The Success or Excuses Podcast

Kyle Campbell, a Teen Dad Working at McDonald’s, Now He’s Building His Dream Career | Episode 26

Kyle Campbell didn’t just become a dad at 19, he built a life from the ground up because of it.
One minute he was a university student working shifts at McDonald’s. The next, he was staring down the reality of unexpected fatherhood. No plan. No money. No idea what came next. Just fear, sleepless nights, and the pressure of growing up overnight.
Instead of running, Kyle chose to face it. He leaned into fundraising, volunteering, and building experience wherever he could, he was turning setbacks into stepping stones. Today, he works as a fundraiser at Maggie’s Cancer Centre, using his journey to inspire others who feel like life has thrown them in at the deep end.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kyle to talk about what it really takes to keep moving when you’re young, scared, and handed responsibilities you didn’t ask for.
It’s not polished. It’s not perfect. But it’s real and it’s proof that sometimes you don’t need a plan, just the courage to ride the wave.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Finding purpose through a school charity project that changed everything✔️ The night he discovered he was going to be a dad and the fear that followed✔️ Why he leaned into responsibility instead of running from it✔️ Juggling university, McDonald’s shifts, and preparing for fatherhood✔️ The role of fundraising and volunteering in reshaping his career path✔️ What a baby loss charity taught him about grief and perspective✔️ How he built confidence and career opportunities through LinkedIn✔️ Why riding the wave is sometimes better than fighting the tide✔️ His advice for anyone facing unexpected challenges or parenthood
 
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built, rebuilt, and kept going long after everyone else gave up.
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Kyle Campbell:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-campbell
 
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro: James welcomes Kyle to the podcast
[01:00] Discovering fundraising: A school project that sparked a passion for charity work
[03:00] University life: Studying ancient history, COVID struggles, and finding the subject wasn’t for him
[04:00] McDonald’s: Working his way up to manager at 19
[05:00] Life-changing news: The moment Kyle found out he was going to be a dad
[08:00] Breaking the news: Telling family and dealing with the shock
[10:00] Choosing responsibility: Deciding to step up and support his girlfriend and baby
[15:00] “Ride the Wave”: How a quote helped him reframe fear and take opportunities head-on
[16:00] Flipping the McDonald’s role: Turning charity initiatives into career experience
[18:00] Fundraising impact: Securing thousands in grants for charities through McDonald’s
[23:00] Becoming a dad: Arla’s birth story and those first emotional days
[32:00] Adjusting to fatherhood: Sleepless nights, learning on the job, and prioritising family time
[37:00] Building a future: Moving into their first home and reflecting on progress
[39:00] Maggie’s Cancer Centre: Starting a career in fundraising with purpose
[42:00] What’s next: Kyle’s big goal to become a CEO in the charity sector
[43:00] Advice for others: Ride the wave, uni isn’t always the answer, and don’t take life too seriously
[46:00] Outro: How to connect with Kyle on LinkedIn

Michael Field Quit His Job, Maxed His Credit Card, and Built a Multi-Million Pound Business | Episode 24

Michael Field didn’t just start a business, he jumped off a cliff and learned to build on the way down.
At 26, he was earning £75k a year. Safe career. Clear path. Then a casual chat in the kitchen with his manager changed everything. Three weeks later he’d quit, rented a serviced office, and launched a company with no customers, no cashflow, and only his credit card to keep it alive.
It was sink or swim. And he swam.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Michael, Managing Director of Workflow Solutions, to uncover what it really takes to grow a business when you’ve got nothing but belief, naivety, and the guts to back yourself.
From the fear of failure and imposter syndrome to the challenges of pivoting out of a dying market and embracing automation, AI, and cyber threats head-on. Michael’s story is raw, relatable, and proof that resilience matters more than a perfect plan.
 
Key moments include:✔️ The leap from a £75k salary at 26 to zero income and zero clients✔️ Why naivety was both his biggest risk and greatest strength✔️ Sink or swim lessons: running installs, invoicing, and customer service with no clue what came next✔️ How he pivoted from the declining print industry to automation, AI, and digital transformation✔️ The imposter syndrome and fear that still show up 18 years later and how he handles them✔️ Why reputation in business is everything (especially in small markets)✔️ Cybersecurity scams, phishing attacks, and how AI is changing the game for both sides✔️ The mindset shift from chasing sales to building a platform for brilliant people✔️ Why success isn’t for everyone and how to know if business really is for you✔️ Michael’s top three pieces of advice for anyone starting or struggling in business
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built, rebuilt, and kept going long after everyone else gave up.
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Michael Field:Website → https://workflowsolutions.co.ukEmail → michael@workflowsolutions.co.uk
 
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro:  James welcomes Michael and Workflow Solutions
[02:00] Early Career: From Sky TV to selling photocopiers
[03:00] The Leap: Quitting a £75k job at 26, maxing a credit card, and starting with no clients
[05:00] Sink or Swim: Running installs, invoicing, and learning business the hard way
[07:00] Pivoting:  Moving from print to automation, AI, and digital transformation
[15:00] AI & Cybersecurity: Opportunities, risks, and why humans are the biggest vulnerability
[23:00] Fraud & Phishing: Real-world scams James and Michael have faced and how to protect your business
[32:00] Belief & Resilience: Why conviction in your product/service matters when times are tough
[37:00] Reputation & Customers: Why trust and integrity are everything in business
[42:00] Building a Team: Creating a culture of shared responsibility and flat structure
[46:00] The Future: Growth, vision, and why fear never really goes away
[47:00] Final Advice: Michael’s top three lessons for aspiring or struggling entrepreneurs
[50:00] Outro: How to connect with Michael Field & Workflow Solutions

Katerina Hayes Went From Homeless Single Mum to Building a Million-Pound Tech Startup | Episode 23

Katerina Hayes didn’t just build businesses, she rebuilt herself through every breakdown, burnout, and rock bottom moment.Seventeen years in oil & gas. A dream career abandoned. Postnatal depression. Raising a son with autism. Starting over in a new country. At one point, she and her daughter were homeless, sleeping on sofas in her production facility. And yet, she kept going.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Katerina to uncover the truth about what it really takes to keep fighting when the world tells you to quit. From creating Naked Kimchi in her kitchen, to walking away from it all and co-founding B Brio AI, her story is proof that you can break apart, piece yourself back together, and come back stronger gold seams and all.
It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s full of the kind of lessons you only get when you’ve had everything stacked against you.
Key moments include:✔️ The oil & gas career she fought for and why she walked away after 17 years✔️ How postnatal depression and parenting a child with autism reshaped her life and identity✔️ Suicidal thoughts, loneliness, and the hidden struggles behind “success”✔️ Building a business from nothing… then facing homelessness with her daughter along the way✔️ Why scaling Naked Kimchi broke her health and the brutal numbers vs passion reality check✔️ The decision to let go of her “business baby” and the opportunity it unlocked✔️ Why Scotland has more support for entrepreneurs than people realise (if you ask for it)✔️ What it’s really like as a woman in business and why entrepreneurship is a mindset, not a gender✔️ The role of ADHD, burnout and hustle culture in her entrepreneurial journey✔️ How her new venture, B Brio AI, is using tech to support solopreneurs and high achievers with wellness built in✔️ Her top three pieces of advice for anyone in business who feels like giving up
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built, broken, and kept moving forward when quitting would’ve been easier.
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Katerina Hayes:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerinahayes/ 
 
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro: James welcomes Katerina and reflects on when they first met
[02:00] Oil & Gas Journey: 17 years offshore, career sacrifices, and postnatal depression
[06:00] Hidden Struggles:  Suicidal thoughts, guilt, loneliness, and fighting through the dark times
[10:00] Naked Kimchi: Starting from her kitchen, early wins, and the reality of scaling a food business
[15:00] Burnout & Family Pressures:  The impact of the war in Ukraine, health scares, and losing contracts
[21:00] Homelessness: Living in her production facility with her daughter while still running a business
[24:00] Asking for Help: Support for entrepreneurs in Scotland, but the challenge of seeking it
[29:00] Letting Go: Closing Naked Kimchi and realising lifestyle vs scalable businesses
[35:00] Turning Point: Projects in Saudi Arabia, joining Min Ventures, and meeting her new co-founder
[38:00] B Brio AI: Building tech with wellness at the core to support solopreneurs & high achievers
[47:00] The Future: Scaling a tech startup and women’s performance cycles in wellness
[49:00] Final Advice: Katerina’s top three lessons for anyone struggling in business
[53:00] Outro: How to connect with Katerina and B Brio AI

Owen Llanwarne Quit His High-Paying Job to Build a 7-Figure Consultancy | Episode 22

Owen Llanwarne never planned on starting a business but deep down, he knew the corporate world wasn’t where he belonged.
So he left the steady salary behind, set up shop at his kitchen table, and started saying yes to small freelance jobs. No funding. No investors. Just experience, a strong gut instinct, and the belief that he could build something better.
Fast forward, and OTECSA is now a respected process safety consultancy with a growing team and a reputation for doing things differently.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Owen for a raw and grounded conversation about walking away from security, learning to lead, and what it really takes to grow a business when no one’s handing you the rulebook.
They talk identity shifts, hiring headaches, imposter syndrome and the uncomfortable moments that force you to grow.
Key moments include:
✔️ Why Owen left a stable job in engineering to go solo✔️ Building OTECSA from the ground up without a flashy launch or big budget✔️ The pressure of hiring, leading, and letting go of control✔️ What most people get wrong about starting small✔️ Why being good at your job isn’t enough when it’s your name on the business✔️ The mindset shift from employee to founder✔️ How getting outside help changed everything✔️ His advice to any engineer who’s thinking, “Could I do this too?”
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more unfiltered, straight-talking conversations with people who kept going when everyone else would’ve quit.
 
Follow James FlemingLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Owen LlanwarneLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-llanwarne/Website → https://otecsaconsulting.com/

Yvonne Lindsay Built a Multi-Million Pound Business While Raising Two Kids | Episode 21

Yvonne Lindsay didn’t just start a business, she took on an entire industry.
With no funding, no safety net, and a baby on the way, she walked out of a high-paying role at BT and launched a telecoms company from her living room. Fifteen years later, that company now turns over £6 million a year.
But this episode isn’t just about business growth. It’s about grit.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Yvonne for a powerful, no-filter conversation about what it really takes to succeed as a woman, a mum, a founder, and a leader navigating a world that wasn’t built for her.
They talk about the pressure to hold it all together, the strength it takes to keep going when life falls apart, and why most people have no idea what female founders are really carrying.
Key moments include:
✔️ Leaving a six-figure career to start from scratch✔️ Building one of Scotland’s only all-female telecoms companies✔️ Paying wages with nothing left for herself and doing it anyway✔️ Navigating divorce, single motherhood, and leading a team of 18✔️ How pink tools and big energy helped her stand out✔️ The truth about imposter syndrome, burnout, and late-night breakdowns✔️ Why belief matters more than a business plan✔️ Her advice to any woman ready to bet on herself
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more unfiltered, straight-talking conversations with people who kept going when everyone else would’ve quit.
 
Follow James FlemingLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Yvonne LindsayLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonnelindsay/Company → https://telecomnetworks.co.uk/Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/telecomnetworks/

Real Estate Investing for Beginners with Craig Evans | Episode 20

Craig Evans didn’t grow up with money, but he had vision, grit, and a builder’s mindset.
What started as a plan to buy his first home on a shoestring turned into a full-scale property business. He’s designed entire houses in 3D before ever stepping foot in them. Negotiated deals most people would run from. And learned the hard way that success isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about strategy.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Craig for a conversation every aspiring property investor needs to hear.
They talk about the messy reality behind property investing, from dream deals falling through, to getting burned by your team, to the moments you nearly walk away. And how Craig used every one of those setbacks to build something better.
This isn’t a “how to get rich with no money down” story. It’s a story about long-term thinking, real risk, and what happens when you back yourself even when nobody else does.
Key moments include:
✔️ How Craig reverse-engineered his first home renovation with zero budget✔️ The deal that collapsed and the brutal lessons about trust and timing✔️ How ADHD fuels James creativity and decision-making✔️ Why Craig built Novius, and how it’s changing the game in sustainable housing✔️ The truth about working with investors (and the awkward chats with their wives)✔️ What no one tells you about growing slow and why that’s the point✔️ The mindset that kept him moving, even when everything fell apart
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more unfiltered conversations with real entrepreneurs building real businesses without the fluff.
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Craig Evans:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertybridge/Company Website → https://novius.co.uk/

Chris McLaughlin Turned Side Hustles Into a Full-Time Family Business | Episode 19

Chris McLaughlin didn’t plan on building a business he just said yes to cutting a few lawns.Ten years later, CM Garden Services has grown into a thriving family-run company with a strong brand, loyal clients, and a seriously cute mascot called Bruce.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Chris to talk about what it really takes to grow a business from a handful of flyers to a full team and premises all while learning everything on the job.
It hasn’t been easy. There’ve been late payments, team dramas, and moments where Chris seriously considered packing it in. But through the chaos, he’s stuck to the same values: show up well, build strong relationships, and treat people right (even when they don’t always treat you the same).
This conversation is full of laughs, honest lessons, and the kind of grounded wisdom that only comes from living it.
Key moments include:
✔️ How a pushy mate and a flyer sparked the start of CM Garden Services✔️ What it’s really like running a family business (with your dad, mum and uncle onboard)✔️ Dealing with team challenges and letting go of “being on the tools”✔️ Why professionalism matters in a crowded trades market✔️ How branding, humour and TikTok have helped him stand out✔️ Learning to lead and when to hand things over✔️ The value of knowing your numbers (and why your accountant isn’t your business partner)✔️ What keeps Chris motivated through the hard days: people, purpose, and building something better
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more straight-talking, no-fluff stories from people who’ve built, rebuilt, and kept going.
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Chris McLaughlin:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mclaughlin
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cmgardensFacebook → CM Garden ServicesWebsite → https://www.cmgardens.co.uk/

From Maternity Leave to Marketing Boss: How Donna McAteer Built Global Buzz | Episode 18

Donna McAteer didn’t wait for opportunity she created it.
Two babies under two. No job to go back to. A partner offshore. And absolutely no time to sit and panic. When her role in Dubai disappeared overnight after maternity leave, Donna didn’t spiral she stepped up.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Donna to unpack what it really takes to build a business from your kitchen table, with a newborn on one arm and a laptop on the other. From banking to branding, late nights to local marketing, Donna turned fear into fuel and built Global Buzz into one of Scotland’s most passionate hospitality-focused marketing agencies.
This conversation is packed with energy, honesty, and real-life lessons for anyone trying to juggle parenthood, pressure, and a plan to do things differently.
Key moments include:✔️ The moment she lost her job post-maternity leave  and decided to start her own business✔️ Building a business around two small children and zero childcare✔️ Why being scared of failure was never an option✔️ How routine, structure and mindset gave her freedom✔️ Growing up working class and the entrepreneurial dad who shaped her drive✔️ Her love of food, hospitality and why your marketing should always feel personal✔️ Hiring mistakes, staff challenges and learning how to let go of control✔️ The reality of being “the face” of your business and the pressure that comes with it✔️ How she turned fear into belief, and built her business from grit, not glamour✔️ Her top three tips for anyone starting out in marketing (or any business)
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built, rebuilt, and kept going long after everyone else gave up.
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Donna McAteer:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-mcateer-b437b0212/Website → https://www.globalbuzzmarketing.co.uk/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/globalbuzzmarketing

Gavin Smith on Handling Business Failures, Client Loss, and Confidence Crashing | Episode 17

Gavin Smith didn’t follow the rules he rewrote them.
No confidence. No funding. No business plan. Just a belief that there had to be a better way to make a living and a difference. From growing up in a small Ayrshire mining village to becoming the founder of the UK’s leading renewable heat consultancy, Gavin’s story is a masterclass in grit, growth, and figuring it out as you go.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Gavin to unpack the messy, honest reality of starting something from scratch when you're broke, burnt out, and battling self-doubt. From £8K a year to running a business that works while he sleeps, Gavin proves you don’t need to have it all figured out you just need to start.
This conversation is full of mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and the silver shrapnel (you’ll get it when you listen) that comes from years of learning the hard way.
Key moments include:✔️ The 3-year round-the-world trip that built his confidence without taking a single flight✔️ Starting a business with no money, no roadmap, and a lot of Excel spreadsheets✔️ The brutal year he earned £8K and what kept him going anyway✔️ How purpose became the driving force behind profit✔️ Letting go of bad hires (and the guilt that comes with it)✔️ Why your team suffers when you avoid difficult decisions✔️ Building a business that makes money while you sleep✔️ The moment he realised he’d outgrown his own knowledge and what he did next✔️ Neurodivergent-friendly leadership: building systems that work for real humans✔️ Gavin’s top 3 tips for anyone starting a purpose-led business from the ground up
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more unfiltered, straight-talking conversations with people who kept going when everyone else would’ve quit.
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdSuccess or Excuses Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcastYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Gavin Smith:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-smith-05423916/
Website→ https://yourenergysource.co.uk
Company LinkedIn (Your Energy Source) → https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-energy-source/
Email → gavinpetersmith@gmail.com

Bullied, Broke & Dyslexic: How Scott Weir Built a Multi-Million Pound Property Business | Episode 16

Scott Weir didn’t just build a business he rewrote the narrative he was handed.
Raised in poverty. Bullied. Stealing food just to survive. Told he’d never amount to anything. For a long time, he believed it. Until he didn’t.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Scott to unpack what it really takes to go from a childhood of hardship to building an award-winning property business with heart.
At 16, he joined the Navy. Years later, he started Pillow Partners with no laptop, no money, and no clue just an idea, relentless work ethic, and the drive to make life better for others.
Diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult, Scott realised his brain wasn’t broken, it was built differently. And that difference became his advantage.
Now, he not only runs a thriving short-term let management business, but helps other entrepreneurs through his franchise model and gives back through Safe Havens, an emergency housing initiative supporting families in crisis.
This episode is raw, honest and full of perspective. Scott doesn’t pretend it’s been easy but he proves it’s possible.
Key moments include:✔️ The trauma that shaped him — and the mindset that changed everything✔️ Why dyslexia turned out to be his greatest business strength✔️ How he launched Pillow Partners without money, experience or a backup plan✔️ What it's really like to lead when you’ve grown up with nothing✔️ Why giving back is built into his business model✔️ The difference between ego-led growth and servant leadership✔️ His advice for anyone who feels like they don’t fit the mould✔️ What every young person needs to hear if they’ve ever been told they won’t make it
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built, rebuilt, and kept going long after everyone else gave up.
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtdSuccess or Excuses Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast?igsh=OW51MzlrazkwMXc%3D&utm_source=qrYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
Follow Scott Weir:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottweirpillowpartners/Website → https://pillowpartners.co.ukInstagram → @pillowpartners