Conversations of Inspiration

Hidden behind a secret door, in a fantastical shop, lies an ingenious organisation that is unlocking societal change in the most creative of ways.

In episode 1 of series 10, Holly meets Alistair Hall, one of the founders, and Kirsty Telford Deputy Director of the charity, The Ministry of Stories and its retail space Hoxton Street Monster Supplies...

How do you build a business by challenging the conventional? In this episode, Alexia Inge shares her lessons as she recounts her story building the online beauty empire Cult Beauty.

Growing up in a village in Somerset, Alexia’s background in the fashion and PR world gave her an insight into an industry that had always previously been dominated by much larger brands...

As the son of the founder of Mr Whippy, perhaps Angus Thirlwell was always destined to build his own brand. But his path to success has not been without some hard won lessons and deep personal insight into his own motivation in life.

Angus’s vision for Hotel Chocolat has always been to not only reimagine an industry, but also bring back core values and purpose into the confectionary market at a time when the heritage of chocolate was being lost in the UK...

This week's episode with Andy Hunter, founder of Bookshop.org, brings us a modern day David vs Goliath story. His mission is to make it as easy as Amazon to shop responsibly and ethically, ensuring that books and local bricks and mortar bookshops remain part of popular culture...

This week Holly speaks with Aron Gelbard, co-founder of Bloom & Wild. A founder passionate about making people happy, Aron knew he could only build a brand that evoked emotion. A florist first and foremost, that has broken new ground in an already established industry, Bloom & Wild has set the industry standard where others now follow.

With little knowledge of either tech development or floristry, Aron pursued an idea that was virtually unheard of...

In this festive special, Holly revisits some of her favourite interviews and guests from 2020. Delving back into the archives, Holly is joined by guests including Sir Tim Smit, Kanya King CBE, Paul Lindley OBE, Jacqueline Gold CBE, Lord John Bird, Jay Blades, Samantha Renke and Marcia Kilgore as they reflect on their own personal journeys, their highs, lows and lessons along the way...

A familiar face across our TVs, this week broadcaster and founder, Jake Humphrey shares a rare insight into his background and personal philosophies - both of which he credits with finding success today.

Growing up in Norfolk, Jake’s childhood was not an easy one after suffering severe bullying at school. After failing his exams and being fired from McDonalds, someone took a chance on Jake and changed the course of this life forever...

This week Holly talks to Sophie Sellu, founder of Grain & Knot. Born from a love of nature and the need for purpose in creation, Sophie makes beautifully tactile, fully functional kitchen utensils using modern design and traditional tools and methods.

After being made redundant and deciding to attend a wood carving course,  Sophie bought an axe and a set of knives and set about carving her own future, by embracing a craft that she loved...

In a rare and candid conversation, Jodie Kidd shares with Holly her journey. A journey full of twists and turns and highs and lows, that ultimately brought her full circle to becoming the proud owner of her local pub...

This week we celebrate the 100th episode of Conversations of Inspiration. In her most in depth and personal interview to date, Holly recounts her own journey. Interviewed by the small business community as well as close friends and family - Holly delves into who, and what, has shaped her journey to date.

A look back at her childhood and the incredible rollercoaster she has been on since, Holly reflects on the people and places that have shaped who she is today...