Press release
Podcast recruits Britain’s business stars to inspire the next generation
Published on 10 August 2022
Some of Britain’s biggest business stars are reflecting on their successes as part of a major new podcast series from the University of Dundee.
Path for Potential is a new eight-part series featuring the names behind some of the country’s most successful and innovative entrepreneurial endeavours.
Fearne Cotton, television and radio presenter, and Holly Tucker, founder of the Not on the High Street website, are among the list of enterprising individuals joining the University’s Entrepreneurial Ambassadors, illustrator Johanna Basford OBE and world record-breaking adventurer Mark Beaumont, for the show.
Johanna, a Dundee graduate whose colouring books for adults have sold millions of copies around the world, said she hoped the series would inspire and reassure anyone with dreams of starting their own business.
“We have an incredible line-up of talented guests on Path for Potential, and our listeners will quickly learn that every person found success in their own way,” she said.
“There are funny stories, interesting insights and an avalanche of hints and tips for our listeners, whether they have designs on starting their own business or just want to learn more about what makes the country’s most successful individuals tick.
“Going alone in the world of business is incredibly daunting, but it’s important to remember that there is not one set route to success. It may require long hours, working multiple jobs and rejection along the way, but if you have belief in your concept and talent, then there is no reason why you cannot succeed.”
Recorded over several months, Path for Potential has been supported by the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, which supports students and staff in developing new business concepts. Each episode features an in-depth discussion with one of the country’s most successful businesspeople, with Johanna and Mark quizzing their guest on how they got started, survived, and succeeded in the cut-throat world of enterprise.
“Johanna and I are proud to represent the University of Dundee as Ambassadors for the Centre for Entrepreneurship,” said Mark.
“This exciting new podcast series gives a voice and creates a valuable link between students and successful entrepreneurs in all walks of life.
“The Path to Potential podcast series hopefully emphasises that behind every successful brand is a person with an idea, no different to anyone listening. We have brought together some great guests, each who have their own insights into what it takes to succeed, as well as some brilliants stories along the way.”
Path for Potential is available to download from all major podcast portals from Friday 12 August.
Johanna Basford OBE is an internationally renowned illustrator from Auchnagatt, Aberdeenshire.
After graduating from Dundee with a degree in Textile Design in 2005, Johanna initially produced handprinted wallpaper and home accessories before the financial crash prompted her to follow her passion for drawing.
After establishing herself as a freelance illustrator, she rejected calls from publishers to diversify from her signature drawing style. In late 2011, after being approached to produce a colouring book for children, she adapted the brief to produce colouring books for adults instead.
Today, she has sold more than 21 million books worldwide and has worked with globally recognised brands such as Nike, Absolut, and car manufacturer Smart. In 2016 she was awarded an OBE for her services to art and entrepreneurship.
Mark Beaumont is an adventurer, broadcaster and author who went to school in Dundee and was previously the Rector for the University of Dundee.
Famous for his record-breaking bicycle rides, in 2017 he achieved the Guinness World Record for circumnavigating the globe by bike in just 78 days. Out of the saddle, Mark is a highly-regarded business advisor, investor in seed stage innovation and motivational speaker.
In 2018, Mark was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to sport, broadcasting and charity.
He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife Nicci and two daughters.