn Ty’s proven system for developing Confidence, Charisma, and Clarity to elevate your communication.Everyday Impact: Why better communication doesn’t just improve presentations but transforms daily interactions with clients, teams, and partners.Practical Tools You Can Use Immediately: From speaking with structure to improving your posture and tone, discover actionable strategies that deliver results.The Fast Track to Confidence: Ty’s step-by-step formula to help introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between become magnetic and memorable speakers.Clarity for Cluttered Minds: How to organize your thoughts so people instantly understand your ideas and remember your message.This episode is packed with insights and takeaways you can start applying today to enhance your leadership presence, win more respect, and communicate your ideas effectively in every situation. Special Listener Bonus: Ty is offering a free course to all listeners: Speak Like a Confident Leader in 7 Days. Get started now at www.howtospeakbetter.com. Connect with Ty: Instagram: @tyhoesgenLinkedIn: Ty Hoesgen Get ready to transform your communication and unlock your potential as a confident, charismatic leader. Dive in now!

    59 min
  4. Episode 14 - How Solopreneurs and Small Businesses Can 5x Using AI

    01/22/2025

    Episode 14 - How Solopreneurs and Small Businesses Can 5x Using AI

    The Help Me Unlock Podcast has been rebranded to Making of an Empire. Same magic, same awesome guest line-up, just a bit of that empire energy!  -- How can AI become a game-changer for your business? In this episode, AI strategist and educator Tannya Jajal breaks down how small business owners, solopreneurs, and coaches can leverage AI to save time, scale faster, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. Tannya, Founder of AIDEN and author of Thinking Machines: AI and the Intelligence Explosion, shares actionable insights and tools to help you move beyond the hype and make AI a seamless part of your operations. Episode Highlights: Step-by-Step AI Implementation: How to build and train your own custom GPT to handle tasks like content creation, strategy, and more.Time-Saving Tools: Discover how AI can take over repetitive tasks, freeing you to focus on growth and strategy.Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls: Learn how to protect your data and avoid misinformation when using AI tools.Practical Applications for Experts: From social media strategy to market research, explore how AI can work for you, no matter your niche.Future-Proof Your Business: Why AI is no longer optional for staying competitive and how to get started today.This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical tips, and a hands-on walkthrough of AI tools that you can start using immediately. Ready to take your business to the next level? Whether you're starting your AI journey or looking to optimize your processes, this episode will inspire and equip you to make AI work for you. Connect with Tannya: Website: www.aiden.globalBook: Thinking Machines: AI and the Intelligence ExplosionLinkedIn: Tannya JajalInstagram: @tannyadj

    1h 14m
  5. Episode 13 - How and When to Build Your Brand with Solveig Petch and Rachel Allen

    11/13/2024

    Episode 13 - How and When to Build Your Brand with Solveig Petch and Rachel Allen

    The Help Me Unlock Podcast has been rebranded to Making of an Empire. Same magic, same awesome guest line-up, just a bit of that empire energy!  -- What sets a legacy brand apart from the rest? Great design and messaging? Or is there something deeper that makes it endure for decades and beyond? Brand strategist Solveig Petch and marketing expert Rachel Allen join us at the Help Me Unlock studios to reveal how to create brands with lasting impact through their unique Triple Diamond approach.  With over 20 years of experience crafting brands that are “quietly rebellious,” Petchy joined forces with Rachel, a marketer who combines heart-led and data-driven insights. Together, they’re breaking traditional molds to build brands with real staying power. From defining a values-centered strategy to creating human-first identities, Petchy and Rachel dive into the intentional process of building legacy brands. Episode Highlights: Knowing when you are legacy-brand ready: What are the signs? Values-Centered Branding: Why authenticity is a strategic assetBalancing heart and data: How to use strategy and intuition to form a brand that resonates deeplyBrand longevity: How to make sure your brand evolves with purpose and withstands changing trendsWhether you're ready to elevate your brand or just starting to consider its long-term impact, this episode will give you insight, direction, and the motivation to build something remarkable. Ready to create a brand that leaves a lasting mark? Tune in!  Connect with Solveig and Rachel: Triple Diamond website Friends of Triple Diamond (notion page with info for their supporters)Triple Diamond brand conversations — Substack + podcast (coming soon!)LinkedinInstagramSolveig Petch’s websiteRachel Allen’s website

    1h 13m
  6. Episode 12 - Unlocking Effortless High-Ticket Sales with Natalie Bullen

    04/16/2024

    Episode 12 - Unlocking Effortless High-Ticket Sales with Natalie Bullen

    The Help Me Unlock Podcast has been rebranded to Making of an Empire. Same magic, same awesome guest line-up, just a bit of that empire energy! -- P.S. The episode that made me log off and sign a $20,000 coaching contract with Natalie.  What makes a ‘high-ticket’ offer high-ticket? Should ever expert have a premium-priced, high-ticket offer? Is it as simple as creating a product ‘ladder’ from low price to high priced?  High-Ticket Sales Coach and Wealth Strategist Natalie Bullen spills all the beans on what it takes to design and sell high-ticket offers successfully.  Natalie Bullen is a Sales Coach, Wealth Strategist, and owner of Unapologetic Wealth. As a powerhouse coach and consultant, she positions her clients for wealth by accelerating their revenue with high ticket sales.  From debunking myths surrounding passive income to breaking down the nuances of premium buyer psychology, Natalie shares advice on navigating the complexities of building a profitable business model. Episode Highlights:  Is ‘High-Ticket’ for Everyone? The Myth of Passive IncomeBreaking the Cookie-Cutter ‘Ascension’ ModelEmbracing Authenticity in BusinessAligning with Your Purpose And so much more! So, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, join us as Natalie unveils the blueprint for unlocking unapologetic wealth in your business.  Ready to shatter your previous revenue targets? Tune in and be inspired, empowered, and equipped with actionable insights to thrive in the world of high-ticket sales. i2i (Invisible To In Demand) Masterclass Series Signup Page: https://www.aditijn.com/i2i-series-signup Connect with Natalie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebullen/ Website: http://www.unapologeticwealth.com/

    1h 8m
  7. Episode 11 - Making and Breaking Habits with Ed Ley

    04/04/2024

    Episode 11 - Making and Breaking Habits with Ed Ley

    The Help Me Unlock Podcast has been rebranded to Making of an Empire. Same magic, same awesome guest line-up, just a bit of that empire energy!  -- How are you supposed to thrive and learn to embrace discomfort when your brain is literally designed to seek ways to do the opposite? That’s exactly what Help Me Unlock guest, Neuroleadership Coach Ed Ley, and I dive into: What it takes to form good habits and shed the ones that don’t serve you.  Ed uses the neuroscience of transformation to help CEO’s and leaders to understand and work with their brains rather than against them. He delivered a Tedx Talk In Bristol and in Denmark on behavioural change, and brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. He brings this unique perspective on how our minds work into his content, his talks, and his very highly esteemed body of work. Ed is one of those people who creates tectonic shifts for his clients and his audiences.  Episode Highlights: What is Neuroleadership?Challenges in Neuroleadership.Bad Habits: easy to cultivate, hard to break. Future Self-ProjectionBehavioral Changes Creating Mental SpaceAnd so much more! If you’d like more of the gold that Ed shared today, he’s just launched his newsletter ‘CXO Secrets’  Enjoy the episode! This chat with Ed and every other episode on the Help Me Unlock podcast are designed to do one thing: Help you and me identify the bottlenecks holding us and our businesses back, dissolve those bottlenecks, and breakthrough to whatever that next level is. I’ll see you inside.  Connect with Ed: Website: https://www.edley.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-ley?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

    53 min
  8. Episode 10 - Storytelling Secrets to 10x Your Influence, Income, and Impact with Francisco Mahfuz

    03/19/2024

    Episode 10 - Storytelling Secrets to 10x Your Influence, Income, and Impact with Francisco Mahfuz

    The Help Me Unlock Podcast has been rebranded to Making of an Empire. Same magic, same awesome guest line-up, just a bit of that empire energy!  -- Since the beginning of time, humans have rallied around the storyteller. And it’s no different today. We’re just wired that way - stories draw us in, move us, influence our thoughts, ideas, and actions, inspire us.  And that’s exactly what my guest on this episode, Francisco Mahfuz, and I dive into: Unlocking the power of storytelling to take your influence, income and impact to the next level.  Francisco is a sought-after keynote speaker, renowned author of "Bare: A Guide to Brutally Honest Public Speaking," and a storytelling coach trusted by global organizations like PepsiCo, HP, and the United Nations to inspire effective communication through intentional storytelling. From discussing why some people prefer longer colonoscopies to unraveling the essence of brutally honest public speaking, we’ve literally gone everywhere with this conversation.  Episode Highlights:  How to craft a compelling story The concept of ‘Relatable Pain and Credible Power’The storytelling secrets that have helped Francisco turn it into a communication power tool The most challenging audience in the world Delivering a great story And so much more!  Intrigued? Jam on those pods and get into the episode!  And if you want more, you can join Francisco’s newsletter, Story Club. The first rule of story club is: You do not talk about story club. So you’re just going to have to get in to find out what it’s all about ;)  Connect with Francisco: Story Club Newsletter: https://storyclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmahfuz/ Website: https://www.franciscomahfuz.com

    1h 6m

About

Making of an Empire pulls back the curtain on the unglamorous work of building an iconic business empire. Expect honest conversations, strategy breakdowns, and lessons from founders and creators who are in the arena, not just talking about it.