Strings To Your Bow

Chloe Weatherhead, Andiamo Business Assistance
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  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Strings to Your Bow — the podcast that celebrates the real stories, unexpected turns, and unique skills that shape self-employed life. I’m your host, Chloe Weatherhead — virtual assistant, support expert, and founder of Andiamo Business Assistance, where I provide tailored small business support to freelancers, founders, and the self-employed. Each week, I sit down with inspiring guests to explore the personal experiences and professional lessons that have added ‘strings to their bow’ — those transferable skills, passions, or turning points that have fuelled their journey. Whether it’s about launching a business, pivoting careers, or finding purpose through challenge, this podcast is about honest conversations, useful insights, and celebrating the power of lived experience. If you're self-employed, thinking of making the leap, or simply love hearing how people turn their stories into strengths, you're in the right place. No jargon, no fluff — just support, connection, and inspiration, one conversation at a time.

  1. 2d ago

    Lynda Merryweather: Be Yourself, Be Kind, Keep It Simple

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Lynda Merryweather to explore the experiences that shaped her approach to business, leadership and life. From working on a horse yard to leading teams in global travel, Lynda shares how problem-solving, curiosity and a genuine interest in people have been the foundations of her career. She talks about the power of asking questions, the importance of authenticity in a world driven by AI, and why kindness and values should never be compromised, even in business. Lynda is candid about the pressure founders feel to throw money at growth, and why building a realistic plan around the time, resource and finance you actually have will get you further. She also talks about the value of simply putting your hand up and asking for help, something she says is one of the most underused tools in business. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about growth, reflection and doing things your way. In This Episode ●       Lynda's career path, from working on a horse yard to 16 years at Thomas Cook to founding Two Crows ●       How Lynda's dad influenced her view of business ●       Why curiosity and asking questions drive success ●       Lessons from working with horses, and real-life problem solving on a tight budget ●       Why throwing money at problems doesn't actually fix them ●       The importance of asking for help, and why so many people are afraid to ●       Authenticity, empathy and being yourself in business ●       Why kindness is an undervalued leadership skill ●       Generational shifts in workplace culture, and challenging the status quo ●       Practical advice for entrepreneurs navigating growth Key Takeaways ●       You don't need to follow someone else's blueprint. Stay true to your values, focus on what matters, and build your business in a way that works for you. ●       Solve problems with the resources you actually have, rather than assuming more money automatically fixes things. ●       Asking for help isn't a weakness, it's one of the fastest ways to move forward. ●       Authenticity and empathy are what set you apart in a world where AI can increasingly do the rest. ●       Kindness is an undervalued leadership skill. You can be successful without needing to bulldoze people. ●       Understanding the "why" behind a decision matters more than following convention for its own sake. ●       Not everyone will like you, and that's fine. Trust your gut about who, and what, feels right. Memorable Quotes “I don't see problems, I see challenges, and I get a real buzz from overcoming them.” “You learn very quickly to fix the problem with the resource you've got.” “There's so much pressure on founders and business owners to throw money at growth. Let's be realistic about the time, resource and finance you actually have available, and build an actionable plan around that.” “I'm a great believer in putting my hand up and saying, I need some help with this.” “In a world of AI, authenticity and empathy are what separate us from the machines.” “I know who I am, I know what I'm good at, I know where I add value.” “Be honest, be kind, and keep it simple.” “I've never wanted to do something just because that's the way it's always been done.” “Barriers are there so that you can find a way around them, over them, or blast a hole through the middle.” “Not everyone is going to like you or want to work with you, and that is okay.” “If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut. It probably isn't.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find it valuable. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  2. Sep 4

    Gareth James: Useful, Not Perfect: Video Confidence, Change and Showing Up'

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe sits down with Gareth James of Clockwork Eye Video, a video marketing trainer and producer, to talk about an unconventional career path, and a deeply personal project that grew out of it. Gareth's route into video ran through the army, where he trained as an armourer, an unplanned turn into amateur dramatics, and extras work on television, before he and business partner Mick built a video production company from scratch, and later the Video Creators Club, teaching small businesses to make their own confident, authentic video content. Gareth talks candidly about why he's never shied away from change, from the arrival of the smartphone to AI, and why he believes "the only perfect video is a finished one." But the heart of this conversation is the Memorial Map, a project Gareth started after losing his father-in-law and mother, and watching his father move into care. Prompted by his sister's comment that nobody would know who their grandparents were, Gareth built a public map where anyone can add a lasting tribute to someone they've lost. It's a genuinely moving, funny and practical conversation about embracing change, being useful, and making sure the people who mattered to us aren't forgotten. In This Episode ●       Gareth's unconventional path: from army armourer to IT to amateur dramatics to video production ●       Founding Clockwork Eye Video and later the Video Creators Club ●       Why "be useful" is Gareth's guiding rule for any content he makes ●       Embracing change rather than resisting it, from smartphones to AI ●       Why perfection is the enemy of authentic video content ●       "Famous people syndrome" and why video builds trust before you've even met someone ●       Why he ignores negative comments online rather than engaging with them ●       His forthcoming children's book about the life story of a water molecule ●       The personal loss that inspired the Memorial Map project ●       How a members' map for a networking group grew into something much bigger ●       Balancing a meaningful project against the risk of abuse or liability ●       Why being remembered matters, and how the map lets ordinary families do that Key Takeaways ●       Embracing change, rather than resisting it, is what's kept Gareth's business relevant through 15 years of shifting technology. ●       Perfection isn't the goal in video. Usefulness and authenticity build more trust than polish ever will. ●       Ignore the people who only want to argue online. Engaging with them rarely leads anywhere useful. ●       Grief and loss can become the starting point for something genuinely useful to other people, not just something to carry alone. ●       Meaningful projects still need proper structure and safeguards, even when they're born from something personal rather than commercial. ●       Consistency beats intensity. A weekly video that takes forty minutes to record has quietly built a loyal audience over time. ●       Your life experience, including the hardest parts, can become the thing that makes your work distinctive. Memorable Quotes “There’s no point looking backwards. We’re not going that way.” “Be useful. Whatever you create, be useful.” “The only perfect video is a finished one.” “It's actually a camera with a phone attached, not a phone with a camera.” “I've never been one to shy away from change.” “I'm not doing that any more, I'm doing this instead.” “Video is the start of a conversation.” “There's three types of people on the internet: people who'll agree with you, people who'll disagree with you, and the ones you just ignore.” “You're not truly dead until your name's forgotten.” “It's a shame really, because nobody will know who these people were.” “She won't be forgotten, and that's what the whole project is about.” Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would find it valuable. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  3. Jul 24

    Faye Kenny-Broom Creating Memories That Last: Photography, Pets, and Purpose

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe chats with photographer Faye Kenny-Broom about creativity, courage, and building a business around the moments that matter most. Faye shares how her early love of storytelling and imagery led her into photography, why she stepped away from a successful corporate career, and how a deeply personal experience inspired her to create A Northern Heart — a photography business dedicated to capturing the bond between people and their beloved pets. From photographing families to creating fine-art portraits of dogs and horses in the Yorkshire countryside, Faye’s work focuses on preserving memories and turning them into meaningful artwork for people’s homes. This conversation explores creativity, resilience, and the lessons learned from building a business rooted in kindness, authenticity, and purpose.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode How creativity and curiosity in childhood shaped Faye’s careerThe moment she left the corporate world to pursue photography full-timeThe inspiration behind A Northern Heart and photographing petsWhy capturing memories through photography matters more than everLessons from self-employment: resilience, boundaries, and trusting yourselfThe importance of investing in personal and professional growthWhy kindness and connection are at the heart of meaningful businesses  Key Takeaway Faye reminds us that success in business isn’t always about scale or status — sometimes it’s about creating something meaningful that helps people hold on to the moments and relationships they love most. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  4. Jul 10

    Jay Dickinson Human Skills in a Tech World: Marketing, Empathy, and AI

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, Chloe chats with Jay Dickinson, a marketing strategist with extensive experience on both client and agency sides, and now founder of Ginger Fury. Jay shares how sociology shaped her understanding of people, why she started her own business, and the human skills that are becoming more valuable in a tech-driven world. Key topics include: Bridging the gap between big marketing ideas and day-to-day execution.Why verbal communication, listening, and empathy are undervalued skills that AI can’t replace.How personal and professional experiences shape business decisions and leadership style.Strategies for managing work-life balance while running a business and raising young children.The legacy Jay hopes to leave: blending technology with a human-centered approach.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  5. Jun 26

    James Longbottom Choosing the Right Shiny Things: Focus in Business & Tech

    Feeling overwhelmed by new tech trends? In this episode, James Longbottom shares how to focus on the “shiny things” that actually matter for your business. From AI and automation to building trust with clients, James reveals practical ways to save time, work smarter, and make better decisions. Learn how to: Spot which opportunities are worth pursuing—and which to ignore.Start small, prove concepts, and build long-term trust.Translate complex tech into solutions that really work for your business.Stay adaptable in a fast-changing business world.Packed with real-world insights and actionable advice, this episode will give you tools to focus, innovate, and grow without chasing every shiny trend. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  6. Jun 12

    Rosina Horn "Reconnecting Through Story: How Creativity, Courage and Community Shape Purpose"

    In this inspiring episode, Chloe sits down with Ros, the founder of Reconnected, a new online magazine built to share uplifting stories and rebuild community connection in Leeds and Bradford. Ros opens up about the life challenges that shaped her—navigating divorce, new motherhood, moving back home, and rediscovering her creative identity during lockdown. What started as a simple community resource eventually blossomed into a beautifully designed magazine with a mission: to help people reconnect with themselves and others. This conversation is rich with honesty, courage and the reminder that creativity, community and authenticity matter more than ever. What We Cover ✨ How lockdown pushed Ros to rediscover her creative roots  ✨ The story behind Reconnected and its evolution from a smaller magazine ✨ Imposter syndrome, rebuilding confidence, and starting a business later in life ✨ Growing up around self-sufficient, entrepreneurial family influences ✨ The values driving Ros today: wellbeing, security, family and connection ✨ Why authenticity is essential—especially for small businesses ✨ The legacy Ros hopes to leave for her son and her community Key Quotes “Creativity is when I feel most like myself.” – Ros “You can’t build something lasting unless you’re honest.” – Ros “My wellbeing has to come first so I can show up fully for my son.” – Ros About This Week’s Guest – Ros Ros is the founder of Reconnected, an online magazine designed to bring people together through positive local stories and honest community connection. With a background in hospitality and a degree in graphics and illustration, Ros blends creativity with real-world experience to create something deeply meaningful for readers. She lives in Baildon with her son, Arlo. Follow Reconnected: Instagram: @reconnected_magazine  If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  7. May 29

    Gavin Ingham From the Met to Mindset: How Change and Choice Shape Success

    In this inspiring episode, Chloe chats with Gavin Ingham, a business owner, motivational speaker, and financial adviser with an extraordinary story. From his early career in the Metropolitan Police to becoming an international motivational speaker and now a successful financial adviser, Gavin shares how embracing change and staying true to your values can shape both personal and professional success. He reflects on pivotal moments that reshaped his outlook — including losing his father, surviving the uncertainty of 9/11, and redefining success during the pandemic. Gavin’s journey shows how mindset, adaptability, and self-belief can turn life’s detours into defining opportunities. 💡 Key Themes & Takeaways Embracing Change: Why every career shift can build transferable skills and new perspectives.Mindset Matters: How personal development, NLP, and belief systems drive long-term success.Authenticity & Values: The importance of aligning success with your true priorities — not just financial gain.Action Over Intention: “It’s not who you are underneath. It’s what you do that defines you.”Balance & Family: How to measure success by the quality of your relationships, not just your results.Practical Wisdom: Prioritisation and focus — learning to identify “the one thing” that makes everything else easier or unnecessary.🌟 About the Guest Gavin Ingham has spent over 25 years helping people unlock their potential — first as an international motivational speaker, and now as a financial adviser helping clients align their finances with their life goals. His passion lies in empowering individuals and businesses to live and work in alignment with their values. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

  8. May 15

    Frances Day - Your Self Worth is Your Self Worth

    In this episode of Strings to Your Bow, host Chloe Weatherhead talks to Frances Day, founder of Wise Women and author of Dive in Deep to Climb High. Frances shares her journey from running a marketing agency to blending spirituality, energy work, and business coaching. She explains how writing her book transformed her life and work, how intuition plays a central role in her business, and why women should reconnect with their feminine power to lead with joy and authenticity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Frances’ book Dive in Deep to Climb High became the catalyst for her spiritual and professional transformation.The importance of blending intuition with action in business.Why following joy and authenticity leads to long-term success.The role of the “five brains” (head, heart, gut, and two etheric ones) in decision-making.How Frances created Feminine Roar to help women in business connect with their gifts and medicine.Memorable Quotes: “When you’re in flow, opportunities and support appear.” – Frances Day“If faced with two paths, choose the one that feels good—joy raises your vibration and attracts the right clients.” – Frances Day“Being authentic builds trust, and it attracts the people you truly want to work with.” – Frances DayResources & Links: Frances Day’s book: Dive in Deep to Climb HighFrances’ initiative: Feminine RoarConnect with Frances: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesdayceo/, https://www.instagram.com/francesdaycoach/If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share Strings to Your Bow with anyone who might find it helpful!  Thanks for tuning in—I’ll see you next time for another inspiring conversation. Until then, keep discovering your strengths and adding new strings to your bow!  Follow me on Facebook Connect with me on LinkedIn Say 'hi' on Instagram Find out more about Andiamo Business Assistance

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About

Welcome to Strings to Your Bow — the podcast that celebrates the real stories, unexpected turns, and unique skills that shape self-employed life. I’m your host, Chloe Weatherhead — virtual assistant, support expert, and founder of Andiamo Business Assistance, where I provide tailored small business support to freelancers, founders, and the self-employed. Each week, I sit down with inspiring guests to explore the personal experiences and professional lessons that have added ‘strings to their bow’ — those transferable skills, passions, or turning points that have fuelled their journey. Whether it’s about launching a business, pivoting careers, or finding purpose through challenge, this podcast is about honest conversations, useful insights, and celebrating the power of lived experience. If you're self-employed, thinking of making the leap, or simply love hearing how people turn their stories into strengths, you're in the right place. No jargon, no fluff — just support, connection, and inspiration, one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Chloe Weatherhead, Andiamo Business Assistance
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Strings To Your Bow
  • Show Website
    Strings To Your Bow

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