12. Bethany Ainsley, Dale Smith, John Duns

A Cast of Entrepreneurs

Oct 26 2023 • 52 mins

For the final episode of series one of A Cast of Entrepreneurs, we have three more outstanding North East entrepreneurs giving us real insight into their lives and businesses.

Hosts Elaine Stroud, Chief Executive of The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, and Sally Cowling, Head of Marketing, are joined by:

Bethany Ainsley, CEO & Founder at OptiMe. A qualified Corporate Wellbeing Specialist, Bethany is dedicated to improving wellbeing in the workplace. With OptiMe, she helps businesses create work environments where individuals can flourish and unleash their true potential. The OptiMe app and platform integrates advanced technology, data analytics and personalised experiences to deliver tailored wellbeing solutions. Bethany is also Chair at Nuvo Wellbeing and ActivCare, and a best-selling author.

Dale Smith, Founder & CEO at The SDDE Smith Group. Dale leads a group of companies that provide end-to-end real estate solutions, including property consultancy, legal services, architectural and interior design, construction, and ongoing management for commercial, residential and holiday home properties. Dale’s background includes sporting success – he was the England Under-18 Golf captain and achieved a golfing scholarship at the University of San Diego.

John Duns, Director and Joint Owner at North East Times Magazine, a leading regional business publication. Born and bred in the North East, John specialises in business development, marketing, and advertising. Previously, he’s held a variety of positions with companies from our region, including Business Development Director at Brewin Dolphin. He’s now passionate about celebrating and promoting the people and businesses in the North East.

On this episode, the cast share more about their youth and early influences, their journeys into entrepreneurship, role models and support networks, how the business landscape has changed over time, the importance of prioritising wellbeing, and share top tips for budding entrepreneurs.

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Get involved with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum: https://entrepreneursforum.net/

Connect with Bethany: www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyainsley/

Connect with Dale: www.linkedin.com/in/dalesmithpvl/

Connect with John: www.linkedin.com/in/john-duns-0396891a/?originalSubdomain=uk