E8 - Holly Tucker: Wait for the right time and you’ll wait forever

Holly Tucker is one of the UK’s most respected entrepreneurs. She is the founder of Holly & Co, UK Ambassador to Small Creative Businesses and co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com. Holly’s purpose and passion is to mentor and support other small businesses and now during the Covid-19 outbreak she has launched SME:SOS, a free resource to empower small businesses and provide all the help they need in these uncertain times.

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In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, host Jay Comfrey and professor Damien Hughes engage in a captivating conversation with Holly Tucker, a highly respected entrepreneur, founder of Holly & Co, UK Ambassador to Small Creative Businesses, and co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com. Holly's passion lies in mentoring and supporting small businesses, and during the COVID-19 outbreak, she launched SME:SOS, a free resource to empower small businesses and provide them with the necessary support during these uncertain times.

**Key Points Discussed:**

1. **High-Performance Life:**
- Holly doesn't consider herself to be living a high-performance life because she loves what she does and finds balance in her personal and professional life.
- She acknowledges that the fear of being caught out drives her to excel and succeed.

2. **Action Leads to Motivation:**
- Holly emphasizes that action is the catalyst for motivation. She believes that taking steps and moving forward creates energy and momentum, leading to increased motivation.

3. **Imposter Syndrome:**
- Holly admits to experiencing imposter syndrome, but she sees it as a positive force that keeps her driven and focused on improving.
- She believes that imposter syndrome can prevent entrepreneurs from getting carried away with their egos and helps them maintain a grounded approach.

4. **Balancing Work and Life:**
- Holly realized that she needed to be more efficient with her time and set boundaries to achieve a better work-life balance.
- She calculated that she has approximately 29,000 days on the planet and plans to work until she's 90 before retiring and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.

5. **Entrepreneurship and Money:**
- Holly believes that true entrepreneurs are not driven by money.
- She finds that bootstrapping and working with limited resources can be the most fulfilling and creatively stimulating time for entrepreneurs.

6. **Single Greatest Thrill:**
- When asked about the single greatest thrill in her career, Holly recalls the moment she bought her first car, a British Racing Green MGF, with the money she earned from her early business ventures.
- She emphasizes that the thrill of achieving something with limited resources is often more significant than the success itself.

7. **Building Trust and Connection:**
- Holly attributes her ability to connect with people to her empathy and grounded nature.
- She believes that being in the shoes of the community she serves helps her communicate effectively and build trust.

8. **Fault vs. Responsibility:**
- Holly strongly believes that while things may not be our fault, it is our responsibility to find a way through challenges and adversity.
- She encourages entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities and see problems as chances for growth and innovation.

9. **Launching SME:SOS:**
- In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Holly launched SME:SOS, a platform to help small businesses navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic.
- She emphasizes that entrepreneurs are made for these challenging moments and should focus on finding opportunities amidst adversity.

10. **Action and Optimism:**
- Holly highlights the importance of taking action and maintaining a positive outlook, even in difficult times.
- She believes that excuses are not acceptable, and entrepreneurs should embrace their fighting spirit to overcome obstacles.


**Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur and Impact on Loved Ones**
- Holly's husband initially believed in her, but the journey of an entrepreneur is not easy for loved ones.
- The pressure of entrepreneurship is personal, especially when the entire household income is on their shoulders.
- Entrepreneurs need to help their loved ones come on board with their journey.
- The risk appetite of entrepreneurs is different from those around them and can cause fear and conflict.


**Importance of Communication and Managing Expectations**
- Holly emphasizes the importance of communication and managing expectations with loved ones.
- Entrepreneurs need to find ways to speak to their loved ones and provide information without being overbearing.
- It's essential to help loved ones understand the entrepreneurial journey and its challenges.


**Dealing with Periods of Difficulty and Mental Health**
- Holly acknowledges that entrepreneurs face periods of difficulty and mental health challenges.
- She advises entrepreneurs to share their problems and seek support during these times.
- There is support available, and entrepreneurs should not hesitate to reach out for help.


**Holly's Non-Negotiable Behaviors for Success**
- Holly shares her non-negotiable behaviors for success:
- A deep understanding of how lucky we are to have every day on this planet healthy and grounded with gratitude.
- A value for the small business and creative industry, recognizing their contribution to society.
- A grounded purpose that drives tireless work and dedication.


**Building a Successful Team**
- Holly stresses the importance of building a great team.
- The team is the asset, and entrepreneurs should hire the right people to support their business.
- It's better to have a hole than an asshole, meaning it's better to hire someone than to keep the wrong person in the team.


**The Importance of Legacy**
- Holly believes legacy is essential.
- She wants to look back at her life and know that she contributed to culture and the lives of good people.


**Purpose as the Fuel for Entrepreneurs**
- Holly emphasizes the importance of purpose as the fuel for entrepreneurs.
- Purpose is what drives successful businesses and attracts conscious consumers.
- Entrepreneurs should have a strong sense of purpose within themselves and their businesses.


**The Mindset of Starting a Business**
- Holly encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and start their businesses.
- There is never a perfect time to start a business, so it's important to just go for it.
- The mindset of starting a business is crucial, and it's not about the business card, team, premises, or equipment.


**Similarities and Differences Between Entrepreneurs and Athletes**
- The hosts discuss the similarities and differences between entrepreneurs and athletes.
- Athletes often see themselves as high-performance individuals, while entrepreneurs may not.
- The mindset of being a high-performance individual is essential for both entrepreneurs and athletes.


**Holly's Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs**
- Holly advises aspiring entrepreneurs to choose what they love and what they're passionate about.
- It's important to be resilient and persistent, as the journey of an entrepreneur is not easy.
- Entrepreneurs should seek support from mentors, networks, and resources available to them.


## Holly Tucker's Entrepreneurial Journey:

Holly Tucker's passion lies in mentoring and supporting small businesses. Her entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of Holly & Co, a successful business venture. She subsequently co-founded notonthehighstreet.com, a renowned online marketplace for unique and handcrafted products.

## SME:SOS Initiative:

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Holly Tucker launched SME:SOS, a free resource designed to empower small businesses during these uncertain times. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to small businesses, addressing their immediate needs and offering guidance for navigating the current economic landscape.

## Key Points Discussed:

* **Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support:** Holly emphasizes the significance of supporting small businesses, recognizing their vital contribution to the economy and their role in driving innovation. She highlights the importance of creating an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and provides the necessary resources for small businesses to thrive.


* **SME:SOS as a Lifeline for Small Businesses:** Holly explains that SME:SOS serves as a lifeline for small businesses, offering a range of resources, including practical advice, financial assistance, and access to expert networks. The initiative aims to alleviate the burden faced by small business owners, enabling them to adapt, survive, and ultimately thrive in the post-pandemic era.


* **Challenges Faced by Small Businesses:** The podcast delves into the challenges confronting small businesses, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Holly discusses the impact of lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and changing consumer behaviors on small business operations. She emphasizes the need for tailored support to address these challenges and help businesses rebuild and recover.


* **Importance of Community and Collaboration:** Holly stresses the importance of fostering a sense of community among small business owners. She encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support as essential elements for overcoming challenges and achieving success. She believes that by working together, small businesses can create a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem.


* **Outlook for Small Businesses Post-Pandemic:** Holly expresses optimism about the future of small businesses, highlighting their resilience and adaptability. She anticipates a surge in entrepreneurship as individuals seek alternative career paths and pursue their passions. She emphasizes the need for continued support and investment in small businesses to ensure their long-term success.

## Overall Message:

The podcast underscores the critical role of small businesses in driving economic growth and innovation. It highlights the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of providing tailored support to help them navigate these challenges and thrive in the post-pandemic era. The SME:SOS initiative is presented as a valuable resource for small businesses, offering practical guidance, financial assistance, and access to expert networks. The podcast concludes with a message of optimism, recognizing the resilience and adaptability of small businesses and anticipating a surge in entrepreneurship in the future.