This episode contains discussion of burnout, grief, and traumatic events.
In this episode of Next Level You, I sit down with Angela Hodgson, founder of Ignite Improvement, to explore how to build a brilliant business without burnout. Angela shares her journey from early entrepreneurship to nine years at Bentley Motors, through a breakdown and reset during COVID, and back to leading change for scaling UK SMEs.
We dig into why teams stall: misaligned leadership, weak communication, and resistance to change and how to shift from assumption-led to aligned leadership.
Angela introduces POWER (Purpose, Organization, Work Habits, Engagement, Results); the practical framework behind her Build Brilliant Businesses programme. We also talk about using AI safely with clear policies.
You’ll hear how Angela's university collaborations (Salford, Leeds Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University) and the government’s Help to Grow programme shape her approach, why simplicity scales, and the early signs your business or team is heading toward burnout, plus actionable steps to reignite momentum.
More about Angela:
I am the founder of Ignite Improvement Ltd, where I help busy SME leaders build brilliant, people-first businesses without burning out. After senior roles at Bentley Motors and a personal crash into burnout, I left corporate life to support my two neurodiverse sons and create a business that fits my life - not the other way around. With over 20 years’ experience in consultancy and coaching, I combine practical tools, honest advice and hard-won lessons to support leaders through the messy middle of business and leadership.
Connect with Angela:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelahodgson/
https://www.instagram.com/angela_hodgson_official/
Take The Quiz here:
You’ve got good people and a growing business. But you’re stuck between strategy and firefighting. This quick quiz helps you spot the gaps - and what to streamline, simplify or shift to get your time back.
https://igniteimprovement.co.uk/quiz
Connect with your host, Toni Addinall
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toni.addinall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniaddinallstrategist/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/toniaddinall
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