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Rating
4from
This podcast has
65 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Sarah BerthonExplicit
No
Date created
2021/02/09
Latest episode
2026/10/01
Average duration
31 min.
Release period
35 days
Description
Inspiration and advice about work and self-employment for people with chronic illnesses
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Check latest episodes from Excel against the Odds podcast
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Imali Chislett, co-founder of Inkfire
2026/10/01
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Imali Chislett, the co-founder of Inkfire, a disabled-led digital design agency for accessible design.
Imali is a disabled entrepreneur specialising in helping disabled people find meaningful work that accommodates their needs, not the other way around! She's a very creative person and a lover of coffee and sparkle.
This was a very interesting conversation and I particularly enjoyed learning about how she runs her agency in an accessible way, something that a lot of companies could learn from.
Discover more at inkfire.co.uk and https://maliandme.co.uk/
Connect with Imali
www.instagram.com/inkfire
www.instagram.com/maliandme
Excel against the Odds:
Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Hortense Julienne, founder of Miss Nang
2026/09/01
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Hortense Julienne the founder of Miss Nang
Hortense Julienne is a Franco-Cameroonian who moved to the UK 2001.
Her love of food has shaped much of her journey, taking her from food blogging and cookbooks to entrepreneurship and sustainability.
In 2013, Hortense launched her first food blog, documenting a journey through Lent. In 2014, she published her first cookbook, The Bank Cook, a collection of recipes created with food bank users in mind. Visit www.theBankCook.com.
The book led to numerous print media features, radio appearances and podcast interviews, as well as a serialised recipe feature in a print magazine. It also led to Hortense hosting a year-long radio programme dedicated to cooking well on a budget, alongside her food platform, www.madebyhortense.com.
Hortense later became a finalist in a cookbook competition organised by Red Magazine and HarperCollins. Her passion for making plant-based food exciting led to Plant-Based Ideas For Carnivores, a vegan cookbook created for people who believe there is no life without meat. One of its recipes was published in The Independent on Sunday.
Hortense continued her plant-based food journey with another edition of the cookbook, published in 2022.
Hortense has always loved nuts. After years of turning them into her signature homemade gifts, she transformed that passion into a business, launching Miss Nang Treats in 2016.
Today, www.missynang.com is home to an artisan range of gourmet nuts, seeds and plant-based snacks, including sweet and savoury treats, crackers and accompaniments.
Miss Nang champions attainable sustainability, thoughtful sourcing, small-batch production, zero-waste thinking and eco-conscious packaging.
The brand has received recognition including Great Taste and Women in Food industry awards, and was most recently a finalist in a national sustainability award for Sustainable Businesses: Good Waste & Circular Economy.
Behind the business is a story of resilience. Hortense has twice faced a rare form of hybrid cancer, resulting in the loss of a rib and part of her shoulder blade and leaving her with visible and invisible disabilities.
Her Christian faith has remained an important source of strength.
Away from business, Hortense is also a committed volunteer in her community and church community.
Discover more about Hortense at www.hortensejulienne.com.
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
When Chronic Illness Changes Your Career Path
2026/06/01
Chronic illness can affect far more than our health. It can change the way we work, the goals we set for ourselves, and the future we imagined.
In this episode, I explore the emotional side of career change when you're living with chronic illness. We discuss grief, identity, ambition, confidence, and the challenge of adapting to a different way of working.
Whether you're an employee or a business owner, this conversation offers space to reflect on what happens when old expectations no longer fit and how to move forward with greater self-compassion and sustainability.
If you'd like support with the practical and emotional aspects of running a business with chronic illness, you'll find details of my mentoring services below.
Excel against the Odds:
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
Mentoring: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/mentoring
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
The Real Cost of Overdoing It and Why Pushing Through Slows Your Business Down
2026/05/01
Pushing through can feel like the only option when you are running a business, especially when you care deeply about your work. But over time, overdoing it can have a significant impact on both your health and your ability to grow sustainably.
In this episode of the Excel Against the Odds podcast, I share personal reflections from my own experience of overworking in my first business and how being unwell over Christmas led me to rethink how I work. We explore how overexertion affects long term capacity, the early signs that you may be doing too much, and how to start making decisions that protect both your energy and your business.
How pushing through can affect your long term energy and capacityMy own experience of overdoing it and the impact it hadEarly signs that you may be reaching your limitsWhy overexertion can slow your business down over timeSimple ways to make more sustainable, health aware decisionsIf you would like support creating a way of working that protects your health while still moving your business forward, mentoring is available:
https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/mentoring
Excel against the Odds:
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Sara Jubb, co-founder of Plantfood Coaching
2026/04/01
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking to Sara Jubb of Plantfood Coaching.
Sara is a coach and wellbeing practitioner, who helps over-extended women and caring workforces restore energy, strengthen resilience, and grow with purpose and clarity, without losing themselves in the process.
She co-founded Plantfood Coaching in 2024 to deliver whole-person coaching and wellbeing support for people doing meaningful work in complex, high-pressure environments within charities and mission-led organisations.
Alongside 1:1 coaching, she partners with HR and operations teams to deliver group programmes, talks and training workshops that scale high-quality coaching while keeping the focus on the person behind the role.
She works with a restorative wellbeing and resilience framework for high-capacity, over-stretched women called Repotted, which blends:
Purpose-led career and leadership coachingUnderstanding and replacing limiting beliefsNutritionNervous system regulationMindful movementReflective practices…all within a structured, supportive framework that restores the “soil and pot,” so the individual can grow with purpose and clarity.Website: www.plantfoodcoaching.com
LinkedIn: Sara Jubb | LinkedIn
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Rethinking consistency when your health isn't consistent
2026/03/01
Consistency is often described as the key to success in business. Show up every day. Keep your output steady. Never lose momentum.
But what happens when your body does not behave consistently?
In this episode of the Excel Against the Odds podcast, we explore why traditional ideas of consistency do not work when you are running a business with a chronic illness and what to focus on instead.
This episode redefines consistency in a way that honours fluctuating energy, stop start capacity and the realities of living with chronic illness. You will learn how to create systems that still produce results, even when your output cannot be constant, and how to reshape productivity on your own terms.
If you have ever felt behind or frustrated because your health does not allow you to work in a steady rhythm, this episode will offer reassurance and a more sustainable way forward.
Why traditional definitions of consistency can feel impossible when you live with chronic illness
The difference between constant output and consistent commitment
How to build systems that work with stop start capacity
Designing minimum viable output for sustainable progress
Working in seasons rather than judging yourself week by week
Creating repeatable foundations that make returning easier
Protecting recovery time after high energy periods
Redefining productivity in a way that reflects your real capacity
For more information:
Mentoring: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/mentoring
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Planning for Business Interruptions When You Live With Chronic Illness
2026/02/01
Running a business with a chronic illness means learning how to navigate the unexpected. Flare ups, periods of illness and sudden drops in energy can interrupt even the best laid plans.
In this episode of Excel Against the Odds, we explore how to plan for business interruptions in a way that protects both your health and your livelihood. Drawing on recent personal experience, this episode offers reassurance, reflection and practical guidance for navigating difficult periods without guilt or panic.
This conversation focuses on acceptance, realistic planning and creating a business that can withstand the times when you need to slow down.
In This Episode, We Cover
Why flare ups and interruptions are a normal part of running a business with chronic illness
A personal reflection on navigating a recent period of reduced capacity
How to build time buffers into your business planning
The importance of financial buffers and realistic income planning
Creating support systems that allow you to step back when needed
How to communicate with clients during periods of illness
Protecting your health without feeling like you are abandoning your business
Why acceptance now can lead to greater capacity in the future
This episode is for self employed people, freelancers and business owners living with chronic illness who want to:
Feel more prepared for unexpected health interruptions
Reduce stress and guilt when they need to slow down
Protect their energy while maintaining professionalism
Build a business that is resilient and sustainable
Planning for interruptions is not about expecting the worst. It is about caring for yourself, protecting your business and creating a sustainable way of working when your health is unpredictable.
If you would like support creating contingency plans that work with your health and your business, mentoring is available. Together, we can explore realistic planning, communication strategies and ways to protect your energy during challenging periods.
You are always welcome to get in touch to find out more. https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/mentoringExcel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Planning your year gently when you have a Chronic Illness
2026/01/01
Planning for a new year can feel overwhelming when you are running a business alongside chronic illness. Energy fluctuates, symptoms are unpredictable and traditional goal setting often feels unrealistic or even discouraging.
In this episode of the Excel Against the Odds podcast, we explore how to plan your year in a way that supports your health rather than working against it. This is a gentle, realistic approach to business planning that focuses on intention, flexibility and sustainability, while still helping you move towards your goals.
This episode is perfect if you want guidance and reassurance without pressure or hustle culture.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why planning with chronic illness looks different and why that is not a failure
The importance of starting with intention rather than rigid goals
How to plan your year with flexibility built in from the beginning
Allowing more time than expected and why this supports progress
Breaking business goals into small, manageable steps
Planning in phases instead of trying to map out the entire year
The value of regular reflection to recognise progress
Why wellbeing needs to be part of your business plan
How to approach the new year with compassion and confidence
If you would like support creating a business plan that works with your health, mentoring is available. Together, we can shape a realistic and supportive plan for the year ahead that fits your energy and goals.
For more information: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/mentoring
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Making Peace with Slow Success
2025/12/01
In this episode of Excel Against the Odds, we explore what it really means to grow a business at a slower pace when you live with a chronic illness. If you have ever felt behind, frustrated with your energy levels or pressured by hustle culture, this episode will offer comfort, clarity and practical strategies to help you feel more confident in the way you work.
What We Cover:
Why slower business growth can feel like failure
The emotional impact of comparison and hustle culture
How chronic illness changes the shape and speed of success
Powerful mindset shifts that help you embrace your own pace
Practical ways to structure your work around your health
How to redefine success in a way that supports your wellbeing
Why slower success can actually be deeper, stronger and more sustainable
Simple reminders to use when guilt or frustration sets in
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl
2025/11/01
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Georgina Colman.
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through meaningful discounts and exclusive offers. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands first-hand the financial pressures that come with managing a disability — and she’s on a mission to help others offset those costs and live more freely.As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows what it’s like to face a loss of independence and navigate daily challenges. Her passion for holistic health, nutrition, and inflammation management fuels her commitment to staying well and empowering others to do the same.Through Purpl, she aims to build more than just a savings platform — she’s creating an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, expert advice, and genuine financial relief. The Purpl Members Private Facebook Group provides a safe, supportive community where members can connect, share experiences, and lift each other up.Looking ahead, Georgina’s long-term vision is to launch a foundation offering grants to disabled individuals who need additional financial support, ensuring no one is left behind due to circumstance or cost
If you want to know more, see the links below:
Link to website - https://bit.ly/47smGkn
Socials @purpldiscounts on Tiktok/Facebook/Instagram
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Natalie Edwards, founder of Made in the Button Room
2025/10/01
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, i was delighted to interview Natalie Edwards about her experiences of running her craft business, Made in the Button Room, whilst living with complex nerve damage in her spine.
Natalie is the founder of Made in the Button Room, small business based in Gloucestershire where playful crochet meets creative planet-kind making. From her sunny spare room affectionately called The Button Room, she designs original amigurumi patterns and kits such as the Button Room Minis range, creates eco-conscious crochet baubles, keepsake greetings cards and framed crochet art.
Alongside her products, Natalie teaches crochet through 1:1 lessons and workshops, and stocks natural yarns and notions for fellow eco-makers. Her work champions sustainability, community, and creativity, proving that handmade can be beautiful, fun, and kind to the planet.
Links:
www.linktr.ee/madeinthebuttonroomWebsite is coming but not live yet. That will be www.madeinthebuttonroom.co.uk
Facebook and Instagram is @Natalie Edwards (all on link above)
My only online shop currently (until website is up is) www.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk/shop/madeinthebuttonroom
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Zoe Chapman, founder of the Whizzer
2025/09/01
Zoë Chapman is the inventor of the Whizzer, the World’s tiniest toilet.
The Bootstrapped Solo Founder, launched her business during the pandemic. Despite attempting the impossible, she knew how much her product could help millions so sacrificed everything and within a year of launching, she was approached to appear on BBC's Dragons Den. Her episode aired in 2023 leaving the nation tearful after sharing the challenging journey that had led to the launch of her multi-award winning product.Soon after securing offers from both Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett, she launched the adult version due to popular demand. This enabled her to singlehandedly transform the business, breaking every sales forecast, gaining the title of Great British Entrepreneur and solving the long-standing toileting troubles of everyone from families on-the-go and outdoor enthusiasts to those in need of a more discreet medical aid.
Alongside breaking toilet talk taboo, Zoë openly discusses the challenges that come with running a business as a single mother with life-long mental health conditions including her battle with Bipolar which she had used as her superpower.
To connect with Zoe:
Website: https://kiddiwhizz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiddiwhizz
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Emily Forbes, founder of Wylde Wellbeing Coaching
2025/08/01
Emily Forbes is a published author, certified coach, and founder of Wylde Wellbeing. Emily has been on a personal journey through chronic illness, surgeries, moving towards wellness and finding ways to improve her wellbeing over the last few years.
Emily’s book 'Too Hard to Swallow' is about her personal journey with chronic illness. It’s part memoir, part self-help, and in it, she shares how she found peace within the illness - and how you can too. She blends her personal story with scientific explanations and practices and exercises that will help you to magnify your own wellbeing.
In this episode we discuss the challenges of living and working with chronic illnesses, explore the disability work gap and talk about the female gender gap. It’s a fascinating discussion and I hope you enjoy the episode.
To connect with Emily: https://go.wyldewellbeing.uk/home-6672Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyldewellbeingcoaching/
Book: BalboaPress
Book (Kindle Edition): TooHard to Swallow: Amazon.co.uk: Forbes, Emily: 9781982289324: Books
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Debbie-Lyn Connolly Lloyd Founder of a Model Agency Living with FND
2025/07/01
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I was delighted to interview Debbie-Lyn Connolly Lloyd, the founder of DL Models Ltd.
Debbie-Lyn has FND and set up her business DL Models Ltd to empower people who lack confidence, to believe in themselves again and strive for their dreams, by sharing her story and changing standards in the fashion and beauty industry, so that they can feel represented, beautiful and more confident.
In this episode, Debbie-Lyn talks about her experiences of running a business with a chronic illness and gives advice for anyone aspiring to a career in modelling.
For more details:
Website: www.dlmodelsltd.com
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
Working with a Chronic Illness - Interview with Jen Parker a book publisher with AS
2025/06/01
In this episode of the Excel against the Odds podcast, I was delighted to have the chance to interview Jen Parker, the founder of Fuzzy Flamingo, a book publishing business.
Jen is a multi-award-winning business owner, editor and designer.
She's passionate about books and her mission is to make publishing more transparent, less intimidating and more accessible for authors.
Jen is also a published author herself having written her book:UNFLIP: Changing your life after a life-changing diagnosis
Jen lives with ankylosing spondylitis and in this episode she talks about her diagnosis and how she manages running her own business with looking after her health.
For more details:
Website: https://fuzzyflamingo.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-parker-fuzzy-flamingo/
Excel against the Odds:
Chronic Empowerment Hub: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-chronic-empowerment-hub
Workbook for running a successful business with a chronic illness: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/eato-workbook
One to One Power Hour: https://start.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/strategypowerhour
To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds
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