In this episode of Work This Way, Nikola Pottinger shares her journey from driving a Cadbury van to building and ultimately closing her own craft subscription business, Little Miss Sew'n'Sew. With honesty and reflection, Nikola talks about how ambition shaped her early career and the realities of balancing big goals with motherhood.

She explores launching a fabric shop, pivoting into e-commerce, and experiencing rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as demand shifted post-pandemic, overstocking and financial pressure led to some of the toughest decisions of her life, including voluntary liquidation.

Nikola opens up about the emotional impact of that chapter, the lessons learned from listening to both heart and head, and how those experiences shaped her next step as an operations manager at FOUNDRY. A candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and starting again.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we sit down with Hanna Searle, a FOUNDRY team member whose journey has taken her from cruise ship stages to community building in FOUNDRY Eastbourne. Hanna shares what it was like growing up by the coast and spending years travelling the world as a professional singer at sea.

When COVID brought the cruise industry to a halt, Hanna returned home to face a series of personal challenges, including the loss of her father, career uncertainty, and navigating her husband’s complex immigration situation. These experiences forced an unexpected career shift and a complete rethink of her path.

Hanna eventually found her place at FOUNDRY as a Membership Manager, where community and connection are at the heart of her work. This episode is a powerful story of resilience, family, and how life’s detours can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we sit down with Stuart McFadden, founder of Refundee, recording live from FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London. Stuart shares his career journey from studying law to working in financial services during the 2009 financial crisis, before experiencing the highs and lows of startup life at Monzo.

After a short stint at NatWest, Stuart co-founded Refundee in 2021, bootstrapping the business with minimal funding. Refundee helps victims of financial scams recover money from banks, tackling increasingly complex and modern fraud schemes.

Stuart discusses the ethical responsibility behind the work, the importance of transparency, and building a strong remote-first company culture. With nearly £100 million recovered for clients, Refundee is on a mission to lead the industry while protecting consumers.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we talk with Matt Evans, co-founder of Garden Room Studio. Matt shares how he and his wife Elle combined their backgrounds in marine industries, photography, and design to create a business focused on stylish, functional garden and interior spaces.

He reflects on the early challenges they faced, from launching the company shortly after their honeymoon to navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt also speaks honestly about balancing work with raising young children and the importance of setting boundaries to keep family life strong.

Alongside the business journey, Matt discusses his involvement in the local community, including coaching lifesaving at Sandbanks and competing in national championships. His story highlights the value of determination, balance, and staying connected to the things that inspire you.

In this episode of Work This Way, host Adam Walker sits down with Adas Goldshtein-Coleman, a FOUNDRY Eastbourne member with an extraordinary life story.

While most UK teenagers move straight into work or university, Adas took a very different path, completing two years of mandatory military service in the IDF after growing up in Israel. She opens up about her experiences living in Israel, her travels through South America and India, and how these journeys shaped her worldview.

Adas also shares deeply personal moments, including the loss of her father and how discovering Buddhism influenced her life. Adas talks about founding her innovative child-led preschool in Tel Aviv, her move to the UK, and her current venture: Visibly Authentic Brands (VAB), a female-led creative hub, offering branding and marketing services rooted in authentic storytelling.

The conversation also explores her ADHD diagnosis, the impact it’s had on her work and personal life, and her commitment to living authentically. Adas’ story is one of resilience, curiosity, and boldly creating a life aligned with her values.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker sits down with George Meressa, founder of Clear Ads and member of FOUNDRY Poole. George shares his incredible journey, from challenging beginnings to building one of the leading Amazon advertising agencies in the world.

He opens up about the bold risks that shaped his career, including sponsoring major events to connect with Amazon sellers and travelling globally to win high-value clients. George also discusses why he pivoted early from Google Ads to Amazon Ads, spotting the platform’s untapped potential before most people did.

We dive into his recruitment philosophy, how he adapts to the fast rise of AI in advertising, and the mindset that’s kept him pushing forward through uncertainty. If you’re an entrepreneur or marketer looking for real-world insights on growth, resilience, and staying ahead of industry shifts, this conversation is packed with value.

In this episode of Work This Way, Adam sits down with Karolina Ahmed — a dedicated midwife who transformed her career to become a successful aesthetics entrepreneur. Karolina opens up about her journey from emigrating from Lithuania to London at just 15, navigating cultural and language barriers, and pursuing her long-held ambition to work in midwifery.

She speaks candidly about her fertility struggles, a period that prompted her to step back from healthcare and eventually discover her passion for aesthetics. That path led her to create Face Up, a practice known for its professionalism, care, and personal touch.

Karolina reflects on the emotional demands of midwifery, the challenges and triumphs of being a female entrepreneur, and the vital role community and personal support have played along the way. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to providing care on her own terms.

This week on Work This Way, Adam Walker interviews Callum Campbell, a dynamic young entrepreneur who has successfully launched a variety of business ventures, including student fight nights, drive-in cinemas during the pandemic, and TED Talk-style events in pubs across London. Originally from outside Glasgow and having studied in Edinburgh, Callum shares his story of moving to London for its vibrant energy and opportunities. His entrepreneurial journey began with promoting and organising club nights at university, leading to the creation of white-collar boxing events, which have now spread across multiple UK cities. The conversation delves into his successful pivot during COVID-19 to start a drive-in cinema and his new venture, 'Pints of Knowledge,' a public speaking event series in London pubs. Callum emphasises the importance of market testing, rapidly adapting to new opportunities, and not trying to reinvent the wheel. His story is an inspiring testament to resilience, creativity, and the constant pursuit of new ideas.

Sharon New, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, moved to the UK at the age of 12. After various roles in retail and recruitment, she brought a children's footwear brand named Toughies to the UK, and then created the successful brand Term Footwear. Despite facing challenges like a warehouse fire, Sharon navigated the company to success, culminating in a major partnership with Costco. Eventually, Sharon and her husband sold Term Footwear to a school uniform supplier. She now continues to work as the Term Footwear brand manager, integrating the brand into its new parent company. Sharon's story is marked by resilience, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker interviews Chris Kane, co-founder of Greendale Construction, recording at FOUNDRY Poole in the Dolphin Centre. Chris shares his journey from co-founding the company in 1990 during a recession to working on landmark projects for clients like JP Morgan and the Royal Household. He discusses the challenges and successes of running a construction business for over three decades, his dedication to fitness, and his commitment to community and mentorship. Chris also offers valuable advice for new startups and entrepreneurs, emphasising resilience, networking, and a structured lifestyle. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes, including memorable high points such as meeting the Queen and nurturing young talent within his company.

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Christel Cowdrey shares her extraordinary life story. Originally from Sweden, Christel discusses her family's pioneering business in cash registers, her upbringing, and her education in both Sweden and the UK. She details her experience raising fraternal twin boys through IVF, and their involvement as ambassadors of the FOUNDRY. Christel also highlights her multifaceted career, including modelling, working for Bain & Company, writing books, and becoming a cross-cultural mediator. She talks about her transition into mediation following a challenging divorce and her involvement in charitable work, such as volunteering at young offenders prisons. Throughout the conversation, Christel emphasises the importance of authenticity, adapting to new roles, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life. Her latest book, 'How to Fire Your Husband in Easy Steps,' reflects on her personal and professional journey, aiming to provide insights and support for others facing similar crises.

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded in FOUNDRY Wandsworth, Adam Walker, the host interviews Adam Howie, a resident and business owner at New Acres. Adam Howie shares his journey from living in Streatham to moving to New Acres, his experiences working on super yachts, and his transition into the marine engineering and yacht management business. He discusses his company, CalmerSeas, which provides comprehensive yacht management services, including engineering support and brokerage. Adam Howie also delves into his upbringing in Hampshire, his family dynamics, and how he fosters community spirit at New Acres. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including dealing with burnout and the importance of delegation. Adam Howie emphasises the value of community, both in his personal life and business ventures, and shares his future plans, including developing an app to streamline yacht management services.

In this episode of Work This Way, recorded at FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London, Adam interviews Pam D’Alessandro, a creative lead at Interaction. Pam shares insights into her background, including how her father's influence and her early exposure to design led her to a career in interior design. Pam discusses her professional journey, from internships in Montreal to working on significant projects in London, such as Google's incubator hub. She talks about her approach to design, the collaborative process at FOUNDRY, and her future aspirations of becoming a creative director. Pam also shares personal stories about integrating into life in London, her travels, and her philosophy on hard work and continuous learning.

This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Mark Masters, an advocate for community over competition. Mark shares his journey from feeling out of place in traditional corporate settings to creating 'You Are The Media,' a platform for marketing misfits. From his humble beginnings in Oakdale and academic setbacks, to his career in London’s agency world and eventual return to his hometown, Mark's narrative emphasises the importance of creativity, community, and authenticity. He discusses the impact of his failed school election, working in advertising, launching his agency, and the development of 'You Are The Media.' Mark underscores the transformative power of community as a verb and details local and expanded efforts to connect and uplift creative professionals. The discussion includes his work organising events like Creator Day, aimed at fostering collaboration and creativity, and highlights his strong local advocacy and positive influence in Poole.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, filmed at FOUNDRY Walthamstow E17 in London, guest Kevin Sussat introduces ENVU Media, a marketing agency specialising in paid acquisition and retention for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Kevin discusses the importance of consistency in marketing messaging across the funnel and the rising costs of online advertising. He explains how ENVU Media works to lower customer acquisition costs and boost lifetime value through innovative strategies. Highlighting their use of AI for creative strategy and ad copy, he emphasises the need for authenticity. Kevin also reflects on his journey from starting as a freelancer to employing staff and shares his personal story of moving from France to London, working at Apple, and his insights on business and lifestyle balance. He concludes by offering tips on learning new languages and emphasises the significance of rest and health for entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY hosted by Adam Walker, guest James Palmer, a financial planner and tax advisor for tech industry clients, shares his unique journey of balancing a successful business with a fulfilling personal life. James recounts growing up as a twin in Winchester, facing family challenges, and the persistent peer competition with his brother Harry. His move to London, career progression, and eventual establishment of Third Wealth, a business aimed at helping tech employees manage their financial and tax matters, are discussed. Despite the hustle of city life, James emphasises the importance of a work-life balance, reflecting on his own experiences and the deliberate choices he makes to achieve a fulfilling personal and professional life. He also highlights his active role in FOUDNRY Wandsworth’s community, promoting social engagement and networking among its members.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, host Adam Walker interviews Haydan Firth, a member of FOUNDRY Poole, who discusses his journey from a male dancer to a Fractional Head of People. Haydan shares his experiences working in different roles, including managing a phone shop and becoming a life coach. He elaborates on the value of hiring a Fractional Head of People for small businesses and the importance of proactive HR strategies. Haydan also speaks about his work with the charity MyTime Young Carers and his personal development journey, including his passion for dance, fitness, and unique coping mechanisms like morning dips and regular cinema visits. The interview concludes with Haydan's reflections on community, entrepreneurship, and effective leadership.

This episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Carmen Davies, the community manager for the Dolphin Shopping Centre, who shares her diverse career journey. Carmen's unique path includes roles as an NHS night receptionist, a motorbike training center worker, insurance seller, and a French oven company product manager. She moved from South Africa to Poole at 12 and lived in various places. Carmen narrated her experiences at her first job in an advertising magazine, working for Zurich insurance, her travels in a Winnebago across Europe, and her stint at A&E as a receptionist. She also discussed managing the clash between family responsibilities and work, and what led her to hospitality and eventually to managing community initiatives at the Dolphin Centre.

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, Adam Walker speaks with Hatty Jackson, founder of the startup Troopr. Troopr is an online marketplace designed to centralise opportunities and support for the Armed Forces community in the UK. The platform helps veterans, military spouses, and reservists find jobs, training courses, events, and community groups. Hatty shares her journey from researching the viability of Troopr to overcoming the challenges of building and scaling the business. She highlights the unique services provided by large companies like Tesco and smaller organisations, emphasising the mutual benefits of supporting the Armed Forces community.

The episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY features Jake Mattock, a FOUNDRY member on a mission to row across the Indian Ocean for charity. Jake shares his journey from various career attempts, such as working as a personal trainer, sales, recruitment, and advertising, to his current mission in the sustainability space and his adventurous passion project. He recalls his past challenges, including a failed attempt to summit the Matterhorn and discusses his preparation for the Indian Ocean rowing event. Jake emphasizes the mental and physical trials he anticipates, the significance of setting non-financial goals, and how adventure serves as an antidote to life pressures. Jake also encourages the audience to find their own challenging purpose beyond financial success.