The Trailblazers Experience Podcast

EP90 Julia Cove Smith Founder Eleven as One : Building a brand with Football Kit that Fits

Women’s football has never had more momentum, yet so many players still end up wearing men’s shorts, “unisex” cuts that do not fit, or gym gear that was never designed for the pitch. That disconnect is exactly what sparked Julia to build 11 As One, a UK women’s football kit brand with a simple aim: give everyone access to that football feeling of belonging, confidence, and community. 00:00 - Introduction to Julia Cove-Smith and her purpose-driven brand 00:44 - Julia’s background in retail marketing and transition to entrepreneurship 01:49 - Insights from her long tenure at Emma Bridgewater and lessons learned 02:48 - Discovering the gap in women’s sportswear, particularly football kits 06:53 - Developing brand identity from concept to execution 07:13 - The relationship between product quality and marketing success 08:54 - The importance of testing, learning, and agility in e-commerce 10:36 - Strategies for brand messaging, community, and purpose 14:33 - Building a collaborative, trust-based work environment 15:32 - Pivoting from traditional retail to online and the importance of experimentation 16:51 - Creating a brand centered on accessibility, diversity, and belonging 17:50 - Developing brand visuals, name, and purpose with external support 24:39 - The value of a compelling product versus purpose-led branding 26:20 - Addressing product design gaps for women in sports kits 29:46 - Encouraging more women and girls into sports through inclusivity 32:02 - Implementing quotas and support systems for female leaders and coaches 35:35 - Common startup challenges, from sourcing to motivation 37:45 - The loneliness of entrepreneurship and the importance of accountability 41:57 - Personal growth, confidence, and embracing new passions like football 44:16 - Finding your community and staying externally connected 46:17 - Top three trailblazer tips: Connect with Julia: * Email: hello@elevenasone.co.uk [hello@11as1.co.uk] * LinkedIn: Julia Cove-Smith [https://linkedin.com/in/juliacovesmith] * eleven_as_on Send us Comments & Feedback [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2115222/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2115222/support] Listen :  to the audio version  Apple  Spotify .Amazon Music  Google Podcasts Watch  and subscribe to my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Thetrailblazersexperience]  https://www.youtube.com/@Thetrailblazersexperience Follow    Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazersexperience/

EP89 : Caitlin Robbins - Building a global community for women in hybrid fitness ROXQUEENS

From City Consulting to Building a Global Movement for Women in Hybrid Fitness — Caitlin Robbins on Rox Queens Discover how Caitlin Robbins transitioned from a corporate consulting career to creating an inspiring community empowering women through hybrid fitness. This episode explores the importance of community, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and staying true to your values. Key Topics:   * Caitlin’s journey from traditional corporate job to founding Rox Queens * The pivotal moment during her first Hyrox race that inspired community support * The growth of Rox Queens from a WhatsApp group to a global network * Strategies for building authentic partnerships with brands like Nike * The lessons learned from launching tech products for community engagement * The significance of vulnerability and community support in entrepreneurship * The impact of health setbacks and the importance of self-care * Future plans for Rox Queens including scaling and funding challenges * Advice for founders on curiosity, collaboration, and valuing themselves   00:00 - Introducing Caitlin Robbins and the mission of Rox Queens  02:32 - Caitlin’s background in sports and overcoming dyslexia through running  04:09 - The decision to pursue high rocks competitively and build community  05:48 - The support network behind Rox Queens’ growth  07:06 - The loneliness of training and the need for community  09:37 - Expansion of Rox Queens globally and partnerships  11:00 - The serendipitous encounter with Simon Squibb and the power of dreams  13:08 - Moving to Bali for new opportunities and community building  14:37 - The importance of supporting others through community initiatives  17:19 - Lessons from living abroad and taking risks in entrepreneurship  19:51 - The importance of vulnerability and health during setbacks  22:18 - The partnership with Nike and the journey of brand collaboration  23:26 - Navigating funding, alignment with brands, and staying authentic  26:14 - Creating inclusive community spaces for women of all ages and abilities  27:55 - The shifting perceptions of hybrid athletes and Rox Queens’ global growth  29:13 - The significance of community-driven impact over immediate revenue  30:35 - Launching and iterating Rox Queens app for better engagement  33:00 - Addressing barriers to participation and matchmaking in training  34:00 - The creative approach to connecting female athletes using tech  36:47 - Milestones, growth, and future funding plans  39:08 - Personal health scare and lessons on community’s role in support  41:59 - Balancing the entrepreneurial hustle with self-care  43:00 - The ongoing journey of scaling Rox Queens and securing sponsorships  45:40 - The importance of perseverance, community, and celebrating small wins  47:19 - Advice for founders: curiosity, collaboration, and self-validation  48:46 - Caitlin’s closing thoughts and how to connect with Rox Queens Resources & Links:  Rox Queens Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rocks_queens/] * Caitlin Robbins - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/caitlinrobbins/] * Lovable - AI-powered app builder [https://lovable.ai/] * Nike - Official Website [https://www.nike.com/] * Simon Squibb - TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@squibb]   Connect with Caitlin Robbins: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/caitlinrobbins/] Rox Queens on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rocks_queens/]   Send us Comments & Feedback [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2115222/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2115222/support] Listen :  to the audio version  Apple  Spotify .Amazon Music  Google Podcasts Watch  and subscribe to my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Thetrailblazersexperience]  https://www.youtube.com/@Thetrailblazersexperience Follow    Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazersexperience/

EP88 Fiona Lambert :The power of Reinvention at any Age

Fiona Lambert is an author, experienced fashion and retail industry leader, board advisor and now fitness influencer who shares how redundancy sparks a full reinvention, from getting her fittest at 60 to becoming an author, speaker, and advocate for women who refuse to fade into the background. We talk candidly about identity beyond job titles, confidence through change, and the mindset shifts that turn rejection into redirection. • being made redundant as a catalyst for purpose and reinvention •  resources Fiona Lambert's Website - https://fionalambert.com Invincible, Not Invisible (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Not-Invisible-Fiona-Lambert/dp/XXXXXX SAS 60 Single (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/SAS-60-Single-Your-Manual/dp/XXXXXX Find Fiona  Website - https://fionalambert.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/fionalambert LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/fionalambert Please remember to follow, like, share. We are on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever listen to your podcast. Send us Comments & Feedback [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2115222/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2115222/support] Listen :  to the audio version  Apple  Spotify .Amazon Music  Google Podcasts Watch  and subscribe to my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Thetrailblazersexperience]  https://www.youtube.com/@Thetrailblazersexperience Follow    Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thetrailblazersexperience/