In this forty-fourth episode of My Kind of Business, Alex is joined by Jodie Faitakis, COO of Entrepreneurial Spark and Founder of Entspired, for a powerful conversation about authenticity, resilience and the real rhythm of entrepreneurial growth.
Jodie shares her journey from childhood creativity and DIY ventures to leading national entrepreneurial operations and building community-led spaces for founders in Bedford. Her story is one of lived experience — from starting her own businesses to returning to Entrepreneurial Spark in a leadership role — proving that growth rarely follows a straight line.
Together, Alex and Jodie explore the myth of overnight success and what it truly means to build something sustainable. They talk candidly about juggling motherhood, side projects and full-time leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and learning to embrace seasons of focus.
This episode is a refreshing reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about doing more — it’s about creating space. Space to think. Space to reflect. Space to grow.
Jodie speaks openly about vulnerability as a business superpower, the importance of removing “human blockers”, and why no founder should have to build alone. From the lessons behind the Resilience Festival to the simple power of a brain dump, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom and practical mindset shifts.
If you’ve ever questioned your pace, doubted your capability, or felt the pressure to keep up — this episode will remind you that authenticity and patience are your greatest assets.
In this episode, Alex and Jodie explore:
Jodie’s childhood entrepreneurial spirit and early creative ventures
First jobs, retail experiences and university projects
Why experiential learning often outweighs rigid frameworks
Building confidence through mentorship and real-world exposure
The origin and growth of entspired in Bedford
The myth of overnight success and the importance of patience
Balancing motherhood, full-time leadership and side projects
Creating white space to unlock creativity and clarity
Managing imposter syndrome and mindset blocks
Authenticity as a business advantage
Community, local storytelling and founder support
Preparing financially and solving real problems
Practical tools for overcoming overwhelm and mental clutter
Embracing holistic success across life and business
Whether you’re at the beginning of your business journey or navigating a new season of growth, Jodie’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience is built quietly, community matters deeply, and your way of doing business is enough.
Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to Jodie’s entrepreneurial journey
[01:30] Childhood creativity and early ventures
[03:45] First jobs and formative work experiences
[05:20] University, internships and real-world lessons
[07:15] Learning beyond academic frameworks
[09:05] Founding entspired and building community
[11:45] Patience and the myth of overnight success
[13:05] Multiple startups and the challenge of focus
[15:20] Financial preparation and solving real problems
[17:45] Flexibility and planning with buffer time
[19:20] Creativity and the power of white space
[21:00] Confidence and imposter syndrome
[24:10] Authenticity as a business superpower
[26:00] Personal growth through highs and lows
[28:10] Resilience and overcoming setbacks
[30:15] Testing ideas and identifying community needs
[32:00] The power of local entrepreneurial storytelling
[34:50] Juggling career, side projects and motherhood
[36:35] Tough decisions and working in seasons
[38:10] Quality over quantity
[40:05] Creating personal rhythm and joy
[42:30] Holistic success and alignment
[44:15] Mindset tools: brain dumping and mental clarity
[45:40] The value of space and the “Harry Potter wand” analogy
[47:00] The Resilience Festival story
[48:10] Removing human blockers in business
[49:00] Final reflections and encouragement
Key Highlights
Why authenticity creates sustainable success
The power of community in entrepreneurship
Embracing patience over pressure
Balancing ambition with motherhood and life
Removing mindset blockers to unlock growth
Redefining success beyond hustle culture
Creating space as a strategy, not a luxury
Connect with Jodie
Jodie Faitakis is the COO of Entrepreneurial Spark and founder of entspired, a Bedford-based platform hosting inspirational events and community spaces for entrepreneurs.
A lifelong advocate for the entrepreneurial spirit, Jodie has built her career around helping founders turn ideas into reality. From founding her own businesses to coaching startups and now leading national operations, her mission remains the same: ensuring no entrepreneur has to build alone.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiefaitakis
Entrepreneurial Spark: https://entrepreneurial-spark.com
entspired: https://www.entspired.co.uk
Connect with Alex
Website: https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/
Book onto an upcoming Business Connection:
https://www.alexmccarthycoaching.com/business-connection-sessions
