Summary

Twenty-one years ago, heavily pregnant and launching her first business from her kitchen table, Catherine’s old boss told her she’d never be successful working from home. In this personal episode, she shares the sliding doors moment that followed – and the honest truth about what actually made her first business, Cushie Tushies, work. Because it wasn’t determination alone, and the real reason matters enormously for any founder weighing up whether to keep going it alone.

What we cover

• The corporate job, the second pregnancy, and the resignation Catherine didn’t really choose
• Spotting the market gap that became Cushie Tushies
• The comment from her old boss that became her sliding doors moment
• The honest truth about why her first business worked – proof, expertise and mentorship, not determination alone
• Why no great business is ever built alone
• What happened to Cushie Tushies, and the legacy Catherine feels good about
• The quiet sliding doors decision facing premium brand founders today
• Why getting strategic support is the opposite of an admission you’re not good enough