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Business Class

Vicky Owens

Welcome to Business Class — the empowering new podcast hosted by social media strategist and entrepreneur Vicky Owens.

In this bold and inspiring series, Vicky dives into the real-life challenges and triumphs of being a young female business owner in today’s fast-paced digital world. From debunking the stereotypes about young, ambitious women to sharing game-changing business tips, Business Class is your go-to resource for authentic advice, social media strategies, and unfiltered conversations about entrepreneurship.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a content creator, or just love a good mix of motivation, humor, and insight, this podcast delivers the tools and real talk you need to level up.

Hit follow and get ready for weekly episodes filled with actionable tips, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes social media secrets that will help you grow your brand and your mindset.

If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to leave a 5 star review!

Produced by TAEPodcast - www.taepodcast.co.uk

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S1 · E87
Yesterday · 45 min
I'M PREGNANT!! My TTC journey, loss and my experience
In this episode of Business Class, I’m sharing some of the most personal news of my life… I’m pregnant! If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind a pregnancy announcement, this episode is for you. I’m opening up about my journey to becoming a mum, from trying to conceive and experiencing pregnancy loss to finally getting that positive test and navigating a first trimester that was far from what I expected. I’ve always wanted to be a mum, but getting pregnant wasn’t as straightforward as I imagined. I’m talking honestly about the heartbreak of negative tests, the grief of losing our first pregnancy, and the anxiety that came with finding out I was pregnant again. I’m also getting into the realities of pregnancy that people don’t always talk about, including debilitating nausea and sickness, food aversions, medical anxiety, pregnancy scans after loss, and the guilt that can come with not enjoying a pregnancy you’ve wanted for so long. And, of course, there’s the exciting news that we’re having a BOY! 💙 As a business owner, I’m also sharing how pregnancy has affected my work, the pressure of trying to keep everything running while feeling so unwell, and how I’m preparing my business for motherhood. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m figuring it out as I go. This episode is for anyone trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy after loss, currently pregnant, thinking about having children one day, or simply curious about the realities of pregnancy beyond the announcement photos. My hope is that by being open about the highs, lows and unexpected emotions, we can make conversations around pregnancy feel a little less isolating. In this episode: My journey to becoming a mum and deciding when the time was right Trying to conceive and dealing with negative pregnancy tests Experiencing pregnancy loss and navigating the heartbreak Getting a positive pregnancy test after loss First-trimester sickness, nausea and food aversions Pregnancy anxiety, scans and fear of childbirth Why pregnancy medication made such a difference to me Finding out we’re having a baby boy How pregnancy has affected my business and work life Preparing for motherhood when you’re self-employed Why every pregnancy journey is different This is a very personal episode, and it includes discussion of pregnancy loss, fertility struggles, sickness and medical anxiety. Please take care of yourself while listening if any of these topics feel difficult. Thank you for all the love and kind messages since sharing my news. 🤍 Welcome aboard to Business Class. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating, subscribe and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Follow Business Class for more honest conversations about business, life, success and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E86
October 5 · 1 hr 9 min
I built a £100 million brand : Colette Laxton, The INKEY List
What does it really take to build a global business? This week on Business Class, Vicky is joined by Colette Laxton, co-founder of The INKEY List, for one of the most honest conversations yet about what happens behind the scenes of building a huge business. Colette shares how The INKEY List went from an idea between two people to a global skincare brand, launching in 2018 and rapidly expanding into retailers including Sephora, Boots and Cult Beauty. But this isn't a polished founder success story. Colette opens up about the realities of scaling incredibly quickly, cash-flow problems, having to raise investment, the pressure of running a business across multiple countries and the decisions that nearly overwhelmed the company. She also talks candidly about COVID, when The INKEY List had hundreds of thousands of pounds tied up in Sephora stores just as they closed globally and how the company went from fearing it might not survive to tripling its growth during lockdown. The conversation then gets into the realities of leading a 100+ person team, making difficult decisions about employees, company culture, people-pleasing, being underestimated as a woman in business and learning to trust your own judgement. Colette also shares her experience of burnout, the pressure of constant growth and how her definition of success has completely changed. Instead of chasing bigger and bigger numbers, she now talks about sustainable growth, balance and actually enjoying the business she has built. If you're a founder, entrepreneur or business owner who has ever wondered whether everyone else has it more together than you do, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: • How The INKEY List was created • Turning a clear business “why” into a global brand • Going from idea to launch in just 18 weeks • The reality of scaling too quickly • Cash flow and the hidden costs of rapid growth • What COVID really looked like behind the scenes • How The INKEY List survived and then grew during lockdown • Building and managing a 100+ person team • Leadership mistakes and lessons • Company culture and understanding what employees actually value • Being a woman in business and feeling underestimated • Imposter syndrome and learning to trust yourself • Burnout and the pressure of constant growth • Redefining what success means • Why sustainable growth matters more than endless growth This episode is kindly sponsored by Omnisend. Omnisend is an email marketing platform used by Vicky in her own business. If you've outgrown your current email marketing tools but the thought of migrating feels overwhelming, Omnisend handles the migration for you. Use code VICKY for 30% off your first three months. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E85
September 28 · 43 min
How to lock the F*CK in for 2026
How do you actually get your business back on track when you’ve lost a bit of momentum? In this episode of Business Class, Vicky is getting brutally honest about how to lock the fuck in for the rest of 2026 and taking you through the exact business reset she’s using to get herself, her team and her business focused again. From setting SMART goals and auditing your business to reviewing your finances, productivity, sales, ideal customer profile and personal life, this episode is essentially a full end-of-year business audit you can do alongside her. Vicky shares the questions she asks herself (and her team) to work out what’s going well, what isn’t, what’s been put off and what needs to change, plus plenty of honest admissions about her own productivity, finances, competitors, sales process and business blind spots. Inside the episode: • How to set SMART goals for the final three months of the year • Why you keep putting things off and how to create your own leverage • How to do a bird’s-eye-view audit of your entire business • The importance of reviewing your finances, team and offers • How to create a bank of testimonials and positive customer feedback • The seven areas of life every business owner should assess • Productivity tips including time blocking, traffic-light lists and the Circle Method • How to identify your ideal customer profile (ICP) • Questions to ask about your offer, competitors, pain points and positioning • How to review your current sales systems and customer acquisition • Why your first DM or email can make or break an outreach opportunity • Using the AIDA framework for better sales and outreach • How to build a database of people you meet and potential leads • Why stepping back and auditing your business can reignite motivation Plus, Vicky talks about recovering from the intensity of preparing for her TED Talk, her recent Forbes 30 Under 30 achievement, the realities of running a growing business, and why sometimes being too comfortable can actually leave you feeling stuck. This is your sign to stop winging it, grab a notebook and spend a few hours properly looking at where your business is right now and where you want it to go next. This episode is sponsored by Omnisend. Vicky uses Omnisend for email marketing, and in this episode she talks about making the switch easier by letting Omnisend handle the migration process. Use code VICKY for 30% off your first three months. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, freelancer or ambitious professional who needs a reset before the end of the year, this one is for you. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E84
September 21 · 1 hr 5 min
How to ACTUALLY avoid burnout as a business owner : Zoe Hindle Wellness Practitioner
What happens when ambition, business and everyday stress start taking a toll on your health? In this episode of Business Class, we’re joined by Zoe Jane Hindle, functional wellness coach, practitioner, speaker and hormone educator, for a honest and practical conversation about burnout, women’s health, hormones, cortisol, fertility, gut health and nervous system regulation. Zoe shares her own journey from a demanding corporate career and severe burnout to building a business helping women better understand and support their health. We explore why so many ambitious women and business owners feel constantly exhausted, overwhelmed and stuck in survival mode, and what we can realistically do about it. We chat about: The early warning signs of burnout that business owners shouldn’t ignore How chronic stress and cortisol can affect the body Why you can feel calm mentally but still have a physical stress response Nervous system regulation and simple ways to feel more grounded Women’s hormones, PMDD, menstrual cycles and fertility Why stress can affect energy, periods, gut health and overall wellbeing Supplements, minerals, B vitamins and why they aren’t a replacement for the basics Ultra-processed food, blood sugar and making healthier choices when you’re busy Small, realistic habits that support your health without adding more pressure Why successful businesses can still come with overwhelming stress Protecting your energy, setting boundaries and avoiding “busy girl syndrome” How to stay ambitious without sacrificing your health This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re constantly running on empty, especially female business owners, founders, entrepreneurs and ambitious women trying to balance work, health and everyday life. Expect honest conversations, practical advice and plenty of reminders that you don’t have to do everything all at once. Please note: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Find Zoe @zoejanehindle Find Vicky @vickyowens Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E83
September 14 · 46 min
Everything My Mindset Coach Has Taught Me
What if the biggest thing holding you back in business isn't your business at all… but your own mind? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky shares some of the biggest lessons she's been learning through therapy and mindset training, from dealing with other people's opinions and the pressure of being perceived, to managing anxiety, people-pleasing and the stories we create in our own heads. Vicky talks about why your brain isn't always telling you the truth, how to tell the difference between anxiety and your internal alarm system, and why sometimes you have to go through fear rather than around it. She also explores the idea of becoming your own safe space, separating fact from fiction, understanding your values, and the difference between making decisions for your ego versus making decisions for your soul. It's a very honest, very Vicky episode packed with the mindset lessons and practical techniques she's been using in her own life and the things she's finding genuinely helpful as a business owner. If you're a recovering people pleaser, an over thinker, someone who struggles with anxiety, or simply someone who puts far too much pressure on themselves, this one's for you. Because ultimately, the question isn't "What does everyone else think of me?" It's "Who am I when nobody else is watching?" Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E82
September 7 · 57 min
The Cost of Success with Suzanne Cooper, Founder of Glowwa
How do you take a business from an idea to a brand stocked internationally, with thousands of customers and a growing team? This week on Business Class, Vicky sits down with Suzanne Cooper, founder of Glowwa, for an incredibly honest conversation about what really happens when your business starts to grow. Suzanne shares the journey behind building her supplement brand, from creating the idea after struggling with her own hair and skin concerns to developing a product, launching the business and scaling it far beyond those early days. But this episode isn't just about the success. They talk about the pressure that comes with growth, building and managing a bigger team, stepping outside of your comfort zone, comparing yourself to other people and navigating the parts of business that don't always look as glamorous from the outside. If you're in the middle of building something, dreaming of scaling or wondering whether success actually makes business easier, this is a refreshingly honest conversation you won't want to miss. Follow Business Class for more honest conversations with the people behind brilliant businesses. Sharing the ups, the downs and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E81
August 31 · 49 min
My Business Journey : The Good, The Bad and The UGLY
What does it actually look like to build a business from scratch? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky takes you through the real story of building her business from the very beginning starting in 2021 charging just £100 a month for social media management, to building a team, landing huge clients, going viral, growing her personal brand to 250,000+ followers and becoming a professional speaker. But this isn't a highlight reel. Vicky talks honestly about the mistakes, difficult clients, lack of boundaries, hiring and firing, burnout, business growth, money, friendship breakdowns, legal issues and the realities of managing a growing team. She shares what she learned at each stage of the journey, what she would do differently now, and why success isn't always as straightforward as it looks from the outside. If you're starting a business, growing a team, freelancing, building a personal brand or simply feeling like you're nowhere near where you "should" be yet, this one's for you. Because five years can change everything. 🎧 Listen now and follow Business Class for more honest conversations about business, money, ambition and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E80
August 24 · 1 hr
How to get what you WANT from your career : Isobelle Panton, Corporate Agony Aunt
What does it really take to build a successful career and how do you know when it's time to make a change? In this episode of Business Class, Vicky is joined by Isobelle Panton, career strategist, speaker, content creator and commercial lead at The Overlap, where she works alongside Gary Neville. Isobelle has built an incredible career across sales, commercial leadership and business, while also growing an online community of more than 200,000 people through her honest, straight-talking career advice. Vicky and Isobelle get into the realities of career progression, leadership, networking, personal branding, goal setting and finding work that actually aligns with your purpose. They also have a very honest conversation about motherhood, ambition and balancing a successful career with having a life outside of work. Isabel shares how her early experiences — from working in a shoe shop and even working as a stable hand in exchange for riding lessons — shaped the person and professional she became. She also talks about working incredibly hard early in her career, moving between industries and learning the importance of backing yourself. In this episode, Vicky and Isabel discuss: • Career progression and how to move forward in your career • Leadership and managing people • Finding your purpose at work • The importance of networking and building relationships • Personal branding and becoming known for what you do • Goal setting and ambition • Backing yourself and taking opportunities • Navigating different industries and career changes • Motherhood and career ambition • Work-life balance • The pressure to constantly achieve • Lessons from early career mistakes • Building a personal brand alongside your career • How to create opportunities for yourself If you're building your career, considering a career change, stepping into leadership, growing your personal brand or simply questioning what you actually want from work, this is an episode you'll want to listen to. 🎧 Listen to Business Class now. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E79
August 17 · 45 min
My WORST customer HORROR stories!!
What happens when your dream client turns into a nightmare? In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens dives into the anonymous client, customer and business horror stories that prove one thing: if you own a business, at some point, something will go spectacularly wrong. From difficult clients and unpaid invoices to legal disputes, employee theft, shoplifting, dodgy collaborations and some truly unbelievable customer behaviour, this episode is packed with the kind of business stories that will make you laugh, cringe and probably check your contracts twice. Vicky also shares some of her own experiences, including dealing with difficult clients, being burned by people she trusted and the importance of keeping a paper trail in business. Plus, she discusses some seriously worrying business scams, including an entrepreneur who lost over £20,000 after scammers impersonated a supplier, how AI-generated images are being used to fake damaged products, and why changing bank details should always be verified directly. In this episode: • Anonymous client and customer horror stories • How to deal with difficult clients • Business scams and supplier fraud • Losing £20,000 to a sophisticated scam • Why business owners need strong cybersecurity • Legal disputes and the importance of contracts • Keeping evidence and paper trails in business • Employee theft and broken trust • Shoplifting and protecting a retail business • AI-generated images and fake product damage claims • The problems with “collaboration” and working for free • Crazy customer complaints and unrealistic expectations • Why Google reviews can tell you more than website testimonials • Setting boundaries with clients and customers • Knowing when to slow down and say no in business And, of course, there are some stories that are so ridiculous you genuinely have to question whether they're real — including the customer who claimed she could detect dairy in coffee “by the energy” and left a one-star review because the coffee's aura was disappointing. If you're a business owner, freelancer, entrepreneur, creator or anyone who works with clients or customers, this episode will probably feel far too relatable. 🎧 Listen to Business Class for honest conversations about entrepreneurship, running a business, growing a personal brand, business mistakes, mindset, success and everything in between. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E78
August 10 · 1 hr 3 min
The UGLY side of Dragon's Den : Giselle Boxer Founder of East Healing
In this episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Giselle Boxer, founder of East Healing, the award-winning wellness brand that's become one of the UK's fastest-growing holistic businesses, selling a product every few minutes and making history on Dragon's Den by receiving six offers from the Dragons. Giselle shares the incredible story behind East Healing, how severe burnout changed the direction of her life, and why protecting your nervous system is one of the biggest competitive advantages any entrepreneur can have. You'll also hear practical techniques that business owners can implement immediately to reduce stress, improve focus, and create long-term sustainable success—without sacrificing your wellbeing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, creative or small business owner, this conversation is packed with practical advice on balancing ambition with health. In this episode we discuss: • Giselle Boxer's journey from burnout to building East Healing • What really happened behind the scenes on Dragon's Den • The importance of nervous system regulation for entrepreneurs • Simple daily wellness habits that actually work • Managing stress whilst growing a successful business • Avoiding burnout without slowing your business growth • Building a purpose-led brand • Sustainable success and entrepreneurship If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow Business Class, leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E77
August 3 · 31 min
What to do when you're having a QUIET month : My step-by-step guide
In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares exactly what to do when your business hits a quiet period and how to turn slower months into your biggest opportunities for growth. Whether you've lost clients, sales have slowed down or you're simply experiencing the natural highs and lows of running a business, Vicky reveals the practical strategies she's personally used to turn quieter months into record-breaking ones. From creating new revenue streams and improving outreach to building a stronger sales pipeline and generating quick cash flow, this episode is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, founders and business owners who want to future-proof their business. In this episode, Vicky discusses: Why every business experiences quiet periods (and why it's completely normal) How to generate cash quickly when sales slow down Building multiple revenue streams to protect your business Creating an ecosystem that makes your business more resilient Outreach strategies that win new clients Using LinkedIn and networking to generate leads The power of digital products and low-ticket offers Upselling existing clients and increasing customer lifetime value How to use email marketing to generate consistent sales Referral schemes that bring in new business Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them The mindset shifts that help founders navigate uncertainty If you're feeling anxious about a quieter season in your business, this episode is the reminder that every successful entrepreneur faces setbacks—and that sometimes your biggest breakthroughs come after your toughest months. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, social media, leadership and business growth. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E76
July 27 · 36 min
How to turn Social Media followers into paying customers : Maddie Borge, Founder of Pastael
In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Maddie Borge, founder of Pastael, the travel accessories brand that's redefining the way we travel. What started as a simple idea to solve a common travel problem has grown into a thriving e-commerce business, with Maddie building a loyal community through social media, smart branding and a relentless focus on creating products people genuinely love. In this episode, Maddie shares the reality of launching a product-based business, building a brand from scratch and turning an idea into a fast-growing company. Together, Vicky and Maddie discuss: How Maddy founded Pastael Turning an everyday problem into a successful business Building a product-based brand from scratch Growing an e-commerce business through social media Product development and bringing ideas to life The power of branding and customer experience Manufacturing, logistics and scaling a business Lessons from entrepreneurship and startup life Overcoming challenges as a founder Creating a loyal community around your brand The realities of running an online business Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Whether you're launching a product, building an e-commerce business or dreaming of becoming a founder, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice from someone who's built a brand with purpose. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E75
July 20 · 40 min
How to manage a team : everything I wish I knew at the start
In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares the honest lessons she's learned from building and managing a growing team. From hiring your very first employee to leading a larger business, Vicky opens up about the mistakes she's made, the challenges of managing people in your twenties, and the leadership lessons she wishes she'd known from day one. Managing a team isn't something anyone teaches you. Whether it's setting boundaries, building company culture, giving feedback or learning to lead with confidence, Vicky shares the real experiences behind growing a business and the people within it. In this episode, Vicky discusses: Hiring your first employee and growing a team The biggest mistakes first-time managers make Leading a business in your twenties Setting boundaries without losing approachability Building a positive company culture Managing difficult conversations with confidence Delegating effectively as a founder Why making leadership mistakes is part of the journey Creating a team that supports business growth Learning to become a better leader every day Balancing empathy with accountability Scaling your business without losing your culture Whether you're hiring your first employee, growing a startup or leading an established team, this episode is packed with practical leadership advice and honest reflections from a founder who's learning in real time. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit that helps you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and sell products, services and digital downloads, all from one platform. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership and business growth. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E74
July 13 · 1 hr 7 min
How to orchestrate your success with Delphi and David, Founder of By Teddy
In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with Delphi and David, the husband and wife founders behind By Teddy, one of the UK's fastest growing pet lifestyle brands. In just a few short years, By Teddy has grown from an idea into a nationally recognised business, securing partnerships with major retailers including John Lewis, Pets at Home, Pets Corner and Very. But behind the growth is a story of persistence, strategic networking, bold decision-making and building a brand customers genuinely love. In this episode, Delphi and David share the realities of scaling a product-based business, navigating cash flow challenges, securing retail partnerships and growing a brand in a highly competitive market. Together, Vicky, Delphi and David discuss: • How By Teddy went from startup to stocked in major retailers • Building a business with your partner • The challenges of scaling a fast-growing e-commerce brand • How to get your products into major retailers • The power of networking and relationship building • Why persistence is one of the most underrated business skills • Cash flow, inventory management and growth challenges • Leveraging TikTok Shop and social media for business growth • Brand collaborations and creating standout marketing moments • Building a premium brand in a crowded market • Lessons learned from rapid business growth • Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and founders Whether you're launching a product-based business, building an e-commerce brand or looking to scale your company, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable advice from two founders who are doing exactly that. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business online. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E73
July 6 · 39 min
Answering your BURNING social media questions
In this week's solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens answers your biggest questions about building a personal brand, growing on social media and turning your online presence into real business opportunities. From whether founders should show up on camera, to balancing entertaining content with credibility, avoiding burnout and building an audience that actually converts into customers, Vicky shares the honest advice she gives clients every day. If you're an entrepreneur, founder, creator or business owner looking to grow your personal brand in 2026, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. In this episode, Vicky discusses: • Whether every founder needs a personal brand • Founder-led content vs faceless business content • Building trust and authority on social media • How to grow without chasing every trend • Why respect is more valuable than viral views • Creating content that attracts customers, not just followers • Managing social media burnout • Building a sustainable content strategy • Outsourcing your marketing effectively • Balancing business growth with your personal life • The mindset required to build a successful personal brand Whether you're just starting your business or looking to take your content strategy to the next level, this episode will help you build a brand that creates long-term opportunities, not just short-term attention. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, marketing, social media and business growth. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E72
June 29 · 32 min
How to cut through the noise with Stefanie Sword Williams
In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with entrepreneur, author and founder of the global movement F*ck Being Humble, Stefanie Sword Williams. Known for helping people build confidence, advocate for themselves and stop playing small, Stefanie has spent the last eight years challenging the way we think about self-promotion, personal branding and career growth. In this powerful conversation, she shares what it really takes to build a movement that lasts, stand out in a crowded market and create meaningful impact through your work. Together, Vicky and Stephanie discuss: • How to build a personal brand people remember • Why most businesses focus on trends instead of solving real problems • Creating a movement instead of just creating content • The power of bold messaging and strong positioning • Confidence, self-promotion and overcoming self-doubt • Dealing with criticism and fear of judgement online • Why authenticity matters more than ever • The difference between vulnerability and oversharing • Building a brand with purpose and longevity • How to stop gatekeeping your brilliance • Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them • The mindset shifts that help founders grow Stefanie also shares her personal journey, the challenges she's faced behind the scenes, and the lessons she's learned from building one of the UK's most recognisable personal development brands. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, founder or professional looking to build confidence and visibility, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful insights. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your business online. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E71
June 22 · 45 min
How to get OPPORTUNITIES from your personal brand
In this solo episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens shares her complete blueprint for building a successful personal brand in 2026. After growing an audience of over 250,000 followers, building a thriving marketing agency, launching a podcast, securing major brand partnerships and creating multiple income streams, Vicky breaks down exactly what she's learned about personal branding, networking, visibility and creating opportunities that can transform your career. This isn't just about growing followers on social media. It's about building a personal brand that opens doors, creates opportunities and helps you build a business beyond the algorithm. In this episode, Vicky discusses: • The biggest opportunities that have come from building a personal brand • Why followers open doors in business • How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them • Building authority and trust online • Networking strategies that actually work • Growing your personal brand beyond social media • Creating multiple income streams from your expertise • The power of podcasting and long-form content • Building meaningful relationships and industry connections • Working with brands authentically • How to monetise your audience without losing trust • The mistakes Vicky has made building her personal brand Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, freelancer, consultant or aspiring founder, this episode is packed with practical advice on building visibility, credibility and influence in today's digital world. 🎉 This episode is sponsored by Plannerly Plannerly is the all-in-one creator toolkit designed to help you plan content, schedule posts, manage your social media workflow and grow your online business. 👉 Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations and solo episodes covering entrepreneurship, social media, personal branding and business growth. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E70
June 15 · 27 min
Mia McGrath : The blueprint to building a SUCCESSFUL personal brand
In this week's episode of Business Class, Vicky Owens sits down with creator, investor and personal finance educator Mia McGrath live from SXSW for an honest conversation about building a personal brand in the modern creator economy. After growing her audience to nearly one million followers in under a year, Mia shares the reality behind rapid growth, content creation, personal branding, social media strategy and turning a passion project into a full-time business. Together, Vicky and Mia discuss: • How Mia grew her audience from zero to almost one million followers • The content strategy behind consistent growth • Finding your niche in a crowded market • Building a personal brand people actually remember • Handling criticism, scrutiny and online hate • Balancing authenticity with privacy online • Creator burnout, social media breaks and staying creative • Working with brands and monetising content effectively • Why storytelling matters more than information alone • Outsourcing, scaling and running a creator-led business Whether you're a founder, creator, freelancer or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights on growing an audience, building authority and creating content that converts. Subscribe to Business Class with Vicky Owens for weekly conversations with founders, creators and business leaders sharing the lessons behind their success. This episode of Business Class is sponsored by Plannerly, the all-in-one social media planning and content management platform trusted by creators and business owners. If you're looking to stay consistent on social media, organise your content calendar and grow your online presence, use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Plannerly plan. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E69
June 8 · 53 min
My employee is CHALLENGING me in front of the team - Answering your business dilemmas
This week on Business Class, Vicky Owens tackles real business dilemmas submitted by listeners and shares honest advice on everything from difficult clients and influencer marketing disasters to team management, leadership, founder wellbeing, and personal branding. Fresh from hosting her first Business Class Founders Dinner, Vicky opens up about the realities of running a business, managing stress, regulating your nervous system, and why success doesn't always feel as glamorous as it looks online. In this episode: • Handling difficult clients and setting better boundaries • Managing employees and navigating team dynamics • Asking for a pay rise and knowing your worth • Influencer marketing mistakes and expensive business lessons • What to do when a campaign goes viral for the wrong reasons • Founder burnout, anxiety, and decision fatigue • Growing a personal brand that creates opportunities • Leadership lessons every business owner needs to hear Whether you're running a startup, scaling a business, building a personal brand, or simply trying to survive the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and real-world business insights. So take your seat, strap in, and welcome aboard Business Class. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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S1 · E68
June 1 · 1 hr 1 min
How to change your LIFE with TikTok Shop : Matthew Bellingham, Kanzen Skincare
Welcome aboard to Business Class — the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators and ambitious minds building success from the ground up, hosted by Vicky Owens. This honest and inspiring business podcast dives into the highs, lows and everything in between when it comes to running a business, building a brand and chasing big goals. In this incredibly value-packed episode, Vicky sits down with entrepreneur and TikTok expert Matthew Bellingham for his very first podcast interview — and trust us, you’ll want your notes app open for this one. At just 20 years old, Matthew has already built and scaled multiple successful businesses. From growing up in the care system and launching a TikTok agency at only 16 years old, to building a million-pound valuation business before burnout forced him to reassess everything, his story is nothing short of inspiring. Matthew now helps lead Kansan Skincare, a fast-growing beauty brand stocked in Boots, Holland & Barrett and LOOKFANTASTIC, while also becoming one of the leading voices in TikTok Shop strategy and social commerce. In this episode, Vicky and Matthew discuss: Building a successful business at a young age Growing up in the care system and overcoming adversity The reality of burnout, stress and entrepreneurship Building and managing a team How TikTok Shop really works behind the scenes TikTok marketing strategies for brands in 2026 Affiliate marketing and going viral on TikTok Business mindset, confidence and imposter syndrome Scaling brands through social media and live selling Why authenticity wins in content creation This episode is packed with actionable business advice, social media marketing insights, entrepreneurship lessons and honest conversations about what it really takes to build a successful brand online. Sponsored by Planoly ✈️ Planoly is the ultimate creator toolkit for planning, scheduling and growing your social media with ease. From content scheduling and link-in-bio tools to built-in storefronts and digital product selling, it helps creators and business owners stay consistent without juggling multiple platforms. Use code VICKY10 for 10% off your Planoly plan. If you enjoyed this episode of Business Class, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or business bestie. Send us Fan Mail Produced by TAEPodcast www.taepodcast.co.uk
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