Small Business Diaries

Hosted by Capsule CRM

Business Entrepreneurship Marketing

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Latest episode

May 2025

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EN-GB

About the show

Small Business Diaries is a podcast for small businesses. Whether you're an owner/CEO, or in sales and marketing, this podcast is packed full of stories, anecdotes and cautionary tales that every small business owner needs to know.

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7 recent

May 13, 202557 min

12 - How do fractional employees help your small business?

In this episode of Small Business Diaries, hosts Jon Davis and Steve Ledgerwood sit down with Tom Parker, founder of go-to-market and RevOps consultancy The Sales Architect. Tom shares his unconventional journey from Intel analyst to becoming a successful fractional consultant, helping startups and scale-ups optimize their sales and revenue operations.💡 Highlights from the episode:- The rise of the fractional model: Tom discusses why more startups are embracing fractional hires and how this new working model can unlock scale without the overhead.- Building a business without a safety net: With no clients or network when he launched, Tom explains how he worked his way into a sustainable, rewarding business.- Why execution matters more than plans: Insights on how startups can experiment smartly—and the dangers of waiting too long to course correct.Whether you’re considering a leap into fractional work or hiring one, Tom’s honest offers real, tangible advice from someone who’s lived it.Want to explore smarter ways to manage your sales and customer relationships?Check out Capsule CRM and connect with us on LinkedIn.Capsule CRM website: https://capsulecrm.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capsulecrm/Learn more about The Sales Architect: https://thesalesarchitect.co.uk/Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesalesarchitect/

January 27, 20251 hr 2 min

7 - Building a Better Body to Build a Bigger Business

In this episode of Small Business Diaries, hosts Jon Davis and Steve Ledgerwood sit down with Scott Harrison, founder of The Six Pack Revolution. Scott shares how fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness don’t just transform your body—they can fuel your business success too.Here’s what you’ll take away:Why being direct, open, and honest is essential to get things doneHow proper nutrition for your body and brain is Scott’s top tip for small business ownersThe power of building a network and asking for help to tackle what you don’t knowPlus, Scott opens up about his company’s mission: helping people unlock happiness by combining mindfulness, diet, and exercise.👉 Learn more about Capsule CRM at https://capsulecrm.com/ and connect with us on LinkedIn: Capsule CRM LinkedIn.👉 Learn more about The Six Pack Revolution 👉 Connect with Scott on LinkedIn

January 26, 20251 hr 5 min

6 - Picking the Right Co-Founder and Investor with Kieran Innes

In this episode of Small Business Diaries, Head of Content Jon Davis and CEO Steve Ledgerwood sit down with Kieran Innes, co-founder of Stribe and Toot Toot. Kieran shares his journey of launching two impactful businesses: an employee engagement solution and an anti-bullying platform.Here’s what you’ll learn:- The importance of employee engagement for small businesses and the value of speaking with your team- How Kieran built his businesses by finding co-founders who complement his strengths- Why choosing the right investors is as much about receiving the right advice as securing funding.🎧 Listen now for real insights into building a business with purpose and picking the right people to grow with.👉 Learn more about Capsule CRM 👉 Follow us on LinkedInLearn more about Stribe Learn more about Toot Toot

December 5, 20241 hr 3 min

5 - How leadership shapes small businesses

In this episode of Small Business Diaries, hosts Jon Davis and Steve Ledgerwood sit down with Heather Elkington, Founder of Fresh Leadership World. Heather’s journey through different leadership styles inspired her mission to reshape how leaders are trained and supported in small businesses.Here’s what you’ll learn:How Heather’s experiences with good and bad leaders at companies like Harrods shaped her vision for Fresh Leadership WorldWhy strong leadership is crucial for employee happiness, mental health, and sound decision-making in small businessesHeather’s powerful advice on being kind versus nice and how leaders can navigate confrontation with empathy.Watch/listen to this insightful conversation packed with actionable advice for aspiring and established leaders.👉 Learn more about Heather and Fresh Leadership World here.👉 For the CRM for small businesses visit Capsule CRM.👉 Enjoy this content? Follow us on LinkedIn for more.

December 5, 20241 hr 5 min

4 - When to hire your first member of staff, and never giving up - Julia Blake

In this episode of Small Business Diaries, Jon Davis and Steve Ledgerwood interview Julia Blake, CEO of Blake Consultants, about her journey as a small business owner.Despite not having a traditional academic background, Julia gained experience in the CRM industry from all over the world which led her to start her successful CRM consulting firm.Julia also discusses founding Stronger Together during the Covid-19 pandemic, a group designed to help small businesses get the advice and support they need.Key takeaways:Determination is key – Julia’s refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer has been critical to her successSupport matters – The right financial advice and network have been vital for Julia’s businessOwning your mistakes is vital – Julia hired someone too early in her business journey.Listen to Julia’s story and her advice for small business owners.For more information about how Capsule can help your business win more leads, deliver more value, and secure long-term growth, visit our website.Follow our LinkedIn page to learn more about Small Business Diaries and Capsule.To learn more about Blake Consultants click here.

June 18, 202452 min

3 - League of Legends, losing thousands in pipeline, and owning your weaknesses

In this episode of Small Business Diaries, hosts Steve Ledgerwood and Jon Davis, speak with Morgan J Ingram, Founder and CEO of AMP.During their conversation, they discuss:How Morgan developed his curiosity as a child and allows that to continue to guide him as an entrepreneurThe biggest mistakes he’s ever made (and what he’s learned from them)Why Oriana and playing middle-lane resonates with himYou can visit Morgan’s LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjingram/Capsule CRM is what your small business needs to win more deals, be more productive, and delight your customers. Visit our site here: https://capsulecrm.com/Follow our LinkedIn page for more content like this: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capsulecrm/

May 20, 20241 hr 7 min

2 - How to make learnings, not mistakes

During this episode of Small Business Diaries, Capsule CEO Steve Ledgerwood and Head of Content, Jon Davis speak with Kinga Edwards, CEO and owner of Brainybees, a leading digital marketing agency.Throughout their conversation, Steve, Jon and Kinga talk about how she’s gone from a solo entrepreneur to building a profitable small business.They also discuss:- How to build effective client relationships- Why people with a background in competitive sports make great employees- The latest on SEO and what to prioritize as an SMB owner- Using adversity for success in the futureVisit Kinga’s website here - https://www.brainybe.es/Go to the Capsule website to learn more about our simple-to-use CRM to help your business grow - https://capsulecrm.com