Starting a business has become the dream of our time, as millions of people in the past few years have quit the day job to become their own bosses. The journey can be an exhilarating, and a fraught one, as this episode’s discussion uncovers. Gordon compares life working for ‘the Man’ with life as an entrepreneur in a frank conversation with business owners Clare Dales and Mike Stevenson.

And if this leaves you feeling inspired, search "AXA Business Guardian Angel" for more real-life stories, business advice and practical guides.

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Having a young business and a young family may sound like a double whammy. But with more parents turning to self-employment as they search for flexibility for their families, it is an increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Gordon talks to two mums about balancing work and family life, how their businesses are creating a valuable learning environment for their children, and how they feel about the ‘mumpreneur’ label. Condescending or not? You decide!

And if this leaves you feeling inspired, search "AXA Business Guardian Angel" for more real-life stories, business advice and practical guides.

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Two thirds of British people would choose a different job if they could. So, what’s holding everyone back? Gordon theorises that it’s, in a word, fear. While caution can be a healthy thing when it comes to your financial future, self-doubt can be a demon that needs conquering. He talks to two people who’ve felt the fear, done it anyway and successfully jumped career.

And if this leaves you feeling inspired, search "AXA Business Guardian Angel" for more real-life stories, business advice and practical guides.

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Having a creative talent is one thing, making money from it is quite another. Whether you’re thinking of going freelance or turning your pastime into your full-time, this is the episode for you. Gordon chats to experienced freelancers and creative business owners Simon Alterator and Mike Stevenson about their experiences 'in the wild'.

And if this leaves you feeling inspired, search "AXA Business Guardian Angel" for more real-life stories, business advice and practical guides.

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Returning to the classroom as an adult is a brave, and often financially costly decision. For those who do take the plunge, it can also be a deeply transformative experience and the first step towards starting their own business. If you’re fed up in your current job, feel you’re stagnating in your current field, then this episode is for you.

And if this leaves you feeling inspired, search "AXA Business Guardian Angel" for more real-life stories, business advice and practical guides.

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If you’re thinking of working from home, you may want to hear what our home-working veterans say first. Clare Dales and Helen Munro run businesses from their home studios, but both also create bespoke solutions for customers looking to combine their own home and work lives. Gordon chats to them about loneliness, successfully merging work and family life, and missing out on the water cooler moments.

And if this leaves you feeling inspired, search "AXA Business Guardian Angel" for more real-life stories, business advice and practical guides.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.