The Midlife Entrepreneur

Jo Glynn-Smith
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Midlife Entrepreneur is the podcast for women who are building businesses later in life. Hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, career transitions expert, coach and entrepreneur, who works with founders every day, each week Jo sits down with a different business owner to unpack the real stories, turning points and hard-won lessons behind their ventures.  The show also features the 15 Minute Masterclass, where seasoned experts share practical advice designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage. Honest, inspiring and genuinely useful, this is the show that proves it is never too late to back yourself.  Top 15% of podcasts globally and charting on Apple's Entrepreneurship category. New episodes every Tuesday.

  1. 2d ago

    EP36: Maxine Laceby, Co-Founder of Absolute Collagen, from stay-at-home mum to creating one of the UK's fastest-growing direct-to-consumer businesses.

    Maxine Laceby: Starting Absolute Collagen at 50 and building a £30m DTC Brand This week Jo sits down with Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, to discuss how she built a pioneering liquid collagen, direct-to-consumer brand in midlife. After 25 years as a stay-at-home mum, turning 50 and studying fine art led Maxine to a self-identity project, “Dare to Go Bare,” and a wellbeing journey that began with homemade bone broth and evolved into discovering collagen. In 2017 she launched Absolute Collagen with her daughter Darcy, growing it from a kitchen-table idea into a £30m business, raising £15m investment, and earning major rankings and awards. Maxine credits transferable “mum skills” like emotional intelligence, intuition, and reading people, alongside a consumer-first mindset, strong team culture, hiring to offset weaknesses, and choosing aligned partners over money. She emphasizes authenticity, integrity, and scientifically proven claims in a “Wild West” supplement market. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:23 Motherhood Skills to Boardroom 03:06 Emotional Intelligence as Superpower 05:11 Designing for the Absoluter 08:01 Dare to Go Bare Origins 10:51 Finding Maxine Under the Masks 13:47 Kids Reactions and Leading by Example 15:39 Always a Problem Solver 17:51 Collagen Discovery with Darcy 19:13 Early Results and Hair Science 21:55 Mother Daughter Business Dynamic 23:28 Empowered Family Collaboration 26:08 Respect and Boundaries 27:07 Scaling With Great Hires 29:29 Authenticity Versus Celebrity 32:09 Brand Integrity and Science 33:58 Culture Fit and Team Freedom 34:53 Investment and Valuation Lessons 38:39 New CEO and Absoluter Mindset 40:44 Three Two One Advice 43:33 Thanking Brad and Closing Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    46 min

  2. May 26

    15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Scale Your Productivity with AI with Georgie Barrat, AI Expert, Broadcaster, Founder & Creator of The AI Method.

    This week Jo sits down with AI expert, broadcaster, and AI Method founder Georgie Barrat to share three ways to scale productivity with AI.  First, Georgie advises “onboarding” your AI like a new employee by creating an AI blueprint: a North Star vision document, ideal audience details, and “voice DNA” samples for emails, newsletters, and social posts, stored via tools like memory, projects, or custom GPTs to improve outputs and avoid confusion from overly long threads.  Second, she recommends using voice input to reduce friction, brainstorm more naturally, and let AI consolidate ideas into well-formatted drafts you can refine.  Third, she suggests building a simple toolkit by choosing one main AI tool and targeting repeat weekly workflows for small, high-impact time savings, while factchecking and ensuring the final work still sounds like you.  00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:59 Tip 1 AI Blueprint Onboarding 03:16 Where to Store Context 04:34 Avoid Long Threads 06:06 Tip 2 Talk to AI 07:57 Tip 3 Workflow Toolkit 10:36 Small Wins Over Hype 11:37 Recap and AI Sandwich 15:32 Closing and Subscribe Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    16 min

  3. May 19

    EP35: Kate Cotterill, CEO and Co-Founder of She Grows Veg, empowering more people to grow their own.

    From City Marketer to Heirloom Seed Disruptor: Kate Cotterill on Building She Grows Veg in Midlife Jo kicks off a new season by speaking with Kate Cotterill, CEO and co-founder of She Grows Veg, an heirloom seed company launched in November 2023 with Instagram grower Lucy Hutchings. Kate shares how a garden design course led to their partnership, how Lucy’s 120,000-strong following revealed pent-up UK demand for heirloom seeds, and how Kate left a 25-year marketing career to start the business at 46. They discuss what heirloom seeds are versus hybrids, She Grows Veg’s rapid growth from a £17,000 crowdfund to £1.4m turnover and a 30+ person team, two Chelsea Flower Show gold medals, and the challenges of funding, scaling operations, website crashes, and seed production lead times. Kate also describes their women-focused hiring model, AI-driven content and customer support, new veg-growing app, charity work, and advice to research then act.   00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:55 Why seeds 04:58 Market shift to growing 07:51 Heirloom seeds explained 10:46 Funding and crowdfunding 13:22 Product build and packaging 15:49 Chelsea spotlight and website crash 19:07 Scaling team and operations 22:13 Energy routines and tech 24:59 Co-founder roles and balance 25:28 Finding Your Yin Yang 25:59 Seed Hunting Secret Sauce 26:26 Funding the Fast Growth 28:44 Angel Investing Explained 30:17 Scaling Teams and Roles 31:14 Production and Stock Fears 32:54 Customer Support with AI 34:00 Family Support and Midlife Drive 36:33 Pinch Me Chelsea Moments 37:45 Digital Marketing Disruption 39:39 Next Phase and Veg App 41:04 Joy of Growing and Reviews 42:41 Advice to Just Go 44:23 321s People AI Premises 47:22 Do Differently and Thank You 50:35 Final Wrap and Goodbye Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    51 min

  4. Apr 21

    15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Lead with more Purpose and Positive Impact with Mirry Christie, CEO and Founder of B.Able.

    Jo hosts the 15 Minute Masterclass and interviews Mirry Christie, CEO and founder of Be.Able, about three ways to lead with more purpose and positive impact. Mirry advises starting with the business by identifying priority social and environmental focus areas, engaging teams beyond the boardroom, and making practical improvements that add brand value, reduce waste, improve staff wellbeing and retention, and prepare for investors and future regulation. Second, she encourages action closer to home through conscious consumption, reusing, recycling, repairing, community support, and projects like selling clothes on Vinted and local initiatives such as Remnant Revolution. Third, she stresses talking honestly and transparently about impact to counter greenhushing/greenwashing, build communities of brands, and inspire others, noting resource use is at 1.8 Earths today and heading toward two by 2030. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:35 Purposeful Leadership Question 00:54 Start With Business Impact 02:11 Social and Environmental Priorities 03:43 Making Change Practical 06:20 Advice Two Home Habits 07:51 Community Projects and Brands 09:53 Advice Three Talk About It 11:08 Building Communities for Impact 12:51 Recap and Final Thoughts 15:30 Subscribe and Contact Connect with B.Able here: https://www.bable.world/ Follow on Instagram @bable.world Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    16 min

  5. Apr 14

    EP34: Zoe Levey, Editor and Founder of Wildflower Press, publisher of Wildflower Magazine.

    This week’s guest is Zoe Levey, founder of Wildflower Press and editor of Wildflower Magazine. With over two decades in senior commercial roles across major magazine titles, Zoe left Conde Nast in 2017 after her son’s SEN diagnosis to create more flexibility, moved to the Cotswolds, and launched an independent publishing business designed to feel special, seasonal, and collectible. Eight years on, Wildflower is distributed nationally in the UK and stocked by Waitrose, M&S and WH Smith, and has expanded into Wildflower Live events, the Little Green Book for independent businesses, and a Wine Club. Zoe explains her brand-led approach, self-funding and lean resourcing model, the skills she had to rebuild outside a large company (distribution, subscriptions, finance, digital), where AI may help efficiency, and the importance of boundaries, patience, and trusted people. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:55 Meet Zoe Levey 02:02 Why Start a Magazine 02:51 Designing Wildflower 04:57 Naming the Brand 06:45 Building the First Issues 08:48 Lean Team and Finances 09:52 Growth Pains and Skills 12:03 AI for Efficiency 14:36 Live Events Return 16:28 Seasonal Editorial Process 18:43 Weekly Rhythm and Balance 22:18 The Turning Point Story 23:31 Chasing Work Life Balance 24:07 Lists And Starting Projects 25:07 Eat The Frog First 25:47 Rest And Self Care Boundaries 27:04 Protecting Mornings And Breaks 28:46 Phones And Blurred Work Lines 30:33 Three Two One Framework 31:00 Worthwhile Investments 34:49 Career Skills And Confidence 36:29 Mistakes Hiring And Structure 39:35 Distribution Lessons And COVID 42:39 Thanking A Key Mentor 44:08 Final Wrap And Call To Action Find out more about Wildflower here: https://wildflowermagazine.co.uk/ Follow them on Instagram @wildflowermagazine Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    45 min

  6. Apr 7

    15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Create Events with Impact with Camilla Newman Co-Founder of Baillie Newman

    In this episode of the 15 Minute Masterclass Jo Glynn-Smith chats to Camilla Newman, co-founder of Baillie Newman, who shares three ways to create events with impact that build memories and shift brand perception. First, she advises “engineer the feeling” by prioritising how guests feel from arrival, then choreographing the event’s cadence with connection points, surprise, momentum, and a strong finish rather than letting it fizzle out or over-focusing on VIP moments. Second, she highlights a 2026 trend: create participation, not spectators, using interactive experiences that build “body/muscle memory,” deepen connection, and strengthen brand loyalty. Third, she recommends not letting perfection ruin presence, switch from planner to host, stay calm if details or tech go wrong, and keep guests centre stage so the room’s energy reflects positively on the brand. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 01:12 Engineer the Feeling 02:37 Finish Strong and Flow 04:52 Participation Not Spectators 06:34 Why Body Memory Works 09:11 Perfection vs Presence 12:51 Recap and Sign Off 14:51 Subscribe and Contact You can find out more about Baillie Newman here: https://www.baillienewman.co.uk/  Or on Instagram @baillie_newman_events  Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    15 min

  7. Mar 31

    EP33: Amanda Hall, Co-Founder of Beck & Hall, a company redefining luxury relocation.

    In this episode Jo chats to Amanda Hall, co-founder of Beck and Hall, a luxury relocation service that goes beyond removals to deliver fully installed, home-ready moves (layouts, installations, stocked cupboards, flowers) using trusted specialist partners, with recognition from media including Condé Nast Property, House & Garden, and Vogue.  Amanda explains how the end of her 23-year marriage, financial insecurity, and moving from a renovated “forever home” into a rental pushed her to focus on creating calm through an expertly managed move, which later became the inspiration for her business which she launched with partner Louise Beck. She discusses transferable skills from years of renovation project management, challenges re-entering work, scaling via subcontract teams, pricing transparently by time, the value of therapy, relationships, and support from Louise, her children, and clients’ feedback. 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:55 Meet Amanda Hall 02:18 Divorce and the Move 04:08 Making a Rental Home 05:40 Turning Skills Into Business 07:49 Job Hunt and Transferable Skills 11:46 Louise and Launching Beck and Hall 15:29 Money Pressure and Resilience 16:57 Early Clients and Proving Experience 23:14 Scaling and Service Breakdown 25:36 NDA Marketing and Starting Lean 26:56 Transparent Pricing Plan 28:02 Building a Discreet Team 29:43 Pride After Upheaval 31:22 Emotions of Moving 33:59 Bespoke Move Blueprint 34:34 Design and Sourcing Extras 36:02 Restoring Your Energy 38:34 Three Two One Ritual 38:53 Therapy and Relationships 44:34 Dogs and Acceptance 47:38 Solutions Mindset Lesson 50:15 Defining Success and Farewell You can find out more about Beck and Hall here: https://beckandhall.co.uk/ Or follow them on instagram here: @beckandhall.co.uk Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    52 min

  8. Mar 24

    15 Minute Masterclass: 3 Ways to Maintain Brand Relevance with Rebecca Hopkins, Co-Founder of Balance Me

    Jo speaks with Rebecca Hopkins, co-founder of Balance Me, a B Corp certified skincare brand rooted in science and naturally active, clinically backed formulas. Marking 20 years in business, Hopkins shares three ways to maintain brand relevance: evolve brand expression without losing the brand’s core essence, amplifying what the brand can authentically and legitimately own (including clinical credibility and wellness roots); stay obsessively close to customers by gathering data and feedback through founder-led skin consultations, product testing with customers, WhatsApp groups, surveys, community days, ambassadors, and social media presence; and innovate intelligently by keeping up with scientific advances and ingredients while simplifying language and guidance so customers can trust the essentials without feeling overwhelmed. Jo recaps the three tips and closes with subscription and guest-nomination details. 00:00 Welcome to Masterclass 00:19 Meet Balance Me Founder 01:10 Tip One Brand Essence 01:17 Origins and Evolution 03:17 Modern Market Positioning 06:03 Tip Two Customer Closeness 07:45 Community and Feedback Loops 10:50 Tip Three Smart Innovation 11:52 Simplify the Science Story 13:37 Recap and Final Thoughts 15:21 Subscribe and Contact You explore all the wonderful products at Balance Me here: https://www.balanceme.com/ And follow them on instagram @balancemeskincare Support the show Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com www.joglynnsmith.com MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

    16 min
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About

The Midlife Entrepreneur is the podcast for women who are building businesses later in life. Hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, career transitions expert, coach and entrepreneur, who works with founders every day, each week Jo sits down with a different business owner to unpack the real stories, turning points and hard-won lessons behind their ventures.  The show also features the 15 Minute Masterclass, where seasoned experts share practical advice designed to help entrepreneurs at every stage. Honest, inspiring and genuinely useful, this is the show that proves it is never too late to back yourself.  Top 15% of podcasts globally and charting on Apple's Entrepreneurship category. New episodes every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Jo Glynn-Smith
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Midlife Entrepreneur
  • Show Website
    The Midlife Entrepreneur

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