Work This Way

Ambition, Motherhood, and the Hardest Business Decisions

In this episode of Work This Way, Nikola Pottinger shares her journey from driving a Cadbury van to building and ultimately closing her own craft subscription business, Little Miss Sew'n'Sew. With honesty and reflection, Nikola talks about how ambition shaped her early career and the realities of balancing big goals with motherhood. She explores launching a fabric shop, pivoting into e-commerce, and experiencing rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. But as demand shifted post-pandemic, overstocking and financial pressure led to some of the toughest decisions of her life, including voluntary liquidation. Nikola opens up about the emotional impact of that chapter, the lessons learned from listening to both heart and head, and how those experiences shaped her next step as an operations manager at FOUNDRY. A candid conversation about resilience, perspective, and starting again.

Finding Stability After a Life at Sea

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we sit down with Hanna Searle, a FOUNDRY team member whose journey has taken her from cruise ship stages to community building in FOUNDRY Eastbourne. Hanna shares what it was like growing up by the coast and spending years travelling the world as a professional singer at sea. When COVID brought the cruise industry to a halt, Hanna returned home to face a series of personal challenges, including the loss of her father, career uncertainty, and navigating her husband’s complex immigration situation. These experiences forced an unexpected career shift and a complete rethink of her path. Hanna eventually found her place at FOUNDRY as a Membership Manager, where community and connection are at the heart of her work. This episode is a powerful story of resilience, family, and how life’s detours can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Refundee vs the Scammers: How One Startup Recovered £100 Million

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we sit down with Stuart McFadden, founder of Refundee, recording live from FOUNDRY Wandsworth in London. Stuart shares his career journey from studying law to working in financial services during the 2009 financial crisis, before experiencing the highs and lows of startup life at Monzo. After a short stint at NatWest, Stuart co-founded Refundee in 2021, bootstrapping the business with minimal funding. Refundee helps victims of financial scams recover money from banks, tackling increasingly complex and modern fraud schemes. Stuart discusses the ethical responsibility behind the work, the importance of transparency, and building a strong remote-first company culture. With nearly £100 million recovered for clients, Refundee is on a mission to lead the industry while protecting consumers.

The Power of Partnership in Business: Matt Evans’ Story

In this episode of Work This Way by FOUNDRY, we talk with Matt Evans, co-founder of Garden Room Studio. Matt shares how he and his wife Elle combined their backgrounds in marine industries, photography, and design to create a business focused on stylish, functional garden and interior spaces. He reflects on the early challenges they faced, from launching the company shortly after their honeymoon to navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Matt also speaks honestly about balancing work with raising young children and the importance of setting boundaries to keep family life strong. Alongside the business journey, Matt discusses his involvement in the local community, including coaching lifesaving at Sandbanks and competing in national championships. His story highlights the value of determination, balance, and staying connected to the things that inspire you.

From Tel Aviv to Eastbourne: Adas’ Story of Reinvention & Authenticity

In this episode of Work This Way, host Adam Walker sits down with Adas Goldshtein-Coleman, a FOUNDRY Eastbourne member with an extraordinary life story. While most UK teenagers move straight into work or university, Adas took a very different path, completing two years of mandatory military service in the IDF after growing up in Israel. She opens up about her experiences living in Israel, her travels through South America and India, and how these journeys shaped her worldview. Adas also shares deeply personal moments, including the loss of her father and how discovering Buddhism influenced her life. Adas talks about founding her innovative child-led preschool in Tel Aviv, her move to the UK, and her current venture: Visibly Authentic Brands (VAB), a female-led creative hub, offering branding and marketing services rooted in authentic storytelling. The conversation also explores her ADHD diagnosis, the impact it’s had on her work and personal life, and her commitment to living authentically. Adas’ story is one of resilience, curiosity, and boldly creating a life aligned with her values.