Those That Bloom Podcast

Episode 12: Earned Authority: Experience Before Impact

In this episode, we sit down with Bridie Cunningham, Director and co-founder of Portman Scott, to unpack what it really takes to build credibility, create influence, and make meaningful impact - without needing the “top seat” to do it. Bridie’s career began on a graduate training scheme at Marks & Spencer, where she spent 15 years progressing through senior sales, operational and leadership roles in the UK and overseas. She then moved to Carphone Warehouse as Head of UK Retail Productivity, becoming part of the team that helped drive the business into the FTSE 100. After later running her own fashion business, Bridie spotted a gap in the market: growth businesses - particularly privately owned and private equity-backed organisations - needed search partners who truly understood the pace, pressure, and nuance of senior hiring. That insight led to the founding of Portman Scott in 2012 with business partner Bernard - built on a simple but powerful idea: create the recruitment firm they always wished they’d had. One that understands a client’s strategy, culture, and challenges quickly, works flexibly, and consistently delivers high-calibre candidates who can contribute immediately. Our conversation focuses on two key themes: Influence is earned through experience. Bridie shares why building depth - through varied roles, real responsibility, and learning the hard way - creates the foundation for making a genuine difference later on. Your role doesn’t have to be “number one” to matter. We explore how high performance and real impact often come from understanding your strengths, owning your lane, and recognising that leadership and influence show up at every level - not just at the top. A grounded, practical conversation about career progression, self-awareness, and the long game of influence - with plenty of insight for anyone navigating growth, change, or ambition in their work

Episode Eleven: From Chaos to Calm | Finding Stability Within

#VoteForLeah This episode is about recognising that feeling deep down - the quiet but persistent knowing that you are not satisfied, that you could do more, and that your time could be better spent. For Leah, this realisation came through a period of breakdown that ultimately enabled her to bloom. The episode explores how personal experiences can mirror - and profoundly shape - our professional lives. Leah Brown’s story is about choosing to put aside society-defined goals, career titles, money, and traditional ideas of “success” to deliver something she passionately believes in. It’s proof that when you build something with conviction and purpose, it can grow to achieve commercial success too. At its heart, Leah’s journey highlights the importance of balancing information with justice and representation - ensuring voices are truly heard and that change is meaningful. She is a powerful advocate for those who do not have a voice. Leah Brown FRSA is the founder and leader of The WayFinders Group, specialising in transforming organisations through mission-aligned change, conflict resolution, and cultural development. A qualified solicitor, accredited mediator, and change expert, Leah works across elite law, sport, FinTech, and academia to help leaders resolve systemic issues, rebuild teams, and embed sustainable governance. She is also a keynote speaker through LeahTalks Ltd, the host of The Longest Day Podcast, an accomplished violinist, and a person of faith - bringing unique depth and integrity to every conversation she has. If you are at a crossroads, this episode will make you pause and reflect - do you need to take a moment to recognise what you need, or what you don’t yet know? 🎧 Listen now for an inspiring, thought-provoking episode that challenges how we define success and purpose.

Episode 10: Show Up: Mastering the Power of Personal Brand

This episode is crucial for everyone - whether you’re a business owner or an employee - because it’s about personal brand. The importance of being present, showcasing your USP (which is you), and understanding why people should choose to work with you. Beatrice’s story is one of self-discovery. Her business was born out of a quick need to be paid for good work done, but it has evolved into a mission: helping professionals work out who they are, what makes them unique, and how to express that so the right clients connect with them. In today’s saturated online world, where we’re constantly consuming content, standing out is more important than ever. Beatrice guides professionals on how to show up online in a way that is authentic, strategic, and impactful. Beatrice is a personal branding strategist who works with professionals and business owners to refine their online presence and communicate their unique value. Through her tailored approach, she helps clients define their brand, craft their message, and confidently show up - ensuring they are seen, heard, and remembered for the right reasons. 🎧 Whether you’re building a company or a career, this is an essential listen on how to show up in a way that’s true to you.

Episode 9: Change and Growth: Building Success Through Life’s Chapters

This episode dives into Louise Van Haarst’s fascinating career journey, where a common thread runs through every chapter - the need to provide, to earn, and to deliver. Deeply rooted in her upbringing and family culture, Louise’s drive is a reflection of her values. What’s so inspiring about Louise’s story is that she’s living proof of the value of trying new things - things that matter to you in the moment - learning from them, and then carrying those skills forward into what you ultimately choose to deliver. Change isn’t failure - it’s awareness and growth. And given what she’s achieved, we can only imagine how successful those she coaches must be! Louise Van Haarst is a certified professional coach and founder of her own coaching practice, working with high-achieving professionals to unlock their full potential. Her coaching is grounded in empathy, clarity, and a strong results focus, drawing on years of experience across diverse roles and industries. Louise brings a wealth of practical business knowledge, leadership insight, and cultural awareness to her clients, helping them navigate change, build confidence, and achieve lasting success.

Episode 8: From Idea to Innovation: Making Waves in Paddleboarding

Why didn’t we think of this?! Becky’s story is an inspiring example of following that mad idea, trusting your instincts, and acting when you see a problem instead of letting it pass you by. She spotted a need, and she fixed it. Her journey is also one of balance - continuing to deliver an important role for an NHS institution while steadily building a side hustle that, we’re pretty sure, will make waves across the paddleboarding community. Along the way, she’s learned the importance of patents and protecting your inventions, turning her creative outlet into a business with real commercial potential. Becky is the founder of Fin Skate, a business dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and selling innovative transport tools for SUP and surfboards. What started as a personal search for a creative outlet during a time of deep grief has evolved into a growing brand within the paddleboarding world. She’s built Fin Skate from the ground up - securing a patent, trademark, and design rights, and consistently making sales since launch. Becky’s mission is to support and inspire the paddle-boarding community through practical, well-designed products, and she’s aiming to scale across Europe while staying rooted in innovation and connection. To check out FinSkate: https://www.finskate.co.uk