Shows
AccelerateHER PodcastFiona Gillies & Christine HartlandIn this episode, we meet the brilliant duo behind My SMASH Media — Fiona Gillis and Christine Hartland. These two powerhouse producers are shaking up the film and TV industry with a platform designed to make matchmaking between creators and decision-makers as easy as swiping right.
They share how their own frustrations in the industry led to the creation of SMASH, the joys and challenges of building a startup as co-founders, and the lessons learned from raising investment — including one pitch so disruptive it caused visible outrage on an industry panel!
We also tackle a real-life foun...2025-07-2552 min
AccelerateHER PodcastNicole ChristieIn this episode, Elizabeth chats with Nicole Christie, founder of Alvah Accountancy, tech enthusiast, karaoke queen, and a relentless problem-solver. From dreaming of being a farmer’s wife to teaching herself to code a tax planning tool, Nicole’s journey is anything but ordinary.
We dive into:
The bold decision to start a business in the early days of the pandemic
How being neurodivergent fuels her entrepreneurial mindset
What she learned from building (and exiting) a fintech startup she only owned 10% of
Her vision for AI-powered finance teams that supp...2025-07-1141 min
AccelerateHER PodcastCaroline Barelle and Vicki HazleyIn this episode, Elizabeth Pirrie chats with two powerhouse women working at the intersection of science and investment: Caroline Barelle, CEO of Elasmogen, and Vicki Hasley from the Scottish National Investment Bank. We hear how both women started with biochemistry degrees but took very different routes—Caroline from academia to biotech entrepreneurship, and Vicky from innovation support into impact investment. Caroline shares the powerful personal story behind her passion for drug development, how she spun Elasmogen out from the University of Aberdeen, and what it takes to bring new treatments to market. Vicki explains why the Scottish National Investment Ba...2025-06-2742 min
AccelerateHER PodcastKate CameronIn this episode, Elizabeth chats with Kate Cameron, CEO of Cytochroma, the biotech company creating mini hearts and livers from genetically diverse stem cells. Kate explains how these mini organs could transform drug testing by replacing animal models and providing more accurate, inclusive data. She also reflects on her transition from scientist to founder, sharing how she’s learned to embrace the business side of innovation.2025-06-1345 min
AccelerateHER PodcastDanae ShellIn this episode of the AccelerateHER podcast, host Elizabeth Pirrie speaks with Danae Shell, founder of legal tech startup 'Valla.' Danae shares her journey from rural Tennessee to Scotland's tech scene, and how frustration with workplace injustices inspired her to launch 'Valla,' which helps people navigate employment legal issues. Danae reflects on fundraising mistakes, redefining networking and building Scotland's startup ecosystem, and describes her journey in one word: Grit.2025-05-3045 min
AccelerateHER PodcastAlison GrieveInventor, founder, and editor Alison Grieve shares how a hospitality mishap led to the creation of the Safe Tray — and how that sparked a global journey with G-Hold. We talk raising investment, protecting your ideas, and why data matters in driving change for female founders. Packed with insights, wit, and practical advice.2025-05-161h 04
AccelerateHER PodcastEvelyn McDonald and Gemma Stuart
In this episode, we explore the entrepreneurial journeys of Evelyn McDonald and Gemma Stuart. Evelyn reflects on her career, from a love for advertising to 35 years of helping small businesses. Gemma shares how personal struggles with gut health led her to create Gutsy Health Limited, helping others with digestive issues.
We discuss key topics like the importance of mentorship for women entrepreneurs, the challenges of funding, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Evelyn and Gemma offer practical advice for early-stage founders, including how to build strong relationships with clients and seek support when starting a business.
2025-05-0258 min
AccelerateHER PodcastJulie Grieve and Genna MastertonElizabeth is joined by founders Julie Grieve and Genna Masterton. At two different points in their entrepreneurial journeys, the group talk about learning curves, entrepreneurial qualities, and the ups and downs of founding a business.
Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses.
Links of interest:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieagrieve
ht...2025-03-1149 min
AccelerateHER PodcastDr Poonam MalikElizabeth chats to Dr Poonam Malik – Award-winning entrepreneur and investor - alongside her many, many other accomplishments. Poonam and Elizabeth spoke about growing up in India, moving to Scotland, Academia, Co-founding Microplate DX, University spinouts – and all the emotions and challenges faced on the journey.
Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses.
Links of interest:
w...2025-03-1144 min
AccelerateHER PodcastIsla TraquairJoining us on the first ever AccelerateHER Podcast episode, is award-winning podcaster, Journalist, TV Presenter, and founder in her own right, Isla Traquair. Elizabeth and Isla talk about her education, interests, career, and experiences that led to Isla’s eventual creation and production of #1 true crime podcast, ‘The Storyteller Podcast’.
Founded over a decade ago to accelerate and amplify the success of female founders, AccelerateHER delivers learning and networking events for women entrepreneurs across the UK and acts as a supportive network for founders who are on a journey to scale their businesses.
Li...2025-03-1148 min
AccelerateHER PodcastThe AccelerateHER Podcast IntroWelcome to the AccelerateHER Podcast! Listen in as AccelerateHER’s CEO, Elizabeth Pirrie, talks to founders, business leaders, and investors about entrepreneurship. Covering the highs, the lows, and all the moments in between, Elizabeth and guests talk about what it means to be a female founder and what’s currently happening in Scotland to turn the dial for gender parity in entrepreneurship.
This podcast is brought to you by AccelerateHER – an organisation that accelerates and amplifies the success of female founders, up and down the UK. Find out more at www.accelerateher.co.uk.2025-02-2801 min