Happy Healthy Minds Podcast With Sarah Swanton

This week is a solo episode, and I've done so because I want to talk about the topic of depression. Whether you've experienced it before or not, it's an important topic because as entrepreneurs we don't get sick pay if we get signed off, and if we can't work we don't get paid. Not good, when you're already not feeling good! In this episode, I talk about Human Givens, and how this is an important component of understanding depression. Not only that but understanding which of our emotional needs are missing, so that we can go about making lifestyle changes to support a happier, more fulfilled life, less likely to be susceptible to depression in the future. The link I make reference to is here: http://sarahswanton.com/humanneeds/ Please note, this episode is not a replacement for the advice you would get from your GP. If you are experiencing depression, or think you are, please make an appointment to get yourself checked out.

"It's OK to be vulnerable, it's OK to not know where you're going or what you're doing, and it's OK to verbalise that. I've definitely felt historically not able to do that, you almost put up a vision of invincibility, or everything's fine even when it's not. There is a relief, a freedom in being able to do that." I'm delighted to welcome Ben Swanton who is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast, who also happens to be my husband!  Ben is the founder of 808 Talent, a specialist Recruitment and Headhunting Consultancy which focuses specifically on the global Broadcast and Sports Media technology industries. He consults for and works in partnership with Technology Companies across the UK, Europe, and the US, whether they be Fortune 500 companies or Start-ups, to recruit the best people for their organisation, ultimately helping them to achieve their business growth goals. When I asked Ben what three words sum up his entrepreneurial journey so far she said: Liberating. Rollercoaster. Rew

“Please, please to be kind to oneself. I think entrepreneurs can have an enormous perfectionist tendency, because they’re so eager to bring that thing they believe in, into the world, and perfectionism can really throttle us. If we can be kind and forgiving to ourselves, I think that is the one thing I’d like to see. I’d love people to learn that, very early on, rather than wait until they’re my age to be kind and generous to themselves.” I’m delighted to welcome Renée Van Der Vloodt who is this week’s guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast. Renée is a coach, educator, therapist, and writer with over 20 years experience of positively transforming the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and teams. Alongside running a thriving practice, Renée’s experience includes coaching senior executives at Shell International and teaching therapists and coaches within the UK, Europe, America, and Africa. Renée regularly contributes to Breathe magazine, the Human Givens Journal and has penned innumerable b

Lenka Koppova is a freelance Social Media Consultant working with small business, social enterprises and startups, helping them to grow their businesses using social media the right way! She also spends a lot of time educating small business owners about digital marketing and business development. Lenka has run her own business since April 2016. When I asked Lenka what three words sum up her entrepreneurial journey so far she said: Social. Community. Collaboration. Episode webpage: http://sarahswanton.com/2018/01/24/lenka-koppova/ www.lenkakappova.com www.sarahswanton.com

"My advice to anyone starting out is to charge more. Nobody I know starting out, charges enough. I think it's critical to know your worth and I think most people, particularly women, don't give ourselves credit for our experience and skills." I'm delighted to welcome Karen Arnott who is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast.  Karen is an enthusiastic graphic designer with over twenty years industry experience - the last twelve of those as a freelancer. Karen works with small businesses providing web and graphic design services so that they can be confident their brand stands out and represents their core values. When I asked Karen what three words sum up her entrepreneurial journey so far she said: Freedom. Tenacity. Fun. Episode webpage:http://sarahswanton.com/2018/01/17/karen-arnott/ www.karenarnott.co.uk www.sarahswanton.com

"If there is something you want to do, stop thinking about it, and just go and do it, because you will not know the result until you do it. I remember when I first moved to Suffolk, and it took me a year, to approach Inner Guidance Retreat Centre, about selling our art pieces. When I actually got the courage, Jo (De Rosa) said 'you are the perfect match, you are the person we were waiting for!' and I thought why did it take me a year!" I'm delighted to welcome Vendulka Battais who is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast.  Vendulka is a textile artist specialising in creating beautiful wall hangings with yoga, sacred geometry and symbols as a theme. She’s the owner of OliVen - a successful and growing patchwork and quilting shop based in the heart of Suffolk, England, where she also teaches workshops, even though she prefers the word “enabler” rather than teacher as she loves to enable people to make whatever it is they want to make. When I asked Vendulka what three words sum up her e

Helen Rebello, is the founder of The Tranquil Path, which is all about empowering soulful female entrepreneurs, whose work no longer lights them up, to move towards living & working in a way that feeds their soul, expresses who they came here to be, and impacts positively upon the world - without selling their soul to busyness! Very often referred to by her clients as the Queen of Mellow because she takes them from chaos to calm. How lovely is that? When I asked Helen what three words sum up her entrepreneurial journey so far she said: Enlightening. Accidental. Liberating. What you’ll learn by listening to this episode: How Helen left behind a practice which she had built up for 13 years, to move to the countryside and it was the best decision she ever made. A very healthy appreciation of life is what keeps Helen going each day, which isn't to say that she doesn't get derailed at times! Showing up and being seen and sharing her truth and even speaking from my heart, because we are not taught to do

“If someone said to me, what are you going to be doing in 12 months, well I don’t know. But then, ten years ago, I thought I’d have one child, maybe two. I think the idea of having a five-year plan is good, but actually, it can come with huge disappointment too because life has a funny way of not quite going to your five-year plan” I’m delighted to welcome Berenice Smith is this week’s guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast. Berenice is an award-winning, postgraduate qualified designer and creative, working with start-up companies, sole traders, charities and businesses who need solutions to design, or creative direction. Berenice provides a proactive solution, helping with print, web, brands, and eBooks so they learn from her work and then go to deliver a better product or service. Berenice is also the founder and creator of Walk In Our Shoes, where she collaborates with counsellors, writers, bloggers and inspirational men and women who have stories and skills to share with people who are childl

"We are in business, this isn't a hobby. We are in business to provide a good income for ourselves and our families, and to do that we have to get the balance right, between focusing on revenue generation and making sure we are following work that lights us up and pursuing our passions” Nicola Semple is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast. Nicola has been a solo-entrepreneur now, for 5 years. Nicola helps women business owners to create calm from chaos, by teaching them the skills and giving them the tools required to focus on what matters in their business and their life. When I asked Nicola what three words sum up her entrepreneurial journey so far she said: Exhilarating. Winding (as in road!). Insightful. What you’ll learn by listening to this episode: How it can feel like every business idea we have, has already been done - but it is not a reason not to do it; There is no such thing as an original business idea, but what makes it unique is your own personality and your own s

"It's not enough to dream this stuff, and just have positive visualisation, you have to take the steps, and once you start taking the steps, the Universe comes in behind you and gives you a good push” Pat Duckworth is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast. Pat is a midlife mentor, author and international public speaker. After over 30 years working in the public and voluntary sector at a senior management level, Pat discovered her entrepreneurial mojo in her mid-50s and retrained as a therapist and coach. Since then she has published three books including the award-winning, ‘Hot Women, Cool Solutions’. Pat’s fourth book, ‘Hot Women Rock; How to discover your midlife entrepreneurial mojo’, was published in 2016 and became a #1 International Bestseller. Pat is a regular guest on radio shows in the UK, America and Canada. She has contributed articles to national newspapers and magazines including the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and Natural Health. She has spoken at conferences in America,

"Back yourself. Hold your nerve. If things aren't happening, but you are sure of the direction you want to be in, hold your nerve. There is so much work out there, so just focus on the work that is going to give you the most enjoyment. And don't wait for things to happen!” I'm delighted to welcome Darren Lawrence as this week's guest on The Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast, a recently new business buddy of mine so it was a so great to catch up with him in this way. Darren is an independent consultant specialising in the sports industry; so to give you some background, Darren left The Football Association after 11 years, last year, and has just passed his first anniversary as Darren Lawrence Coaching & Consulting. He has made the smart move of continuing to develop his niche in sport and has undertaken a number of projects this year (data analysis, strategy development, research, facility development, and event management) working with clients that include Governing Bodies of Sport (such as England Squ

"There's always a way. Nothing's impossible! I don't give up easily. I know I can do it, and it's the coaches that keep me on track.” (Wendy Capewell, Relationship Coach ) Wendy Capewell is this week's guest on The Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast, and she is a Relationship Coach, specifically working with couples who know that they love each other, they’ve just lost some of their spark, and are really invested in getting it back again and ultimately having a happy, healthy relationship with one another. Wendy is also a regular contributor to magazines and is the author of a book called 'From Surviving to Thriving in a Romantic Relationship' Now, like many business owners who set up on their own, Wendy did have another career before re-training as a Relationship Specialist. She worked in finance and admin, and was also a Housing Officer for 5 years in a Local Authority, so, this has been a complete change for her, not only in starting her own business but also in a very different type of business. So wh

"You need to be happy now, not tagging happiness on to 'when X happens, I'll be happy', just be happy now” (Karen Bromley, Maya Wellbeing) Karen Bromley, Founder of www.MayaWellbeing.co.uk is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast. Karen is a Hypnothera, ist, Wellness Coach and Inner Child Therapist. She’s also a speaker and number 1 best-selling author of 'Free Your Mind: Change Your Life! Her book tells the story of how she transformed her life from years of crippling M.E and feeling overwhelmed by dark, negative thoughts to feeling well, happy, and inspired to change her career path and start a new life in Norfolk. The book also introduces us to Karen’s 6 step 'Maya Method' that transports people from feeling 'stuck' to living an Abundant Life! Karen previously worked as a social worker in mental health and stroke rehabilitation and is passionate about empowering people to change any self-limiting beliefs or fears so that they can go on and live their true authentic life. When I ask

"Just get it started, don't get it perfect, just do it!” Dionne Wilson is this week's guest on the Happy Healthy Entrepreneur podcast. I first met Dionne about 2 or so years ago when she joined the masterminding group that I’m a part of, and I knew I liked her immediately. She’s one of these people you just love being around, with an infectious laugh, and great energy, and I’m not sure if she says this during our conversation today, but two of her highest values in life is freedom and independence, and you can really hear that coming through in the way she approaches being in business for herself. Dionne first went self-employed in October 2016 and so she is just coming up to her first year in business; when I asked her what it's been like so far, she said: “Exciting. Scary. Lonely” What you’ll learn by listening to this episode: How Dionne was motivated to become self-employed after feeling disillusioned with the corporate world, and how she discovered the work she does now through trusting; How 80% o

"I still have much bigger visions for my business, but in this moment, right now, I know I have so much in my life, right now, that's joyful and lovely - and I created that!” (Lynn Hord, The Joy Coach) Think of this episode as a lovely little 'pick me up', that if for some reason, you've lost sight of "why am I doing this working for myself lark again?" allow this episode to put you right back in that place of gratitude and appreciating all that is good about being an entrepreneur. So, Lynn Hord is this week's guest on the podcast. Lynn is The Joy Coach and Founder of Joy School and a leading light in the field of Joy Creation. As a certified coach and facilitator, she helps people harness the power of joy, to feel more motivated, more fulfilled, and much happier about their lives right now. Lynn has been in business for herself for the last 5 years, and as she reflects on that time herself "it's not always been easy, but even when things are not going well I’ve still found so much to enjoy within my busin

"People get into business and they look at the people who've been doing it for years, who've got very successful established businesses, and think that's where they should be, and if they haven't achieved that within 3-6 months, they feel like they're failing. And they give up. But the thing is, there's a journey here, and you can't force yourself to grow faster than is actually possible, and so it's that understanding that makes the difference” (Catherine Watkin, www.sellingfromtheheart.com) As business owners, if you've ever had the experience of wanting to pack it all in because it's not happening quickly enough, or you haven't quite nailed your 'thing' yet - then you're going to get a huge amount from this episode. Catherine Watkin, founder of Selling From The Heart is this week's guest on the podcast. Catherine works with heart-centred business owners, who want a great business but don’t want to compromise their integrity. She helps them get more clients saying "Yes Please!" in a way that feels authent

"Don't be afraid to ask. If you know someone who's making a success of it, ask them what's really worked for them and follow that same plan, and also ask them about any mistakes they've made, and then try not to make the same mistakes!” If you're someone who could do with strengthening your ASK muscle, then you're going to get a lot from this episode! So Matthew Long is this week's guest on the podcast, and his business is Matt Long Massage based in the market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. As business owners, I wonder whether we ask enough sometimes, and I think Matt is a great example of someone who does ask, and what opens up when you do. A former RAF serviceman of 22 years, this is Matt's second career which he became interested in after receiving some fantastic treatment himself, so much so, that he asked his massage therapist exactly what qualifications he had, and enrolled at the very same training school! Matt first went self-employed in January 2016, and then moved to Bury St Edmunds in De

"You have strengths and you have emotional resilience, and you have unique skill sets that you can use within your business, so put those to use, and don't move the goal posts along the way.” (Louise Moles, Thrive with Louise) If you're in need of a pep talk this week, then this is it!  This week on the podcast, I'm in conversation with Louise Moles of Thrive With Louise. Louise teaches people how to thrive, with a psychological training course, called The Thrive Programme, created by Rob Kelly. Louise has established a speciality in working with Emetophobia clients, helping them to Thrive and overcome their extreme fear of vomiting.  Louise has been running her therapy practice since 2015, so still relatively new to self-employment, she was able to draw on a lot of early days experiences which you'll realise are useful to remember at any stage of your business. We talked about self-belief, resilience, and the most effective way for taking action.  Three words that sum up what the entrepreneurial journey

"I love being part of this growing movement of support, collaboration and co-operation. I call it the 'new paradigm of business' where it's not about competition, it's about championing each other, and celebrating that. That's what works best for the planet, not just me as an individual, that's what works best for all of us." (Linda Anderson, Tap Into Your Success) This week on the podcast, I go into conversation with Linda Anderson of www.TapIntoYourSuccess.co.uk Linda is an EFT Tapping Coach, and very often is referred to by her clients as a Mindset Magician. She teaches heart-centred business owners how to get over: self doubt, the fear of being seen, and the fear of charging their full worth, which means they can then go on to market themselves so much more boldly, create more clients, and make an even bigger difference in the world doing what they love, rather than just getting a job to pay the bills. Linda has been running TIYS for 14 years, so like Melanie Mackie's interview last week, it was great

Melanie Mackie is the Social Stylist and Founder at Scarletta Media; she works with female entrepreneurs and petite businesses to support and encourage them to powerfully show up online, speak their authentic truth, share their wisdom and expertise - to create and establish their unique social style and living brands. Melanie has been self-employed for 8 years, so it was great to hear her wisdom and insights when it comes to her experiences of being an entrepreneur during that time. Three words Melanie uses to describe her entrepreneurial journey so far are: Life changing, transformational, and enlightening. What you'll learn by listening to this episode: - How Melanie took a huge leap of faith by leaving the corporate world to explore working for herself, and how “let’s just see how this goes” has served her very well. - Having a 100% virtual online business, for her, was not what it was cracked up to be, and the realization of how much she enjoyed 1:1 interaction, inspired her to change that. - Bei