The Success or Excuses Podcast

James Ashford always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but the journey wasn’t a straight line.
After trying different businesses, taking on different jobs and learning from other entrepreneurs, James eventually found his way into the accounting industry. He built a piece of software, bootstrapped the business with no investment, and within five years sold it for an eight-figure sum.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with James Ashford to explore entrepreneurship, mindset and what it really takes to scale a business. James Ashford shares how his early belief around business and freedom shaped his journey, why software became the route he took, and how solving sales problems became the foundation of his business.
He also speaks about belief systems, coachability, setting goals beyond your current capability, and why business owners often need to look deeper than strategy when they hit a sticking point. Alongside that, James Ashford reflects on health, relationships, self-awareness and the importance of building success across every area of life.
James Fleming brings his own perspective into the conversation, sharing his thoughts on mindset, goal setting, coaching, relationships, health and what it takes to stay at the top of your game.
Key moments include:✔️ James Ashford’s early desire to become an entrepreneur✔️ Trying different businesses before finding the right path✔️ Building software for the accounting industry✔️ Bootstrapping the business with no investment✔️ Selling the software business for an eight-figure sum✔️ Why sales problems sit at the heart of many business challenges✔️ Mindset, belief systems and business foundations✔️ The question business owners should ask when they hit a sticking point✔️ What makes someone coachable✔️ Committing fully to a goal✔️ Why health and fitness matter in business and life✔️ James Ashford’s top advice on accountability, learning and self-awareness✔️ His book, Scale Strong Exit Big
 
Follow James FlemingLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow James AshfordLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesashford/Website → https://jamesashford.com/
 
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to James Ashford[00:00:54] James Ashford’s early desire to become an entrepreneur[00:01:30] Trying different businesses and learning from others[00:01:50] Building software in the accounting industry[00:02:00] Bootstrapping the business and selling it for an eight-figure sum[00:02:31] Why James Ashford moved into software[00:03:10] Solving sales problems inside businesses[00:05:30] James Fleming on entrepreneurial mindset and vision[00:06:06] Belief systems as the foundation of business growth[00:10:16] Hitting sticking points in business[00:11:20] Asking “who do I now need to be?”[00:13:16] Coachability and being open to difficult conversations[00:17:28] James Ashford’s entrepreneurial mindset and early commitment[00:19:50] Burning the safety net and going all in[00:20:30] Setting goals beyond current capability[00:23:18] James Fleming on dominant thoughts, goals and action[00:25:10] Achieving the goal and realising it’s about the climb[00:27:45] Building a complete game across life and business[00:28:00] James Fleming on relationships, health and feeding your mind[00:29:57] Why health comes first[00:32:52] James Ashford’s top three pieces of advice[00:38:05] James Ashford’s book, Scale Strong Exit Big[00:42:02] Where to connect with James Ashford[00:42:56] Closing thoughts

Andrew Hulbert didn’t build his business from a perfect plan; he built it through graft, mistakes and an all-in mindset.
After growing up in a working-class family in Oxford, Andrew started earning money from a young age and later moved into property services. At 27, he started Pareto from his bedroom with a laptop and an idea. Over 10 years, he grew it into a £50 million turnover business with 500 staff, raised $100 million in private equity value, and exited the business at 37.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Andrew Hulbert to explore entrepreneurship, sacrifice and what success really looks like behind the scenes. Andrew shares the early lessons that shaped him, why he wanted to build a customer-focused business, and how he took on major clients including Bulgari Hotel, Yahoo, Candy Crush, London Zoo and Twitter.
He also speaks openly about the harder side of business, including loneliness, burnout, missing time with family, making expensive mistakes and learning from a £400,000 bad debt. Alongside that, Andrew reflects on selling the business, stepping back, rebuilding relationships and focusing on family, legacy and being present.
James brings his own perspective into the conversation, sharing his early working life, the realities of business ownership, leadership, family and the pressure that comes with building something of your own.
Key moments include:
✔️ Starting Pareto from a bedroom with a laptop and an idea✔️ Growing the business to £50 million turnover✔️ Building a 500-person team over 10 years✔️ The reality behind social media success✔️ Andrew’s working-class upbringing and early hustle✔️ Why mindset matters when building a business✔️ Winning major clients including Bulgari Hotel and London Zoo✔️ Treating staff well and paying people properly✔️ The loneliness and sacrifice behind entrepreneurship✔️ Losing £400,000 through one bad decision✔️ Selling the business and stepping back at 37✔️ Family, legacy and learning what success really means✔️ James’ own reflections on work, leadership and fatherhood✔️ Health, discipline and being present in life
Follow James FlemingLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Andrew HulbertLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhulbert/Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/pareto-facilities-management
Linktree → linktr.ee/andrewhulbert
 
 
 
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to Andrew Hulbert[00:01:00] Andrew’s background and building Pareto[00:02:00] The reality behind entrepreneurship and social media success[00:05:00] Andrew’s working-class upbringing and early life in Oxford[00:07:20] Learning the value of graft from a young age[00:08:20] University, family sacrifice and meeting his wife[00:10:20] James shares his own early working life[00:17:20] Starting the business and spotting a gap in the market[00:20:40] Building momentum and thinking like a bigger business[00:21:30] Winning Bulgari Hotel as the first major contract[00:22:00] Winning major clients including Yahoo, Candy Crush, London Zoo and Twitter[00:26:40] Taking on London and Whipsnade Zoo[00:28:30] Building a senior team and keeping 100% retention[00:29:30] The loneliness and sacrifice of going all in[00:31:50] Family, children and changing priorities[00:33:00] Selling the business and rebuilding relationships[00:38:50] Losing £400,000 through a bad debt[00:40:20] Leading through COVID and uncertainty[00:42:10] James reflects on fatherhood as a leadership lesson[00:48:00] Working in the business before working on it[00:50:50] Andrew’s top three pieces of advice[00:53:40] Enjoying the journey and making business fun[00:56:40] Health, weight loss and looking after yourself[01:01:20] Closing thoughts and where to connect with Andrew

Dr John Demartini was told as a child that he would never read, write or communicate effectively.
After struggling with dyslexia and leaving home at 13, John spent his teenage years travelling and living as a street kid before a chance encounter with health educator Paul C. Bragg inspired him to change the direction of his life. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching and understanding human behaviour.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Dr John Demartini to discuss values, purpose, leadership and human potential. John shares how he overcame early challenges, why people thrive when they align their lives with their highest priorities, and the principles that have guided more than five decades of research and teaching.
James also reflects on his own experience with dyslexia, self-belief and leadership, exploring the mindset shifts that helped shape his journey. Together, they discuss personal growth, prioritisation, intrinsic motivation, overcoming setbacks and what it takes to create a meaningful and purposeful life.
 
Key moments include:
✔️ Being told he would never read, write or communicate effectively✔️ Leaving home at 13 and living as a street kid✔️ The life-changing influence of Paul C. Bragg✔️ Memorising 20,000 words to overcome learning difficulties✔️ Speaking in 174 countries and dedicating his life to teaching✔️ Understanding the difference between authentic values and external expectations✔️ Why people excel when they align with their highest priorities✔️ The seven questions John uses to help people identify meaningful goals✔️ James' personal story of dyslexia and finding his own way of learning✔️ Prioritisation, delegation and focusing on high-value activities✔️ The lessons behind manifestation and taking purposeful action✔️ Why challenges create growth and leadership✔️ The difference between external motivation and intrinsic drive✔️ Navigating setbacks, brick walls and self-doubt✔️ The importance of measuring progress and refining daily actions✔️ Health, energy, longevity and living in alignment with purpose
 
Follow James FlemingLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
Follow Dr John DemartiniWebsite → https://drdemartini.com/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drjohndemartini/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohndemartini/
 
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to Dr John Demartini[01:15] John's mission and life’s work[02:40] Why values determine achievement and fulfilment[04:30] The seven questions for identifying meaningful goals[06:00] Authentic values versus external expectations[08:00] Understanding what truly drives behaviour[11:00] James on work, purpose and finding flow[13:20] John's childhood challenges and learning difficulties[15:00] Leaving home and living as a street kid[15:40] The moment that changed John's life[17:00] Overcoming dyslexia and learning to study[19:00] James shares his own dyslexia journey[21:30] High-priority actions and measuring progress[23:20] Advice from Mary Kay Ash on prioritisation[25:20] The Secret, manifestation and purposeful action[29:00] Leadership, empowerment and personal responsibility[30:20] The fulfilment that comes from impacting others[34:00] Mastering the seven areas of life[36:40] Challenges, growth and leadership[39:40] Why intrinsic motivation matters[41:00] Dealing with setbacks and hitting a brick wall[44:40] John's top advice for life and business[47:40] Health, energy and longevity[50:45] Final thoughts and closing remarks

Carol Jackson knows exactly what it feels like to leave the comfort of a successful career and step into the chaos of building something from scratch.
After years in the corporate world, Carol reached a point where she knew something had to change. What started as a side hustle became ELJ Drinks, an award-winning boutique Scottish spirits company with a range of gins and a Honey Spiced Rum.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Carol Jackson to talk about corporate burnout, expensive mistakes, COVID pivots, building a product-based business and learning as you go.
Carol shares how ELJ Drinks began with a ready-to-drink gin cocktail range, why early decisions led to stock being poured down the sink, and how the business adapted when hospitality shut down overnight.
She also talks about moving online, running virtual gin experiences for charities, building community through Cocktails with Carol, crowdfunding her lemon gin, and launching Honey Spiced Rum using honey from her own bees in Blythswood Square.
James adds his own experience throughout, reflecting on the early struggles of building a business, the pressure of COVID, the importance of mindset, and why business ownership is one of the hardest but best things he has ever done.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Leaving the corporate world after burnout✔️ Starting ELJ Drinks as a side hustle✔️ Early product mistakes and expensive lessons✔️ Building a Scottish spirits brand✔️ Pivoting during COVID and growing online✔️ Virtual gin experiences and Cocktails with Carol✔️ Crowdfunding the lemon gin launch✔️ Moving from gin into Honey Spiced Rum✔️ The story behind Carol’s bees and Scottish honey✔️ Being a female entrepreneur and business owner✔️ Carol’s three pieces of advice: get out your head, find your tribe, don’t seek perfection
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
Follow Carol Jackson:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-jackson-ellisgin/Company Website → https://ellisgin.com/
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to Carol Jackson[00:01:00] Carol’s background and ELJ Drinks[00:02:00] Starting the business as a side hustle[00:03:00] Launching the ready-to-drink gin cocktail range[00:04:00] Early mistakes and expensive lessons[00:06:00] Leaving the corporate world after burnout[00:08:00] Creating colour-changing gins[00:09:00] Launching pink shimmer gin[00:10:30] COVID and the impact on hospitality[00:11:00] Moving online and partnering with charities[00:12:00] Cocktails with Carol and building community[00:12:40] Crowdfunding the lemon gin launch[00:13:40] James reflects on his own COVID pivot[00:16:30] Gifting, online growth and coming out of COVID[00:18:30] Reacting to change and rebuilding the business[00:20:00] The gin market changing[00:22:00] Moving into rum[00:25:30] The story behind Honey Spiced Rum[00:27:20] Carol’s bees and Scottish honey[00:28:30] Launching Honey Spiced Rum in 2024[00:34:20] The hard reality of running a business[00:36:00] James shares the start of The Power Within Training[00:41:30] Wearing different hats as a business owner[00:43:00] Networking and finding the right people[00:49:30] Advice for anyone starting a business[00:53:40] Being a female entrepreneur[00:56:30] Recognition, House of Lords and Downing Street[00:58:50] Carol’s three pieces of advice[01:00:40] Closing thoughts

Mark Skinner didn’t wait for the “perfect time” to take the leap. He saw the opportunity, backed himself and built from there.
After starting out in sales with Keystone Valves in Glasgow he was there for about 8 years and was then asked to join John Bell Pipeline in Aberdeen. When the business came up for sale, Mark and his colleague Brian decided to buy it. With everything mortgaged and plenty on the line, they built the business into the largest independent of its type in the UK before eventually selling it.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Mark Skinner to explore buying, growing and selling a business, building an employee-centred culture, and learning to let go once a business is no longer yours.
Mark also shares the story behind Scots Bridge, which he set up with Don Wong to help Scottish and UK companies enter Southeast Asia with more structure, due diligence and realistic ambition. The conversation covers moving into new markets, the impact of COVID, and how unexpected opportunities in food and beverage helped the business evolve.
James adds his own experience throughout, reflecting on the fear of COVID hitting business overnight, the reality of running a business under pressure, and the mindset needed to keep finding a way forward.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Mark’s early sales career and formative years at Keystone Valves✔️ Buying John Bell Pipeline with belief, ambition and risk✔️ Growing the business into the largest independent of its type in the UK✔️ Planning the exit from the start✔️ Building an employee-centred culture✔️ Selling the business and learning to let go✔️ Moving into Southeast Asia✔️ Setting up Scots Bridge with Don Wong✔️ Helping companies avoid wasted time, money and poor-fit partnerships✔️ Moving from oil and gas into engineering and food and beverage✔️ The impact of COVID and finding new opportunities✔️ Mark’s three pieces of advice: be kind, have vision and goals, and make sure your product or service is different and scalable
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
Follow Mark Skinner:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-skinner-4a78792a/
Website → https://www.scotsbridge.net/
 
Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to Mark Skinner[00:01:00] Mark’s background and early sales career[00:02:30] Joining John Bell Pipeline[00:03:00] Buying the business with Brian[00:03:45] Taking the risk and backing the opportunity[00:05:00] Growing the business into the largest independent of its type in the UK[00:06:30] Selling the business[00:07:00] Moving to a 10-acre site north of Aberdeen[00:07:50] Building an employee-centred culture[00:09:00] Staying involved after the sale[00:10:00] Letting go after selling your business[00:14:00] Looking at international opportunities[00:15:00] Focusing on Southeast Asia[00:16:30] Setting up Scots Bridge[00:17:45] The purpose behind Scots Bridge[00:19:20] Helping companies avoid wasted time and money[00:22:30] COVID and the impact on business[00:25:00] Finding opportunity after everything was paused[00:27:30] Moving into food and beverage[00:28:00] Helping a sour sweets company enter Southeast Asia[00:30:00] Working with Loch Ness Water[00:31:30] Understanding what sells in different markets[00:33:00] Learning across different sectors[00:34:00] James and Mark discuss entrepreneurial thinking[00:36:30] Young Enterprise, mentoring and giving back[00:38:00] Don’t be a spectator or passenger[00:39:00] Mark’s three pieces of advice[00:44:00] Closing thoughts

Stephen Pettigrew grew up around business long before he ever built his own path.
From working in his family’s warehouse as a teenager to watching his parents’ business grow to £35 million in revenue before eventually collapsing, Stephen learned a hard lesson about value, timing and why a business should be built with the option to sell.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Stephen Pettigrew to explore the reality of building, scaling and exiting a business. Stephen shares how his family business shaped his thinking, why he moved into mergers, acquisitions and private equity, and how he now supports founder-led businesses to grow, systemise and become more valuable.
Stephen also explains what makes a business attractive to buyers, from clean financials and strong systems to reducing owner dependency and increasing transfer value. He speaks openly about why many business owners leave it too late to plan an exit, the risks of going to market unprepared, and why working with the right specialist matters.
James adds his own experience throughout, reflecting on how he built The Power Within Training with an exit strategy in mind, including IP, systems, processes and a business model that could scale without being fully dependent on him.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Growing up in a family business✔️ Watching a £35 million business collapse✔️ Why businesses should be built to sell✔️ Stephen’s work as an operating partner✔️ What buyers look for in a business✔️ The importance of systems, team and transfer value✔️ The reality of brokers and business sales✔️ James’ approach to building IP and reducing owner dependency✔️ Life and business in Dubai✔️ Stephen’s three pieces of advice: work hard, treat your business as an asset, and build income-generating assets
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Stephen Pettigrew:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpettigrewinvestor/
Linktree →https://linktr.ee/stevenpettigrewinvestor
 
 
 
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to Stephen Pettigrew[00:01:00] Stephen’s background and growing up in a family business[00:03:20] What Stephen does now as an operating partner[00:05:30] How Stephen moved into acquisitions and private equity[00:06:00] The rise and collapse of his family business[00:07:50] Why a business should be built to sell[00:08:00] James’ approach to building The Power Within Training with an exit in mind[00:13:00] Owner dependency and building beyond your own name[00:15:50] IP, systems and transfer value[00:19:20] What makes a business attractive to buyers[00:24:20] The first step for business owners thinking about an exit[00:27:40] Why Stephen warns business owners to be careful with brokers[00:32:15] Why deals fall apart[00:36:10] Stephen’s perspective on life and business in Dubai[00:41:20] Stephen’s three pieces of advice[00:43:40] James’ closing thoughts on hard work, learning and looking after yourself

Andrew Gilmour didn’t just start a business, he built it through setbacks, lessons and a shift in thinking.
After more than 25 years in the security industry, Andrew launched his own business and experienced both strong post-COVID growth and significant financial losses, which forced him to rethink his approach. That shift led him into acquisitions, where he is now building a group of businesses under a single holding company.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Andrew Gilmour to explore the reality of business ownership, scaling through acquisitions and the mindset required to keep moving forward. Andrew shares how he transitioned from running a single business to acquiring multiple companies, the strategy behind his group structure, and why profitability and scalability are non-negotiables when buying businesses.
Andrew also speaks openly about the challenges that come with business, including financial pressure, being unable to switch off and balancing work with family life. He shares what success looks like to him, not money, but building a strong team that believes in the vision.
James adds his own experience throughout, reflecting on the early struggles of building a business, the reality behind the highlight reels, and why mindset plays a critical role in long-term success.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Starting and growing a security business✔️ Experiencing financial highs and setbacks✔️ Moving into acquisitions and building a group✔️ The strategy behind buying and scaling businesses✔️ The realities of business ownership✔️ Defining success through team and culture✔️ Andrew’s three pieces of advice: don’t make decisions in anger, start before you’re ready, be yourself
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Andrew Gilmore:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-gilmour-a1b40b61/
Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/dimagroup-ltd/
Company Website → https://dimagroup.co.uk/
 
 
 
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to Andrew Gilmour[00:01:00] Andrew’s background and 25+ years in security[00:03:30] Starting his own business[00:06:00] Post-COVID growth and financial setbacks[00:10:30] Lessons learned from losses[00:14:00] Moving into acquisitions[00:18:30] Building a group structure[00:22:00] What makes a business worth buying[00:27:30] Profitability and scalability in acquisitions[00:32:00] The realities of business ownership[00:36:30] Switching off and work-life balance[00:40:30] Defining success beyond money[00:44:00] Building a strong team and culture[00:48:00] Mindset, learning and resilience[00:52:00] Andrew’s three pieces of advice[00:55:00] Closing thoughts

Colin Frame didn’t build Stellar by following the traditional path.
After leaving school without going to university or college, Colin used work as his classroom. After two failed attempts at business, personal challenges and moments that tested his resilience, he kept going and built Stellar into a business with just under 200 people.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Colin Frame to talk about business, resilience, work ethic and making your own luck. Colin shares how an early opportunity at 16 shaped his belief in giving others a chance, why Stellar is built around doing things differently, and how the company’s mission is rooted in helping people build careers in technology.
Colin also speaks openly about the sacrifices behind business ownership, including failed attempts, personal setbacks and learning to ignore criticism from people who don’t know the full story.
James adds his own experience throughout, reflecting on the realities of building a business, delegation, hiring, selling with passion and why values matter when you’re building something meaningful.
Key moments include:✔️ Colin’s background and early career in banking✔️ Building Stellar after two failed business attempts✔️ Creating a niche through opportunity and technology✔️ The sacrifices behind business ownership✔️ Resilience, criticism and making your own luck✔️ Delegation, hiring and building a trusted team✔️ Selling with passion and telling the business story✔️ Public sector tenders and pricing challenges✔️ AI, automation and the future of work✔️ Colin’s three pieces of advice: listen more than you talk, work hard, and never be scared to fail
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Colin Frame:
LinkedIn→ https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-frame-21a94915/
Website → https://stellaruk.co.uk/Email → colinframe@stellaruk.co.uk
 
 
 
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to Colin Frame[00:01:00] Hearts, Stellar and the front-of-shirt sponsorship[00:03:30] Colin’s background and early career[00:05:00] Starting the business and finding a niche[00:07:00] Giving people opportunity through technology[00:08:30] Failed attempts and early business lessons[00:10:00] Resilience, sacrifice and personal challenges[00:12:30] Spinning plates as a business owner[00:14:00] Values, culture and doing things differently[00:15:30] Delegation and trusting other people[00:18:30] Growing Stellar to just under 200 people[00:20:30] Sales, passion and telling the business story[00:25:00] B2B, B2C and different customer challenges[00:27:30] Public sector tenders and long timelines[00:31:00] Pricing, tender lessons and commercial decisions[00:35:00] AI, automation and the future of work[00:39:00] Scotland, technology and work ethic[00:41:00] Loving the work and building something meaningful[00:43:30] Colin’s three pieces of advice[00:45:30] How to contact Colin[00:46:20] Closing thoughts
 

John Cox didn’t follow a straight path into business; he built it from the ground up.
After a short stint in professional rugby, John went on to start Cox and Co, a property services company based in Edinburgh. Over the past 20 years, the business has grown across Scotland and into the north of England through the Casa Group.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with John Cox to explore growth, leadership and capacity. John shares how he scaled the business quickly, the challenges that came with it, and the lessons learned around alignment and decision-making.
He also speaks about selling his business, buying into a larger group, and what it really takes to lead at that level. Alongside that, John reflects on family, non-negotiables, and the importance of managing your capacity both in business and in life.
James brings his own perspective into the conversation, sharing the realities of leadership and the pressure that comes with it.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Starting Cox and Co with family✔️ Scaling quickly to hundreds of properties✔️ The challenges of rapid growth and misalignment✔️ Investing heavily in coaching and marketing early on✔️ The need for a “big brother” in business✔️ Selling the business and buying into a larger group✔️ Leading at scale across multiple regions✔️ Balancing business growth with family priorities✔️ Setting non-negotiables as a leader✔️ Capacity, discipline and long-term thinking
 
Follow James Fleming
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow John Cox
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cox-coxandco-scotland/
Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/coxandco-scotland
Website → https://coxandco.co/
 
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] Introduction to John Cox[00:00:10] John’s background and current roles across Cox and Co and Cassa Group[00:01:00] Family life, non-negotiables and being present as a father[00:01:40] Going back to the early days of the business[00:05:30] Starting a second business with family and rapid growth[00:06:30] Scaling quickly and the challenges of alignment[00:07:00] Vision differences within a family business[00:16:50] The need for a “big brother” in business[00:17:50] Selling Cox and Co and buying into a larger group[00:18:30] Growth through acquisitions and expanding the brand[01:05:20] Lifestyle choices, discipline and managing capacity[01:06:00] Closing thoughts and where to connect with John

Rachael has never followed a straight path, and she’s never tried to.
From growing up in Leith and training as an opera singer to leading socially driven, creative work, her journey has been shaped by challenging expectations and doing things differently. Along the way, she learned the importance of focusing on strengths, using creativity for change, and what real leadership looks like.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Rachael to explore entrepreneurship, leadership and personal adversity. Rachael shares how teaching opera in prisons reshaped her understanding of potential and leadership, and how that experience still influences her work today with the Creative Entrepreneurs Club.
She speaks openly about running a business through the pandemic, growing a community from hundreds to thousands, and making tough decisions around values and relationships. She also shares the reality of being diagnosed with breast cancer, navigating surgery and recovery, and continuing to lead through it all.
James brings his own experiences into the conversation, reflecting on the pressures of business ownership and the unseen challenges leaders face.
The episode also explores Rachael’s move into stand-up comedy, using humour to process her journey and connect with others, alongside her evolving perspective on leadership, vulnerability and purpose.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Growing up in Leith and pursuing opera✔️ Teaching opera in prisons and leadership lessons✔️ Building the Creative Entrepreneurs Club✔️ Navigating the pandemic in business✔️ Breast cancer diagnosis and recovery✔️ Leadership through adversity✔️ Moving into stand-up comedy✔️ Rachael’s three pieces of advice: listen, back yourself, and accept that it’s okay not to be okay
 
Follow James Fleming
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Racheal Arnold
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeloarnold/
Website → https://www.creativeentrepreneursclub.co.uk/
 
 
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to Rachael[00:00:56] Rachael’s background and creative journey[00:03:10] Teaching opera in prisons and leadership lessons[00:06:40] Using creativity for social change[00:09:20] The pandemic and business challenges[00:10:50] Building the Creative Entrepreneurs Club[00:14:20] Values, relationships and tough decisions[00:15:40] Cancer diagnosis and discovery[00:20:00] Surgery and facing mortality[00:33:20] Divorce, family changes and personal challenges[00:35:50] Surgery recovery and returning to work[00:44:10] Radiotherapy and rebuilding routine[00:45:30] Moving into stand-up comedy[00:49:20] Vulnerability, leadership and public response[00:52:20] What great leadership really means[01:00:00] Future plans and purpose[01:08:10] Rachael’s three pieces of advice