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Conversations of Inspiration

By: Holly Tucker MBE
  • Summary

  • Conversations of Inspiration brings you life changing wisdom along with heartbreaking stories of resilience, tenacity and triumph. Since launching two small business marketplaces (Holly & Co and notonthehighstreet), Holly Tucker MBE has spoken with more than 175 founders, creatives and entrepreneurs on this podcast who have been vulnerable enough to share what it really took to get them where they are today, with warmth and wisdom. Prepare to be inspired.
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Episodes
  • S20 Ep2: Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder & CEO of By Rotation, on revolutionising the rental fashion industry
    Apr 29 2024
    Ready to revolutionise your fashion choices? Discover how one woman is changing the world of fashion and empowering women to turn their wardrobes into serious financial assets, with the Airbnb of clothing.

    In this inspiring episode, Holly Tucker chats with Eshita Kabra-Davies, the trailblazing founder and CEO of By Rotation, about transforming the fashion industry through a sustainable, rental-based approach. Eshita shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the spark of inspiration whilst on honeymoon in Rajasthan, India, to the challenges and triumphs of building a community-driven platform. She opens up about the personal sacrifices and the resilience required to navigate the competitive landscape, especially as a woman of colour in the startup world. Including a frank conversation about the reality of raising funding as a woman.

    The conversation is a heartfelt reflection on the power of perseverance, the importance of support systems and the future of conscious consumption. Tune in to be empowered by Eshita's story and motivated to pursue your own passions with tenacity and purpose.

    Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast, head over to holly.co/dell. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

    Time Stamps

    The mission of By Rotation (00:01:28): By Rotation's mission to challenge conventional norms in fashion ownership and promote sustainable consumption.

    The changing attitudes towards fashion rental (00:05:05): How attitudes towards renting clothes have evolved, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Empowerment through fashion rental (00:07:43): The financial empowerment experienced by lenders through By Rotation and the shift in perception of women's shopping habits.

    Starting and scaling the business (00:29:18): Holly Tucker talks about the importance of having a plan and understanding the destination, followed by Harshita discussing the unique experience of starting and scaling the business during lockdown.

    Challenges in fundraising (00:33:57): Eshita and Holly discuss the gender and ethnic disparities in VC funding, cultural challenges in early-stage funding, and the importance of financial support over mentorship programs.
    Challenges in Fashion Industry (00:44:19): The difficulties faced in entering the fashion industry and how Eshita grew her network.

    Community Building and Mission (00:47:28): The importance of community in a peer-to-peer business model and the mission to transform consumption.

    Balancing Work and Personal Life (00:51:52): The speaker's hectic weekdays and the importance of recharging on weekends.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S20 Ep1: Giovanna Fletcher, on living a life of self-acceptance
    Apr 22 2024
    Why did Giovanna Fletcher call her encounter with royalty 'bizarrely beautiful'?

    Actress, author, podcast host, a true champion of mothers and the “I’m a Celebrity” Queen of the Castle shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and empowerment.

    From her experience starring in the West End musical "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" to her childhood encounters with bullying, which ignited her passion for creativity. She candidly discusses societal pressures around body image and her transformative shift towards prioritising mental well-being and overall health.

    Discover Giovanna's unexpected foray into writing, fueled by her captivating podcast "Happy Mum, Happy Baby," where she champions candid discussions about motherhood. Hear about her illuminating conversation with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, on maternal mental health and her empowering work leading treks for breast cancer survivors.

    Giovanna's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the beauty of embracing your unique path, and the importance of supporting each other through life's ups and downs.

    Tune in for a dose of inspiration that will surely spark a fire within you. Let's celebrate our journeys and the lessons we gather along the way!

    If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bryony Gordon, journalist and author.

    Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.


    Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: If you’re a founder yourself and would like to be in with a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast head over to holly.co/dell. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies and their programs Dell for Startups and DWEN (Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network) — which provide startup expertise from dedicated technology advisors and scalable solutions to ensure your business is always ready to grow.

    Time Stamps:

    Giovanna's Career and Musical Experience (00:02:40) Giovanna discusses her recent role in the West End musical "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" and the significance of the story.

    Facing Bullying and Coping Mechanisms (00:11:34) Giovanna shares her experience of being bullied as a child and how she coped with it by immersing herself in creativity and storytelling.

    Impact of Motherhood (00:21:10) Discussing the change in perspective due to motherhood and the shift in focus from seeking approval.

    Insecurities and Confidence (00:23:24) Exploring the impact of insecurities and the strength gained from overcoming challenges.

    Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance (00:27:02) Discussing the societal pressure on body image and the shift towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

    Experience on "I'm a Celebrity" (00:39:53) Giovanna reflects on her experience on the TV show "I'm a Celebrity" and the relief of being away from uncertainties.

    Discovery of Writing (00:43:13) Giovanna shares her surprise at her writing career taking off and the encouragement she received.

    Meeting with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (00:49:08) Giovanna shares her experience of meeting and recording a podcast with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, discussing maternal mental health.

    Giovanna's Charity Work (00:56:09) Giovanna's involvement with CoppaFeel and her charity treks to raise awareness of breast cancer.

    Breast Cancer Awareness (01:00:59) Giovanna discusses the importance of early diagnosis and breast cancer symptoms.

    Embracing Authenticity (01:07:45) Giovanna's personal journey to embracing her authentic self and advice for others.

    Letter to Younger Self (01:18:05) Giovanna reads a letter to her younger self, offering advice and reflections on life and self-worth.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Perry Haydn Taylor, on revolutionising how we think about brand
    Mar 11 2024
    Meet Perry Haydn Taylor, brand genius, design guru and true disruptor. His work shines out of many kitchen cupboards and fridges, from Dorset Cereals or Whole Earth to Gü desserts. For 30 years, Perry has helped entrepreneurs start and transform some of our most extraordinary brands with his award-winning design and marketing consultancy, Big Fish. Find out how.

    WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE

    • You’ll hear how Perry creates true disrupter brands by challenging conventional wisdom
    • Discover how successful branding involves forging meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impact on the world
    • Learn how to spark magic by always operating with a start-up mentality
    Please take a moment to protect little ears, this episode contains adult language.

    If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with David Hieatt, founder of Howies, The Do Lectures and Hiut Denim.

    Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business finds and inspiration, nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus exclusive offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 18 mins

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