What happens when your co-founder (and sister!) steps away and you’re managing a business solo, as well as being mum to 2 kids?  In this week’s delicious episode I’m in conversation with Nicola Ward, founder of CakeDrop, who talks me through her experience of exactly that. Nicola has run her business incredibly intuitively and flexibly, focusing on building relationships and leaning into creativity when Covid meant a pivot. She has some incredible advice to other founders thinking about motherhood and the trade offs we as working mums make. My main takeaway? You don’t need more strategy, you just need to take action. Takeaways: The unique dynamic between cofounder sisters Covid forcing you to pivot and get creative The benefits of being a small business in challenging times Relationship building Nicola’s fundraising experience What happens when your cofounder steps away The trade offs working mums make - guilt and code switching Advice for founders thinking about motherhood Why you don’t need more strategy Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to CakeDrop and Nicola's Journey 02:36 The Dynamic of Sister Co-Founders 05:03 Navigating the Business Landscape 07:49 Adapting to Challenges During the Pandemic 10:32 Transitioning to Solo Leadership 13:03 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 18:35 Fundraising Challenges and Experiences 19:02 Navigating Angel Investment and Fundraising Challenges 21:41 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 26:15 The Impact of Parenting on Business Perspective 28:49 Embracing the Uncertainty of Motherhood 30:45 Building Relationships with Major Brands 31:49 The Importance of Execution Over Strategy 34:01 Future Growth Plans for CakeDrop 35:06 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments Links: Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/ About Nicola Ward Nicola Ward is the founder of CakeDrop, the award-winning solution bringing sweet treats to some of the UK's most exciting places, including Meta, Ladbible, Beauty Pie, and Netflix. Cake Drop specialises in branded treat experiences and automated gifting for employee birthdays and work anniversaries, making workplace celebrations seamless and delicious. Nicola's journey into entrepreneurship began alongside her sister Anna, inspired by their own experiences working in the city, where they noticed the challenges of organizing office celebrations. This insight led to the creation of CakeDrop, aiming to make office celebrations effortless and enjoyable. Nicola has faced many highs and lows on her journey, from the shift to becoming a solo founder to navigating major business challenges, including the pandemic and operational hurdles. Nicola Ward’s Links: Website: https://cakedrop.london/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-ward-30404427/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cakedropldn Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

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