Business, Life & Other Bollocks

From Buckingham Palace Rejection to Starting Again on Purpose

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Starting a business at a young age can be a daunting yet rewarding experience. In this post, we’ll explore the journey of Ben Bowden, who took the plunge into entrepreneurship at just fifteen years old. He shares insights on balancing education and business, navigating social pressures, and the lessons learned along the way.

The Early Start: Launching a Business at 15
Ben’s journey into entrepreneurship began in his teens, driven by a passion for graphic design and a supportive community. With his father and grandfather being well-known figures in their local area, opportunities naturally presented themselves. Ben started taking on small projects for friends and family, which laid the groundwork for his first business venture.

How It All Began
At fifteen, Ben didn’t see himself as a business owner. Instead, he viewed it as a side gig where he could apply his graphic design skills. Initially focused on making a few extra pounds while juggling school, he soon realized the potential of turning his passion into a lucrative endeavor. The joy of earning money from something he loved ignited a spark that would shape his future.

Social Dynamics and Peer Pressure
Navigating teenage life while running a business came with its challenges. While friends were focused on their GCSEs and typical teen activities, Ben was already thinking about his future. He admits that the social aspect became more complex when he fully committed to his business at twenty-one, after university. As his peers settled into typical corporate jobs, Ben faced the reality of financial constraints and the pressures of entrepreneurship. This contrast taught him valuable lessons about patience and long-term vision.

Finding the Balance: Education and Business
Balancing education and entrepreneurship is no small feat. Ben managed to maintain focus on his studies while exploring business opportunities. This dual commitment not only enriched his skill set but also provided him with a competitive edge when he eventually moved into full-time business operations.

The Role of Education
Ben attributes part of his success to the resources available at his university. The institution offered support through an enterprise team that helped students navigate the business landscape, providing grants, advice, and networking opportunities. This environment encouraged Ben to think outside the traditional corporate pathway and explore entrepreneurship as a viable career.

The Transition to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
At twenty-one, Ben made the leap to run his graphic design business full-time. This transition was both thrilling and intimidating.

The Shift in Mindset
The shift from part-time to full-time entrepreneurship required a significant change in mindset. Ben had to adapt to the realities of running a business, including financial management, client relations, and self-discipline. This experience was a steep learning curve but ultimately shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today.

The Importance of Resilience
Resilience became a key theme in Ben’s journey. He learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, recognizing that not every venture would yield immediate success. This perspective is vital for anyone considering entrepreneurship, especially at a young age.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs
Ben’s story offers valuable insights for those looking to start their own business early in life.

Start Small: Begin with manageable projects to build confidence and experience.

Seek Support: Utilize available resources, such as university programs or community networks.

Stay Focused: Balance your education and business commitments to maximize your potential.

Embrace Challenges: View setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.

In conclusion, Ben Bowden’s journey illustrates the power of starting young and the resilience needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you’re still in school or contemplating a career change, his experiences remind us that with dedication and the right mindset, success is achievable.

From 4 AM Cocaine Loops to the Business of Recovery: with Marcus Ting

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Marcus Ting shares his personal journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the importance of honesty, support, and taking action to transform one's life.

His story offers hope and practical insights for anyone struggling with substance abuse or seeking change. In this heartfelt episode, Marcus shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and his mission to help others. We explore neuroplasticity, overcoming fears, and the importance of authenticity in transforming lives.

No Corporate Bollocks: Building a Business & Raising a Neurodivergent Son

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Sophie shares her inspiring journey of founding We Are Proper, disrupting traditional recruitment, and balancing her business with her role as a mother to a neurodiverse child. She discusses the importance of authenticity, ethics in recruitment, and the power of resilience and self-care.

key topics

Disruption of traditional recruitment industry
Importance of authenticity and ethics in business
Balancing entrepreneurship with family life
Impact of neurodiversity on personal and professional growth
Strategies for self-care and mental health in business

Takeaways

Authenticity and ethics are key to building trust in business
Niche focus can lead to greater success and clarity
Self-care is essential for sustainable leadership
Disrupting industry norms requires courage and conviction
Personal experiences with neurodiversity can inform compassionate leadership

The Longevity Hype: Science vs. Bollocks

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, health expert DR Tom Mickelwright discusses proactive approaches to longevity, the importance of personalized health assessments, and practical strategies for optimizing well-being through diet, exercise, and stress management.

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Tom shares insights on longevity, diet, supplements, mental health, and the realities of aging and health management. Discover practical advice, scientific perspectives, and personal stories that empower you to take control of your health journey.

Key Topics

Proactive health assessments and their benefits
The role of stress, sleep, and lifestyle in aging
Evidence-based approaches to diet, exercise, and supplements Longevity and aging science
Effective diets and supplements for health
Epigenetics and lifestyle impact on genes

The Anniversary Toilet Incident: Boundaries, Burnout & PR Bollocks with Jennifer Hodgson

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0100

"Don't work with idiots."

Sounds simple, right? But how many of us keep toxic clients just to keep the revenue flowing?

Or How often do we take a call in the toilet our anniversary?

This week on Business Life and Other Bollocks, we were joined by Jennifer Delgado, co-founder of Moda-PR

We’re cutting through the PR hype, talking about the reality of global scaling, and sharing why setting hard boundaries is the most profitable business move you can make.

No fluff, no corporate speak, just the reality of building a business on your own terms.

Care, Construction, and Crunches:: Real Talk on the Fitness Game

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:00 +0100

Most people find a career and stick to it, Stuart decided to try them all.

From building sites after to school
To being care worker
And finally becoming a personal trainer

Expect some business insights, some life lessons and as the title suggest - A fair amount of bollocks.

Building A Beauty Empire When Your Brain Is Overwhelmed

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 +0100

THE WAIT IS OVER!

We are thrilled to announce our first guest Sarah Hughes, award winning PMU and founder of Alllure Touches is joining us!

We aren't holding back this!

We will be diving deep into

The Joys of running a business with ADHD
Understanding what self care actually looks like
And of course, all the bollocks that comes with it.