Through her website isittimetoplay.co.uk and social media community @isittimetoplay, Emma has built a vibrant space for educators who believe in the power of learning through play.

What began as sharing simple ideas on Facebook during lockdown has grown into a thriving online business offering downloadable planning packs, themed play provocations and time-saving classroom resources.

In this episode, Emma shares her inspiring journey from teaching in the classroom to running her own successful business, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From balancing part-time teaching while starting out, to navigating the leap from security to self-employment — her story is full of honesty, encouragement and practical advice for anyone considering turning their experience into a business.

Emma’s story is a reminder that with creativity, courage and a clear sense of purpose, you can build a business that reflects your values and supports others in meaningful ways.

In this conversation Alex and Emma explore:

• How Emma balanced part-time teaching while growing her business

• The challenges (and freedom) of leaving a secure job behind

• Turning a simple Facebook group into a full-time business

• The mindset, resilience and personal growth behind entrepreneurship

• Navigating freedom, flexibility and boundaries as a solo business owner

• The power of community and staying true to your mission

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Emma [02:10] Emma’s background and where Is It Time to Play? began [06:30] Balancing part-time teaching with building a business [10:45] Making the leap from secure employment to entrepreneurship [15:20] Growing a Facebook community into a full-time business [20:05] The importance of mindset, resilience and personal growth [25:40] Freedom, flexibility and the challenge of boundaries [32:15] Building a values-led, sustainable business [38:00] Advice for teachers and creatives starting a business [44:10] Final reflections and what’s next for Emma

• How Emma turned her teaching experience into a thriving online business

• The mindset shifts that helped her transition from employment to entrepreneurship

• Lessons on balancing passion with practicality

• Why play and creativity matter — in education and business

• Practical advice for teachers, creatives and early years professionals considering self-employment

🌐 Website: isittimetoplay.co.uk 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/isittimetoplay 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/isittimetoplay

💻 Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession 📸 Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching 🌐 Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

Episode 28: How to Align Your Career and Life with Sarah Burrows

In this twenty-eighth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Sarah Burrows – Accredited Career & Business Coach and Founder of Achieving Ambition. Sarah helps women who feel stuck, lost or unfulfilled in their careers to discover a purpose-filled path, whether that’s a career change, developing leadership skills or stepping into entrepreneurship.

With a background spanning psychology, the British military and the charity and corporate sectors, Sarah brings both expertise and lived experience to her work. She shares openly in this episode about her own journey – the fears, the challenges and the joy of creating a business that aligns with who she is.

Sarah’s story is a reminder that building a career or business you love is rarely a straight line – it’s about tuning into your energy, giving yourself permission to rest and embracing the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile.

In this conversation Alex and Sarah explore:

• Using fear and uncertainty as a catalyst for growth

• Designing your business and life around your energy and priorities

• The power of mindset, support and allowing yourself to rest

• Standout “pinch me” moments of entrepreneurship

• Why alignment matters more than following a traditional path

• Practical advice for anyone considering a career change or new business

Whether you’re at a crossroads in your career, thinking about launching your own business, or simply looking for encouragement to create work that lights you up, Sarah’s insights are filled with honesty, warmth and inspiration.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Sarah [02:15] Sarah’s career background and early influences [06:10] Making the leap into coaching and entrepreneurship [10:45] Using fear and uncertainty as growth fuel [15:20] Building a business around energy and priorities [20:05] The importance of mindset, support and rest [25:40] Standout “pinch me” moments in business [32:15] Navigating challenges and celebrating wins [38:00] Advice for career changers and new entrepreneurs [44:10] What alignment really means in work and life [50:00] Closing reflections and what’s next for Sarah

Key Highlights

• How Sarah transitioned from psychology and corporate roles into business ownership

• Why fear and uncertainty can be powerful catalysts for growth

• The role of energy, priorities and rest in building a sustainable career or business

• Standout moments that make entrepreneurship so rewarding

• Practical advice for career changers, leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs

Connect with Sarah Website: https://www.achievingambition.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achievingambition

Connect with Alex Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this episode of My Kind of Business, business coach Alex McCarthy shares five practical steps to help you attract more clients and grow your business with confidence.

From defining your ideal client to nailing your offer, building visibility, creating trust, and asking for the sale, Alex combines actionable business strategies with honest stories from her own journey and her clients’. You’ll discover how to make your marketing feel natural, how to connect with the right people, and how to turn conversations into paying clients.

This episode is perfect for you if you’re just starting out in business or looking for ways to grow sustainably without burning out. Expect real-life examples, clear steps you can take today, and reassurance that business growth doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

• How to define your ideal client (even if you’ve never worked with anyone before)

• Why your offer should focus on transformation, not just services

• How to build visibility that feels sustainable and authentic

• The role of trust, testimonials and storytelling in client attraction

• Simple ways to ask for the sale confidently without feeling pushy

business growth, client attraction, marketing strategies, business coaching, visibility, trust building, sales techniques, ideal client, offer clarity, personal stories

✦ Explore one-to-one business coaching (online or in person) ✦ Join a monthly Business Connection Session for networking and support ✦ Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com ✦ Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Growing your business and attracting clients doesn’t have to feel exhausting. These five steps will help you find clarity, build momentum and enjoy the process of creating a business that works for you.

In this twenty-sixth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Steph Flynn – former midwife and founder of Birth Nerd, who is redefining antenatal education and changing the conversation around birth.

Steph’s journey is one of passion, purpose and transformation. With a background in nursing and midwifery, and a lifelong fascination with the power of birth, she went on to create Birth Nerd – an antenatal education business that helps expectant parents feel informed, confident and empowered. Her approach combines clear, practical teaching with tools like hypnobirthing, all rooted in the belief that knowledge and choice are at the heart of positive birth experiences.

Before having her eldest child, Alex attended Steph’s birth preparation course – an experience that shifted her entire perspective. She went from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to empowered, calm and confident in her decisions. It’s the same impact Steph now brings to families through her courses, workshops and community initiatives such as Kin Shropshire.

In this conversation Alex and Steph explore:

• Steph’s path from nursing into midwifery and antenatal education

• The personal experiences that inspired the creation of Birth Nerd

• Why informed choices matter in pregnancy and birth

• The role of hypnobirthing as a supportive tool

• Building community support through Kin Shropshire

• The complementary roles of doulas and midwives

• Birth trauma awareness and the importance of education

• How Birth Nerd is transforming antenatal classes for modern parents

Whether you’re expecting a baby, planning your birth, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of antenatal education, this episode is full of insight. It’s a powerful reminder that mothers are not just numbers in a system – they deserve knowledge, confidence and community support at every step.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and background [03:00] Steph’s transition into midwifery [09:00] The Birth Nerd journey [15:00] Informed choices and hypnobirthing [21:00] Community support and Kin Shropshire [27:00] Empowerment through antenatal education

Key Highlights

• Informed choices are key to positive birth experiences

• Hypnobirthing is a tool, not a complete solution

• How personal experiences shape professional paths

• The power of community in antenatal education

• Birth Nerd’s unique approach to empowering parents

Connect with Steph Website: https://www.birthnerd.co.uk/ Instagram: @birthnerduk

Connect with Alex Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-fifth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Vicki Yadav – Founder of Primary Steps, who made the inspiring transition from teaching into business ownership. Vicki’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, adaptability and determination, showing what’s possible when you step away from a secure career and build a business on your own terms.

From her early aspirations influenced by family, to navigating the uncertainty of leaving teaching behind, through to starting a business during the pandemic, Vicki’s story highlights the reality of entrepreneurship: balancing personal life with business, facing setbacks head-on, and finding the courage to grow something sustainable.

Today, Vicki runs Primary Steps, supporting teachers with practical tools, resources and guidance. Her journey shows small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the importance of mindset, community and perseverance when growing a business from the ground up.

In this conversation Alex and Vicki explore:

• How childhood aspirations and family influence shaped Vicki’s early career

• The leap from teaching into starting her own business

• The impact of COVID as a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey

• The challenges of launching a small business during uncertain times

• How to use community and social media to grow your business

• Overcoming tech hurdles and learning as you go

• The importance of resilience, adaptability and perseverance for entrepreneurs

• Vicki’s advice for small business owners navigating change and growth

Whether you’re thinking about leaving a secure career, already running your own business, or looking for encouragement to take the next step, Vicki’s story is proof that with resilience, community and clarity, you can create a business that aligns with your values and supports your life.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to Vicki [02:01] Early aspirations and family influence [05:31] Transition from teaching to business [10:01] The impact of COVID-19 on career decisions [15:01] Starting a business during challenging times [20:01] Building a community and using social media [25:01] Overcoming tech challenges and learning on the go [30:01] Shifting focus from parents to teachers [35:01] Key milestones and moments of realisation [40:01] Financial challenges and pricing strategies [45:01] Advice for aspiring business owners [50:01] The importance of community and support networks [55:01] Closing thoughts and future plans

Key Highlights

• How family influence shaped Vicki’s aspirations

• Why the pandemic became a pivotal moment in her career

• The realities of starting a small business during uncertain times

• The role of mindset, community and social media in business growth

• Lessons in resilience, adaptability and perseverance for entrepreneurs

Connect with Vicki Website: https://www.hub.primarysteps.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primary.steps/

Connect with Alex Book a Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business Alex is joined by Katie Corkill – Founder of Katie Corkill Decorating, an award-winning entrepreneur who has carved her own path in a traditionally male-dominated industry, moving from corporate life into trade business ownership with resilience, curiosity and determination.

Katie’s story is one of courage, adaptability and growth. From early influences that sparked her curiosity, to leaving behind the security of a corporate role to pursue more meaningful work, her journey highlights the importance of mindset, integrity and persistence in building a business.

Today, Katie is not only running her own painting and decorating business but also showing what’s possible when you reframe fear as opportunity and embrace the challenges along the way.

In this conversation Alex and Katie explore:

• How childhood influences and encouragement shaped her entrepreneurial spirit

• The “quarter-life crisis” that sparked her transition from corporate to trades

• The challenges and triumphs of starting her own business

• Why mindset shifts are crucial for overcoming self-doubt

• The role of resilience, honesty and hard work in sustainable growth

• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own journey

Whether you’re considering stepping away from a corporate job, starting a business from scratch or simply need encouragement to take that next bold step, Katie’s journey is a reminder that perseverance, adaptability and integrity will carry you through.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Katie to the podcast [01:15] Childhood curiosity, family influences and early skills [05:30] Transitioning from corporate to exploring trades [09:45] The leap into business ownership [15:20] Mindset shifts and reframing fear [20:10] The role of support networks in business growth [24:00] Katie’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs [28:30] Lessons in resilience, honesty and fairness [32:00] Looking ahead: what’s next for Katie

Key Highlights

• The influence of childhood experiences in shaping entrepreneurial curiosity

• How a “quarter-life crisis” can lead to meaningful career change

• The importance of mindset when facing challenges and self-doubt

• Why honesty, fairness, and resilience are cornerstones of sustainable business

• Katie’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on taking calculated risks

Connect with Katie https://katiecorkilldecorating.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/katie_corkill_decorating/

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com

In this twenty-third solo episode of My Kind of Business, Alex dives into five of the most common mistakes small business owners make — and, more importantly how to avoid them.

Drawing on personal experiences and client stories, Alex unpacks the pitfalls that often hold business owners back. From financial blind spots to the dangers of burnout, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you build a business that works with your life and values.

Alex also shares simple strategies to stay true to yourself, grow at your own pace and avoid the pressure of chasing trends or scaling too quickly.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of running a business or found yourself second-guessing your approach, this episode will give you clarity, confidence and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone.

00:00 – Introduction and overview of the five common mistakes 02:30 – Not knowing your numbers and why financial clarity matters 07:15 – Trying to do everything alone and the value of support 12:00 – Ignoring your energy and capacity (and how to avoid burnout) 16:45 – Copying others instead of building authentically 21:00 – The pressure to scale fast vs. allowing your own growth pace 25:00 – Final thoughts and call to action

✦ Practical advice on how to understand and manage your numbers ✦ Why you shouldn’t try to wear all the hats in your business ✦ How to align your work with your energy and capacity ✦ The risks of following trends that don’t feel authentic ✦ Permission to grow your business sustainably and joyfully

✦ Book a free clarity call; https://alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/claritycall ✦ Explore one-to-one coaching options: power hours, four-session packages or six-month support ✦ Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/ ✦ Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out for support and take the next step in your business journey with confidence.

In this twenty-second episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Amy Robinson – a Beauty Business Owner and Educator who has built her business from the ground up, starting in her mum’s kitchen and growing into a thriving beauty space and educator brand known for empowerment, confidence and connection.

Amy’s story is one of resilience, persistence and transformation. From childhood challenges and overcoming bullying, to carving out her own path in the beauty industry, her journey highlights the power of turning pain into purpose. Today, Amy isn’t just shaping brows - she’s shaping confidence, creating safe spaces and proving that boundaries are just as important as beauty in business.

In this conversation, Alex and Amy explore:

• How Amy turned early challenges into a successful beauty career

• The lessons she learned starting out from her mum’s kitchen

• Why creating a safe, welcoming space is the heart of her work

• The role of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable business

• Practical advice for new entrepreneurs about persistence and self-focus

• The empowering impact of helping clients see themselves differently

Whether you’re in the beauty industry, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration to keep going, Amy’s story is proof that small beginnings can grow into something powerful when paired with persistence, boundaries and a focus on what really matters.

Timestamps [00:00] Introduction: Alex welcomes Amy to the podcast [01:30] Childhood challenges and early influences [05:00] Starting out in the beauty industry [07:00] The decision to specialise in brows [10:00] From mum’s kitchen to opening her own salon [15:00] Creating a safe space and building client confidence [20:00] Comparison, boundaries, and lessons learned [25:00] Personal growth, coaching, and reflection [30:00] Amy’s advice for new entrepreneurs [32:00] Vision for the future and empowering through beauty

Key Highlights

• The transition from working at her mum’s kitchen table to running her own thriving salon

• Why confidence and boundaries are essential in business

• How creating safe spaces helps clients feel seen and empowered

• Amy’s advice for persistence, self-focus and growth as a new entrepreneur

Connect with Amy Instagram: @ajrglamour

Connect with Alex Book a free Business Connection Networking Session: alexmccarthycoaching.as.me/businessconnectionsession Instagram: @alexmccarthycoaching Website: alexmccarthycoaching.com