Scale Her Up: Female business stories and expert tips for business growth and success
Brenda Hector
▶ Webplayer- Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Investing
- Management
Brenda Hector
▶ WebplayerIf you are a female business owner, self-employed freelancer, or girl boss who wants to build a successful business i.e. work less hours, make more money, and get better results from your staff, then this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Dr Brenda Hector MBA from ActionCOACH UK, this podcast provides relatable and accessible business advice and inspiration from successful businesswomen who have been there and done it before you. This podcast is where you can • hear female business stories • share business success • learn how to overcome business challenges • get advice for businesswomen aspiring to success • find out what needs...
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Oct 2, 2026 · 21:40
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Kerryann Martin — owner and managing director of K&M Cleaning Services Limited. Kerryann started in 2014. Her son was only months…
Sep 28, 2026 · 32:47
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Lyndsay Yuill — director of Rent Locally, a letting and property management company with an estate agency wing, based in the…
Sep 25, 2026 · 31:34
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Alison Gray — founder of Skillfluence, a company that helps entrepreneurs, business leaders, and academic researchers get their…
Sep 22, 2026 · 30:48
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Nyasha Mangaba — managing director of Potters Healthcare Limited and co-founder, with her husband, of the Mani Group: a portfolio…
Sep 18, 2026 · 29:33
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Ros Marshall — managing director and co-founder of Molke Limited, an ethical underwear brand manufactured in Scone, rural…
Sep 15, 2026 · 28:58
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Cecilia Grigor, director of Planitt Scotland Limited — a marketing partner (she doesn't like the word agency) based in Inverness,…
Sep 11, 2026 · 34:39
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Dominique Dawson — director of Finnies the Jeweller in Aberdeen, and, as I realised partway through this conversation, the first…
Sep 8, 2026 · 43:11
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Emma Hutton — a social justice leader with over 20 years of experience, and until March of this year, the Chief Executive of…
Sep 4, 2026 · 30:23
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Debbie Mitchell, director of Atholl Scott Financial Services — an independent financial planning firm in Aberdeen with a 60-year…
Sep 1, 2026 · 21:44
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Leanne Ramage, Managing Director of Kudo Software — a renewable energy software company that helps manage projects and people…
Jul 17, 2026 · 36:33
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by two guests: Alison Harper, founder of Harper Psychology, and Sara Huibregtse Van Loon, psychological therapist and the person…
Jul 14, 2026 · 31:17
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Laura Weir, Managing Director of Direct Lettings — a letting agency based in Edinburgh and Dundee, now servicing much of the East…
Jul 10, 2026 · 30:06
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Gaynor Duthie, Managing Partner of Genoa Black — a strategy, brand and marketing consultancy with teams in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and…
Jul 7, 2026 · 39:43
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Jessica Sneddon, co-owner and co-founder of Soundbite PR — an Edinburgh-based PR agency that works exclusively in hospitality, food…
Jul 3, 2026 · 40:05
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Jen Landels, Managing Director of Studio LR — a 22-year-old independent creative agency based in Leith, Edinburgh, that helps…
Jun 30, 2026 · 34:17
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Catherine Bunn, Managing Director of Highland Campervans and Director of Camper Lux Limited — a motorhome dealership on the…
Jun 26, 2026 · 40:12
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Michelle Quinn — Managing Director and co-owner of Almond Engineering, a precision engineering company based in Livingston, West…
Jun 23, 2026 · 32:26
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Fiona MacEachern, Managing Director of Loch Lomond Brewery and Levenbank Distillery — a business she started from scratch with her…
Jun 19, 2026 · 26:50
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Mary Pat McFarlane, Director of VMH Solicitors — a firm celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, with staff members who have…
Jun 15, 2026 · 30:02
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Anne Wright, Finance Director of FBD Consultancy — a husband-and-wife accounting practice that started with no clients, no money…
Jun 12, 2026 · 33:54
In this episode of Scale HER Up, I'm joined by Julie McCann, founder and CEO of Masters in Minds Limited — a leadership, management and organisational development business with…
Jun 8, 2026 · 39:44
What does it take to follow a dream — literally — and turn it into a thriving business? Jules Fleming is the co-owner of Continental Cream, an iconic ice cream and sweet shop in…
Jun 5, 2026 · 36:38
What happens when you launch a workplace consultancy focused on human connection at the exact moment the entire world goes into strict isolation? In this episode, Dr Brenda…
Jun 2, 2026 · 44:30
What do you do when you successfully build a business that runs like a well-oiled machine without you, but your heart completely leaves the building? In this episode, Dr Brenda…
May 28, 2026 · 39:04
How do you transition from advising the Prime Minister in Number 10 Downing Street to running a virtual boutique consultancy that shapes the operating models of global aerospace…
May 25, 2026 · 35:24
What do you do when the business everyone else considers "highly successful" is the exact thing causing you to burn out? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with Iska…
May 19, 2026 · 36:40
What is the difference between starting a career and buying a business? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector sits down with Katie Backler , Managing Director of Charles White…
May 14, 2026 · 38:07
Are you spending three hours a week on bookkeeping when you should be making sales? Dr. Brenda Hector is joined by Fiona Purves , owner of Defacto FD , to discuss why your…
May 11, 2026 · 36:16
Lisa Schoneville’s journey is a powerful case study in the difference between owning a job and owning a business. From counting out pennies to afford nappies to building two…
May 6, 2026 · 35:23
This is a special re-release of the most-listened-to episode of Scale Her Up . Katie Watson’s story of transformation—from crippling childhood shyness to leading the BWC Futures…
May 4, 2026 · 39:10
From war zones in Iraq to the boardrooms of the North Sea energy sector, Diana Muriel’s career is a masterclass in high-stakes communication. In this episode, she shares why she…
May 1, 2026 · 34:37
From a registered general nurse to the owner of three thriving skin clinics in North Kent, Emma Coleman is a testament to the power of the "side hustle" and the importance of…
Apr 29, 2026 · 52:13
In this episode of Scale Her Up , Dr. Brenda Hector talks with Sonia Schulenberg , CEO and founder of Level E Research . Sonia shares her journey from Mexico City to the…
Apr 27, 2026 · 47:32
In this milestone episode, Dr. Brenda Hector talks with Julie Moulsdale , who celebrates 20 years at the helm of her award-winning consultancy, Perceptive Communicators . Julie…
Apr 24, 2026 · 36:40
🎙️ In this episode of Scale Her Up , Dr Brenda Hector talks with Leah Athanassopoulos , the owner and managing director of Alpha Hospital Group . Leah shares her incredible…
Apr 22, 2026 · 35:00
How do you transition from a decade in a research lab to leading a high-stakes biotech company? In this episode, Dr Brenda Hector talks with Soumya Palliyil , the CEO and…
Apr 20, 2026 · 38:33
In this episode of Scale Her Up , I’m joined by Deborah O’Neill , CEO and founder of Novabiotics . Deborah shares the story behind building a biotech company in Aberdeen,…
Apr 17, 2026 · 42:40
In this episode of Scale Her Up , I’m joined by Donna Sutherland , founder and Head of Commercial at Veri Energy , Vice President of the Scottish Energy Forum , and a Visiting…
Apr 15, 2026 · 40:51
In this episode of Scale Her Up , I’m joined by Annie Kenyon , founder of Annie Kenyon Architects . Annie shares the story behind building her architectural practice over the…
Apr 13, 2026 · 38:11
In this episode of Scale Her Up , I’m joined by Charlotte Nichols , founder of Harvey & Hugo . Charlotte shares how her business helps clients amplify their voices through…
Apr 10, 2026 · 37:34
In this episode of Scale HER Up , I’m joined by Lisa Ironside , owner of The HR Dept Aberdeen Shire and Bagamoyo Consulting Limited . Lisa shares how Bagamoyo Consulting began as…
Apr 8, 2026 · 33:03
In this episode of Scale Her Up , I’m joined by Alena Duncan , founder and Chief Executive and Operating Officer of NexEndo Healthcare . Alena shares the story behind building a…
Apr 6, 2026 · 36:58
In this episode of Scale HER Up , I’m joined by Araminta Birse-Stewart , founder of Araminta Campbell , a Scottish luxury woven textile brand based just outside Edinburgh.…
Apr 3, 2026 · 33:43
In this episode of Scale HER Up , I’m joined by Elise MacDonald , Managing Director of Lux Events , an events company specialising in corporate events, conferences, award…
Apr 1, 2026 · 47:55
In this episode of Scale Her Up , I’m joined by Jen McLennan , Group Managing Director of Fifth Ring , a global B2B marketing communications agency with offices in Aberdeen,…
Mar 30, 2026 · 34:08
In this episode of Scale HER Up , I’m joined by Jasmin Corbett , owner of Wealthy You Health Coach Business . Jasmin specialises in helping driven, ambitious women improve their…
Mar 27, 2026 · 39:08
In this episode of Scale HER Up , I’m joined by Lucy McNicoll , Managing Director of Exec Space Limited , a venue-finding agency that helps organisations book meetings, events,…
Mar 25, 2026 · 34:37
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Rosie Fraser , founder of Rosie Fraser Real Estate , an estate agency, lettings and property…
Mar 23, 2026 · 37:54
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Iona Crawford , founder of Iona Crawford Atelier , a Glasgow-based multidisciplinary design studio…
Mar 20, 2026 · 43:15
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Emma Kirk of User Vision , a UX and accessibility consultancy that has been helping organisations…
Mar 18, 2026 · 38:28
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Eve McCurrich , Managing Director of Whiteburn Projects Limited , an award-winning SME house builder…
Mar 16, 2026 · 33:10
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Nathalie Agnew , Managing Director of Muckle Media , a founder-led communications group delivering…
Mar 13, 2026 · 39:50
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Gillian Ogilvie , Managing Director of the Edinburgh practice of Will Rudd Davidson , a consulting…
Mar 11, 2026 · 34:44
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Jill Henry , co-founder of Meander Apparel and co-owner of Tens Sunglasses – two Scottish lifestyle…
Mar 6, 2026 · 35:49
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Linda Hunt , founder of Some Solutions , corporate “dropout” and one of the early pioneers of remote…
Mar 4, 2026 · 34:26
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Emma Bohan , Managing Director of IMS Heat Pumps , a specialist renewable heating company installing…
Mar 2, 2026 · 33:24
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Susie Cresswell , founder of White Wall Marketing , a Glasgow-based marketing and comms agency…
Feb 27, 2026 · 28:34
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Kerry Black , Director at Firstcall Trade Services , an all-trades contractor based in Edinburgh.…
Feb 25, 2026 · 48:43
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Rosie Berridge , founder of Accountability Edinburgh – an accounting practice that doesn’t do…
Feb 23, 2026 · 37:22
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Deborah Creamer , Managing Director of Optimat , a strategy and innovation consultancy based in…
Feb 20, 2026 · 40:03
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Laura Chapman , Managing Director of Chapmans Property Lettings and Management in Edinburgh. Laura…
Feb 19, 2026 · 38:50
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Liz McAreavey , Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce , whose business journey started…
Feb 16, 2026 · 33:11
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Angela Mathis , co-founder and Managing Director of Think Tank Maths , a specialist…
Feb 13, 2026 · 35:27
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Lynne Reeves , Managing Director of Motion Software , an Aberdeen-based company that provides…
Feb 10, 2026 · 32:28
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Gael Simpson , personal trainer, menopause movement coach and former senior education leader. After…
Feb 6, 2026 · 35:16
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Catriona Smith , founder of Arden Property Management , an Edinburgh-based residential letting and…
Feb 2, 2026 · 28:34
In this powerful episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Becca Pearce , executive coach, former healthcare CEO and author of You Don’t Have To…
Jan 30, 2026 · 39:49
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Saj Sharif , CEO and founder of Zen Consultants Limited , a multi-award-winning accountancy practice…
Jan 26, 2026 · 36:25
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Cecilia Righini , founder of Studio Lutalica , a queer, feminist, neurodivergent-led design agency…
Jan 23, 2026 · 49:10
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined again by Margaret Brown , executive leadership coach, organisational development specialist and now…
Jan 19, 2026 · 32:34
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Katrina Walker , co-founder of A Flat In Town , a central Edinburgh letting agency that has been…
Jan 16, 2026 · 34:56
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Gayle Thomson , Employer Engagement Advisor in the Careers and Employability Service at the…
Jan 12, 2026 · 29:51
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Liz Carnie , director of PWS (formerly Power Washer Services), a second-generation family business…
Jan 8, 2026 · 37:06
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, Dr Brtenda Hector is joined by Kim Woolner , an independent HR consultant, founder of Holding Space , certified…
Jan 5, 2026 · 40:21
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show, I’m joined by Paula Paterson , Founder and Solutions Director at FidesOak , a consultancy specialising in…
Dec 15, 2025 · 33:36
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show , I’m joined by Fiona Duguid , co-founder of Indigo Seven Ventures , Chief Information Officer at Aurora Energy…
Dec 12, 2025 · 41:16
In this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneurs Show , I’m joined by Iona Foubister , Director and Building Surveyor at FG Burnett , a long-established firm of…
Dec 8, 2025 · 31:07
On this episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneur Show , I’m joined by Alana Innes , founder of Rethink Accountancy – a fully digital, remote-first accountancy practice…
Dec 5, 2025 · 28:29
In this episode of Scale Her Up, Brenda Hector sits down with Mary Smith, founder of Relocation Scotland, who has spent 30 years helping individuals and families relocate to…
Dec 2, 2025 · 47:37
In this powerful episode of Scale HER Up – The Female Entrepreneurs Show , I’m joined by Marion McLaughlin , founder of Aurora – an autistic-led business that supports…
Nov 28, 2025 · 37:09
Patricia Noel Drain , founder of Patricia Drain & Associates, author of 14 books, former teacher and executive recruiter turned mentor for women 50+. Patricia helps female…
Nov 24, 2025 · 44:53
Liz Clayton-Jones , founder of Beehive Performance, advanced strengths coach and former corporate leader. Liz helps science, research and manufacturing teams become truly…
Nov 21, 2025 · 32:01
Suz Bird, founder of Bird & Emmy, is a social media strategist working with SMEs across Scotland and the UK. She breaks down how to ditch “post for the algorithm” thinking, build…
Nov 17, 2025 · 35:36
Guest: Sophy Green , Chief Executive of Instant Neighbour, a 40-year Aberdeen charity and social enterprise. Sophy lifts the lid on balancing compassion with commercial…
Nov 13, 2025 · 34:59
Victoria Vyalikova, founder of Brand House, a digital marketing agency serving B2B and professional services from Aberdeen to international markets. We talk about building a…
Nov 10, 2025 · 46:37
Welcome back to a very special episode of Scale Her Up! After 3 years of podcasts, we’ve officially hit the 100th episode . To celebrate that milestone today, we have Dr. Brenda…
Nov 6, 2025 · 39:04
In this Scale HER Up episode, coach and trainer Claire Standen (Embodiment UK) explains how to move beyond Mental Health First Aid into embodied, trauma-informed leadership . We…
Nov 3, 2025 · 33:35
Suann shares why she left employment to create a slower, higher-care model; how small, human touches (yes, a free massage chair!) become talking points; and why most people who…
Oct 5, 2025 · 40:25
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Kelly Ling from Ling and Co joining us. They are a business growth consultancy, all about helping entrepreneurs and business owners…
Aug 20, 2025 · 34:07
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Lindsay Conchar from Scots Law Talks with us. They are an educational event and workshop service that sets out to make Scots Law more…
Aug 11, 2025 · 33:48
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Gail Henderson on the podcast, she's the owner of DEV4 and Equi-Track, a bespoke software development company and cloud-based…
Aug 4, 2025 · 1:14:53
After a short break we’re back and better then ever with a very special episode. Back in May we had our very first Scale Her UP LIVE at the University of Aberdeen’s Sir Duncan…
Jun 17, 2025 · 40:24
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today, we have Kirstin Ejsmont the owner of Kirstin Ejsmont Business Law. After an extensive career in big law she decided to start her own business…
Jun 7, 2025 · 32:29
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Sarah Leigh the owner and CEO of Weirwood Consulting. Although she’d always had thoughts about starting her own business, she…
May 31, 2025 · 37:39
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Jenny Junnier, a good friend of the show and a fantastic champion of women in business herself. She is both the audit partner in…
May 21, 2025 · 43:08
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Freya Bigg the owner of Faeble Arts, a freelance graphic design agency. Her services are more than just traditional graphic design,…
Apr 29, 2025 · 33:12
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Lynne Kennedy on the podcast, who is the founder of Business Women Connect (BWC). BWC is a franchise across Scotland that sets out to…
Apr 21, 2025 · 36:00
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have Chantal Cornelius of Apple Tree Marketing joining us. After 25 years of owning her own business Chantal is a marketing maestro. Her…
Apr 8, 2025 · 43:58
On today's episode of Scale Her Up, we have Debra Baxter, the founder of Music 4 U. Music 4 U is a charity meant to allow young people to experience the performing arts without…
Apr 4, 2025 · 43:08
Welcome back to Scale Her Up! Today we have HR extraordinaire, Lucy Nicholl from Nicholl HR. Nicholl HR gives HR support to small businesses throughout Scotland. Lucy gives an…
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