Dr. Michelle Booth shares her journey from a mining village to becoming a social entrepreneur and founder of Side by Side Arts. She discusses the evolution of social enterprise, the challenges, and the importance of sustainable business models. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities for social enterprises in the Northeast region, the importance of collaboration, and the need for belief and financial viability in entrepreneurship. Michelle shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the value of making money to do good and the significance of self-belief in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.

Takeaways

• Social enterprise evolution
• Imposter syndrome Collaboration in the social enterprise sector
• The importance of financial viability and self-belief in entrepreneurship

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey to Social Enterprise
• 08:10 Transition to Social Enterprise
• 17:07 Founding Side by Side Arts
• 24:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Social Enterprises in the Northeast Region
• 29:51 The Value of Making Money to Do Good
• 36:00 The Significance of Self-Belief in Entrepreneurship

The conversation covers Emmanuel's journey from childhood in Nigeria to his business ventures and challenges in the North East. It explores his interest in technology, the impact of AI, and the resilience and adaptability required to overcome setbacks. Emmanuel emphasizes the importance of community support and the transformative impact of his work, highlighting the significance of routine and discipline in maintaining focus and resilience. The conversation covers the impact of the digital revolution, adaptability and flexibility in business, partnership and business growth, loyalty and trust in business relationships, community and people in business, TV appearance and business impact, business survival and adaptation, transition to social entrepreneurship, scrambled egg moment and business resilience, and golden egg moment and business advice.

Takeaways

• Adaptability
• Community support Tech and digital revolution impact
• Adaptability and flexibility in business

Chapters

• 00:00 Importance of Routine and Discipline
• 21:24 Loyalty and Trust in Business Relationships
• 27:49 Transition to Social Entrepreneurship

In this episode we’re joined by Nicola Vallely, entrepreneur and founder of Vallelys, as well as the driving force behind Revive and Survive CIC.

Nicola shares her journey into business — the challenges she faced along the way, what motivated her to keep pushing forward, and how those experiences shaped the work she does today.

We talk about her passion for supporting people starting their own businesses, particularly girls and young women who may not always see entrepreneurship as a path open to them. Nicola explains why confidence, encouragement and the right support networks can make all the difference.

We also dive into her exciting new venture, Vallelys Bar, and what inspired her to take on a brand new challenge.

This is a brilliant conversation about backing yourself, supporting others to succeed, and building something that creates real opportunities for the next generation.

Enjoy!