In this episode we chat with Mila Smith, a certified relationship and dating coach. Mila shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges in her own relationships and how it led her to become a coach. She discusses the importance of understanding yourself and your needs in a relationship, as well as the crucial role of active listening in building strong connections. Mila also talks about the services she offers, including one-on-one coaching and an online video course. She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help when it comes to relationships and dating, and how a coach can provide guidance, support, and practical tools for effective communication and listening skills.   Time Codes: 00:25 Mila Introduction 02:23 What do you like about Reading? 03:20 What does a relationship coach do? 07:00 Advice for people needing relationship guidance 09:40 What skills have transferred from Mila’s previous work experience into her new business 11:32 Mila’s new business journey 13:00 What lessons Mila learned when setting up her business 17:07 How Mila promotes her business 18:39 Mila’s experience setting up her online video course 23:34 Discussion on advertising on dating platforms 24:24 Mila’s key takeaways

In this episode, Damien shares the story of how Pop Classics started as an online business 20 years ago and eventually expanded into a physical store. We discuss the challenges and rewards of running a record shop, including the importance of adapting to changing customer demands and supporting local artists. Damien also talks about his passion for vinyl records and his commitment to providing a unique and personalized shopping experience for customers, as well as various live music performances and Record Store Day celebrations.   Time Codes 00:42 Introduction to Damian and Pop Classics 01:39 What do you like about Reading? 02:32 Pop Classics has just celebrated its 1st birthday in a physical store. What has the last year been like? 04:10 What vinyls does Damian like  05:03 Why did Pop Classics decide to open a physical store? 09:00 Why is it important to be nominated for pride of reading? 10:29 What does it take to be nomated for Pride of Reading?/ Pop Classics’ local initiatives 11:28 Local events and initiatives in Caversham 13:04 The importance of giving and receiving support for local independents 14:12 Pop Classics’ plans for the next year 16:43 Damian's advice for record buyers and sellers 18:10 Damian's key takeaway for listeners

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating story of Jelly, a beloved art studio and community hub in Reading. Suzanne, the founder of Jelly, shares her journey of starting the studio over 30 years ago and how it has evolved to become an integral part of Reading's art scene. We explore the various programs and workshops Jelly offers, from community outreach to artist development, and how they contribute to the town's vibrant creative culture. Suzanne also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the arts sector in Reading, including the importance of finding affordable spaces and securing funding. We learn about Jelly's strategies for promoting their work and reaching different audiences, both online and offline.   Time Codes 00:25 Welcome 00:42  Introduction to Suzanne and Jelly 01:11 What do you like about Reading? 02:25 How does jelly contribute to Reading’ art community? 03:12 How has Reading art community changed over time? 04:55 Suzanne's art 05:36 What Jelly offers the community and artists 07:00 What has and hasn’t worked for promoting Jelly over the years? 08:00 How to get to people who don’t have access to internet 10:04 How Jelly connects with target audiences 13:26 What challenges and opportunities are there for Reading's art sector? 15:06 How do you envisage Jelly’s role changing in next few years? 17:24 A highlight from Suzanne    

In this episode, we interview former CIA agent turned CEO, Rupal Patel. Rupal has taken lessons from her fascinating background and experiences and turned them into her first book 'From CIA to CEO'. We explore key ideas in Rupal's book that can help entrepreneurs and business owners, including 'tactical ignorance' and 'comparisonitis'. Rupal also shares actionable tips for business owners, emphasizing the importance of knowing your strengths and staying true to your values while remaining open to learning and experimenting with new strategies. If you're looking for ways to grow your business while staying authentic and focused, Rupal’s leadership lessons from her unique background will give you practical tools to implement in your journey.   Time Codes 00:25 Welcome 00:48 Introduction to Rupal 01:51 Why come to reading and what do you like about it 03:16 Introduction to Rupal’s book 03:33 What have readers of your book resonated with the most? 09:22 What mistakes do local businesses and entrepreneurs make? 14:02 How can local businesses increase their visibility 15:25 Rupal's marketing strategy 20:08 Cold calls and emails — How to customise your appraoch for better results 21:55 Think of your business as a marathon 25:48 What are the most interesting questions you’ve received over the years? / What interviews do you enjoy? 32:40 What questions do you get asked the most? 35:02 Key takeaway

In this episode, Sarah explains how dressing with intention can boost your confidence and align your personal style with your brand. Sarah shares her 10 years' experience helping clients discover the colours and styles that make them feel empowered. We also discuss the importance of dressing for both your body shape and your mindset, and how your appearance plays a crucial role in representing your brand values. Tune in for inspiring case studies, actionable tips on dressing to reflect your brand, and insights into how personal style can influence first impressions and opportunities.   Time Codes 00:25 welcome 00:39 Introduction to Sarah 01:35 What do you like about Reading? 02:40 What is a Colour & Image Stylist? 03:40 What does 'Dress to Reflect Your Brand' mean? 05:32 Sarah's process for helping her clients and case study 08:04 Connection between your body language and the clothes that you wear 08:20 How to dress with confidence 11:08 How Sarah promotes her business 12:38 The importance of networking 14:12 How to keep in touch with people 15:02 How you can dress to reflect your brand 16:34 Sarah's newsletters 16:45 Your clothes need to earn a space in your wardrobe 17:17 Sarah's stylish socials 17:44 Use personal touches and keep things fresh! 18:28 Key takeaway

This week, Hugo shares his advice on how you can incorporate and measure the effectiveness of video in your business. Listen to things that have worked for Hugo, pitfalls to watch out for, and video ideas for you to try. Time Codes 00:25 welcome 00:39 Introduction to Hugo 01:33 What do you like about Reading? 02:44 The challenges small businesses face in creating and distributing content & how to overcome them. 04:18 What videos and strategies work well for small businesses? 06:04 How can businesses find the right production company for them? 08:36 How can small businesses measure the ROI of their videos? 10:44 An example of a successful video project that Hugo has done 14:02 An example of a video project that was less successful, and the reason for this. 17:40 Key tips & advice fom Hugo's extensive career 19:21 Key takeaway

This week Gabriele Swift shares her advice on the subject of brand and lifestyle photography. If you own a business, or are looking to develop your personal brand, then don't miss this episode as we look at how you can develop your own photo library and think about developing your own brand style.   Time Codes 00:25 welcome 01:06 Introduction to Gabriele 02:37 What do you like about Reading? 03:31 What is brand and lifestyle photography? 04:22 What is your typical workflow for doing a brand and lifestyle photoshoot? 06:10 How do you work with your clients to capture their brand vision? 08:22 What challenges do you face in brand photography? 13:11 Where do you find the inspiration? 17:32 What tips do you have for people interested in brand and lifestyle photography? 19:59 Gaby's new co-authored book 'Be Brand Rich' 19:44 Key takeaway

This week, Adrian Raffill shares his thoughts on the common challenges that writers face and how to overcome them, some top ways to promote a local community group, and much more.   Time codes 00:25 welcome 00:38 Introduction to Adrian 01:26 What do you like about Reading 03:05 Overview of Caversham Writers 04:27 Benefits of being part of a writing group 05:59 What Caversham Writers does well 08:13 What challenges have you faced runnign the group? 10:39 How do you promote Caversham Writers? 14:42 Caversham Writers | Different meeting formats 16:31 Challenges writers face and how to overcome them 19:44 Key takeaways 20:59 A strategy for creating your own writing prompts 24:54 A new way to think abotu creativity

In this week's episode we talk to Mike Bostock, lead vocals and rhythm guitar in Dream Sellers, and founder of Raze the Roof, a charity that raises money for Royal Berkshire Hospital through it's charity arm. Mike shares his tips for musicians and music lovers, shines a light on Reading's music scene, as well as his cancer story. This is a great episode with lots of advice from Mike.    Time codes 00:25 welcome 00:53 Introduction to Mike 02:38 How music has played an important part of Mike's life 05:49 About Dream Sellers and you’re never too old 08:07 Two things that contribute towards one's success 10:16 Tips for musicians; how to promote yourselves 13:02 How you can learn more about the Reading music scene (and anything local) 16:32 About Raze the Roof. What has and hasn’t worked in raising money for the charity. 21:45 How can people help with Raze the Roof 23:37 Other lessons from Mike's experience 24:18 Mike's final takeaway

In this episode Alexa Volker tells us about the Reading BID, its fantastic inititatives, and we discuss the current Fantasy Trail taking place in Reading town centre.    TIme Codes 00:25 Welcome and intro to Alexa 01:21 What Alexa likes about living in Reading 02:33 What is the BID and its initiatives 05:50 BID relationships (REDA, Reading Council, police, and security) 07:40 WHat challenges and opportunities do you come across? 08:44 Background to the current fantasy trail 12:45 People like things they're familiar with 13:10 What is Alexa's favourite model in the current fantasty trail 13:42 How did you install the trail models? 14:29 What has the feedback been like? 15:48 How can you find out about activities being organised by the BID 17:37 Key takeaway