Skip to content
PodcastsBusinessThe Start Up Support Surgery

The Start Up Support Surgery

MonkeyPants Productions
The Start Up Support Surgery
Latest episode

71 episodes

  • The Start Up Support Surgery

    Episode #69: From Hidden to Heard - Mastering PR with Pippa Goulden

    14/09/2026 | 43 mins.
    💬 Show Notes
    In this episode Jo welcomes the dynamic Pippa Goulden, founder of The PR Set and an expert in public relations strategy. With over 15 years of experience in leading PR agencies and as a magazine editor, Pippa shares her insights on how founders can elevate their visibility and credibility in their respective fields.
     Pippa delves into the essence of PR, explaining how it differs from marketing and why third-party endorsements can significantly enhance trust and authority for businesses. She discusses the common challenges faced by medics and entrepreneurs in putting themselves forward and the mindset shifts necessary to embrace visibility.
     The conversation takes a personal turn as Pippa shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, revealing the transformative power of mindset work and community support in navigating the highs and lows of running a business. Jo and Pippa explore practical strategies for leveraging PR, including pitching for opportunities and understanding the importance of a strategic PR plan tailored to individual business goals.
     This episode is packed with valuable tips for anyone in the healthcare profession looking to step outside their comfort zone and make an impact through effective PR. Pippa's mantra, "send the email," serves as a rallying cry for listeners to take action and pursue their dreams with confidence.
     
    Key Topics Covered:
      - Understanding the role of PR in building trust and credibility
      - The difference between PR and marketing
      - Overcoming mindset barriers in promoting oneself
      - Strategies for effective pitching and visibility
      - The importance of community and support in entrepreneurship
      - Building an authority ecosystem through various platforms
     
     To find out and connect with Jo:
     - https://www.jowatkins.com/ 
    Don't forget to download your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes! Introduction to Emma's journey Challenges faced after GP training The impact of joining the Start Up Support Surgery programme Key learnings and light bulb moments The importance of community support Next steps for Rebellious Health Advice for healthcare professionals considering entrepreneurship https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freemembership

    To connect with Pippa:
      - Website: https://theprset.com
      - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pippatheprset/
      - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippagoulden/
     
    ntroduction to Pippa Goulden and her PR expertise Understanding PR vs. Marketing Overcoming mindset barriers in PR Pippa's journey from corporate to entrepreneur Strategies for effective PR pitching The importance of community support Building an authority ecosystem Pippa's final tips for healthcare professionals
  • The Start Up Support Surgery

    Episode #69: The Banoffee Pie Story - with Sue Mackenzie

    10/09/2026 | 29 mins.
    In this special bonus episode of The Start Up Support Surgery, Jo celebrates the second anniversary of the podcast with an exciting refresh and a heartfelt conversation with Sue McKenzie, one of the original creators of the iconic Banoffi Pie.
     Jo reflects on the evolution of the podcast and its mission to support medics with ideas, focusing on the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of creativity, community, and experimentation. This episode dives into the unexpected connection that arose from a trademark application concerning the Banoffi Pie business model. Jo and Sue share their delightful conversation that emerged from this formal situation, highlighting the serendipitous nature of entrepreneurship and the power of curiosity.
     Sue recounts her journey of opening the Hungry Monk restaurant in 1968, where the beloved dessert was born. With a blend of laughter and nostalgia, she shares the story behind the creation of Banoffi Pie and its remarkable journey into culinary fame. The discussion also touches on themes of relationships, networking, and the joy of building something meaningful from the ground up.
     This episode serves as a reminder that even the most mundane situations can lead to extraordinary outcomes and connections. Jo and Sue's conversation encapsulates the spirit of entrepreneurship, encouraging listeners to embrace their ideas and the relationships that can help them flourish.
     Key Topics Covered:
      - The evolution of The Start Up Support Surgery podcast
      - The story behind the creation of Banoffi Pie
      - The significance of curiosity and conversation in business
      - Navigating trademark issues and building relationships
      - The importance of community support in entrepreneurship
      - Reflections on personal and professional growth through unexpected connections
     To connect with Jo:
      - https://www.jowatkins.com/
  • The Start Up Support Surgery

    Episode #68: Client Stories - Rebecca Ryell

    07/09/2026 | 18 mins.
    In this short Summer Series of Client Stories, Jo is excited to present the incredible Dr. Rebecca Ryle, affectionately known as Bex.
    With a rich history of friendship and mentorship spanning nearly two decades, Bex shares her journey from being a GP partner to becoming a freelance travel coach, helping families embrace adventurous travel experiences.
     Bex reflects on her initial struggles and the pivotal moments that led her to seek Jo's guidance. She discusses the challenges of balancing her medical career with her passion for travel, and how Jo's coaching provided her with the confidence and clarity to turn her ideas into a viable business. Through practical advice and encouragement, Jo helped Bex identify her niche and develop a product that resonates with families eager to explore the world.
     The conversation highlights the importance of creativity and personal fulfilment in the life of a healthcare professional. Bex's story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and community support, showcasing how one can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship while remaining committed to their medical career.
     This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone contemplating a similar journey, offering inspiration and practical tips for integrating personal passions with professional commitments.
     
     Key Topics Covered:
     - Bex's journey from GP to travel coach
     - The importance of mentorship and community
     - Overcoming challenges in adventurous family travel
     - Strategies for balancing a medical career with entrepreneurial ambitions
     - The role of market research in developing a successful business
     - Embracing creativity and personal growth in entrepreneurship
     
     Key Takeaways:
     1. Seek mentorship to gain confidence and clarity in your entrepreneurial journey.
     2. Embrace your unique skills and experiences to create a valuable offering.
     3. Balance your professional commitments with your personal passions for a fulfilling life.
     4. Engage in market research to validate your ideas and understand your audience.
     5. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment and learn from both successes and failures.

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

     To find out more about Bex and her travel coaching services:
     - Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ryell-52057153/
     - Website - https://www.rebeccaryell.co.uk/
  • The Start Up Support Surgery

    Episode #67: Client Stories - Dr Verity Jones

    01/09/2026 | 21 mins.
    In this episode Jo cotinues her short series of Client Stories by welcoming Dr. Verity Jones, an NHS GP and sexual health doctor, who is embarking on an exciting venture to establish a remote clinic for perimenopausal and menopausal women dealing with chronic pain.
    Verity shares her journey from feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a business to finding clarity and purpose through Jo's coaching programme.
     Before joining Jo's community, Verity faced numerous challenges, juggling her roles as a GP and a mother to two young children. She candidly discusses the personal impact of her uncertainty and the daunting task of stepping outside the NHS bubble to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. Verity highlights the transformative experience she had in Jo's Clarity cohort, where she was encouraged to explore her motivations and the purpose behind her business idea.
     Throughout the conversation, Verity reflects on the importance of community support and how it has propelled her forward. She shares her excitement about welcoming her first client and the progress she has made since starting her journey. Verity also emphasises the significance of pacing herself as she builds her business while balancing family life and other professional commitments.
     This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that starting a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and that having the right support can make all the difference. Verity's story resonates with anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship, particularly in the healthcare sector.
     Key Topics Covered:
     - Verity's journey from NHS GP to entrepreneur
     - Overcoming personal challenges and self-doubt
     - The role of Jo's coaching programme in her development
     - The importance of community and support in entrepreneurship
     - Strategies for balancing business with family life
     - Insights on building confidence and visibility in a new venture
     

     To find out and connect with Jo:
     - https://www.jowatkins.com/ 
    Don't forget to download your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes! Introduction to Emma's journey Challenges faced after GP training The impact of joining the Start Up Support Surgery programme Key learnings and light bulb moments The importance of community support Next steps for Rebellious Health Advice for healthcare professionals considering entrepreneurship https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freemembership
     

     
    To connect with Verity and learn more about her clinic:
     - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-verity-jones-800561349/
     
    Liu Batchelor can be found here:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/liubatchelor/
  • The Start Up Support Surgery

    Episode #66: Client Stories - Dr Manisha Bhatnagar

    24/08/2026 | 15 mins.
    In this episode Jo cotinue the Cl;ient Stories series, and invites you to listen to the inspiring journey of Dr. Manisha Bhatnagar, a GP who has successfully transitioned into the entrepreneurial world by establishing the Liverpool Clinic.
    Manisha shares her story of transformation, detailing the initial struggles she faced as she sought clarity and direction amidst a sea of ideas.  
    Reflecting on her journey, Manisha discusses how her initial uncertainty led her to seek guidance from Jo. Through one-on-one sessions and the Start Up Support Surgery programme, she gained the confidence and structure needed to turn her vision into reality. Manisha highlights the importance of having a mentor who understands her unique needs and challenges, and how this support was pivotal in her decision-making process.  
    Throughout their conversation, Manisha emphasises the key breakthroughs she experienced, including the moment she realised her true passion for setting up a clinic focused on advanced joint and tendon treatments. Her journey is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the courage to embrace change.  
    This episode serves as a motivational reminder for healthcare professionals contemplating a shift into entrepreneurship, showcasing how clarity, support, and determination can lead to remarkable outcomes.  
    Key Topics Covered:  
    - Manisha's transition from GP to clinic owner  
    - The challenges of starting a business in healthcare  
    - The impact of mentorship and community support  
    - Key breakthroughs in clarity and focus  
    - Building a successful clinic and its services  
    - Insights on overcoming uncertainty and finding direction  
    To connect with Manisha and learn more about the Liverpool Clinic:   - https://www.theliverpoolclinic.com/
    To find out and connect with Jo:
      - https://www.jowatkins.com/
     
     Don't forget to download your free PDF guide, From Stethoscope to Startup, available in the show notes!
     Introduction to Emma's journey Challenges faced after GP training The impact of joining the Start Up Support Surgery programme Key learnings and light bulb moments The importance of community support Next steps for Rebellious Health Advice for healthcare professionals considering entrepreneurship 
    https://drjowatkins.mykajabi.com/freemembership
     
    Liu Batchelor can be found here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/liubatchelor?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
More Business podcasts
About The Start Up Support Surgery
Introducing the Start Up Support Surgery hosted by Dr Jo Watkins —a podcast tailored for medics and healthcare heroes ready to blend their medical expertise with entrepreneurship. Dive into a world where you juggle your medical calling with building a business or side hustle, carving out flexibility amidst the chaos of work and family life. Discover a new realm of aiding others beyond the NHS's constraints. Starting a venture isn't a walk in the park—it's a wild ride of emotions and learning curves. With two decades of balancing medicine and business as a GP, I'm thrilled to share my experiences, insights, and conversations with experts and fellow healthcare professionals. Join me on this journey of growth, exploration, and empowerment—because your entrepreneurial story starts here.
Podcast website

Listen to The Start Up Support Surgery, Prof G Markets and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
The Start Up Support Surgery: Podcasts in Family