The Start Up Support Surgery

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the fabulous Tiernan, founder of KeCatalyst. With a unique background in healthcare and a passion for entrepreneurship, Tiernan shares his journey from medical school to building a successful marketing agency that supports healthcare professionals.
As they delve into Tiernan's experiences, he discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced while transitioning from medicine to business. He reflects on the initial financial motivations that led him to explore side hustles during his studies and how that evolved into a thriving agency focused on paid advertising and CRM management.
Throughout the conversation, Tiernan emphasises the importance of understanding one's target audience and the strategic use of paid ads to scale a business. He provides valuable insights into the mindset required for entrepreneurship, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of building strong local connections before expanding into broader markets.
This episode is filled with practical advice for healthcare professionals considering a leap into entrepreneurship, particularly in the realms of marketing and patient engagement. Tiernan's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of aligning business goals with personal values.

Key Topics Covered:
 - Tiernan's journey from medical school to entrepreneurship
 - The founding of Kay Catalyst and its focus on healthcare marketing
 - The role of paid advertising in business growth
 - Strategies for building local connections and community engagement
 - The significance of mentorship and continuous learning
 - Balancing business ambitions with personal values and lifestyle

 Key Takeaways:
 1. Align your business idea with your long-term lifestyle goals.
 2. Build strong local connections before expanding your reach.
 3. Invest in mentorship and continuous learning to navigate challenges.
 4. Understand your target audience and tailor your marketing strategies accordingly.
 5. Test your business model with a warm audience before scaling with paid ads.
 
To connect with Tiernan:
 - Website: https://growth.kesocials.com/us/
  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiarn%C3%A1nmckeever/

 To find out and connect with Jo:
 - https://www.jowatkins.com/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the remarkable Lucy, founder of Digital Health Assurance. Lucy shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early fascination with business to her experiences in the pharmaceutical industry and the launch of her first venture, Dr. Fertility.
With a unique blend of healthcare expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, Lucy discusses the intricacies of navigating the Care Quality Commission (CQC) landscape and the importance of building solid foundations in a healthcare business.
As they delve into the world of investment and funding, Lucy provides invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of securing financial backing for a startup. She emphasises the importance of choosing the right investors and building a supportive network, highlighting the transferable skills that healthcare professionals bring to the entrepreneurial table.
The conversation also touches on the realities of starting a clinical practice, the significance of compliance, and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth. Lucy's passion for patient safety and quality improvement shines through as she shares her experiences and advice for those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for healthcare professionals considering the leap into entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital health space. Lucy's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community in the face of challenges.
Key Topics Covered:
- Lucy's journey from pharmacy to entrepreneurship
- The launch of Dr. Fertility and navigating the CQC
- Insights into investment rounds and choosing the right backers
- Building solid foundations for healthcare businesses
- The importance of community and mentorship in entrepreneurship
- Practical advice for starting a clinical practice
Key Takeaways:
1. Understand the regulatory landscape as an enabler, not a barrier.
2. Build strong foundations in your business to support growth.
3. Choose your investors wisely and trust your instincts.
4. Leverage your healthcare expertise in the business world.
5. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers.
To find out and connect with Jo:
- https://www.jowatkins.com/
For more information about Lucy and Digital Health Assurance:
- Website: https://www.digitalhealthassurance.co.uk/
- Email: lucy@digitalhealthassurance.co.uk
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-buckley-phd/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the inspiring Dr. Emma Thornton, a GPST3 and founder of the charity Shoebox Fairies. Emma shares her multifaceted journey, from her medical training to her entrepreneurial ventures, including her health tech startup, Cocoon, aimed at supporting women who have experienced birth trauma.

 Emma opens up about her experiences during maternity leave, using that time to reflect and innovate, leading to the creation of Cocoon. She emphasises the importance of networking, market research, and the challenges of navigating the health tech landscape, all while balancing her responsibilities as a mother and charity founder.

 Throughout the conversation, Emma highlights the significance of community, mentorship, and the unique insights that medical professionals can bring to the business world. Her story is a testament to the power of taking small, intentional steps towards achieving one's goals and the importance of embracing both successes and failures along the way.

 This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone considering a transition from medicine to entrepreneurship, particularly in the health tech sector. Emma's journey showcases the potential for innovation and impact in women's health.
 
 Key Topics Covered:
 - Emma's journey from GP to entrepreneur
 - The founding of the Shoebox Fairies charity
 - Navigating the health tech landscape with Cocoon
 - The importance of networking and mentorship
 - Balancing motherhood and professional ambitions
 - Embracing incremental progress in entrepreneurship
 
 Key Takeaways:
 1. Start small and be intentional with your goals.
 2. Leverage your unique experiences as a healthcare professional.
 3. Network and seek mentorship within your industry.
 4. Validate your ideas through market research and conversations.
 5. Embrace both successes and failures as part of your journey.
 
 To find out and connect with Jo:
 - https://www.jowatkins.com/
 
 Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
 - https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast
 
 To connect with Emma:
 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmathornton/
  - Pink Pineapple Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ClaudiaEmma-z5v
 - Shoebox Fairies: https://www.theshoeboxfairies.com/  
 
Resources:
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/daring-greatly-how-the-courage-to-be-vulnerable-transforms-the-way-we-live-love-parent-and-lead-brene-brown/4189370?ean=9780241257401&next=t

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is joined by the dynamic duo, Dr. Emma Ginns and Dr. Mari Walling, co-founders of Lemala Health, a specialized menopause clinic.
Together, they share their inspiring journey from being GP partners to launching their own clinic, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way. Emma and Mari delve into the importance of community, the learning curve of entrepreneurship, and the unique bond they share as co-founders and long-time friends.

The conversation takes a candid turn as they discuss their experiences with the CQC registration process, the realities of investing in a business, and the balance between personal life and professional ambitions. With a combined background in medicine and a passion for women's health, they emphasize the significance of creating a supportive and empowering environment for their patients.

This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship, especially in the healthcare sector. Emma and Mari's story is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and the willingness to embrace new challenges.

 Key Topics Covered:
 - The founding journey of Lemala Health
 - Navigating the CQC registration process
 - The importance of community and support in business
 - Balancing work and family life
 - Embracing social media and marketing strategies
 - The reality of financial investment in a startup

 Key Takeaways:
 1. Investigate and probe your business ideas thoroughly.
 2. Find a trusted partner to share the journey with.
 3. Embrace opportunities and say yes to new experiences.
 4. Stay organized and manage your time effectively.
 5. Believe in yourself and your vision.

 To find out and connect with Jo:
 - https://www.jowatkins.com/

 Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
 - https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast

 To connect with Emma and Mari:
 - Website: https://www.lemalahealth.co.uk/
 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emma-ginns/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mari-walling/

In this episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo is thrilled to welcome Dr. Lynette Ewart, an NHS GP and the founder of Prescription Strength Limited. Lynette shares her inspiring journey from being a GP partner to launching an online personal training service aimed at empowering women through strength training. She discusses the life-changing benefits of weight training and how she aims to help others overcome health barriers to fitness.
As they dive into Lynette's experiences, she opens up about her decision to take a gap year from general practice to focus on building her business. Jo and Lynette explore the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including the importance of investing in oneself, the necessity of building a supportive community, and the reality of balancing work and personal life. Lynette shares invaluable advice for medics considering a transition into business, emphasizing the need for clarity in one's goals and the significance of embracing the learning process.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to venture into entrepreneurship, particularly in the healthcare space. Lynette's story is a powerful reminder that with passion, resilience, and the right support, it's possible to forge a fulfilling path outside of traditional medical roles.
Key Topics Covered:
- Lynette's journey from GP to entrepreneur
- The impact of strength training on health
- Navigating the challenges of starting a business
- The importance of mentorship and community support
- Finding balance between work and personal life
- Embracing the learning curve of entrepreneurship
Key Takeaways:
1. Discover what truly lights you up.
2. Understand the importance of investment in your growth.
3. Build a supportive network around you.
4. Embrace the journey and learn from failures.
5. Balance your ambitions with your personal life goals.
To find out and connect with Jo:
- https://www.jowatkins.com/
- Don't forget to grab your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes. This essential resource is packed with practical advice to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
- https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freestarterkitpodcast
 
To connect with Lynette:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prescriptionstrength/

- Website: https://www.prescriptionstrength.com/