Screw It Just DO It with Alex Chisnall

This week on Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with one of the most recognisable names in ethical entrepreneurship – Rowena Bird, co-founder of Lush.From humble beginnings to running a cosmetics empire in 53 countries, Rowena’s journey is as raw and real as the ingredients in her products. But it wasn’t always bath bombs and billion-pound valuations. Before Lush came the painful collapse of their first business, Cosmetics to Go. They lost everything. And it was in the ashes of that failure that the true “screw it, just do it” moment was born.We talk about the value of growing organically, keeping control of your company, resisting investor temptation, and why they never compromised on ethics, even if it meant growing slower. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale a business with integrity, or what it takes to bounce back from losing it all - this episode is essential listening.Key Takeaways:How Lush was born from the ashes of a failed businessWhy Rowena used her credit card to relaunch instead of chasing investorsThe secrets behind building an iconic brand without compromising on ethicsWhat "growth with control" really looks like in practiceWhy creating a business people want to be part of is more important than rapid scalingHow Lush gave over £100 million to grassroots charities while scaling globally🎧 New episodes of Screw It Just DO It drop every Tuesday & Thursday - so makes sure you follow wherever you listen. You’ll hear real conversations with founders who’ve taken a risk, built something from scratch, and figured it out along the way. 🔥 Want to take things further? Join me in person this October at the Festival of Entrepreneurs on the 8-9th October at the NEC in Birmingham. The Festival of Entrepreneurs is where 5-10,000 ambitious founders come together to learn from the people who've actually done it. I'm giving my listeners free 2-day passes.  Real entrepreneurs, real stories, real strategies – exactly like what you're hearing right now, but live and in person. Go to www.festivalofentrepreneurs.co.uk and grab your free pass before they're gone.👉 Follow the show. Turn up in October. Screw It Just DO It!  #ScrewItJustDoIt #FestivalOfEntrepreneurs #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship

After a short break, we’re returning with even more inspiring stories, real lessons from the front lines of entrepreneurship, and honest conversations about what it really takes to build something from scratch.This is just a taste of what’s to come.Because if you’re going to build your dream, you’ve got to stop waiting and start doing.🗓️ Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your favourite platforms!🎟️ Join us at the Festival of Entrepreneurs – 8–9 Oct, NEC Birmingham👉 www.festivalofentrepreneurs.co.uk#ScrewItJustDOIt #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #FestivalOfEntrepreneurs #BusinessGrowth #mindsetmatters

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, Alex Chisnall chats with Stephen Howarth, co-founder of Jöttnar, a high-performance outdoor clothing brand. Stephen shares his journey from serving as an officer in the Royal British Marines to becoming an entrepreneur. Discover how his military experiences shaped his approach to business, the challenges he faced in starting Jöttnar, and the importance of resilience and leadership. Tune in to learn about the reality behind entrepreneurial success and get inspired by Stephen's story.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It Sessions, Chemmy Alcott, one of Britain's most iconic skiers, shares her journey from skiing under pressure to finding true freedom on the slopes. Chemmy reflects on her early memories of skiing, the impact of her injuries, and the transformative moment when she decided to ski for herself. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief, resilience, and pushing beyond limits. Tune in to discover the lessons Chemmy learned and how they can inspire you to overcome your own challenges.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with Iain Ward, also known as "The King of Chemo." Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Iain has turned his diagnosis into a mission to raise funds for cancer research by undertaking extraordinary physical challenges. During the episode, Iain shares his thoughts on the importance of positivity, the impact of social media on his mission, and how he stays motivated to continue fighting. He also opens up about the support he has received from his followers and how it has kept him going. Whether you're facing personal struggles or looking for inspiration to overcome obstacles, Iain's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Tune in to hear Iain's powerful journey, learn about his extraordinary challenges, and discover the lessons he's learned along the way.

In this session, I chat with George Kruis, former professional rugby player turned entrepreneur, co-founding the wellness brand fourfive. George shares his inspiring journey from the rugby field to the business world, discussing the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to successfully transition to entrepreneurship. From leveraging the discipline and resilience he developed in sports to embracing new opportunities, George's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and determination. Tune in to learn valuable lessons on navigating career transitions and achieving success in new ventures.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I had a conversation with Daniel Priestley, an award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author. Daniel delves into his journey from the early days of starting and scaling businesses to becoming a prominent voice in the entrepreneurial world through his influential books. His story highlights the power of resilience, the importance of personal growth, and the necessity of taking risks to achieve success. Daniel's experiences and insights provide invaluable lessons, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur aiming to build your own business or someone seeking inspiration to overcome personal and professional challenges. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments, the challenges faced, and the triumphs celebrated in Daniel’s remarkable journey. This episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories that can help you on your path to success. This episode is brought to you by Porkbun.com, named the #1 domain registrar by USA Today for 2023 and 2024! Get ready to level up your professional online presence. Use my link https://porkbun.com/ScrewItJustDoiIt24 and code BEAPRO24 to get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun!

In this Screw It Just Do It session, I sit down with renowned wildlife photographer David Yarrow. David shares his philosophy on capturing the natural world with authenticity and respect. He discusses his most challenging shoots, the importance of patience, and the ethical considerations every photographer should uphold. Tune in to hear fascinating anecdotes and gain insights into what it takes to create compelling wildlife photography.

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with Kieran Reilly, BMX Freestyle World Champion who has rapidly become a standout figure in the sport. Kieran’s journey began at a young age when he landed his first 720 at just 11 years old, a feat that marked the start of his remarkable career. His dedication and skill have taken him from local skateparks to the global stage, culminating in winning gold at the European Games, the UCI Urban Cycling World Championships and becoming World BMX Freestyle Champion Kieran opens up about his experiences, detailing the intense training, the numerous challenges, and the pivotal moments that defined his path to success. He discusses the mental and physical demands of BMX freestyle, including working with Tennis legend Andy Murray's psychologist. We also chat about the importance of perseverance, and the support system that has been crucial to his achievements. In this episode, Kieran also reflects on the personal growth and lessons learned throughout his career, offering advice to aspiring athletes and anyone looking to overcome obstacles in their own lives. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an aspiring BMX rider, or someone in search of motivation, Kieran’s story is packed with invaluable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear his incredible journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.

In this special session, I sit down with Cemal Ezal, founder of Change Please, a social enterprise using coffee to tackle homelessness. Cemal shares his transformative journey from a career crisis to creating a business with a powerful social impact. Discover how a conversation on a bus in Vietnam and the "rocking chair test" inspired him to make a lasting difference. This episode is packed with insights on purpose, resilience, and the profound impact of combining business with social good.