Season 2

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, James Ashford, founder of GoProposal and best-selling author, shares the journey that took him from humble beginnings to transforming how accountancy firms deliver value. James talks candidly about raising standards in business, building a culture that demands excellence, and why entrepreneurs need to continually push themselves beyond comfort zones.
You’ll hear how setbacks can become stepping stones when reframed as “the gift,” the role of core values in driving sustainable success, and why true fulfilment comes not just from building businesses, but from helping others thrive.
 

What’s Enough? It’s a question every business owner asks but rarely answers. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev explores what enough really means for you, your money, and your life.
You’ll unpack why chasing “more” can actually cost you more, discover the three-bucket model for essentials, joyful extras, and future security, and learn how to calculate your personal happiness number. Plus, Bev shares four practical tips to help you stop comparing, set stop goals, and design a business that funds the life you actually want.
This isn’t about revenue badges or six-figure launches. It’s about creating freedom, security, and success on your own terms.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev builds on the conversation about defining “enough” and shows you how to put an actual figure on it.
You’ll discover how to work backwards from the life you want, calculate the revenue your business needs to support it, and price your offers with clarity and confidence. Along the way, Bev shares a simple step-by-step formula to stop chasing vague goals and start building a business that gives you the income, and lifestyle, you’re aiming for.
Because “more” isn’t a strategy. Your number is.

Building a business isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of small battles, big pivots, and hard-earned lessons. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Dave Pounds to uncover what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving business.
You’ll hear the moments of doubt, the decisions that changed everything, and the habits that separate those who plateau from those who scale. By the end, you’ll have practical tools, mindset shifts, and a blueprint for turning challenges into opportunities - without losing sight of why you started.

Too many founders build businesses that pay everyone except themselves. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev breaks down how to finally flip that script and start paying yourself a proper, consistent salary without guilt or guesswork.
You’ll learn how to calculate exactly what you should be earning, structure your pay tax-efficiently, and make it a non-negotiable part of your cash flow. Plus, Bev shares the mindset shifts and practical steps that turn “I’ll pay myself later” into “I pay myself first.” Because if your business doesn’t reward you, what’s the point of building it?

You started your business for freedom. To build something that gives you flexibility, fulfilment, and a better life. But too often, that dream gets lost in the day-to-day reality of running the business. You pay your team, your suppliers, your taxes… and somehow, you end up last in line.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev helps you flip that script. You’ll learn how to build a business that pays you properly - not just when there’s money left over, but as a non-negotiable part of your financial plan. Bev walks through how to calculate what you really need, structure your pay tax-efficiently, and make “pay yourself first” a sustainable habit. One that strengthens both your business and your future.
Because when your business works for you, not just everyone else, that’s when real freedom and long-term sustainability begin.

We’re told that success is about pushing harder - longer hours, bigger goals, and never switching off. But what if the real win is building a business that gives you freedom, not burnout?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev sits down with Serena Humphrey, founder of The F Word, to explore what happens when hustle culture hits breaking point. From becoming head of finance for a £10 million company at just 22, to watching it collapse and taking the fall, Serena shares the raw truth behind the numbers.
They dive into the emotional cost of overworking, the lessons learned from financial trauma, and the mindset shifts that helped Serena rebuild her life and business with purpose. You’ll hear how she created a new kind of success, one rooted in clarity, sustainability, and self-worth.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still running on empty, this episode will help you slow down, take stock, and build something that truly supports your future.

You hit the big revenue goals. You buy the car, upgrade the office, hit those £10k months, and still feel exactly the same. If more money was supposed to bring happiness, why does it so often come with stress, guilt, or emptiness?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev unpacks the psychology and science behind the link between income and happiness. You’ll hear real-life stories of business owners who earned more than ever but felt less fulfilled, and discover how to find your own Happiness Threshold.
You'll learn practical ways to spend smarter, track your energy (not just your income), and build a business that funds joy, peace, and purpose - not burnout.
Because the best ROI isn’t always revenue. Sometimes, it’s happiness.

What happens to your business if you take three months off? If the answer makes you nervous, this episode is for you.
Bev dives into what it really means to build a business that works without you at the centre of every decision. She explains why exit planning isn’t just for people looking to sell; it’s the blueprint for freedom, flexibility, and long-term value.
You’ll discover how to calculate your own “Freedom Number,” design systems that keep the business running smoothly, and create genuine options for the future. Whether that’s stepping back, passing it on, or cashing out completely.
Because true success isn’t just what your business earns. It’s what it gives you back - time, choice, and peace of mind.

Scaling a business isn’t just about ambition - it’s about grit, clarity, and knowing when to hold your nerve.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Bev Wakefield speaks with Scott Parsons, co-founder of Forsyth Barnes, about building one of the UK’s fastest-growing recruitment firms from the ground up. From selling sweets at school to leading teams across four continents, Scott shares the mindset shifts, financial strategies, and leadership lessons that shaped his journey.
They dive into the realities of scaling without external funding, navigating COVID with conviction, and creating a culture where people truly care. If you’re growing something big and want to lead with purpose, not just pressure, this episode will show you how.