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It Runs In The Family

It Runs In The Family

By: Liz & Leila Willingham
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About this listen

Hello! We're Liz & Leila Willingham and welcome to "It Runs In The Family". We're the mother and daughter duo working within the public relations and communications agency, Liz Lean PR. Running a business is hard - really hard. Every business has its challenges and it's own ups and downs - but in a family business, this is often exaggerated by the willingness to speak your mind. But it also has some huge advantages that the corporate cultures just can't compete with. In this podcast, featuring a different family business guest in each episode, we're going to be digging into the stories, values and traditions of other family and multi-generational businesses. We'll explore their history, learnings and how they've developed through the generations and the unique advantages they've had over their competitors. We discover where human relationship migrates into business; the ups, downs, twists, turns and landmark moments that seal the fate of these fascinating organisations. You’ll get to hear some brilliant life stories too; some to make you laugh and others that’ll warm your heart. Many of our clients are family businesses who we've worked very closely with over a number of years - we've heard brilliant stories that reveal true values and fun operating as a family business. We want you to feel inspired by stories of others, find their honesty relatable and reach out to us with your own experiences. If you have any questions for future guests, have a story of your own or have any feedback please do feel free to get in touch on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrunsinthefamilypodcast/© 2025 It Runs In The Family Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Sustainable Style with Siblings at the Steering Wheel with Kite Clothing #114
    Jul 2 2025

    We’re treated to so many accounts of family businesses working with non-family members, but what’s life like on the other side of the equation…?

    The irresistible charm of Kite Clothing’s ranges is made possible by a brother-sister duo of Roger & Ally, and our guest today, third Co-Director Jo Spragg!

    We champion her unique perspective on family business, and how this one has thrived for over 18 years, on a fascinating edition of It Runs In The Family.

    This episode covers:

    • How Jo works together with two sibling Co-Directors, while never feeling like a third wheel
    • Ethics and morals at the heart of Jo’s motivations for starting the business
    • How Kite grew organically from humble beginnings without rigid long-term planning
    • The importance of flexibility, family involvement, and creating an environment that allows for personal growth and work-life balance
    • Jo’s father's entrepreneurial background and influence on her career path

    Kite Clothing

    https://www.kite-clothing.co.uk/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/kite-clothing/

    Jo Spragg

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-spragg-04210614/

    Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
    Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

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    40 mins
  • Growing Together: Collaborating With Your Kin with Charlie and Henrietta Tomlinson #113
    Jun 18 2025

    When picking a fellow business to partner up with, it’s rare to find collaboration with kin, but that’s the exciting reality for sisters Charlie and Henrietta Tomlinson…

    Wild & Seek has recently opened its doors neighbouring Wild Root, and the two businesses represent a coming together which truly proves the power of these siblings’ relationship.

    Discover how such a surprise setup came to be, and where the sisters hope to be thriving in the years to come, on It Runs In The Family!

    This episode covers:

    • How two sisters have created complementary businesses showcasing the effect of family collaboration in a unique way
    • Creating a business based around wellness and providing nurturing spaces for children and families
    • Overcoming challenges working together, and putting the sisters’ relationship above all else
    • Wild Root and Wild & Seek’s ambitious growth plans together

    Charlie Tomlinson

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-tomlinson-548680169/

    Henrietta Tomlinson

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-tomlinson-899305101/

    Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
    Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

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    45 mins
  • Spinning Success from a Spark with Woolcool’s Angela and Josie Morris #112
    Jun 4 2025

    From a simple idea for wool-insulated packaging, the revolutionary Woolcool was born…

    Two decades after that creative spark, Angela Morris and her daughter Josie head up a brand which puts people, purpose and the planet at the heart of everything they do.

    The story behind their growth, and what’s next for such an innovative family firm, is an extraordinary joy to share as we dive deep into the world of Woolcool on It Runs In The Family.

    This episode covers:

    • Navigating roles, communication, and mutual respect across generations
    • Woolcool’s roots in sustainable innovation
    • The importance of preserving core business values while allowing for evolution
    • Creative problem solving at the heart of Woolcool’s future

    Angela Morris

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamorriswoolcool/

    Josie Morris MBE

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-morris-mbe-354b5b57/

    Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
    Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

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    1 hr and 14 mins
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