Scale Her Up: Female business stories and expert tips for business growth and success

Brenda Hector
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If you are a female business owner, self-employed freelancer, or girl boss who wants to build a successful business i.e. work less hours, make more money, and get better results from your staff, then this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Dr Brenda Hector MBA from ActionCOACH UK, this podcast provides relatable and accessible business advice and inspiration from successful businesswomen who have been there and done it before you. This podcast is where you can • hear female business stories • share business success • learn how to overcome business challenges • get advice for businesswomen aspiring to success • find out what needs to change • discover how we can bring about that business revolution Only 1 in 3 UK entrepreneurs are female. UK men are 5 times more likely than women to build a business of over £1million turnover If UK women matched UK men in starting and scaling businesses, it would add £250 billion to the UK economy (Alison Rose, The Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship 2018) As a woman in business, a business coach, and a business growth expert, Brenda’s mission is to help business owners grow their companies, achieve their goals and live the lifestyle of their dreams. She's the help you need to grow your business.

  1. Building a Healthcare Business That Makes a Difference with Alena Duncan

    1D AGO

    Building a Healthcare Business That Makes a Difference with Alena Duncan

    In this episode of Scale Her Up, I’m joined by Alena Duncan, founder and Chief Executive and Operating Officer of NexEndo Healthcare. Alena shares the story behind building a clinical services company that supports both NHS and private patients, helping to reduce waiting times in endoscopy and other specialist services while keeping patient safety and clinical governance at the heart of everything. We talk about her journey from nursing into law, consultancy and then founding NexEndo Healthcare, as well as the realities of growing a business in a highly regulated and male-dominated industry. This is a fascinating conversation about leadership, persistence, communication, problem-solving and what it really takes to build a purpose-led healthcare business. In this episode, we cover:What NexEndo Healthcare does and how it supports NHS and private patientsWhy reducing waiting times in healthcare matters so muchThe challenge of marketing sensitive health servicesAlena’s journey from nursing to law to business ownershipWhat she has learned about herself as a founder and leaderWhy communication has been a thread through her whole careerThe importance of trusted people around you in businessGrowing from a small team to a much larger operationThe realities of regulation, policy and compliance in healthcareThe barriers to entry for smaller providers in ScotlandWhy persistence and strong opinions can be an asset in business Memorable moments from this episode:Why patients need services that feel accessible and easy to talk aboutAlena’s reflections on finding her voice in a male-dominated worldHer honesty about having to be firm in order to be heardThe challenge of selling services people only seek when they have a problem“Don’t be scared of being opinionated as a woman.”“If you don’t try, you never know whether you’re going to succeed.”

    33 min
  2. Luxury, Legacy and Trusting Your Gut | Araminta Birse-Stewart of Araminta Campbell

    3D AGO

    Luxury, Legacy and Trusting Your Gut | Araminta Birse-Stewart of Araminta Campbell

    In this episode of Scale HER Up, I’m joined by Araminta Birse-Stewart, founder of Araminta Campbell, a Scottish luxury woven textile brand based just outside Edinburgh. Araminta shares how her business creates beautifully crafted woven textiles in Scotland, from mill-woven collections sold around the world to one-off and limited-edition handwoven pieces made in-house. She also designs bespoke heritage textiles, including tweeds and tartans, for private clients, brands and organisations. We talk about what luxury really means today, and why for Araminta it is about story, provenance, craftsmanship and longevity rather than just status or a label. Sustainability sits at the heart of the brand too, with timeless designs, carefully sourced fibres and a strong focus on creating pieces that are cherished for life. Araminta also shares the story of how the business began, almost accidentally, when people started wanting to buy the pieces she was making. Ten years on, the business has grown into a significant employer of handweavers and a respected Scottish design brand with an international customer base. This is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, team building, motherhood, self-belief and the importance of trusting your instinct as a founder. In this episode, we cover:What Araminta Campbell does as a Scottish luxury woven textile brandThe difference between mill-woven, handwoven and bespoke heritage textile collectionsWhat luxury means beyond labels and price pointsSustainability, longevity and creating heirloom piecesHow the business began and grew over the last 10 yearsWhy Araminta believes in building a team with strengths different from her ownThe challenges of people management and hiring the right fitRunning a growing business alongside motherhood and family lifeWhy trusting your gut matters so much in businessHer advice for other women starting or scaling a business

    37 min
  3. Events, Leadership and Building a Business That Fits Life | Elise MacDonald of Lux Events

    6D AGO

    Events, Leadership and Building a Business That Fits Life | Elise MacDonald of Lux Events

    In this episode of Scale HER Up, I’m joined by Elise MacDonald, Managing Director of Lux Events, an events company specialising in corporate events, conferences, award ceremonies, brand activations and communications. Lux works mainly across Scotland, while also delivering projects further afield in Europe, London and beyond. Elise shares how Lux Events has grown over the last 14 years into a respected business with a wide mix of clients, particularly in tourism, food and drink, and the marketing sector. We talk about what makes a great event, from personalisation and delegate experience to the importance of people, planning and the team behind the scenes. We also dive into Elise’s own journey in events, from her first role at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre to agency life, a short move into a slower-paced university role, and eventually launching Lux. She talks honestly about how the business started, how her co-MD Joanne Lynn joined her early on, and why that partnership has been such a huge part of the company’s growth and success. This is a really warm and practical conversation about hospitality, leadership, working motherhood, resilience and building a business culture where people feel supported and want to stay. In this episode, we cover:What Lux Events does and the different types of events they deliverWhat makes a successful event and why personalisation mattersElise’s career journey into events and why she knew she was in the right industryHow Lux Events began and why the partnership with Joanne has been so importantWhy the team and company culture matter so much in service businessesHospitality industry pressures and how they affect venues, suppliers and eventsHow COVID impacted the events industry and what happened nextLeadership, resilience and handling setbacks in businessBuilding an all-female team with flexibility and family support at its coreWhat Elise has learned about herself through running the businessAdvice she would give her younger self about confidence, voice and taking opportunitiesWhy more women should consider starting businesses and creating portfolio careers

    34 min
  4. Leading Globally Without Losing Yourself with Jen McLennan

    APR 1

    Leading Globally Without Losing Yourself with Jen McLennan

    In this episode of Scale Her Up, I’m joined by Jen McLennan, Group Managing Director of Fifth Ring, a global B2B marketing communications agency with offices in Aberdeen, Houston and Singapore. Jen shares her journey from journalism into agency life, and how she worked her way up through the business to become Group Managing Director. We talk about leadership, business growth, international culture, learning on the job, and the reality of juggling senior leadership with family life. This is a really honest conversation about what it takes to step into bigger leadership roles, how to understand your own strengths and gaps, and why asking for help is not weakness, it is wisdom. Jen also talks about the importance of data in marketing, the value of coaching, and why businesses need to think carefully about who they are trying to reach before jumping into activity for activity’s sake. It is a thoughtful and practical episode for women in leadership, business owners, and anyone navigating growth, responsibility and ambition. In this episode, we cover:What Fifth Ring does and the sectors it servesWhy culture matters in global marketing and communicationsJen’s career path from journalist to Group Managing DirectorWhat she has learned about herself through leadershipThe reality of stepping into a senior role after maternity leaveWhy self-awareness matters more as you progressThe importance of support at home and at workHow coaching has helped Jen reframe challenges and growWhy businesses need both data and clear messagingAdvice for women considering senior leadership roles Memorable moments from this episode:Why knowing yourself becomes more important the more senior you becomeThe difference between activity and real business impactJen’s reflections on the juggle of leadership and motherhoodHer advice not to let fear make the decision for you“If you want to go far, go together”

    48 min
  5. From Accountant to Health Coach | Jasmin Corbett of Wealthy You

    MAR 30

    From Accountant to Health Coach | Jasmin Corbett of Wealthy You

    In this episode of Scale HER Up, I’m joined by Jasmin Corbett, owner of Wealthy You Health Coach Business. Jasmin specialises in helping driven, ambitious women improve their gut health and overall wellbeing through a more holistic approach, looking at nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep and mindset. She shares how her coaching is designed to create real transformation, not just small improvements, and why she typically works with clients over a longer period to help them break habits, build new ones and feel genuinely well again. Jasmin also shares the deeply personal story behind the business. Originally a chartered accountant, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 29 and told to expect pain management, medication and major lifestyle limitations in the future. Refusing to accept that prognosis without exploring what else was possible, she began researching what she could control and eventually got herself into remission, which completely changed the course of her life. That journey led her to discover health coaching, retrain while still working in accountancy, and begin helping people in her spare time before the business became too busy to stay as a side hustle. She talks honestly about the loneliness of leaving a team environment, the steep learning curve of running a business and the support she found through joining a young entrepreneurs’ networking group. This is an inspiring conversation about health, reinvention, ambition and building a business that fits the life you want. In this episode, we cover:How Jasmin helps women improve gut health and wellbeing through five key pillarsWhy she takes a holistic approach rather than focusing on just one symptomHer rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis at 29 and why she refused to accept the prognosis as the full storyGetting herself into remission and how that changed her lifeRetraining from chartered accountant to health coachStarting the business as a side hustle before leaving employmentThe loneliness of solo business ownership and the importance of finding your peopleSkills Jasmin had to learn quickly as a founder, from content to sales to switching between rolesThe importance of realistic expectations, long-term thinking and not measuring yourself only against the gapBuilding a business that gives her location freedom and supports a more intentional lifeHer advice to other women starting a business: be ambitious, but do not underestimate the time and energy it takesHer long-term goal to make an impact on one million people through her work

    34 min
  6. From Chef to MD | Lucy McNicoll of Exec Space

    MAR 27

    From Chef to MD | Lucy McNicoll of Exec Space

    In this episode of Scale HER Up, I’m joined by Lucy McNicoll, Managing Director of Exec Space Limited, a venue-finding agency that helps organisations book meetings, events, group accommodation and hospitality across the UK and beyond. Lucy shares how the business takes the time, hassle and risk out of event booking for clients who need expert support but do not organise events every day. We talk about what makes a successful event, from understanding the brief and the budget to negotiating the right venue terms, flow, food, AV and delegate experience. Lucy explains why venue finding is about much more than choosing a room, and how experience can save clients money, time and stress. Lucy also shares her own career journey, from training as a chef in London to building a long career in hospitality sales, operations and commercial leadership before stepping into the Managing Director role at Exec Space. She is honest about imposter syndrome, learning to understand the financial side of a smaller business, and the importance of collaboration, self-awareness and having the right people around you. This is a great conversation about hospitality, leadership, growth and what it really takes to build a business that solves problems brilliantly for clients. In this episode, we cover:What Exec Space does and how venue-finding support worksThe hidden pitfalls clients often miss when booking meetings and eventsWhy understanding the real objective of an event mattersTrends in hospitality, including sustainability and neurodiversityLucy’s path from chef to hospitality leader to Managing DirectorWhat she has learned about responsibility, finance and growth in a smaller businessThe value of collaboration, trust and support around a leaderAdvice for women considering bigger roles or more senior leadership

    39 min
  7. From Maternity Leave to Market Leader | Rosie Fraser of Rosie Fraser Real Estate

    MAR 25

    From Maternity Leave to Market Leader | Rosie Fraser of Rosie Fraser Real Estate

    In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Rosie Fraser, founder of Rosie Fraser Real Estate, an estate agency, lettings and property management business based in Dundee. What started just over four years ago as a one-woman business launched during maternity leave has grown into the largest estate agency in the city, with a team of 13 and a record month of selling 76 properties. Rosie shares how low expectations at the start quickly gave way to rapid word-of-mouth growth. She believes a huge part of that success came from bringing genuinely great service into an industry where, too often, people felt they had to accept poor communication and a lack of care. For Rosie, business is about people first: making clients feel supported, informed and looked after during one of the most emotional and stressful periods of their lives. We talk honestly about what happens when a business grows faster than the founder can comfortably manage. Rosie admits that people management was the part she found hardest. As a perfectionist who cared deeply about the business, she struggled to balance high standards with being the kind of leader she wanted to be. Eventually, after a difficult period, she accepted that this was not her natural strength and hired a manager to take on that side of the business, allowing Rosie to focus on the areas where she adds most value. A huge part of this conversation is Rosie’s experience of being diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphomawhile running the business. She speaks powerfully about working through chemotherapy, stepping back out of necessity, and how that difficult period ultimately forced her to let go of control and build a business that could function without her doing everything. Although the business took a short-term hit, that experience changed the way she thinks about leadership, delegation and growth. Rosie also reflects on criticism, mistakes and resilience. She cares deeply about service, so poor feedback hurts, but she has learned to separate unfair criticism from genuine lessons. When the business makes a mistake, she believes in owning it, apologising and putting it right. That honesty, she says, is one of the reasons clients stay loyal. Beyond property, Rosie talks about entrepreneurship more broadly. She shares lessons from a previous children’s boutique that did not work out, why she no longer sees failure as something to be ashamed of, and how she now thinks much more strategically about what kinds of businesses are scalable, sustainable and rewarding. She also reveals her dream of eventually using her experience to work with girls in schools who are struggling academically, helping them see that school is not the only route to success and that some of the traits that get them into trouble in the classroom could make them exceptional entrepreneurs. This is an emotional, honest and inspiring conversation about service, resilience, leadership and building a business against the odds. It is also a reminder that success does not have to start with a polished plan. Sometimes it begins with simply giving it a go. In this episode, we cover: How Rosie launched her estate agency during maternity leave with no huge expectationsGrowing from one person to a team of 13 in just over four yearsBecoming the largest estate agency in Dundee through service and word of mouthWhy great service matters so much in the property industryThe emotional reality of helping people through moves, separations and major life changesThe challenges of people management and recognising when to hire supportWhy founders should focus on what they are good at and delegate the restRosie’s diagnosis of stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma and working through chemotherapy while running the businessHow illness forced her to step back and build a business that could operate without herHandling criticism, mistakes and public feedback as a service-led founderLessons learned from a previous children’s clothing boutique that did not scaleWhy failure is not something to be ashamed of if it leads to better decisions laterRosie’s wider entrepreneurial ambitions, including property development and opening a care homeHer passion for helping young girls see alternative routes to success beyond schoolThe importance of asking for help, asking “stupid” questions and learning from people ahead of youHer advice to other women: do not be afraid to try, to fail or to start again

    35 min
  8. Art, Interiors and Slow Growth | Iona Crawford of Iona Crawford Atelier

    MAR 23

    Art, Interiors and Slow Growth | Iona Crawford of Iona Crawford Atelier

    In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Iona Crawford, founder of Iona Crawford Atelier, a Glasgow-based multidisciplinary design studio that began as a luxury womenswear brand and has evolved into a rich, design-led business spanning fashion, textiles, interiors and art. Nearly 19 years after launching straight out of art school, Iona is still driven by the same core passion: painting, storytelling and expressing ideas through beautiful design. Iona shares how the business first grew from luxury fashion into printed garments and accessories, with collections sold in Japan, Europe and the US. Over time, as her artwork was printed onto heavier fabrics and collectors became interested in seeing her pieces interpreted in new forms, interiors became a natural next step. That shift opened up a whole new world of creative possibility, allowing her to translate her painted narratives into fabric, upholstery and interior spaces that influence how people feel, live and connect with their surroundings. A big theme in this conversation is evolution — both personal and commercial. Iona talks about launching young, hungry and full of enthusiasm, expecting success to come quickly, and how 19 years of perspective have taught her that a more gradual progression was exactly what the business needed. She reflects honestly on early mistakes, taking bad advice, being too trusting at times, and how every setback became something to learn from rather than something to regret. We also explore the power of partnership and support. Iona credits her business partner Tracy as a major force in the growth of the interiors side of the business and speaks warmly about the trust, shared decision-making and respect that underpin their relationship. She is clear that they would not be where they are now without complete trust in one another, honest discussion and the ability to use each other as a sounding board when making important decisions. There is also a fascinating conversation about international expansion, especially into the US. Iona explains how the brand was approached by multi-line showrooms in different territories and how entering America required serious investment, patience and research. Although it was a major commitment, it has become a hugely worthwhile market and one they now serve alongside the UK, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and the early stages of Asia. Iona also talks about building a small but mighty team, creating opportunities for emerging designers and working closely with art and design schools through internships and placements. Supporting the next generation matters deeply to her, especially because she remembers the people who gave her opportunities, advice and confidence when she was just starting out. Above all, this episode is about authenticity, patience and asking questions. Iona’s advice is refreshingly grounded: do your homework, ask lots of questions, be hungry to learn, do not be too desperate for immediate success, and stay true to yourself in a world that can feel noisy and demanding. It is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone building a creative business with ambition, integrity and a long-term view. In this episode, we cover: How Iona Crawford Atelier began as a luxury womenswear brand and evolved into a multidisciplinary design studio Why painting remains the creative core of the business and the source of its storytelling The move from fashion into interiors, upholstery and textile-led spaces Selling collections internationally in Japan, Europe, America and beyondEntering the US market and why expansion takes patience, investment and researchThe role of her business partner Tracy in growing the interiors side of the brand The importance of trust, shared decision-making and having a strong sounding board in business Learning from early mistakes, bad advice and setbacks rather than being defined by them Why Iona no longer chases immediate success and now values slower, more intentional growthBuilding a small but mighty team and supporting emerging designers through internships and placementsWhat it means to be a “new wave Scottish design” brand rather than a traditional tartan label Her advice to founders: do your homework, ask questions, be authentic and do not rush the journey

    38 min
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About

If you are a female business owner, self-employed freelancer, or girl boss who wants to build a successful business i.e. work less hours, make more money, and get better results from your staff, then this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Dr Brenda Hector MBA from ActionCOACH UK, this podcast provides relatable and accessible business advice and inspiration from successful businesswomen who have been there and done it before you. This podcast is where you can • hear female business stories • share business success • learn how to overcome business challenges • get advice for businesswomen aspiring to success • find out what needs to change • discover how we can bring about that business revolution Only 1 in 3 UK entrepreneurs are female. UK men are 5 times more likely than women to build a business of over £1million turnover If UK women matched UK men in starting and scaling businesses, it would add £250 billion to the UK economy (Alison Rose, The Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship 2018) As a woman in business, a business coach, and a business growth expert, Brenda’s mission is to help business owners grow their companies, achieve their goals and live the lifestyle of their dreams. She's the help you need to grow your business.

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