Risking it All

Hosted by Barry Jolly, Andy McDade, Brian McGill

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

"Risking It All" is a weekly podcast that explores the real stories of those who have dared to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds and industries, sharing their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in building their careers and businesses. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business professional, or simply fascinated by the world of business, "Risking It All" offers insights and inspiration. Join us as we delve into the into the highs and lows of business, learning from real people stories.

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49 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 481 hr 28 min

Steven McNee on Entrepreneurship, Renewable Energy and Scaling a Modern Trades Business 🚀

In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Steven McNee, founder of SM Electrical Services, an entrepreneur who has built a reputation in the electrical contracting, solar and battery storage industry through innovation, customer service and a commitment to quality standards being held to the highest possible level. Steven shares his journey from working as an apprentice electrician in his family business, to building a growing business himself in one of the UK's fastest-evolving sectors. He opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the risks involved in scaling a trades business, and how he adapted to the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 In this episode, you will also hear:* ⚡ How he built SM Electrical Services from the ground up* 📈 The realities of growing a business in the electrical contracting & renewable energy sector* 💡 The lessons he's learned from initially working in the family business, to hiring, leadership and business growthWhether you're a business owner, tradesperson or entrepreneur looking to scale, this conversation offers practical insights into building a company, adapting to change and creating long-term success.👉 Tune in for an honest conversation about resilience, ambition and truly risking it all.🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing.🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K.🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at:www.jollymediamarketing.com

May 5, 2026Episode 461 hr 37 min

Risking It All: Dr Rashmi Mantri on Building BYITC and Transforming Maths Education

Dr Rashmi Mantri was born in India as one of six children. Growing up in a traditional, high-caste family, she faced significant cultural expectations that limited opportunities for women, particularly in education and career progression. Despite these constraints, she was determined to carve out her own path and challenge the norms placed in front of her.Her early journey was shaped by challenges that would have held many back:•⁠ ⁠🚫 Limited access to opportunity - Education and career advancement for girls were not prioritised•⁠ ⁠⚖️ Cultural expectations - Strong societal norms defined what was considered appropriate for women•⁠ ⁠👨‍👩‍👧 Family pressure - Life decisions were often influenced by parents and family elders, leaving little room for independence•⁠ ⁠🎓 Fighting for education - Pursuing learning required persistence against both cultural and family barriersIn this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Dr Rashmi Mantri, Director of British Young International College (BYITC) and a TEDx speaker, who has built a global education platform focused on transforming how children learn maths through innovative teaching methods.Dr Rashmi shares her journey from overcoming cultural barriers in her early life to becoming an educator and business leader. She opens up about the challenges of scaling an edtech company internationally, and the risks she took to bring a new approach to learning into a traditionally structured space.She also reflects on the importance of purpose-led leadership, staying resilient through growth, and building a business that delivers real impact for students and families around the world.In this episode, you will also hear:•⁠ ⁠💡 How she turned a simple idea into a global education movement•⁠ ⁠🌍 The challenges of scaling an edtech business across different markets•⁠ ⁠📈 What it takes to build trust in education and deliver consistent results•⁠ ⁠🚀 Why innovation and purpose are key to long-term successIf you are building a business, leading a team or looking to create meaningful impact, this episode offers practical insights and real-world experience from someone who has done it on a global scale.👉 Tune in for an honest conversation about growth, ambition and truly risking it all.🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K.🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at:www.jollymediamarketing.com

April 27, 2026Episode 461 hr 31 min

Risking It All: Gavin Bell on Scaling Yatter, Selling by 30 and What Comes Next

In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Gavin Bell, entrepreneur and founder of performance marketing agency Yatter, which he built into one of the UK’s leading agencies before successfully exiting to Velstar Group in 2024 all within just three years and before the age of 30.At the time of acquisition, Yatter had worked with over 250 brands globally, managing more than £10 million in annual advertising spend for clients including StreamYard, Hopin, Aberdeen FC and Chelsea FC.Gavin shares the real story behind building and scaling at speed, leading a fast-growing team, and navigating the pressure that comes with creating a business designed for exit.You will also hear:* 💡 What it really takes to scale an agency fast* 📈 How to build a business buyers actually want* 🧠 The mindset behind selling and starting again* 🚀 Why he is now building a D2C healthtech brandIf you are building, scaling or thinking about an exit, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who has done it early and done it well.👉 Tune in for an honest conversation about growth, ambition and truly risking it all.🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing.🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K.🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at:www.jollymediamarketing.com

April 10, 2026Episode 451 hr 48 min

Risking It All: Fergus McCoss on Building Hinba, Culture-First Hospitality and Growth 🌟

In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Fergus McCoss, founder of Hinba, a Scottish company known for exceptional speciality coffee and in-house bakery pastries, paired with warm service and community-focused locations in Oban and Glasgow. Fergus has also expanded by opening Ziques, a Spanish tapas restaurant in Glasgow.Fergus has lived around the world, including Palma, where he worked as a deckhand, before launching and successfully exiting his own furniture business.He shares the risks he’s taken, the lessons he’s learned, and the decisions behind building Hinba into a respected and growing brand.In this episode, you will also hear:• 💡 The mindset shifts that shaped his entrepreneurial journey• 🌍 How global experience influenced his approach to business• 📈 What it takes to scale hospitality while protecting culture and quality• 🚀 Why calculated risk is essential for long-term success👉 Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and building something meaningful.🖥️ This episode is sponsored by Jolly Media Marketing.🎥 A specialist, video-first advertising partner to local businesses all across the U.K.🎯 If you need a reliable marketing partner who can help you generate more enquiries every day, check them out at:www.jollymediamarketing.com

April 2, 2026Episode 441 hr 40 min

Risking It All: Malcolm Morrison on Building Businesses that Balance Growth, Purpose and Community Impact 🌍

Risking It All: Malcolm Morrison on Building Businesses that Balance Growth, Purpose and Community Impact 🌍In this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Malcolm Morrison, Managing Director of GMG Energy and an award-winning Scottish entrepreneur recognised for his leadership and impact.Malcolm shares how he built his business from the ground up in the Highlands, creating a company rooted in sustainability, resilience and long-term thinking. Starting off in Farming, he opens up about the risks he has taken to innovate and grow, the leadership lessons learned along the way, and how purpose has shaped every major decision.In this episode you will hear:* 🌱 The mindset behind building a sustainable and future-focused business* 📈 The challenges of scaling while maintaining strong values* 💡 Lessons in leadership, resilience and strategic growth* 🌍 Why community impact matters just as much as profitThis conversation is packed with insight for founders, leaders and entrepreneurs who want to grow with intention while staying true to their mission.👉 Tune in for honest reflections and practical lessons from a business leader who truly embodies risking it all.

March 17, 2026Episode 431 hr 30 min

Risking It All: Corrinne Gardiner on Stories, Experiences & Scotland’s Podcast Community 🎙️

In this episode of Risking It All, we’re joined by Corrinne Gardiner, founder and director of Sixty Steps Productions, the creative force behind some of the UK’s most memorable live events and now the Scottish Podcast Awards. With a career spanning over 25 years in events, Corrinne shares what it really takes to build impact, resilience and community in business.Corrinne opens up about:•⁠ ⁠🌍 Her entrepreneurial journey from live event production and coordinating the queens grand opening of the Glasgow Science Centre to launching the very first Scottish podcast awards platform•⁠ ⁠🎤 The lessons and risks behind growing Sixty Steps Productions and championing Scottish podcasters•⁠ ⁠💥 Leaving high end events managment in London behind and moving back home to start her own business•⁠ ⁠🚀 How she is now focusing on getting recognition for scottish podcasters through the scottish pdocast awards which is launching this yearWhether you’re a creator, founder, marketer or leader, this episode offers real insight into risk, resilience and opportunity in modern business.👉 Tune in for a story of passion, strategy and celebration and learn how Corrinne is helping shape the future of Scottish podcasting and events.

March 5, 2026Episode 431 hr 24 min

Risking It All: Colin Frame on Building Stellar Omada and Leading with Purpose

Risking It All: Colin Frame on Building Stellar Omada and Leading with PurposeIn this episode of Risking It All, we speak with Colin Frame, founder and Managing Director of Stellar Omada, one of the UK’s fastest growing technology consultancies 💼Under Colin’s leadership, the business has grown from a small startup into a recognised force in programme delivery and digital transformation, earning him Entrepreneur of the Year at the British Business Awards 2025 🏆Colin shares his honest entrepreneurial journey, from humble beginnings and early setbacks to scaling a thriving tech company with major clients and a clear long term vision.In this episode, you will hear:🚀 How Colin shifted from playing it safe to embracing calculated risk📈 The key decisions that accelerated Stellar’s growth💡 Lessons learned from failure, pressure and resilience🌍 Why purpose driven leadership creates sustainable successWhether you are building a startup, leading a team or scaling a consultancy, this conversation delivers real insight into the mindset and strategy behind meaningful business growth.Tune in to hear how Colin Frame turned risk into opportunity and built a company with impact.

February 18, 2026Episode 11 hr 34 min

Risking It All: Kevin Brown & Michael Larkin on Growing Solar Specialists Scotland

In this episode of Risking It All, we feature Kevin Brown and Michael Larkin, the founders and directors of Solar Specialists Scotland, a Scotland‑based solar installation and renewable energy business providing solar panels, battery storage, and energy‑efficient solutions across the UK.Kevin and Michael share their entrepreneurial journey, the risks they’ve taken to grow their business, and the key decisions that helped them navigate challenges in the renewable energy market. You’ll hear:🌞 Why they chose to focus on solar energy and sustainable solutions📉 The early struggles and strategic choices that shaped their company🔧 How they balance quality, efficiency, and customer trust in a competitive industry🚀 What’s next for them and their vision for the future of renewable energyWhether you’re starting your first business, scaling a service company, or interested in clean energy entrepreneurship, this episode delivers real insight from two founders making an impact in Scotland’s renewable landscape.👉 Tune in now for honest leadership lessons, smart strategy, and the mindset behind risking it all to build a sustainable business.

January 22, 2026Episode 401 hr 38 min

Jolly Media Marketing - Review of 2025 and Future Plans

In this special episode of Risking It All, Jolly Media Marketing directors Barry Jolly, Brian McGill, and John Conway take the lead, as they unpack the pivotal experiences of the past year and the bold strategies driving them into 2026. From navigating personal and professional highs and lows, to pivoting their agency’s focus in the renewables and lead generation space, this conversation is rich with insight and inspiration for business owners, marketers, and ambitious founders alike. 🎙 In this episode, we talk about:🔹 The challenges and realisations that reshaped their leadership and business strategy📈 Lessons learned from evolving JMM’s services and market positioning💡 How resilience and innovation are fueling their 2026 vision🚀 Actionable insights for entrepreneurs navigating change and scaling with confidenceWhether you’re building a company, leading a team, or simply passionate about growth and leadership, this episode offers raw reflections and strategic perspectives straight from agency directors who are risking it all to make an impact.👉 Tune in now for an honest, forward-thinking conversation with Barry, Brian, and John.

January 9, 2026Episode 391 hr 30 min

Risking It All with Stuart Davie: Scotland’s Renewable Energy Trailblazer -

Risking It All with Stuart Davie: Scotland’s Renewable Energy Trailblazer -In this episode of Risking It All, we sit down with Stuart Davie, the driving force behind Solar Dynamix UK, a Scottish-based renewable energy and efficiency solutions business, helping homeowners and communities save energy and reduce costs.Stuart takes us through:🔋 His vision for sustainable energy and what inspired him to build a people-focused business☀️ The challenges and risks of growing a renewable energy company in today’s market📉 Key business lessons on team leadership, customer trust, and scaling responsibly📈 Practical insights for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to turn mission into momentumWhether you’re passionate about purpose-driven business or navigating your own growth journey, Stuart offers honest lessons on risk, strategy, and making an impact.👉 Tune in to discover how one Scottish entrepreneur is powering change: one roof at a time.