Success Means Business

How To Build An AI Business In 2026 - Travis Ralph-Donaldson

In this episode,  @Nicola-Sands  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCAjnJeDyFHzdqJEsXAnqWrw] sits down with AI founder Travis Ralph-Donaldson to unpack what's really happening beneath the hype of artificial intelligence and where the biggest opportunities are emerging for founders and businesses in 2026. From the future of on-device AI to why outcomes matter more than features, Travis shares the lessons he's learned building AI platform Niter and explains how AI is rapidly levelling the playing field for a new generation of entrepreneurs. Whether you're building a startup, exploring AI for your business or simply trying to understand where technology is heading next, this conversation offers practical insights into the future of AI, innovation and entrepreneurship. Subscribe for more conversations with founders, leaders and innovators shaping the future of business. #ai #Manchester #technology #podcast ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Hidden Wealth In Your Creative Business (That You're Ignoring) - Erica Wolfe-Murray

In this episode of Success Means Business, Nicola Sands sits down with leading business and innovation expert Erica Wolfe-Murray. Erica's ability to help hundreds of small businesses grow with innovative and varied ideas has earned her a reputation as the 'Delia' of business. Her impressive background as a creative leader and financial director has given her a unique perspective and when it comes to building a business, she's a true powerhouse. One of Erica's key skills is helping businesses to discover the hidden wealth in their company that exists in intellectual property that many business owners often overlook. This episode is packed with insights about her journey, solid advice for anyone wanting to grow their business and some of the smartest ways to outsmart your competitors and fall back in love with what you do. Follow Nicola on Socials https://www.instagram.com/nicolasands70 https://www.instagram.com/appleheadmedia https://www.instagram.com/successmeansbusiness https://linkedin.com/in/nicola-sands-10604a90 https://x.com/nicolasands1 Erica's book "Simple Tips Smart Ideas " can be purchased from https://www.lola-media.co.uk Follow Erica on Socials https://www.instagram.com/ericawolfemurray/ linkedin.com/in/erica-wolfe-murray-a3533016 Website: https://www.lola-media.co.uk email : info@lola-media.co.uk Produced by Applehead Media Creative Studios - develop your own video podcast with us: https://www.appleheadmedia.co.uk email - studio@appleheadmedia.co.uk ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How To Build A Business That Thrives Without You And Exit Big - Entrepreneur James Ashford

In this episode of Success Means Business,  @Nicola-Sands  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCAjnJeDyFHzdqJEsXAnqWrw] sits down with James Ashford, founder of GoProposal, about his journey from running a marketing agency to creating a software business he sold for a major exit. James shares practical strategies and personal insights such as overcoming pricing challenges, how to productise services and how to feel confident with pricing conversations. He also talks about scaling for growth and how to turn bespoke offerings into scalable systems that help to prepare your business for acquisition. In this candid conversation, James also opens up about the realities of being an entrepreneur. He talks about managing self-doubt, imposter syndrome and the emotional transition after selling a business. The insights he provides are valuable lessons in balancing ambition with family, leveraging technology/AI and cultivating 'unlimited thinking' for success. James is also writing his third book about how to scale fast and exit to guide entrepreneurs through building strong foundations, scaling efficiently and planning exits with confidence. Whether you're building your first business or preparing for your next big exit, this episode is full of actionable advice, inspiration and behind-the-scenes insights from someone who's been there. Follow Nicola on Socials https://www.instagram.com/nicolasands70 https://www.instagram.com/appleheadmedia https://www.instagram.com/successmeansbusiness https://linkedin.com/in/nicola-sands-10604a90 https://x.com/nicolasands1 Follow James on Socials https://www.instagram.com/thejamesashford https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesashford Website: www.jamesashford.com email : james@jamesashford.com Produced by Applehead Media Creative Studios - develop your own video podcast with us: https://www.appleheadmedia.co.uk email - studio@appleheadmedia.co.uk ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How To Network Successfully: Dos & Don'ts With Cheshire Business Connector Joanna Scott Aspray

In this episode of Success Means Business  @Nicola-Sands  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCAjnJeDyFHzdqJEsXAnqWrw] sits down with Joanna Scott-Aspray, CEO of The Cheshire Club, one of the region's most renowned and rapidly expanding business network groups. If you've ever wondered how to walk into a room full of strangers and walk out with opportunities, friendships or even a little magic, this episode is for you. Joanna shares the honest truth about what makes networking actually work: the relaxed atmosphere, the genuine conversations and the courage to simply listen. From hilarious don't like shoving business cards at people, to the transformative power of authentic relationships, Joanna reveals the art of connecting without the awkwardness. She also opens up about the challenges of growing a fast-expanding networking brand, navigating personal hardship whilst running a business and why visibility, confidence and community matter more now than ever. Whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, a business owner or someone who's just curious about how connections shape success, Joanna's wisdom will leave you inspired, empowered and ready to enter the right rooms with the right mindset. It's a conversation that's honest, uplifting and full of actionable networking gold! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Stop Taking Every Client! The Smart Way to Grow Your Agency With Jonathan Leafe.

In this episode of Success Means Business,  @Nicola-Sands  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCAjnJeDyFHzdqJEsXAnqWrw] sits down with agency founder, bestselling author, and leading business coach Jonathan Leafe to uncover the real truth about running a creative agency. From the accidental beginnings of many agencies to the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive real growth, Jonathan shares candid insights every agency owner needs to hear. We explore: Why most agencies fail - and how to avoid it The hidden power of operational systems and processes How to adapt in an AI-driven world without losing the human touch Whether you’re building your first agency or planning your exit, this episode is packed with practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom to future-proof your business. If you want to thrive in the creative industry, this is one conversation you can’t afford to miss. You can purchase Jonathan's latest book "I'm an Agency Owner, Get Me Out Of Here!" with this link https://amzn.eu/d/enfJNfG Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/g_wfwk0zGJc Follow Nicola on Socials https://www.instagram.com/nicolasands70 https://www.instagram.com/appleheadmedia https://www.instagram.com/successmeansbusiness https://linkedin.com/in/nicola-sands-10604a90 https://x.com/nicolasands1 Produced by Applehead Media Creative Studios - develop your own video podcast with us: https://www.appleheadmedia.co.uk email - studio@appleheadmedia.co.uk Follow Jonathan on Socials https://www.instagram.com/jonathanleafe http://linkedin.com/in/jonathanleafe ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.