The Parenting Business cover art

The Parenting Business

The Parenting Business

By: Stuart Malcolmson with Ben Lovejoy
Listen for free

If you're a parent and you're in business, whether you own it or manage it, then this podcast is for you. Stuart and Ben are both multiple business owners trying to juggle work and family life. We discuss how things are going, the ups and downs of running businesses and how that affects weekly family life. We also talk about other things happening in the world, give our views on it and chat to other parents in business, to discover their stories, secrets, hints and tips for both better business and family life.Stuart Malcolmson with Ben Lovejoy Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Turning Challenges Into Growth: Mindset, Resilience, And Self-Transformation With Mel Statner
    May 21 2026

    Summary

    In this weeks episode Stuart and Ben learn from Midlife Coach, Mel Statner, about her she took a journey from feeling stuck in her life to becoming a transformative midlife coach for others. She talks throughthe two key emotional states and practical tools and mindset changes to overcome mental barriers, embrace challenges. All of these skills she has learnt through extensive research from leading practitioners around the reprograming of how the brain works to overcome challenge, in everyday life.


    Stuart and Ben also have their usual chat about their highs and lows, discus The Big Question and Ben shares his weekly Dad Joke!


    If you are wanting to gain support from Mel to grow your life, you can reach out to her directly through her website or by emailing her directly at mel@nomorewasteddays.co.uk


    Don't forget that you can also get in touch with Stuart and Ben about your Parenting Business stories, questions, Big Questions or Dad jokes, by either leaving a comment or emailing us at podcast@parentingbusiness.com


    Please do also kit that Like and Subscribe button and leave us a review, to share the positivity and grow the support.


    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction to Mel Statner and her journey from struggle to empowerment02:30 - The concept of looking up or down in mental health and resilience04:00 - The spiral of mental health and small wins for momentum07:00 - How to catch and shift negative thoughts to positive states10:15 - The two states of being: primal versus powerful13:05 - Personal story: overcoming life crisis with mindset tools15:30 - The role of neuroplasticity in aging and change20:00 - Why societal beliefs about aging and health are myths22:15 - The importance of community and support in transformation27:00 - The power of decision over belief in changing habits like smoking or weight loss32:00 - The flawed educational focus on pass/fail and its impact on self-worth36:00 - How mindset and social beliefs shape our purpose and worth42:00 - The neurobiology of belief, pain, and body-mind connection48:00 - Setting clear goals and visualizing possibilities in limited timeframes55:00 - Practical strategies for managing cravings and resistance62:00 - Accepting life as it is, stopping resistance, and non-attachment66:00 - The exponential effect of small improvements and persistence68:00 - How to reach out for coaching and support without barriers70:00 - Final thoughts: empowerment through mindset, community, and continuous progress

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • My Staff Member Thought I'd Be Fine With Them Bringing Their ...... Into Work!!
    May 14 2026

    SummaryThis week Stuart and Ben waffle on again about real-world challenges faced by business owners, from managing staff behavior and motivation to navigating legal pitfalls with HMRC. This episode offers practical tips on enforcing discipline, improving team performance, and understanding employment law essentials.In this episode:How to implement effective disciplinary procedures and the importance of documentationStrategies to boost staff ownership and proactive behaviorCommon pitfalls with staff bonuses and attendance incentivesDealing with staff illness, repeated sickness, and absenteeism managementLegal realities of employment law and HMRC compliance on wage paymentsThe role of technology, including CCTV, in staff oversight and safetyManaging team conflicts, staff resignations, and handling challenging employee situationsPractical considerations for staff mental health support and workplace wellbeing initiativesDon't forget to hit those Like and Subscribe buttons to catch up with a new show every Thursday. Also, please do get in touch with your own Parenting Business stories, by either leaving us a comment or emailing us directly at podcast@parentingbusiness.comChapters(00:00) - Introduction to managing staff and business challenges(02:15) - Importance of disciplinary procedures posted publicly(04:10) - Strategies for increasing staff accountability and ownership(06:12) - Handling staff sick days and absenteeism thresholds(09:05) - The legal implications of wage underpayment and record-keeping(12:30) - Using CCTV for safety and oversight in the workplace(15:05) - Dealing with staff conflicts and resignations(17:50) - Managing staff mental health and wellness programs(22:00) - The pitfalls of bonuses and incentives for attendance(25:10) - Legal requirements for wage documentation and HMRC compliance(30:50) - Vehicle sale procedures and handling paperwork hassles(37:30) - Staff disputes, team morale, and conflict resolution(40:50) - Staff motivation, ownership, and discipline escalation(45:00) - Handling challenging employee behaviors and mental health issues(50:15) - Benefits and limitations of private health for staff(55:00) - Implementing clear disciplinary steps and consistency(58:30) - Managing repeated sick leave and mental health support(60:10) - Closing thoughts on leadership and business resilience

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • How Persistence and Positivity Built A Global Pet Brand: Tarja Keen Shares Her Highs and Lows
    May 7 2026

    Summary

    This week Stuart and Be chat with Tarja Keen, who shares her remarkable journey through entrepreneurship, personal challenges, and resilience. From managing multiple international moves, building a pet product business, to overcoming cancer and legal battles, her story offers invaluable lessons on perseverance, honesty, and positivity.


    The guys also share their own personal weekly highs and lows, as well as an interetsing Big Question and Ben's (usually terible) dad joke!


    Don't forget to hit that follow or subscribe button, to catch a new episode every week. Also, please do get in touch with your own Parenting Business stories, by either leaving us a comment or sending us an email to podcast@parentingbusiness.com


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to This Weeks Show

    18:47 Introduction to Tarja's Journey

    21:33 Balancing Business and Family Life

    24:35 Cultural Adjustments and Challenges

    27:20 Navigating Business Partnerships

    30:20 Overcoming Adversity in Business

    33:09 The Impact of Health on Business

    36:01 Finding Strength in Family Support

    39:08 The Role of Passion in Entrepreneurship

    41:42 Mental Health and Seeking Help

    44:41 Resilience and Moving Forward

    55:07 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

    57:37 Finding Positivity in Adversity

    01:01:29 Lessons Learned: Embracing Change

    01:06:12 The Impact of Resilience on Family

    01:10:57 Business Breakthroughs: Persistence Pays Off

    01:18:54 Reflections on Trust and Regrets

    01:21:13 The Joys of Entrepreneurship and Parenting

    01:23:41 Looking Ahead: New Beginnings

    01:28:02 Resilience in Adversity

    01:30:43 The Importance of Focus and Drive

    01:33:22 The Role of Raw Conversations in Healing

    01:36:12 Mental Health Awareness and Community Support


    Keywords

    entrepreneurship, resilience, personal growth, international business, overcoming adversity, pet products, legal battles, cancer survival, parenting, mental health

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 37 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet