In this episode Dan Cray, founder & CEO of PHIZZ, talks about how to scale without losing your North Star, stay focussed and go global.

After raising capital, PHIZZ had the opportunity to go broad early. New markets, new use cases and major international interest created momentum - but also complexity. Dan shares how chasing too many opportunities diluted focus, and why returning to a laser focus became the foundation for faster and more sustainable growth.

This episode is a lesson in timing, discipline and knowing when to say no.

Keep listening to hear how PHIZZ found clarity through focus and what founders can learn about leadership, restraint and long-term growth.

Dan's advice:

• Start with observation, not ambition
• Build credibility early, partnerships with trusted brands created momentum before mass awareness
• Investment creates pressure to scale, but chasing growth too broadly can pull you away from your core
• Focus is a growth strategy, cutting revenue generating products and markets can accelerate long term performance
• Say no more as you grow, shifting from a yes culture to disciplined decision making is key to scaling well
• Nail your home market first, global expansion only works if your core business is strong and stable

FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

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Samantha Cusick is one of the most recognisable voices in hair & uses podcasting to deepen brand trust, create community, as well as accidentally open doors commercially & position herself as an authority in a crowded market.

In this episode, we unpack what podcasting really does for you as an entrepreneur once the mic is live: how it supports the brand, drives opportunity, builds long-term equity & ultimately makes you feel less lonely as a founder.

Keep listening to hear how to use podcasting as a growth lever, not a distraction and what founders should think about before they press record.

This conversation explores:

• Why Samantha started a podcast despite running multiple salons
• How long-form podcasting creates deeper connection than short-form social media
• The realities of podcast growth, sponsorship, and production
• How podcasting has strengthened her broader business ecosystem
• Overcoming imposter syndrome as a founder
• The importance of understanding your numbers and planning properly when starting a business
• Why founders should “just start” - even without certainty

FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In today’s episode of How To Start Up, I’m joined by Marie du Petit Thouars and Matthew Berkson - the founders and partners behind Maison Louis Marie, the clean luxury fragrance house that blends centuries-old botanical heritage with modern consciousness. We discuss how they turned a personal passion into a global brand while learning to start, scale and stay married along the way.

Matt & Marie's advice:

• Divide by strength, not ego
• Respect work ethic above all
• Align on values and definition of success
• Create physical and psychological boundaries
• Trust is the operating system
• Let go before you burn out
• Protect the relationship deliberately
• Say no as you grow

FF&M enables you to own your own PR & produces podcasts.
Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield, 2024 MD & Founder of PR & Communications consultancy for startups Fallow, Field & Mason. Email us at hello@fallowfieldmason.com or DM us on instagram @fallowfieldmason.

MUSIC CREDIT Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod. Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show