Screw It, Just Do It | Alex Chisnall Chats With Ray Kelvin, Richard Reed, Steven Bartlett & Others Every Week. Alex Chisnall:

Welcome back to Screw It Just DO It, the show where you meet the entrepreneurs who’ve taken risks, built from scratch, and kept going when others stopped.This week I’m joined by Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, who scaled a plumbing insurance business into a global £4 billion empire. In this episode, Richard breaks down his 9-step blueprint for building a billion-pound business, covering everything from why copying and pivoting works, to how to find the right investor early, and why evolution always beats revolution.He also dives deep into international expansion, how he backed himself when funds ran low, and why he believes mentorship is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business. Richard’s now backing the next wave of founders through Growth Partner and Business Leader, aiming to support 10% of the UK’s mid-sized companies on their scale-up journey.There’s a lifetime of lessons in this conversation: all hard-earned, none sugar-coated.Key Takeaways:Follow the 9 steps – including copying, piv

This week’s Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode features a standout moment from my conversation with Al Barratt, the force behind Grenade. We cut straight into the bit where it all started to scale. Al shares how he moved Grenade from a niche protein shake brand into the UK’s best-selling snack bar. He didn’t throw money at it. He focused on brand equity, shelf space, and getting the timing right. If you’re looking to take your product out of a niche and into the mainstream, this episode will give you the blueprint.Key Takeaways:Why staying in a niche can limit your growthHow brand visibility and physical presence still matterThe importance of timing and adapting to consumer trendsWhat Grenade did differently to outperform major brands

What happens when a business deal worth millions collapses overnight? Most founders would panic. John Caudwell pivoted. In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just DO It, I revisit one of the boldest comeback stories I’ve heard on the show. John shares how losing a major Motorola distribution agreement became a defining moment that tested his leadership, resilience, and ability to outmanoeuvre giants. He explains how he secured Nokia as a partner, turned adversity into advantage, and ultimately scaled to dominate the mobile phone market. If you’re building a business and facing your own crisis point, this is the masterclass you didn’t know you needed.Key Takeaways:Strategic partnerships can make or break your growthBeing adaptable is non-negotiable when facing crisisVision and execution need to move quickly, especially under pressureNever let a loss define your next move. Use it to build something better

AI isn’t a buzzword anymore. It’s an operating system shift that’s already reshaping how we work, sell, and compete. I spoke with Piers Linney, entrepreneur, ex-Dragon, and co-founder of Implement AI, about what business leaders need to know right now to stay relevant.Piers has sat on boards, built companies from scratch, and now helps SMEs navigate the complex and fast-changing AI landscape. He pulls no punches. If you’re still dragging your feet on AI, this episode is a wake-up call.We spoke about where AI is really headed, how SMEs can integrate it practically, and why business owners need to focus on the augmented human, not just automation. He also gets candid about how he's advising his daughters on careers in a world where cognitive labour is under threat.This episode will leave you thinking harder and moving faster about how you adapt. Because if you don’t, your competitors will.Key TakeawaysAI is still in dial-up phase. Most SMEs aren’t ready for what’s coming in the next five years.The real advantag

Sabrina Stocker is the kind of guest who reminds you what’s possible when you back yourself. From earning a decent living coaching tennis to selling everything she owned and starting again in Egypt, Sabrina shares her very real “Screw It Just Do It” moment. What stood out for me was her clarity around building a life of freedom—financial, time, and location—and her honest reflection on how mindset and lifestyle changes made it all possible. This is one for anyone who's felt the pull to pivot, to try something new, to scale with purpose. You’ll hear practical lessons on lead gen, lifestyle design, and what it really means to create a freedom-first business.Key Takeaways:The mindset shift needed to chase time and location freedom Why she left a safe income to build her dream lifeThe 3 freedoms every entrepreneur should aim forWhy building systems matters more than hustleHow lifestyle changes can fuel business success

What does it take to walk out of school, broke, and build a multimillion-pound business? Simon Squibb did just that. In this bite-sized episode, we rewind to his Screw It Just DO It moment: leaving school with nothing but a survival instinct and turning that into a successful agency.Simon breaks down how he started, what really fuels progress (hint: it’s not luck), and why persistence beats talent every time. If you’re stuck, second-guessing your next step, this short episode will snap you into action.Key Takeaways:Start With What You’ve Got: Simon had no degree, no money and no clue—but he started anywayFear Is Fuel: He learned to lean into fear as a superpower, not something to avoidRedefining Luck: 98% of success is controllable. Luck is built, not foundPersistence Wins: Starting, quitting, then starting again is still forward momentumPurpose Beats Profit: Chasing money never fulfilled him. Purpose did

Ever thought about how one freezing-cold moment could change your entire career? That’s exactly what happened to Laura Fullerton. In this bite-sized episode, we dive into how Laura went from avoiding cold water like the plague to launching Monk - a smart ice bath company that’s gained backing from the likes of Anthony Joshua and James Watt.She didn’t just build a product. She created a movement in cold water therapy. We talk about making the jump from concept to physical product, navigating hardware challenges, and why clarity of vision is essential when scaling a brand. There’s plenty to take away whether you’re still at the ideas stage or actively scaling your business.Key Takeaways:Why personal pain points are the best business ideasBuilding a hardware product with no prior experienceThe biohacking boom and how Monk integrates wearable dataHow networking and clarity of purpose accelerated her funding and partnerships

This week on Screw It Just DO It, I’m joined by Mark Rushmore, co-founder of SURI – Sustainable Rituals, the startup shaking up the electric toothbrush market by doing things differently.After a successful corporate career at Proctor and Gamble and Kellogg, Mark made the bold move to co-create a product that challenges fast-consumption culture with sustainability, smart design, and an obsession with customer experience. In this episode, Mark chats about what the startup grind is really like, from working with difficult suppliers, tackling complex product design, and getting things wrong before getting them right.We also talk about co-founder dynamics, building loyal communities, and why he believes values should be codified early on in any business. If you're building a purpose-driven consumer brand or looking to understand what it takes to go from idea to impact – this is the conversation you need.Key takeaways:Why product innovation starts with questioning the status quoHow to find (and keep) the right

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether there’s more to life than your 9-to-5, you need to hear this. In this bite-sized episode, I’m joined by the inspiring Victoria Azubuike, founder of The Us Group & She Who, who left behind a steady corporate career to build a mission-led business that’s now worked with over 3,000 young women across the UK. From building confidence to confronting imposter syndrome, this is a real, honest chat about doing the inner work, trusting your gut, and choosing purpose. This is the moment she decided to screw it – and just do it.Key Takeaways:Why feeling unfulfilled at work can be the start of something powerfulHow to prepare for the leap into entrepreneurshipThe mindset shift needed to turn fear into actionWhy mentorship and role models matter more than everBuilding a business that speaks to Gen Z values: diversity, inclusion, impact

This week’s Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode It delivers something every entrepreneur needs – a simple, effective way to validate an idea before you pour your savings into it.Daniel Priestley doesn’t believe in waiting around. He’s built multi-million-pound businesses by running lean, fast, and smart. In this tactical breakdown, Daniel shows you how to launch without launching using one of his go-to strategies: the “waiting list” method. Whether you’re a first-time founder or someone thinking about pivoting, this approach will save you time, money, and possibly heartbreak.You’ll learn how to:Build a pre-launch landing page in under a dayGather demand through email sign-upsRun market experiments using scorecardsAvoid the “perfect product” trapAnd, most importantly, start now—not later

What makes someone drop out of university after just one lecture, with no funding or formal plan, and go on to build a multi-million-pound marketing agency? That’s the question I posed to Steven Bartlett - founder of Social Chain and one of the UK’s most inspiring modern entrepreneurs. In this bite-sized episode of Screw It Just Do It, Steven breaks down the mindset shift that helped him scale a Twitter page into a global agency working with Apple, McDonald’s, and the BBC. It’s raw, it’s real, and it proves that sometimes your biggest leap comes when you stop planning and just start.Key Takeaways:Why Steven dropped out of university after one lectureHow spotting real problems creates real businessesBuilding a startup from a social media accountWhy personal branding and sales skills matter early onThe power of resilience and thinking differently

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 investor

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.

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!

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