Virgin StartUp Changemakers

Virgin StartUp
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The Virgin StartUp Changemaker Podcast brings you honest, inspiring conversations with the founders behind some of the most exciting businesses and brands in the world today. Recorded live at our Changemaker events, each episode dives into the real stories behind the headlines - the bold decisions, the tough moments, the lessons learned and the impact created along the way. From early ideas to game-changing growth, these are the people using business as a force for good. Expect practical insights and refreshing candour. If you’re building something of your own, or thinking about it, this is your front-row seat to the conversations that matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Changemakers: Connie Nam

    08/13/2025

    Changemakers: Connie Nam

    This week's interview is with Connie Nam, Founder and CEO of jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu. Connie was inspired by childhood memories to create something different in the stale high street jewellery space. She's since built an iconic brand, beloved by an ever growing community of admirers and - importantly - customers. 💐 Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events possible. Recorded at: Virgin StartUp Changemakers, Virgin HQ, London Hosted by Natalie Pearce. Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.   Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere. The podcast is produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  2. Changemakers: Colette Laxton

    07/30/2025

    Changemakers: Colette Laxton

    In this episode of Changemakers, recorded live at Virgin HQ, Natalie Pearce sits down with Colette Laxton, co-founder of The INKEY List – the cult skincare brand on a mission to make skincare simple, affordable, and backed by science. Colette’s story is one of bold moves and big learnings. She shares how a failed pitch to ASOS taught her the power of selling the dream, how Reddit inspired The INKEY List’s entire approach, and what it really takes to scale a business at speed while staying true to your purpose. From burnout and imposter syndrome to billion-view TikToks and retail deals with Sephora, Colette doesn’t hold back. This is a masterclass in building a brand with integrity, grit and heart. Whether you’re a skincare obsessive, early-stage founder, or just someone who needs a reminder to back themselves – this one’s for you. 🎧 Subscribe now and listen wherever you get your podcasts. 💐 Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events possible. Recorded at: Virgin StartUp Changemakers, Virgin HQ, London Hosted by Natalie Pearce. Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.   Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere. The podcast is produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  3. Changemakers: Freddie Garland

    07/16/2025

    Changemakers: Freddie Garland

    In this episode of Changemakers, recorded live at Virgin HQ, Natalie Pearce sits down with Freddie Garland, founder of Freddie’s Flowers — the subscription flower service that brought fresh blooms, creativity, and colour into thousands of UK homes. Freddie’s story starts with a milk float and a dream. From door-to-door sales and DIY Excel Gantt charts, to building a beloved household brand, his journey is anything but ordinary. He shares openly about the pressures of startup life, the power of simplicity, and how he’s finally stepping into the spotlight ten years on. Whether you’re a founder, florist, or fan of floral joy, this conversation is full of lessons in resilience, creativity, and staying grounded while growing something special. 🎧 Subscribe now and listen wherever you get your podcasts. 💐 Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events possible. Recorded at: Virgin StartUp Changemakers, Virgin HQ, London Hosted by Natalie Pearce. Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.   Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere. The podcast is produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  4. Changemakers: Harriet Hastings

    07/02/2025

    Changemakers: Harriet Hastings

    Host Natalie Pearce sits down with Harriet Hastings, the innovative founder of Biscuiteers—a luxury biscuit-gifting brand that transformed the food gifting space. Harriet shares how her entrepreneurial leap came after stepping away from a successful career in publishing and PR, seeking greater control and flexibility as a mother of four. Starting Biscuiteers in her husband’s catering kitchen, Harriet spotted a gap in the market for stylish, personalised gifts and turned it into a business now icing nearly three million biscuits each year. Key insights include: The power of storytelling and organic PR in building a brand.How Harriet strategically leveraged corporate partnerships with global brands like Dior, Cartier, and Emma Bridgewater.Her experience navigating challenges in manufacturing, scaling operations, and managing multi-channel sales strategies.Advocacy for female founders through her initiative “Buy Women Built,” tackling systemic funding issues and championing women-led businesses. Hosted by Natalie Pearce. Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.   Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere. The podcast is produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  5. Changemakers: Simon Squibb

    06/17/2025

    Changemakers: Simon Squibb

    Changemakers is back - and we're kicking off this new season with a bang - or should we say a dream - welcoming star of social media and serial founder, Simon Squibb. Find out how Simon went from homeless to selling his business for millions to PWC, and why he's dedicating his time to making other founders' dreams come true. Want more of Simon? Book an exclusive spot on our AMA with Simon only on the Virgin StartUp Community. Spaces are strictly limited and open to Virign StartUp Premium members only. Once you've had your membership approved, head over to Premium events to sign up. Visit community.virginstartup.org Hosted by Natalie Pearce. Visit www.virginstartup.org to find out about how you can start-up and thrive. You can access Start Up Loan funding and free Business Advice to get your new business off the ground.   Thanks to Virgin Money for making these events free for founders everywhere. The podcast is produced by Goldfish for Virgin StartUp. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  6. Building Boldly: Grief, Grit and Growing D.LOUISE

    06/11/2025

    Building Boldly: Grief, Grit and Growing D.LOUISE

    In this inspiring episode of Founder to Founder, we sit down with Olivia Jenkins, co-founder of D.LOUISE, the sustainable, tarnish-free jewellery brand that’s redefining what it means to build a purpose-led business. After losing her mother and facing a period of uncertainty during the pandemic, Olivia poured her energy into creating something meaningful. With zero industry experience and just a gut instinct, she bootstrapped D.LOUISE into a fast-growing business rooted in bravery, simplicity, and joy. We talk about turning grief into purpose, building confidence as a first-time founder, and why sustainable growth—not overnight success—is the mindset shift more entrepreneurs need to hear. Olivia also opens up about mentorship, mental health, and how showing up authentically fuels both community and commercial growth. If you’re building a product-based brand or need a nudge of inspiration to get started, this one’s for you. FOLLOW OLIVIA LinkedIn Instagram FOLLOW VIRGIN STARTUP If you’re an early-stage founder looking for support to help you start up, join the Virgin StartUp Community to connect with other founders, mentors and advisors to support you through your journey. Community.virginstartup.org   Instagram YouTube  TikTok Linkedin Hosted by Luke Johnstone, founder of PACK’D, Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner and Startup Mentor. Luke started and scaled his disruptive food business, generating over £15M in sales delivering impactful products to more than 1 million customers.  PACK'D originally launched with support and funding from Virgin StartUp and now Luke returns to support the next generation of founders as a Virgin StartUp Mentor. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  7. The Grind Behind Grind: David Abrahamovitch on Luck, Lessons and Leadership.

    06/03/2025 · BONUS

    The Grind Behind Grind: David Abrahamovitch on Luck, Lessons and Leadership.

    This is an episode from our newly launched Founder to Founder podcast. Follow us on Spotify and Apple to get the latest episodes when they drop. In today’s episode, we’re joined by David Abrahamovitch, founder and CEO of Grind – from turning his Dad’s old phone shop into a go to coffee come cocktail destination, he’s since built a brilliant D2C brand. Today the company is a certified B Corp, they have 14 locations across London and sell millions of coffees every year through their home delivery service. We’re talking to David about what it really takes to scale a business, how mentorship has played a role in his journey, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference. FOLLOW DAVID ABRAHAMOVITCH Instagram LinkedIn FOLLOW VIRGIN STARTUP If you’re an early-stage founder looking for support to help you start up, join the Virgin StartUp Community to connect with other founders, mentors and advisors to support you through your journey. Community.virginstartup.org   Instagram YouTube  TikTok Linkedin Hosted by Luke Johnstone, founder of PACK’D, Young Entrepreneur of the Year winner and Startup Mentor. Luke started and scaled his disruptive food business, generating over £15M in sales delivering impactful products to more than 1 million customers.  PACK'D originally launched with support and funding from Virgin StartUp and now Luke returns to support the next generation of founders as a Virgin StartUp Mentor. See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  8. What I wish I knew: ADHD, Anxiety and the Founder’s Mind

    05/14/2025 · BONUS

    What I wish I knew: ADHD, Anxiety and the Founder’s Mind

    Here's a bonus episode for you, from our brand new podcast, Founder to Founder. Subscribe to the new feed to get the latest episode every 2 weeks on a Wednesday. Subscribe on Apple and Spotify now. In this powerful episode of Founder to Founder, we’re joined by Alex Partridge, founder, mental health advocate, host of the ADHD chatter podcast and co-founder of the viral media brands UNILAD and LADbible, and now Virgin StartUp Mentor. After being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 34, Alex is now a massive advocate for mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace, alongside that has authored his memoir ‘Now it all makes sense: how an ADHD diagnosis brought clarity to my life’. Alex has truly experienced the full spectrum of entrepreneurship and we’re diving into his rollercoaster journey and how his experiences have helped shape his success today.   FOLLOW ALEX PARTRIDGE  Instagram LinkedIn ADHD Chatter Instagram FOLLOW VIRGIN STARTUP If you’re an early-stage founder looking for support to help you start up, join the Virgin StartUp Community to connect with other founders, mentors and advisors to support you through your journey. Community.virginstartup.org   Instagram YouTube  TikTok Linkedin See virginstartup.org for more. We're bringing you this podcast in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking. The Jump is produced by Goldfish Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
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About

The Virgin StartUp Changemaker Podcast brings you honest, inspiring conversations with the founders behind some of the most exciting businesses and brands in the world today. Recorded live at our Changemaker events, each episode dives into the real stories behind the headlines - the bold decisions, the tough moments, the lessons learned and the impact created along the way. From early ideas to game-changing growth, these are the people using business as a force for good. Expect practical insights and refreshing candour. If you’re building something of your own, or thinking about it, this is your front-row seat to the conversations that matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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