Dave and Alicia Store, co-founders of DSNM, join the Evolve to Succeed podcast to trace their 25-year journey from a one-man, paper-based chart-correction service to an award-winning super-yacht-navigation technology company with 27 employees and 620 vessels under subscription. Dave candidly recounts the scrappy early years - dot-matrix printers, Pritt Stick, and fax machines - while Alicia explains how joining the firm (initially to cover maternity leave) professionalised its finances, people processes and long-term vision.

The couple unpack the pivotal moments that reshaped the business: realising captains would pay for a fully managed service; raising prices to signal quality; surviving the 2008 crash, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine shock; and, most dramatically, self-funding and launching their proprietary software, Compass. Their complementary personalities - Dave the risk-taking visionary, Alicia the detail-driven operator - emerge as the engine behind DSNM’s culture of obsessive customer service and constant product iteration.

They also share the realities of running a high-pressure, family-run company in a glamorous, yet unforgiving industry. Topics range from work-life integration with their young son Louis, to tight recruitment standards, to the pride (and responsibility) of winning two Queen’s Awards and employing a close-knit team.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

• Find a pain-killer, not a vitamin. Early success came from doing the tedious chart-correction work crews hated.

• Price can signal value. Raising rates—rather than undercutting incumbents—attracted more super-yacht clients.

• Service DNA first, tech layer next. DSNM’s core white-glove support never changed; software (Compass) scaled it.

• Complementary co-founders matter. Visionary risk (Dave) + operational diligence (Alicia) created balanced growth.

• Crisis = clarity. COVID and the Ukraine conflict forced the team to reassess purpose, costs and future bets.

• Culture of “no passengers.” Every hire must be a self-starting problem-solver; weak links show instantly in a small team.

• Bootstrapping builds resilience. Funding software internally preserved speed and ownership—crucial in a niche market.

• Work-life “blend” beats balance. Shared purpose, clear role boundaries, and intentional family time keep burnout at bay.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DSNM and Its Founders

06:50 The Evolution of Services and Software Development

12:04 Navigating Business Challenges and Financial Lessons

20:39 Balancing Growth with Company Culture

30:04 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Strategy

38:18 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth

42:50 Family Dynamics and Work-Life Balance

48:53 Quickfire Questions and Final Thoughts

In this captivating episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, host Warren Munson reconnects with returning guests Julie and Sally, fresh from their epic adventure of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

After 59 grueling days at sea, the team successfully completed their journey from La Gomera to Antigua aboard the Ebb & Flow. Julie and Sally share vivid tales of their extreme challenge, from breathtaking wildlife encounters to the relentless mental and physical tests they faced.

This episode is a moving testament to courage, camaraderie, and the power of human determination. Tune in and be inspired!

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Triumphant Arrival: The powerful emotions of crossing the finish line to a cheering crowd and reuniting with loved ones.

Surprises & Challenges: Navigating unexpected battery issues, hand steering for hours, and battling huge storms.

Life at Sea: Their daily routines, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and how they coped with the isolation and vastness of the ocean.

Wildlife Wonders: Magical moments with whales, playful dolphins, and even a curious marlin!

Team Dynamics: Insights into working as a team of three, including how they supported one another during tough times.

Mind Over Matter: The mental strength and resilience it took to row day after day, and how they now see challenges in everyday life differently.

Personal Growth: Reflections on how this experience changed their perspectives and their lives.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey Begins: Crossing the Atlantic

06:02 - Surprises and Challenges at Sea

10:13 - Daily Life on the Ocean

14:39 - Overcoming Fears and Isolation

20:02 - Mental Resilience and Personal Growth

28:31 - Highlights and Pinnacle Moments

29:07 - Surfing the Waves of Adventure

30:08 - Wild Encounters: Whales and Wildlife

31:13 - The Thrill of the Ocean: Sounds and Sights

32:10 - Team Dynamics: Bonding Through Challenges

33:42 - Resilience and Problem Solving at Sea

39:00 - Physical Challenges and Recovery

43:14 - Adjusting to Life After the Ocean

46:35 - Future Adventures: What's Next?

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Emma Burke, co-founder of Laceeze, shares her entrepreneurial journey from the inception of her innovative shoelace solution, to her recent experience on Dragon's Den.

Emma discusses the challenges and successes of developing her product, transitioning to a full-time commitment, and the importance of marketing strategies and brand ambassadors in driving growth.

Emma shares her journey on Dragon's Den, the challenges and opportunities that arose from her appearance, and how it impacted her brand. She discusses the intense experience of pitching, the immediate spike in brand awareness following the show, and the subsequent growth and challenges in her business.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Transitioning from a side project to a full-time business.

Product development.

Brand ambassador programs.

Utilising platforms like Amazon.

Emma’s Dragon's Den experience.

Understanding your audience.

Building a brand community.

Utilising freelancers.

New marketing platforms like TikTok.

Balancing personal life with business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laceeze

03:13 From Concept to Product

05:46 Transitioning to Full-Time

08:48 Product Development and Expansion

12:05 Marketing Strategies and Brand Growth

15:10 Funding and Financial Growth

17:47 The Dragon's Den Experience

21:07 Preparing for the Pitch

27:56 The Intensity of Pitching on Dragon's Den

30:58 The Impact of Dragon's Den on Brand Awareness

34:45 Post-Show Opportunities and Challenges

39:34 Embracing New Marketing Trends

41:02 Personal Reflections

46:28 Balancing Business with Personal Life

48:27 Defining Personal Success

On the 250th episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, shares insights into the legacy of the family-owned brewery and pub company, which has been in operation since 1777.

He discusses the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a family business over generations, the importance of reinvestment in the company and community, and the balance between tradition and innovation in the hospitality sector.

Anthony emphasises the need for educating future generations about the business's values and the impact of structural changes in the industry.

Anthony discusses the evolution of pub culture, emphasising the changing demographics of pub-goers. He also addresses the significance of succession planning in family businesses, sharing insights on legacy and the need for a forward-looking mindset.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

The importance of being a custodian of the family business.

How reinvestment leads to longevity.

Community impact over shareholder profits.

Educating the next generation.

Balancing tradition with innovation.

Headwinds in the hospitality sector.

Changes in pub culture and demographics.

Moral decisions leading to better commercial outcomes.

Trusting the next generation.

Engagement with the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hall & Woodhouse

02:56 Custodians of a Legacy

05:58 Longevity in Family Businesses

09:04 Reinvestment and Community Impact

11:56 Educating Future Generations

15:13 Balancing Tradition with Innovation

18:13 Headwinds in the Hospitality Sector

26:10 Pub Culture and Gender Dynamics

31:27 The Brewing Legacy

36:15 Succession Planning

39:18 Mindset Shift

46:08 Personal Definition of Success

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Jo and Oscar Hjälmås discuss their journey as co-owners of Baggette + Co., a financial services firm.

They share insights on their management buyout experience, the importance of maintaining company culture during rapid growth, and the strategies they implemented to ensure effective communication and team engagement.

In this engaging conversation, Jo and Oscar discuss the delicate balance between delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring financial viability in their business. They share insights on navigating personal and professional boundaries while working together as a couple, the impact of family dynamics on their business, and their definitions of success both personally and professionally.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

• The importance of defining roles and responsibilities in a partnership.
• Effective communication.
• Celebrating team successes.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Organisational structure.
• Working as a married couple in a business setting.
• Employee well-being.
• Delivering service with no sales targets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Baggette + Co.

03:10 The Journey to Business Ownership

05:53 Navigating Roles and Responsibilities

09:03 Management Buyout

11:58 Growth and Expansion

14:54 Maintaining Company Culture During Growth

17:49 Communication and Team Engagement

20:56 Client-Centric Business Approach

31:35 Balancing Customer Delight and Financial Responsibility

36:30 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

42:31 Family Dynamics on Business

46:10 Defining Success: Business and Personal Aspirations

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Louise Southam of Beyond Belief Couching shares her journey from a successful career in recruitment to becoming a leadership and business coach.

She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion for coaching, the challenges she faced as a single mother and the personal growth she experienced during her journey.

Louise emphasises the importance of resilience, manifestation and the power of positive thinking, as well as practical tools like journaling to facilitate self-discovery and empowerment.

Her story is one of courage, determination, and the belief that we can shape our own destinies.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Transitioning from recruitment to coaching.

Balancing motherhood and career aspirations.

Taking leaps of faith.

How personal challenges can shape resilience and determination.

The importance of manifestation in creating a desired life.

Journaling.

Overcoming fears of public speaking.

The importance of networking and asking for help.

Balancing masculine and feminine energies in leadership.

Values in organisations.

One-on-one coaching.

Creating a supportive work environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:07 From Recruitment to Coaching

06:07 Motherhood and Career Aspirations

08:49 The Leap of Faith

11:59 Divorce and Self-Discovery

15:11 Manifestation and the Power of Positive Thinking

18:05 Journaling

21:05 Finding Confidence Through Public Speaking

24:01 Building a Coaching Business

26:17 The Power of Helping Others

28:50 Leadership Challenges

30:36 Heart-Centered Leadership and Generational Shifts

32:08 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

35:51 Masculine and Feminine Energy in Leadership

36:43 The Importance of Values in Organisations

40:45 One-on-One Coaching

45:54 Personal Growth and Inner Happiness

49:19 Quickfire Questions

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Cassidy Macken shares her inspiring journey of starting Cassidy's Beauty Academy.

From her early passion for beauty to the challenges of running a business while raising children, Cassidy discusses the importance of education in the beauty industry and her drive to fill the gaps she identified.

She also opens up about her experience with ADHD and how it influences her approach to business. Cassidy emphasises the significance of securing funding and overcoming fears in the entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

Cassidy shares her journey of entrepreneurship, discussing the nuances of good and bad debt, the challenges of securing funding, and her experiences as a young mother balancing family and career.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

Cassidy's journey in the beauty industry at a young age.

Balancing motherhood and running a business.

Education in the beauty industry.

ADHD in business.

Stepping out of comfort zones.

Adapting to industry trends.

Understanding the difference between good and bad debt.

Securing funding.

Finding the right business location.

Having a clear vision for business growth.

Taking risks when young.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Inspiration Behind Cassidy's Beauty Academy

10:16 From Beauty to Education

20:02 Navigating the Competitive Beauty Industry

22:02 ADHD in Business

27:49 Securing Startup Funding

28:20 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

29:51 The Journey to Securing Funding

32:53 Finding the Right Business Location

34:27 Resilience in Business

37:40 Balancing Motherhood and Business

40:05 Vision and Goals for the Business

42:17 Staying Focused on Your Goals

47:11 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

55:32 Defining Personal Success

On this episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast, Brendan Hall shares his experiences leading a team in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.

He discusses the challenges of managing a diverse group of sailors, the emotional realities of leadership, and the importance of consistency and autonomy in team dynamics.

Brendan reflects on his early leadership challenges, the pressure of performance, and the critical lesson that a leader's mood can significantly impact the team's morale.

He discusses the challenges of leading under pressure during a dangerous sailing race, highlighting the need for transparency and psychological safety.

Brendan reflects on the emotional toll of leadership decisions and the lessons learned from navigating crises. He also offers insights on creating high-performing teams and the challenges of transitioning to life after such a significant achievement.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

• The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.
• Managing diverse motivations within a team.
• Emotional intelligence in leadership roles.
• Consistency in leadership.
• The influence a leader's mood can have on team performance.
• Empowering team members.
• Letting go of control.
• Transparency and open communication.
• Dealing with high-pressure situations.
• Creating psychological safety.
• Investing in team members' development.
• Life transitions after significant achievements.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:37 Clipper Yacht Race

04:51 Team Dynamics and Leadership Challenges

06:32 Realities of Leadership

09:03 Early Leadership Challenges

15:37 Consistency in Leadership

18:32 Team Autonomy

19:54 The Evolution of Leadership

24:37 Dealing with Pressure

30:28 Resilience in Crisis: A Leadership Test

36:24 Creating High-Performing Teams

37:31 Life After the Race