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Bruce McCarthy has spent his life building things – first with Lego, then with teams, products, and companies. In this episode, he takes us from childhood curiosity to becoming one of the most recognised voices in modern product leadership. His stories reveal how creativity becomes strategy, and how mindset becomes culture.

You’ll hear how early experiments in building boats, ecosystems, and entire miniature worlds shaped Bruce’s instinct for systems thinking. You’ll follow the transition from startup founder to product leader, and the shock of moving from small, outcome-driven companies to an organisation where innovation was discouraged. That contrast led Bruce to a realisation that would define his career – culture determines everything.

We explore the moments that transformed how he leads: cross-functional alignment, stakeholder management, strategic ownership, and the belief that product managers run “businesses within businesses”. Bruce shares the wins, the mistakes, and the turning points that taught him that leadership requires listening, that mandates never create change, and that real transformation comes from learning by doing.

Together, we unpack the origin of Product Culture, why his books reshaped the product world, and the truth behind roadmapping, OKRs, collaboration, and the power of finding your tribe. Whether you’re in product, leadership, or simply navigating change – this is a masterclass in building the environment where great work happens.

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You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

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What happens when life forces you to pivot, and you finally give yourself permission to succeed? In this MarketPulse Pros & Pioneers episode, I sit down with David Birchmore, who went from a career in healthcare to building a business that helps others find the courage to make a change. His journey is full of lessons about resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of family.

David’s story begins with the dream of becoming a doctor – a dream that was brutally shattered. But instead of giving up, he found another way to live out his purpose of helping others. From healthcare to corporate life and eventually launching his own business, David’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks can become turning points.

In our conversation, David shares the pivotal life moments that shaped him, why every job has a purpose, and how he turned a side hustle into a full-time career. He also opens up about the challenges of ambition, burnout, and the traps of chasing prestige – and how breaking free led him to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the wrong job or pressured by expectations that don’t align with who you are, this episode will resonate deeply. David’s mission is to help 1,000 people leave jobs they hate, and his story proves that with courage and clarity, real change is possible.

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🎧 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/marketpulse-pros-pioneers/id1789161234

💡 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/javelin-content/

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

Enjoying the Show? Share Your Experience!

Can you imagine going from working with gang-affiliated kids to coaching global CEOs?
That’s the extraordinary path of Dr Alison Schmidt, who’s built a career redefining what leadership really looks like.

In this episode of MarketPulse, Alison opens up about her unconventional journey through retail, hospitality, and education — and how every setback became a lesson in empathy, purpose, and resilience.
She shares powerful moments of honesty, from carrying shame for decades to finding her voice as a neurodivergent leader.

We discuss how COVID forced her to confront her own authenticity, what “being UN” really means, and why true leaders focus less on training and more on DNA — the natural instincts that drive human connection.

If you’ve ever felt out of place in the corporate world, Alison’s story will show you why that might be your greatest strength.

Subscribe now to MarketPulse for more stories that challenge the norm and celebrate the humans behind leadership.

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

Enjoying the Show? Share Your Experience!

Ever felt like your leadership role was slowly crushing your spirit?
In this episode of MarketPulse, we dive deep with Kathy Archer, a leadership coach who helps women in the non-profit sector lead with confidence and clarity after burnout.

Kathy’s journey is raw and honest. She shares the moment her values clashed with her career, how burnout forced her to rebuild her integrity, and what she learned about leading from within. Together, we explore how leadership isn’t about doing more – it’s about being more. From self-reflection and journaling to daily micro-moments that restore balance, Kathy’s insights challenge traditional leadership culture and offer a blueprint for sustainable success.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation reminds us that growth starts inside. Learn how to recognise the warning signs of burnout, create space for reflection, and rediscover the energy that drives authentic leadership.

Subscribe to hear stories that redefine leadership and inspire purposeful growth.

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

Enjoying the Show? Share Your Experience!

Mark Tuxford’s story is not your typical marketing career path. From stacking boxes in a warehouse to breaking through as a sports journalist, to eventually running digital strategy at MWB and hosting the People Behind Brands podcast, his journey is proof that the most powerful marketers are often those who didn’t start in marketing at all.

In this MarketPulse episode, we dig into Mark’s unconventional career trajectory and uncover the moments that shaped his perspective. From school struggles and warehouse graft to journalism breakthroughs and brand storytelling, Mark shares candid lessons about persistence, authenticity, and finding your true purpose in work.

You’ll hear how early challenges shaped his resilience, why authentic content always wins over shortcuts, and how building the right team is the foundation of long-term success. We also explore his views on personal branding, business growth, and what it really takes to stand out in an industry that anyone with a laptop can claim expertise in.

For entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders alike, this episode is packed with insights on self-discovery, creating opportunities from scratch, and building businesses on honest values rather than hollow hype.

🔗 More from MarketPulse:
📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes: https://youtube.com/@marketpulsepodcast?sub_confirmation=1
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xJFsHr6VgHuhy9MvAO7HI
🎧 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/marketpulse/id1797755898
💡 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketpulsepodcast

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

Enjoying the Show? Share Your Experience!

Kristen Sweeney’s story begins with Broadway dreams—but her real stage would be the boardroom. From training in musical theatre to founding a strategic content agency for the life sciences and B2B sectors, Kristen has learned that communication isn't just about talking—it's about translating expertise into impact.

In this episode of MarketPulse: Pros and Pioneers, Kristen dives deep into the challenges that plague subject-matter experts: perfectionism, overthinking, and the fear of putting unfinished ideas into the world. She explains why so many technical professionals struggle to connect their knowledge with audiences—and what leaders can do to fix that. If you've ever sat on content too long, rewritten the same paragraph ten times, or struggled to turn brilliance into business impact, this conversation will resonate deeply.

You'll hear how maternity leave changed her approach to leadership, why engineers often can't communicate (and why it's not their fault), and what B2B marketers are still getting wrong in content strategy. Plus, how her time on stage uniquely prepared her for business life.

This one’s packed with insights you’ll want to implement immediately.

Subscribe now to catch it all: https://www.youtube.com/@marketpulsepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Show Links:
Guest Website: https://everylittleword.co
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-sweeney-every-little-word
MarketPulse Podcast Directory: https://marketpulse.javelincontent.com/share
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketpulse-pros-pioneers/id1728066899
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51ArnsFBkQCKtFzri9EypG
MarketPulse YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketpulsepodcast
Javelin Content Website: https://www.javelincontent.com
Paul Banks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-banks007

Special Thanks to our Charity Partner: ADHD Liberty

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

Enjoying the Show? Share Your Experience!

What if the root of your workplace burnout wasn’t overwork—but bad leadership?

In this powerful episode of MarketPulse: Pros and Pioneers, Dr Julie Donley shares her remarkable story—starting from being abandoned at sixteen, to rising as a respected Director of Nursing, and now transforming organisations as a leadership coach. Julie’s journey is deeply personal, often raw, and always insightful. Her path is proof that resilience and a focus on people over process can shape truly impactful leaders.

Julie opens up about the emotional toll of working in psychiatric healthcare, the silent damage caused by toxic leaders, and what it feels like to be thrown into senior leadership with zero support. These defining moments led her to pursue a Doctorate in Organisational Leadership and write her acclaimed book Leading at the Speed of People—a blueprint for compassionate, effective leadership in high-stress environments.

We explore how Julie empowers leaders today to replace stress with strategy, and fear with trust. She doesn’t just speak theory—she’s lived it. Her frameworks for emotional intelligence, employee retention, and team engagement are game-changers for leaders navigating modern workplace challenges.

This episode is packed with stories, real lessons, and surprising truths—like why employees leave more than just jobs, and how empathy directly impacts the bottom line. If you’ve ever doubted whether leadership could be taught, this episode will shift your thinking.

Don’t miss this one. Subscribe now and catch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/@marketpulsepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Show links:

Dr Julie Donley: https://DrJulieDonley.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjuliedonley/

Subscribe to the podcast across all platforms – https://marketpulse.javelincontent.com/share
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketpulse-pros-pioneers/id1728066899
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51ArnsFBkQCKtFzri9EypG
Powered by Javelin Content – https://www.javelincontent.com
Find Paul on LinkedIn –

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!

Enjoying the Show? Share Your Experience!

Are you a new parent desperate for better sleep — for you and your baby?

This episode is your lifeline. We’re joined by Shani Avidar, founder of The Sleep Concierge, a former banker who transformed her life (and thousands of others) by helping families reclaim their nights. From battling sleep deprivation to running a purpose-led business, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to solve baby sleep — and rediscover your own wellbeing.

🛏 Learn how ADHD affects baby sleep and parenting routines
👶 The truth behind the 4-month regression (and other sleep myths)
💼 Hear Shani’s story of leaving corporate life to follow her calling
🧠 Explore the psychology of sleep and why most coaches get it wrong
📈 Get actionable advice if you're building a business from purpose

Whether you're a parent, a coach, or a founder looking for clarity — this is 30 minutes of insights you won't find on Google. Shani speaks honestly about motherhood, identity, business pressure and why “self-care isn’t selfish.”

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter advice and want to hear the truth about baby sleep and business burnout — hit that subscribe button and never miss a moment.

Subscribe now:
https://www.youtube.com/@marketpulsepodcast?sub_confirmation=1

#Parenting #SleepTraining #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #BabySleep #FounderStories #BusinessPodcast #CareerChange #ADHD #Motherhood #Startups #SleepCoach #ProductivityTips #Mindfulness #MarketpulsePodcast

Special Thanks to our Charity Partner: ADHD Liberty
Did you know that around 85% of all male prisoners in the UK are undiagnosed and/or unmedicated ADHD prisoners?
ADHD Liberty are leading the fight for early diagnosis for ADHD in schools, custody suites, A&E departments, and prisons.

Help us raise awareness:
http://www.ADHDLiberty.org
http://www.SarahTempleton.org.uk
http://www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.com

Marketpulse podcast, powered by Javelin Content – follow us to learn more about or get help with:
how to build a purpose-driven business
authentic conversations with real founders
navigating career transitions in your 30s and 40s
trusted business advice from industry voices
inspiration for entrepreneurs who value family and impact

launching a

Thanks for listening!!

You can catch us on all major podcast directories - New episode every Wednesday at 3pm UK time. Give us a subscribe to make sure you don't miss out!

We're also on YouTube!

If you want to feature as a guest, and you're either a business owner who does most of their own marketing, or you're a marketer with a passion for sharing your knowledge, current trends and adding value, reach out to me directly.

This show is brought to you by Javelin Content Management.

We're a husband and wife team who specialise in helping fascinating people launch amazing podcasts, where we extract all of the content 'juice' by squeezing their episodes and repurposing the clips.

We manage podcasts across lots of industries and sectors for our clients, specialising in hosts with ADHD and neurodiversity (like us!)

We also work with existing podcasters who just want to get the hard work off their hands, or who are finding the whole process tiring and dull!