Our latest episode features an interview with Natalie Snee, co-founder of Daedalus, a creative advertising agency. They work with ambitious business owners to advertise, strategise, and promote their business to the right customers.

Natalie has achieved the fine balance of starting a business with her partner Jack, while also caring for her sick young child. We hear about how she juggles the priorities between business and family, and the boundaries she has introduced, given she works from home.

As always, we talked awards, something Natalie has not always been an advocate of. However, she was taken with the approach of the Best Businesswomen Awards. Therefore, she applied, and, as a result, has been shortlisted for Best Businesswoman in Marketing & PR 2025. She went on to explain what has deterred her from entering awards previously, and why she dislikes voting to select a winner.

Given her business is founded on branding and marketing, we discuss the rise of AI and the impact it is having. Nevertheless, Natalie is not afraid of it, in fact her business uses AI every day. Furthermore, she is confident that AI cannot replace human creativity and that it should be used as a tool just like any other.

As a branding expert, Natalie explains why using a professional to hone your brand is so important. As an illustration, she told us about the work Daedalus did for Golden Bear coffee, a luxury coffee brand. Needless to say, it also led to a coffee addiction!

This is an important episode for those thinking about entering awards but not sure there's much point. Natalie has taken the plunge and reaped the rewards. It's also quite inspirational for working Mums who are struggling to deal with multiple responsibilities.

{1:26} Natalie's journey to starting her business.

{4:30} Where the name Daedalus comes from.

{5:45} Are awards attainable for a small creative agency?

{7:51} Taking time to reflect through the application process.

{8:13} Natalie's thoughts on voting in awards.

{9:38} Why she didn't enter awards before the BBWAs this year.

{10:02} The importance of customer service to Daedalus.

{11:40} Why professional branding is essential to any business.

{12:30} Typical branding clients.

{13:36} Where Daedalus gets leads from.

{15:54} The effect of AI and platforms like Canva on marketing.

{17:40} How Natalie uses AI.

{18:39} Award entries written with AI.

{19:20} How AI is damaging social media.

{20:36} Golden Bear Coffee - a project Natalie is proud of.

{22:00} Rebranding logos.

{25:26} Advice for juggling work & family while working from home.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Natalie: https://www.daedalus-it.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daedalus-design-media/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daedalusdesignandmedia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativedaedalus/