The Success or Excuses Podcast

Gavin Kirkwood didn’t fall into business ownership, he worked his way there.From starting out in call centres to becoming a top performer in national sales teams, Gavin built his career through consistency, resilience, and graft. After years working across fleet, rental, and asset finance for major organisations, he reached a familiar crossroads: stay comfortable, or back himself.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Gavin Kirkwood, founder of Kirkwood Asset Finance, to explore what it really takes to launch and grow a business in a brutally competitive industry. Gavin shares why leaving a secure, high-performing role wasn’t an easy decision, how early deals didn’t land the way he expected, and what the last two and a half years of building from scratch have looked like.
Gavin speaks openly about the pressure of running a young business, unpredictable cash flow, sleepless nights, and learning the difference between knowing an industry and being responsible for every outcome within it. From compliance and regulation to trust, pricing pressure, and long sales cycles, this conversation cuts through the polished version of entrepreneurship.
James brings his own experience into the discussion, drawing parallels with building The Power Within Training, and sharing honest reflections on leadership pressure, hiring fears, systems, and responsibility. Together, they unpack resilience, trust, and why consistency matters more than comfort.
 
Key moments include:
✔️ Starting out in call centres and building confidence in sales✔️ Moving into fleet, rental, and asset finance✔️ Becoming a top national performer in large organisations✔️ The decision to leave security and start a business✔️ Bottling it the first time, then backing himself✔️ Early deals not landing as expected✔️ Learning asset finance properly once the responsibility sat with him✔️ Compliance, regulation, and commission disclosure changes✔️ Speed vs price in asset finance decisions✔️ Peaks, troughs, and unpredictable cash flow✔️ Sleepless nights and pressure as a business owner✔️ Why honesty and customer service win long-term✔️ Losing deals you think are guaranteed✔️ Reputation, trust, and working with larger clients✔️ Sales culture, KPIs, and box-ticking✔️ Hiring fears and protecting brand standards✔️ Systems, processes, and CRM discipline✔️ Gavin’s top three lessons in business and life
 
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 Gavin Kirkwood:
Website → https://www.kirkwoodassetfinance.co.ukLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-kirkwood-43a46837/
Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/kirkwood-asset-finance-limited/
 
 
Timestamps
[00:00] James opens the episode and introduces Gavin Kirkwood[00:55] Gavin introduces himself and Kirkwood Asset Finance[01:20] What the business does and why customer service matters[03:16] Education, options, and challenging “we’ve always done it this way”[04:24] Why banks frustrate business owners[05:00] Tier one, two, and three funders explained[07:31] Speed vs price in asset finance[10:20] Early career in call centres and sales[11:00] Moving into fleet and commercial vehicles[13:59] Wanting more and outgrowing employment[14:18] Bottling the decision to go solo[14:47] Pressing the button and starting the business[15:22] Expecting early deals that didn’t arrive[16:16] Learning asset finance the hard way[17:22] Grit, persistence, and building from zero[19:23] Growth through referrals and reputation[20:17] Trust, service, and honest communication[21:40] The brutal reality of asset finance sales[23:15] Losing deals you think are guaranteed[25:16] Reputation and credibility with big clients[27:30] Reviews, referrals, and organic growth[29:02] Consultative selling and building trust[31:00] Growth fears and hiring challenges[33:19] Systems, CRM, and protecting standards[35:09] Hiring experience vs potential[36:43] Culture, honesty, and autonomy[42:23] Strategy vs day-to-day survival[44:28] Peaks, troughs, and financial stress[45:36] Resilience and trusting the process[45:55] Gavin’s top three pieces of advice[48:00] James closes the episode

Kenneth Martin didn’t chase fast growth or flashy success, he built something that lasted. From discovering architecture at just 12 years old, to setting up his own practice earlier than most would dare, Kenny’s journey is one of graft, resilience, and staying true to professional standards even when the pressure was relentless. With Block Architects now over 21 years old, his story is a rare look at what it really takes to survive and evolve in a demanding industry.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kenneth Martin, founder of Block Architects and Interior Designers, to unpack the realities behind building and sustaining a professional practice through recessions, debt, staff cuts, personal sacrifice, and long-term leadership decisions. From working alone in his attic, to employing teams, losing them during the 2008 crash, rebuilding from debt, and starting again from scratch, Kenny shares the honest truth behind longevity in business.
This conversation goes deep into what leadership actually looks like over decades, not years. Kenny speaks openly about the mental toll of responsibility, making decisions that affect people’s livelihoods, carrying debt to keep the business alive, and learning when to step back so the business can survive without you. Alongside that, James shares his own experiences of sacrifice, pressure, and why succession planning is not optional if you care about the future of your company.
If you’re running a business, thinking about growth, or quietly wondering how long you can keep carrying everything yourself, this episode will resonate deeply.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Discovering architecture at age 12 and committing to it early✔️ Setting up a practice only a few years after qualifying✔️ Growing the business, hiring staff, and learning leadership the hard way✔️ The 2008 recession and the brutal reality of paying staff off✔️ Carrying personal debt to keep the business alive✔️ Going back to working solo and rebuilding from scratch✔️ Why architects feel downturns before anyone else✔️ COVID as an unexpected turning point for growth✔️ The emotional weight of responsibility as a business owner✔️ Delegating, outsourcing, and building systems that don’t rely on you✔️ Why succession planning matters long before you think it does✔️ Balancing business ambition with family, health, and time✔️ The danger of leaving succession planning too late✔️ Kenny’s top three lessons in business and life✔️ The role of hard work, discipline, and deliberate practice✔️ Why most success stories online don’t tell the full truth
 
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 Kenneth Martin:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethrmartin/ 
Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/block-architects-limited/
Website→ https://blockarchitects.co.uk/
 
 
Timestamps
[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Kenneth Martin[00:46] Kenny introduces himself and Block Architects[01:56] What it takes to reach 21 years in business[03:01] Discovering architecture at age 12[05:15] Setting up his own practice earlier than expected[06:00] Making hard decisions and leadership pressure[08:03] Professional responsibility and industry accountability[09:19] The 2008 recession and its impact on the business[10:18] Hiring the first employee and rapid early growth[13:31] Debt, downsizing, and moving back home to survive[15:25] Clearing debt and starting again from scratch[17:10] COVID as a period of unexpected growth[18:22] Why succession planning can’t be ignored[20:21] Building a business with the end in mind[23:25] Realising how much the business relied on him[24:31] Outsourcing, systems, and reducing dependency[27:00] Why podcasting became part of leadership learning[31:24] Kenny’s top three pieces of advice[33:23] Hard work, discipline, and deliberate practice[36:11] Letting go and trusting the team[38:38] Lessons from working with family[41:20] Communication challenges with younger generations[41:57] How to connect with Kenneth[42:30] James closes the episode
 

Cameron Young didn’t take the traditional route into business, but the lessons he learned along the way shaped everything that followed. From leaving school unsure of his direction, to helping grow a family wedding stationery business into a fast-scaling e-commerce operation, Cameron’s journey is built on learning by doing and putting in the unseen hours.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Cameron to unpack his journey from scaling and exiting a family-run e-commerce business to becoming a partner at Business Partnership. Cameron shares the realities of rapid growth, burnout, business exits, and why so many owners aren’t prepared when it comes time to sell.
This conversation explores what really drives business value, the importance of knowing your numbers, building a business that doesn’t rely solely on you, and why trust, transparency, and the right advice matter when everything is on the line.
If you’re a business owner thinking about growth, exit, or long-term legacy, Cameron’s story offers grounded, honest insight into what to focus on before it’s too late.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Leaving school and joining the family business✔️ Building and scaling an e-commerce company from the ground up✔️ The reality of long hours, pressure, and burnout✔️ Why drop-shipping and “quick win” business models fail✔️ Learning the hard way to truly know your numbers✔️ Navigating mergers, acquisitions, and a full business exit✔️ The emotional and practical challenges of selling a business✔️ Why owner-led businesses struggle to sell✔️ The biggest mistakes business owners make before going to market✔️ Why trust, transparency, and education matter in business sales✔️ Cameron’s top three pieces of advice for business owners
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jamesflemingmq/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com
 
Follow Cameron YoungCompany Website → https://www.businesspartnership.comLinkedIn →https://www.linkedin.com/in/cam95/
 
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Cameron[00:00:15] Cameron introduces himself and Business Partnership[01:08] Leaving school and joining the family business[02:04] Moving into e-commerce and early online sales[04:39] Scaling warehouse operations and rapid growth[07:43] The reality of long hours and unseen graft[08:06] The truth about drop-shipping models[12:46] Learning the importance of knowing your numbers[18:20] Merger discussions and acquisition offers[21:08] Burnout and seeking expert support[26:38] Personal loss and rethinking priorities[28:41] Joining Business Partnership[30:34] Common mistakes business owners make when selling[32:00] Owner dependency and valuation issues[36:34] Why many businesses never sell[53:00] Cameron’s top three pieces of advice[57:10] How to connect with Cameron[58:28] James closes the episode

Steve Young didn’t wait for certainty, he backed himself and learned on the job.
From leaving school early and working multiple jobs as a teenager, to selling TVs at Dixons, moving into fax machines and copiers, and building a long career in document management and process automation, Steve’s journey is one of graft, resilience, and refusing to live with regret. Buying his first flat at 18 and thriving in high-pressure sales roles, Steve learned early that effort mattered more than titles.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Steve to explore his journey from corporate leadership to building his own business. Steve opens up about the frustration of not being able to make decisions, the fear of starting again later in life, and why he made the conscious choice to build a business with no plan B. The conversation also dives into resilience, failure, and what Steve calls “bounce-back ability”, learning through mistakes and continuing forward.
James shares his own reflections on chasing money, burnout, and redefining what success really means, as both explore why fulfilment, freedom, and potential matter more than income alone.
If you’ve ever questioned whether comfort is holding you back, or worried about reaching the end of your career with regrets, Steve’s story will resonate.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Leaving school early and starting work young✔️ Selling TVs, fax machines, and building a career in sales✔️ Buying his first flat at 18✔️ Thriving in corporate roles but feeling restricted✔️ Choosing entrepreneurship to avoid regret✔️ Starting a business with no plan B✔️ Learning resilience and bounce-back ability✔️ Redefining success beyond money
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jamesflemingmq/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com
 
Follow Steve Young:Website → https://streammanagedservices.co.uk/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve--young/
 
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Steve[00:00:53] Steve introduces himself and his background[01:08] Early sales career and leaving school young[02:08] Moving into digital document management[03:10] Wanting control and avoiding future regret[07:36] Working with growing businesses and managing risk[13:40] Early working life and multiple jobs[17:06] Career growth, incentives, and sales pressure[22:25] Chasing money vs fulfilment[27:00] Resilience, failure, and bounce-back ability[29:57] Starting a business with no plan B[41:44] Vision for the future[45:04] Steve’s advice on success and potential[46:01] How to contact Steve[46:21] James closes the episode
 
 

Anne Okafor didn’t follow a traditional route into construction.From leaving school at 16 and experiencing homelessness, to years spent in hospitality and retail, to taking a leap of faith back into education in her late twenties, Anne’s journey is built on courage, curiosity, and choosing to keep going.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Anne Okafor to explore the decisions that shaped her life and career. Anne shares how a spontaneous college application changed everything, why she moved three and a half hours to a city where she knew no one, and how that single decision led to a decade-long career in construction planning.
They talk openly about limiting beliefs around education and maths, the power of networking, redundancy and reinvention, and Anne’s progression from not knowing anyone in the industry to becoming Chair of the CIOB Northern Scotland region. Anne also explains why she’s now pursuing a PhD in sustainable procurement in collaboration with the NHS, and what real courage looks like when life doesn’t go to plan.
This is an honest, grounded conversation about belief, resilience, and taking action when the path ahead isn’t clear.
Key moments include:✔️ Leaving school at 16 and navigating homelessness✔️ Feeling stuck in hospitality and retail✔️ Taking a leap back into education with no safety net✔️ Challenging limiting beliefs around maths and learning✔️ Achieving a first-class honours degree✔️ Redundancy, reinvention, and starting a business✔️ Building a global professional network through the CIOB✔️ Becoming Chair of the CIOB Northern Scotland region✔️ Starting a PhD in sustainable procurement with NHS collaboration✔️ Anne’s three core principles: curiosity, courage, and action
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jamesflemingmq/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcastWebsite → https://thepowerwithintraining.com
Follow Anne Okafor:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-okafor/
Website →https://www.anneokafor.com/
 
 
Timestamps[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Anne[00:55] Anne introduces herself and her role in construction planning[02:57] Leaving school at 16 and experiencing homelessness[03:40] Working in hospitality and retail and feeling stuck[04:14] Applying for college on the train home from holiday[05:35] Moving three and a half hours to Stirling with no support network[07:12] Believing university wasn’t “for people like me”[09:39] Returning to education and overcoming self-doubt[10:10] Achieving a first-class honours degree[13:17] Wanting to make the construction industry better[15:15] Advice for women considering construction[16:07] Discovering the CIOB and the power of networking[17:33] Becoming Chair of the CIOB Northern Scotland region[21:07] Redundancy and relying on professional networks[22:19] Starting her own business[25:15] Applying for a PhD after redundancy[27:02] Balancing consultancy work with PhD study[29:14] Giving back through mentoring and STEM work[33:08] AI, leadership, and why human skills still matter[40:45] Starting the PhD in sustainable procurement with the NHS[46:05] Challenging long-held beliefs about maths[53:06] Anne’s top three pieces of advice[57:10] James closes the episode
 

Shannon McKechnie didn’t wait for life to hand her the perfect plan, she built one step by step.From leaving school unsure of her path, to finding her competitive spark in a call centre, to rising quickly through Reed and Search, Shannon’s journey is one of graft, resilience, and choosing bravery even when it felt uncomfortable. 
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Shannon to uncover the real story behind her career in recruitment and how it led her to becoming Managing Director at MBN Solutions. From the shift from traditional face-to-face hiring to AI-driven talent processes, to navigating a male-dominated tech sector, Shannon’s path has been shaped by bold decisions, difficult lessons, and learning to lead as herself.
This conversation goes deep into the realities of recruitment today: why CVs often miss the truth, how AI is changing the game for candidates and employers, and why human connection still matters more than ever. Shannon also opens up about the impact of COVID, the career coaching that redirected her path, and the support that helped her grow into the leader she is now. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt stuck in the wrong version of success, or wondered how to take the next brave step, Shannon’s story will resonate.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Starting in a call centre and discovering her competitive streak✔️ Breaking into recruitment and rising quickly through Reed and Search✔️ Becoming one of the youngest leaders in the business at 29✔️ Why CVs are no longer fit for purpose in an AI-driven hiring world✔️ The impact of COVID, furlough, and working with a career coach✔️ Leaving a long-term employer and choosing bravery over comfort✔️ Moving into data and AI recruitment and joining MBN Solutions✔️ The crucial support from CEO Michael and being allowed to lead as herself✔️ The realities for women in male-dominated industries and caring roles✔️ How to challenge negative self-talk and build bravery✔️ Why attitude, personality, and human connection still matter more than keywords✔️ Redefining success as happiness, gratitude, and freedom✔️ Shannon’s top three pieces of advice: kindness, bravery, and finding joy
 
Follow James Fleming:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jamesflemingmq/YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com 
Follow Shannon:Shannon LinkedIn →  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonmckechnie/Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbn-recruitment-solutions/
 
Timestamps[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Shannon[00:00:51] Shannon introduces herself and MBN Solutions[02:16] AI, fear, speed, and how it’s changing recruitment[07:17] Why CVs aren’t accurate and the rise of video-first hiring[12:07] Recruitment challenges, sales hiring, and candidate truthfulness[16:06] Shannon’s early life, call centre days, and start in recruitment[19:27] Discovering competitiveness and rising quickly at Reed[22:30] Becoming one of the youngest associate directors at Search[25:42] COVID, furlough, and working with a career coach[29:06] Moving into tech and AI recruitment[29:50] Joining MBN Solutions and stepping into the MD role[30:20] Support from CEO Michael and leading authentically[33:07] Female role models and shaping her leadership style[36:52] Redefining success as happiness, freedom, and people[41:10] The realities for women in business and caring roles[43:45] How to build bravery and shift negative self-talk[53:00] How candidates can stand out in today’s job market[55:59] Shannon’s top three pieces of advice[57:10] James closes the episode
 

Most people spend their late teens figuring life out. At 18, Niall McCabe was walking into £300,000 homes praying no one would answer the door because he was the estate agent selling the house, and somehow from that terrified first valuation to becoming one of the top-ranked agents in Europe, he’s built a career in an industry where nobody expected someone his age to last, never mind lead.
From leaving school at 16 because the classroom never worked for him, to winging his way through early valuations, to navigating an industry dominated by people twice his age, Niall’s story is proof that graft, personality, and a bit of panic-driven resilience can take you further than anyone imagines.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Niall to dig into the real journey behind his rise. The nerves, the graft, the pressure, the wins and the moments he thought he’d made the worst decision of his life.
You’ll hear how he built a name for himself from scratch, how COVID nearly wiped everything out, how he rebuilt through pure consistency, and why treating clients like actual humans (and not transactions) has become his edge.
This one is full of straight-up honesty, Scottish humour, and real-world lessons on building credibility long before you feel ready.
 
Key moments include:✔️ Leaving school at 16 and jumping straight into sales✔️ Getting into estate agency young and why it terrified him✔️ Winging early valuations and building confidence the hard way✔️ The pressure, doubt, and loneliness of the early years✔️ Why resilience and competitiveness carried him through✔️ Going from self-employed to owning his own franchise✔️ How small gestures make a massive difference to clients✔️ COVID wiping out his pipeline overnight and how he rebuilt✔️ Hitting top rankings across Scotland, the UK, and Europe✔️ Inspiring the next generation at his old school✔️ Niall’s top three pieces of advice for life and business
Subscribe to Success or ExcusesFor more straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built something real, pushed through the messy bits, and kept going even when it felt impossible.
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 Niall McCabe:LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-mccabe-492040183/Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/re-max-scotland/Website → https://www.remax-scotland.homes/
 
 
Timestamps:[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Niall[00:49] Niall introduces himself and shares how they first met[01:23] Getting into estate agency at 18[03:03] The nerves of his first valuation[04:38] Early doubts, resilience, and competitive drive[07:24] From self-employed to running his own office[09:06] The power of good service and small gestures[12:10] Industry reputation and outperforming older peers[14:55] Ranking among Europe’s top agents[16:13] Why school wasn’t for him[20:21] Landing his first major estate agency role[25:33] COVID hits fear, cancellations, and rebuilding[36:12] Marketing, consistency, and the long game[39:09] Returning to his old school to inspire students[42:16] Niall’s top three pieces of advice

Sathpal Singh didn’t follow a straight path, he built a career by embracing the twists, the turns, and the lessons that shaped him.
From starting out as a hands-on software developer to becoming a respected leader in product, agile delivery, community building, and tech leadership, Sathpal’s story is all about curiosity, reflection, and the courage to understand yourself before trying to lead anyone else.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Sathpal to dig into the real journey behind his career, the mindset shifts, the cultural conditioning he had to unlearn, the pressure of being the first in his community to go to university, and how he went from code to coaching leaders inside some of the biggest organisations in the UK.
From growing up as the eldest in a large Sikh family, to battling limiting beliefs, to learning the power of reflection, networking, and asking better questions, this conversation goes deep into self-awareness, grit, and the lifelong work of mastering yourself.
Sathpal doesn’t just talk about curiosity, confidence, or leadership, he lives it.Whether he’s helping senior teams align on complex problems, mentoring ambitious tech professionals, breaking down cultural barriers, building global agile communities, or challenging outdated thinking, every part of his story comes straight from lived experience.
This episode is full of honesty, perspective, and the kind of practical insight that every leader, especially those navigating tech, change, and uncertainty, needs to hear.
If you’re a leader, a manager, or someone trying to build a career on your own terms, this one will hit home.
 
Key moments include:
✔️ James welcomes Sathpal✔️ Sathpal introduces himself, from software developer to tech leader✔️ How he shifted from “shiny tech” to solving real business problems✔️ Why psychology, people, and motivation became central to his career✔️ The journey from developer to leader, coach, and community builder✔️ Cultural conditioning, childhood experiences, and being the first in his Sikh community to go to university✔️ James and Sathpal discuss mindset, limiting beliefs, and self-discovery✔️ Peaks and troughs: the pressure, the expectations, and learning to join the dots✔️ Agile thinking, asking better questions, and why leaders must stop pretending to have all the answers✔️ Bias, identity, accent, and the reality of being a minority in professional settings✔️ Why good habits, discipline, curiosity, and optimism matter✔️ Sathpal’s top pieces of life advice: authenticity, embracing uncertainty, and building strong habits
 
Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more real, reflective conversations with people who challenge old conditioning, ask better questions, and build their lives with curiosity instead of fear.
 
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 Sathpal Singh:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/m/in/sathpal/Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/visualsath
 
Timestamps:
[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Sathpal[00:45] Sathpal on introducing himself and his early tech background[01:35] Moving from hands-on developer to leadership and strategy[02:26] Product, agile, community building — where he works today[03:35] Why he loves people, psychology, and motivation[05:12] James asks about mindset and whether it came naturally[05:47] Determination, grit, and learning more about himself[08:04] Growing up as the first in his Sikh community to go to university[09:13] Peaks, troughs, limiting beliefs, and connecting the dots later in life[10:20] Mentoring, motivational maps, and helping others unlock potential[11:12] What success means and why expectations matter[12:26] Cultural conditioning and how childhood shapes us[14:09] Optimism, risk, family expectations, and unlearning[17:55] James on mindset, adversity, and reframing disadvantage[19:41] Early conditioning, pressure, comparison, and personal growth[23:21] How their first meeting left both of them energised[25:09] Asking better questions and why conversations matter[27:21] “I don’t know” — why leaders must stop pretending to have all the answers[30:11] Building alignment, solving the right problem, and facilitation[33:35] Leadership behaviours, body language, and trust[36:19] Having people who tell you what you need to hear[38:03] The challenge of saying no and valuing your time[39:16] Knowing when to walk away[40:04] Scarcity vs abundance and helping others succeed[42:18] Cultural insight: Sikh community, identity, and values[46:55] Bias, assumptions, accent, and global experiences[53:17] Slipping into old patterns and mastering yourself[57:02] Sathpal’s top three life lessons: authenticity, optimism, discipline[59:23] James on habits, routines, and building a strong life foundation[01:00:52] Where to find Sathpal online
 

Pamela Cunningham didn’t wait for the perfect moment, she built opportunities long before they existed.From helping her husband grow ROSSCO Tiling into a high-end, in-demand business, to launching her own consultancy for small construction companies, Pamela’s story is all about urgency, graft, and backing your ideas before anyone else sees the vision.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Pamela to uncover the real journey behind her work in procurement, tendering, training, and the reality of building businesses from scratch.From juggling motherhood and a rapidly growing trades business, to navigating industry barriers, to launching an academy the hard way, this conversation digs into resilience, the messy parts of entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to help small businesses level up.
Pamela doesn’t just talk about visibility, growth, or opportunity, she’s lived every inch of it.Whether she’s pushing tradespeople to stop under-pricing themselves, helping them understand the tendering world, challenging outdated systems, or driving change through workforce development, every part of her story comes straight from experience.
This episode is full of honesty, real-life industry insight, and the kind of practical lessons that every small construction business owner needs to hear.
If you’re in business, in the trades, or trying to grow something from the ground up, this one will hit home.
 
Key moments include:
✔️ James introduces Pamela and asks her to share who she is and what she does✔️ Pamela on supporting her husband’s early days in ROSSCO Tiling and the reality of growing it✔️ How their social media visibility began and why positioning was a challenge at first✔️ Growing the business from splashbacks to full bathrooms to high-end residential and commercial work✔️ Pamela rebranding the business, creating systems, and helping shift it into a premium offering✔️ The story behind launching their tiling academy and the barriers they faced with funding and employability support✔️ The challenges with colleges, councils, public sector procurement, and why small businesses struggle to access help✔️ Why so many tradespeople lose money on tenders and how to prevent it✔️ Pamela explains her new programmes: helping businesses become genuinely “tender-ready”✔️ The accreditation trap: why so many companies pay for certifications they don’t need✔️ Building a strong workforce before chasing big contracts✔️ Pamela’s mission to help small businesses win profitable work, not just any work✔️ The Skilled Trades Network and why she’s creating a space where trades, CITB, councils, and colleges can actually come together✔️ The reality behind running a family business, managing people, and learning to delegate✔️ Pamela’s top three pieces of advice: urgency, relationships, and dropping the pressure to have life figured out early
 
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 Pamela Cunningham:
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pamelaxcun/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelasmeconsultant/
 
 
Timestamps:
[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Pamela[00:44] Pamela explains who she is and how visibility became part of her journey[02:10] Early days of helping Ross grow ROSSCO Tiling[06:29] Pamela’s background in procurement and how her idea for supporting small businesses began[11:29] Tendering mistakes small construction companies make[12:41] Why accreditations and certifications are often misunderstood[16:58] Pamela on public vs private sector procurement[19:35] School engagement, careers events, and inspiring young people into trades[22:05] Early growth of ROSSCO Tiling and shifting from bathrooms to specialist work[26:20] Launching the tiling academy and the struggle with funding[31:47] Pamela’s challenges navigating employability support and public sector systems[37:31] Growing the ROSSCO team and developing people[40:58] Pamela’s new programmes: helping businesses become “tender ready”[46:09] The Skilled Trades Network and why she created it[51:54] Pamela’s top three pieces of advice[54:08] Where to find Pamela online
 

Kirsty Strain didn’t just find her voice, she rebuilt it from the ground up.From spending her teenage years bedridden with severe illness to performing on the Edinburgh Playhouse stage, starring in hit Scottish TV shows, and coaching leaders on communication, Kirsty’s journey is one of grit, healing, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places.
In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kirsty to uncover the true story behind the actor, the coach, and the woman who refused to stay silent. From losing her childhood to chronic illness, to rebuilding her life inch by inch, literally relearning how to walk, speak, socialise, and trust herself. This conversation goes deep into resilience, identity, and what it means to finally accept who you are.
Kirsty doesn’t just talk about confidence, she earned it the hard way.Whether she’s navigating getting knocked down by the flu during drama school, moving to New York with no safety net, or helping CEOs overcome imposter syndrome, every part of her story comes with raw honesty and powerful lessons you won’t forget.
This episode is filled with vulnerability, Scottish humour, and life-changing insights about fear, communication, self-worth, and the moments that make us.If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt behind in life, or struggled to find your voice, this one will hit home.
 
Key moments include:
✔️ Growing up wild, confident, and carefree, until illness changed everything✔️ Being bedridden from 17 and losing mobility, social skills, confidence, and identity✔️ Relearning life: sitting up for 5 minutes, standing at the door, walking to the bus stop✔️ The emotional toll on her and her parents, including misdiagnosis and financial strain✔️ Returning to Scottish Youth Theatre and slowly rebuilding confidence✔️ Getting into Oxford School of Drama and being forced to leave after illness struck again✔️ Choosing New York anyway and discovering resilience through struggle✔️ Landing roles in Taggart, Burnistoun, Outlander, River City, Annika, and more✔️ The comedy show that helped her rediscover joy even while she secretly battled self-doubt✔️ How COVID led to a major personal breakthrough and deep self-work✔️ Why she shifted into voice and communication coaching✔️ Understanding relationships, alignment, presence, and stripping away limiting beliefs✔️ Helping leaders, actors, and everyday people overcome nerves, fear, and imposter syndrome✔️ The Rocky philosophy that literally helped save her life✔️ Her top three pieces of advice (including a powerful Rocky lesson)
 
Follow James Fleming:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast
Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/
 
Follow Kirsty Strain:
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kirstystrain/
Website→  https://www.kirstystrain.com/
 
 
 
Timestamps:
[00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Kirsty[00:44] Kirsty introduces herself: actor, voice coach, unexpected career path[02:25] The illness that changed everything, being bedridden at 17[12:58] Relearning life: mobility, anxiety, rebuilding from zero[18:45] Youth theatre, college, and slowly stepping back into the world[20:24] Oxford School of Drama and the heartbreak of having to return home[22:00] Choosing New York despite fear, low confidence, and financial struggle[30:50] Returning to the UK and starting from scratch in the acting industry[32:30] Breakthroughs: Taggart, Burnistoun, River City, Outlander[37:58] The one-woman comedy show and the hidden battle with self-criticism[39:21] COVID, setback, and a major personal transformation[51:06] How her coaching methods emerged and why they work[53:10] Who she helps and why communication is about presence, not performance[59:10] Accepting nerves, reframing fear, and building real confidence[01:04:13] Kirsty’s top three life lessons[01:10:05] How to connect with Kirsty