The Maven Podcast

The Maven Awards - A Celebration of Female Talent

This episode is all about the Maven community, a supportive co-working space for women in business, and the Maven Awards, which recognise female entrepreneurial talent. The hosts Natalie Hamer and Zoe Hanson discuss the importance of community, collaboration, and the unique nomination process for the awards, emphasizing that it is not a popularity contest. Personal stories from members highlight the impact of Maven on their businesses and lives. The awards celebrate various categories, including client care, fitness and wellness, and creativity, showcasing the diverse talents within the community. Takeaways The Maven community uplifts and supports women in business. Maven Awards recognize and celebrate female entrepreneurial talent. The nomination process is designed to empower rather than compete. Community and collaboration are essential for personal and professional growth. Personal stories illustrate the positive impact of Maven on its members. The awards highlight various categories, showcasing diverse talents. Client care is a crucial aspect of successful businesses. Fitness and wellness are highly valued within the community. Inspirational leaders often inspire without realizing their impact. Creatives face unique challenges in balancing passion and financial stability. Sound bites "Maven is a supportive co-working space." "It's not a popularity contest at all." "Community is the biggest part of Maven." Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Women in Business 01:22 Understanding Maven: A Supportive Community 02:09 The Maven Awards: Recognizing Female Talent 03:29 The Unique Nomination Process 07:13 Personal Stories: Impact of Maven 08:37 Highlights from the 2025 Maven Awards 10:52 Award Categories and Their Significance 12:49 Community and Collaboration in Maven 14:12 Client Care: A Key Focus 15:55 Fitness and Wellness: Celebrating Health 16:45 Community Contributions: Making a Difference 17:12 Inspirational Leaders: Recognizing Impact 19:35 Creative Maven: Supporting the Arts 21:30 The Importance of Community Support 22:47 Tech Award: Highlighting Women in Tech 24:42 Special Recognition: Honoring Community Heroes

The Role of a Menopause Coach

In this enlightening conversation, host Zoe Hanson engages with menopause coach Sharon Worth and Maven Community Founder Natalie Hamer to explore the often misunderstood and stigmatized topic of menopause. They discuss the empowering aspects of menopause, the role of a menopause coach, the importance of education, and practical tips for navigating this life transition. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and support, as well as personal experiences that highlight the journey through menopause. * Menopause can be a positive and empowering experience. * Education on menopause is crucial for all women. * Personal experiences can lead to professional paths, like coaching. * A holistic approach to menopause includes fitness, nutrition, and mental health. * Recognizing perimenopause symptoms is essential for women. * Understanding hormonal cycles can help manage symptoms effectively. * Stress management is key to navigating menopause successfully. * Nutrition plays a vital role in managing menopause symptoms. * Women should be encouraged to share their menopause experiences. * Support groups and community discussions can greatly benefit those going through menopause.

Why is good branding important?

In this episode of the Maven podcast, hosts Natalie Hamer and Zoe Hanson delve into the importance of branding for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. They discuss how branding reflects personal identity, the emotional connection it creates with customers, and the strategic steps to build a brand that resonates. The conversation covers the role of social media in branding, the significance of converting online engagement into sales, and practical tips for effective branding. The hosts emphasize the need for authenticity, community engagement, and the importance of a cohesive brand identity that aligns with business values. Takeaways * Your business is a reflection of you. * Good branding helps a business to be seen and remembered. * Branding is about the feelings it evokes in customers. * Understanding what draws you to other brands is crucial. * Colours and design elements convey different emotions. * Engagement on social media should lead to sales conversions. * Your website is a key tool for business success. * Merchandise can create brand ambassadors. * Community engagement enhances brand visibility. * Authenticity in branding fosters customer loyalty. Titles * Branding Essentials for Small Businesses * Creating a Brand That Resonates * The Emotional Connection of Branding Sound bites "Your business is you." "Branding is about how it makes you feel." "Your business idea comes first." "It's not about perfection." "Your website is still your key." "Make it you, make it your personality." Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Branding for Small Businesses 07:04 Building Your Brand Identity 12:49 The Role of Social Media in Branding 21:24 Converting Engagement into Sales 30:03 Top Tips for Effective Branding

Could Franchising be the next step for your business?

In this episode of the Maven podcast, hosts Natalie Hamer and Zoe Hanson engage with Laura Skilton, founder of BabySquids UK, discussing the intricacies of franchising, the journey of building a business, and the importance of community support. They explore the motivations behind choosing non-corporate titles, the challenges and successes of franchising BabySquids, and the essential elements for creating a successful franchise model. The conversation highlights the significance of branding, support systems, and the interconnectedness of success between franchisors and franchisees, all while fostering a supportive community for women in business. Takeaways * Franchising can provide growth opportunities for small businesses. * Choosing a non-corporate title can reflect personal values. * Language shapes perceptions in business leadership. * Community support is vital for business success. * Franchise consultants guide businesses through the franchising process. * A strong brand identity is crucial for attracting franchisees. * Systems and processes simplify business operations. * Success in franchising relies on mutual support between franchisor and franchisee. * Empowering stories inspire and motivate entrepreneurs. * Future growth can be measured by the expansion of franchise networks. Titles * Franchising Insights with Laura Skilton * Building a Community Through Franchising * The Journey of BabySquids UK Sound bites * "I think language is so powerful." * "We needed to step back." * "They get a proven brand, a proven structure." * "I think every space should have a Maven." * "It’s about the exposure on the TV." * "Thank you so much for listening." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Franchising and Ambition 04:13 The Journey of BabySquids UK 10:30 Understanding the Franchise Model 13:09 Growth and Support in Franchising 17:30 Steps to Franchising a Business 21:05 Key Considerations for Franchise Success 24:19. Community and Support in Business 30:08Empowering Stories and Future Aspirations

What does good Leadership look like?

In this episode of the Maven podcast, Natalie Hamer and Zoe Hanson explore the essence of good leadership, emphasising the importance of support, inspiration, and community. They discuss various leadership styles, the significance of personal growth, and the lessons learned from both good and bad leadership experiences. The conversation highlights the role of community in empowering female entrepreneurs and the journey towards assertiveness and entrepreneurship. Takeaways * Good leadership is about encouraging and inspiring others. * Leadership styles vary, and it's important to find your own. * Being supportive and nurturing leads to better results. * Learning from both good and bad leaders shapes your style. * Community support is crucial for female entrepreneurs. * Assertiveness can be misunderstood in leadership roles. * Building relationships is key to effective leadership. * A good leader uplifts others rather than seeking the spotlight. * Creating a supportive environment fosters collaboration. * Leadership qualities can be learned from both personal and professional experiences. Titles * The Essence of Good Leadership * Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Sound bites "What does good leadership look like?" "We need other people to do that for us." "I think we all have our own personalities." "I hate being told what to do." "You want to go where everybody knows your name." Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Good Leadership 05:06 Leadership Styles and Personal Growth 11:03 Learning from Experience: Good vs. Bad Leadership 16:59 Building a Supportive Community 23:33 The Journey to Entrepreneurship and Assertiveness