From Bedroom Startup to Multi-Million Exit | Full Circle Podcast w/ Mike Scott

What does it really take to build a leading digital agency from scratch—and then sell it for life-changing money? In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, Mike Scott shares the rollercoaster journey of founding Hydrogen, scaling it into Scotland’s largest social media agency, and navigating the pressures, pitfalls, and payoffs of selling the business.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

✅ How Mike spotted a gap in the digital space and launched Hydrogen

✅ The strategic moves that helped land clients like SSE & Highland Park

✅ Raw truths about bootstrapping, burnout, and breakthrough moments

✅ The emotional and financial highs and lows of selling a business

✅ Where social media and AI are taking brand building next

🔥 If you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, this episode is packed with real-world insights on startup grit, leadership, digital disruption, and life after exit.

📌 Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: From Redundancy to Reinvention

03:45 - Spotting the Social Media Gap in 2015

07:20 - Hydrogen’s First Client & Strategic Focus

12:10 - Scaling Smart: Cash Flow & Client Wins

18:30 - Building a Sellable Business

25:50 - Navigating the Sale: Numbers, Red Lines & Relief

33:15 - Post-Exit Life & Leadership Reflection

39:00 - Social Media as the New Search Engine

44:45 - TikTok for Big Brands & B2B?

49:30 - The AI Disruption: Who Wins, Who Loses?

56:10 - Advice for Founders Looking to Exit

💬 What part of Mike’s journey did you relate to most? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your story!

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & hit the NOTIFICATION BELL for more deep-dive founder stories and expert insights!

🔗 Follow Us for More:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podfullcircle/

🐦 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-quinn

📘 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/podfullcircle?fbclid

📺 Bite Sized Full Circle Podcast Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilqLoMMpBBmgruofR-6dWTa

📺 Full Circle Podcast Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilTivBI93lGPmY8Uz2DuisD

#startupjourney #socialmediaagency #digitalmarketing #founderstory #hydrogenscotland #fullcirclepodcast #marketingstrategy #businesspodcast #aiandmarketing #entrepreneurmindset

What if the future of work isn’t a 9-to-5 job but a flexible gig that empowers both companies and individuals? In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, we dive deep with Rich Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Gigged.AI, to uncover how his platform is transforming digital talent management and why the gig economy is just getting started.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

✅ The real story behind Gigged.AI’s dual talent marketplace

✅ How enterprises are leveraging internal and external digital talent

✅ Why the gig economy is the future of work

✅ The truth about burnout, mental health, and founder resilience

✅ How AI and data are shaping tomorrow’s workforce

🔥 Whether you’re a tech leader, entrepreneur, or just curious about how the workforce is evolving, this episode delivers expert insights, startup war stories, and bold predictions you won’t hear anywhere else!

📌 Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: What is Gigged.AI?

02:20 - Solving Enterprise Skill Gaps

06:15 - The Rise of the Tech Gig Economy

12:40 - AI, Automation & Future-Proofing Talent

18:30 - Building Through Burnout: A Founder’s Story

26:00 - Raising Capital & Startup Growth Challenges

32:45 - The Power of Focus and Simplicity in Business

38:00 - What’s Next for Gigged.AI?

💬 Ever worked in a gig or considered leaving the 9-to-5 grind? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your story!

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & hit the NOTIFICATION BELL for more visionary founder journeys and in-depth tech breakdowns!

🔗 Follow Us for More:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podfullcircle/

🐦 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-quinn

📘 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/podfullcircle?fbclid

🔗 Learn More About Rich & Gigged.AI:

🌐 Gigged.AI: https://gigged.ai

💼 Rich Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlwilson/

📺 Startup & Innovation Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilqLoMMpBBmgruofR-6dWTa

📺 Full Circle Podcast Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilTivBI93lGPmY8Uz2DuisD

#GiggedAI #FutureOfWork #FullCirclePodcast #GigEconomy #StartupLife #DigitalTransformation #AIinBusiness #BurnoutRecovery #TechInnovation

Danny Quinn sits down with Brian Hyslop—fighter, coach, and founder of the Fortified Man programme—to explore how overcoming adversity, addiction, and prison forged a life of faith, discipline and self‑development. Discover Brian’s blueprint for mental fortitude, routines that transform, and the power of community and technology in personal growth.

🧠 Topics Covered:

✅ Brian’s journey through hardship: prison, substance abuse & redemption

✅ The Fortified Man programme: discipline, purpose & routines

✅ Gratitude as a daily practice for mental strength

✅ Martial arts, situational awareness & confidence building

✅ The role of AI and tech in supporting mindset & growth

💡 Real‑Life Impact:

🔹 How structured routines maximise productivity & well‑being

🔹 Gratitude exercises to cultivate a positive mindset

🔹 Martial arts drills for resilience & situational awareness

🔹 Building supportive communities & strong role models

🔹 Leveraging AI tools for self‑improvement & habit tracking

👉 So, how can YOU benefit? Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical strategies to overcome setbacks, or fresh ideas on masculinity, this episode will equip you with actionable advice to fortify your life and purpose.

🔥 Don’t miss out! Strengthen your mind, body and community—tune in now! 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your go‑to routine for building resilience? Share your experiences and tips in the comments! ⬇️ 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated If you crave insightful discussions on mindset, self‑development and the future of strength, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss an episode! 🔔 🎧 Listen to the Full Circle Podcast on: 📌 YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts 🔗 Follow Us for More: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podfullcircle/ 🐦 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-quinn 📘 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/podfullcircle 📺 Bite‑Sized Full Circle Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilqLoMMpBBmgruofR-6dWTa 📺 Full Circle Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilTivBI93lGPmY8Uz2DuisD #Resilience #MentalFortitude #SelfDevelopment #MensHealth #FortifiedMan #BrianHyslop #FullCirclePodcast

Join us in this expansive episode of the Full Circle Podcast where we explore two seemingly disparate yet deeply transformative topics: the revolutionary impact of AI on our society and the personal discipline of prolonged fasting. Our conversation kicks off with insights into how AI is reshaping industries—from reimagining business processes and navigating global regulations to disrupting education and marketing. We then pivot to a fascinating discussion on fasting, where our guest shares his personal journey with extreme fasting, the science behind breaking a fast, and the benefits of resetting both body and mind. 🔥 In This Episode, We Discuss: ✅ How AI is set to drive the next industrial revolution by fundamentally transforming business processes ✅ The challenges and opportunities of regulating AI on a global scale while ensuring human rights are respected ✅ The evolution of digital marketing and the role of open source in democratizing technology ✅ The future of education as AI devalues traditional knowledge and promotes personalised learning ✅ The personal discipline of prolonged fasting: benefits, practical tips, and the importance of a proper refeeding regime ✅ How intermittent fasting and extreme fasting can reset your body and clear your mind for a fresh start 💬 What do you think? How will AI and new health practices shape our future? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🚀 Don’t Forget to Subscribe! 🔔 Hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode of the Full Circle Podcast! 👍 Like & share this video if you found these insights inspiring. 🎧 Listen to the Full Circle Podcast on: 📌 YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts 🔗 Follow Us for More: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podfullcircle/ 🐦 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-quinn 📘 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/podfullcircle?fbclid 📺 Bite Sized Full Circle Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilqLoMMpBBmgruofR-6dWTa 📺 Full Circle Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-tUo8HkS2ilTivBI93lGPmY8Uz2DuisD #FullCirclePodcast #AIRevolution #Innovation #Fasting #HealthReset #DigitalTransformation #PersonalDiscipline #FutureOfEducation

Welcome back to the Full Circle Podcast. In this exciting episode, our host Danny catches up with a seasoned Jesse Hyrox athlete who shares his hard-earned insights and tips for excelling at Hyrox events. With Hyrox Glasgow just five weeks away, they dive into essential race preparation strategies, covering everything from training regimens and recovery protocols to race day nutrition and event execution. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned competitor looking to shave seconds off your personal best, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Our guest draws from his experiences, including past injuries and recovery enhancements, to provide a comprehensive guide to tackling the Hyrox race. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical tips and personal anecdotes that will help you conquer your next Hyrox challenge with confidence. Tune in now to get the edge in your training and race strategy!

In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, host Danny sits down with Ricky Nicol, the founder of Commsworld, a leading and disruptive network business in the UK. From its humble beginnings in 1994, Comms World has grown exponentially, overcoming challenges and leveraging innovative solutions to become a major player in the telecom industry. Ricky shares his journey, discussing his early days in telecoms starting back in 1978, the formation and growth of Comms World with his co-founder Dave McKenzie, and the pivotal moments that shaped the company's trajectory. We dive into the evolution of Comms World, exploring significant milestones such as their strategic partnerships, investments, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Ricky also opens up about personal challenges, including his battle with cancer, and how these experiences have influenced his approach to business and life. The conversation illuminates the importance of vision, adaptability, and resilience in driving success both professionally and personally. Join us for an inspiring and insightful discussion about the highs and lows of building a tech business from the ground up, the future of telecoms, and Ricky's outlook on emerging trends like AI. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamic world of telecommunications.

Welcome to another episode of the Full Circle Podcast! This time, we're excited to bring you a special collaboration with HPE live from London.

Our host, Danny, sits down with the remarkable Xavier, whose journey from his early years in Ivory Coast to becoming a prominent leader in the tech industry is nothing short of inspiring. Xavier delves into his diverse background, sharing how his experiences in Africa and later business school in Paris shaped his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

He recounts the highs and lows of founding six companies and how a pivotal shift to a career in IT sales marked a new chapter in his life. This episode takes us through Xavier's remarkable tenure HPE, where he has been instrumental in driving innovation, building successful teams, and executing go-to-market strategies, particularly in the new era of service providers.

We'll also explore HPE’s unique approach to working with service providers, the critical role of AI in today's market dynamics, and the evolution of sales in the tech industry. Listen in as Xavier shares his insights on team building, the importance of diversity, talent management, and the impact of global trends like sovereignty and regulation on the tech landscape. Stay tuned for a rich and insightful conversation that highlights the strategic shifts empowering service providers and fostering innovation in the world of technology.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Catriona Campbell MBE, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at EY. Catriona shares her fascinating journey from founding Seren in 2001, now one of the leading digital agencies in the world, to becoming an authority in AI policy as chair of the Scottish AI Alliance. She provides a detailed overview of her career, including her key roles at Barclays where she helped build the first online bank in the UK, and at GE, where she pioneered web-enabled services. Katrina also discusses the intricacies of building and scaling her company, EY Seren, and recounts the challenges of securing VC funding as a solo female entrepreneur. The episode concludes with valuable advice for organisations on leveraging AI and data for effective business transformation. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and first-hand experiences in digital transformation, AI implementation, and the evolution of technology in business. Brought to you by Ascendo Digital.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 02:08 Early Life and Education 03:16 First Steps in Technology 04:25 Building the First Online Bank 05:08 Challenges and Successes at Barclays 11:06 Transition to GE and the Birth of CERN 16:30 Overcoming Funding Challenges 19:49 Early Successes and Growth 22:25 Navigating Market Turmoil 24:01 Expansion and Major Projects 25:53 Exit Strategy and Acquisition by EY 30:51 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 33:00 Understanding Share Structures and Business Growth 33:29 The Importance of Enjoying the Journey 34:10 Learning from Mistakes: Missed Opportunities 36:38 The AI Revolution: Hype vs. Reality 37:41 The Evolution of Technology: From Internet to AI 39:28 Productizing AI: The Key to Usability 43:47 The Disruption of Knowledge Work by AI 44:33 Investing in Technology and Talent 58:28 The Role of Data in AI Implementation 01:01:33 Advice for Small and Medium Enterprises 01:04:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts