Shaping The North East

A SZN Media Ltd. podcast that explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the regions next chapter. Showcasing creativity and ingenuity and shouting about what the regions successes really look like.

Shaping The North East is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 58 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Shaping The North East, a business show with 58 episodes published.

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  Episode #58

  From Passion to Community in Aberdeen | Chris & Edina

  Sep 28, 202651 min

  What happens when a passion for retro toys, video games and collecting becomes something much bigger than a business? In this episode of Shaping the North East (sponsored by Utopia Body Arts in Aberdeen), Chris sits down with Chris and Edina, the founders of "Vintage Toys & Collectables" and "Video Games Aberdeen", to talk about their journey from being out of work during the pandemic to creating two businesses that have become part of Aberdeen's growing retro, gaming and collecting community. We talk about where the idea came from, the challenges of starting a business during such an uncertain period, and how their passion for everything from vintage wrestling figures and 80s cartoon memorabilia to Pokémon and video games helped them build something that people in Aberdeen have genuinely rallied behind. But this conversation is about more than collecting. We also explore the importance of community, trust and shared interests, and how creating a welcoming space for people with similar passions has become such an important part of what they do. It's a story about entrepreneurship, taking an opportunity when circumstances change, and turning a personal passion into something that connects people across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. Find out more about Chris, Edina and their businesses: Vintage Toys & Collectables: https://www.facebook.com/vintagetoyandcollectablesaberdeen/ https://www.instagram.com/vintagetoysandcollectablesabz/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCB8ij0xAU21pwfPcJlD9p4w https://www.tiktok.com/@retroconsolestoys Video Games Aberdeen: https://www.facebook.com/p/Video-Games-Aberdeen-61583396473338/ https://www.instagram.com/videogamesaberdeen/ ️ Listen to more episodes of Shaping the North East: https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/ Check out our Sponsor: https://www.utopiabodyarts.com https://www.instagram.com/utopiabodyarts/ https://www.facebook.com/utopiabodyarts/ Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter, from entrepreneurs and creatives to community builders, businesses and organisations making a difference across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. If you're enjoying the series, subscribe, follow and share the episode to help us continue showcasing the people and stories shaping our region. #ShapingTheNorthEast #Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #VintageToys #Collectables #RetroGaming #VideoGamesAberdeen #AberdeenBusiness

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  Episode #57

  From 9–5 to the Stage: Shannon Andrew's Singing Journey | Aberdeen

  Sep 21, 202648 min

  What happens when the life you thought you wanted turns out not to be the life that makes you happy? In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris is joined by Shannon Andrew, an Aberdeen singer and vocalist whose journey has taken her from a decade of corporate 9–5 life to performing across the North East of Scotland. Shannon talks openly about growing up in Aberdeen, following the traditional idea that success meant getting an office job, buying a house and settling into a conventional career, only to realise that it wasn't the right path for her. We explore her decision to leave corporate life behind, her journey of self-discovery and healing, and how a move to Portugal helped her rediscover her love of singing. Since returning to Aberdeen, Shannon has established herself as a performer across venues, events, weddings and celebrations throughout the North East, and has recently been nominated for Breakthrough Artist Of The Year at the Granite City Entertainment Awards. We also talk about finding your own path, the importance of doing something that makes you happy, and what Shannon hopes comes next as she continues to develop her career as a singer and performer in Aberdeen. Cast your votes in the Granite City Entertainment Awards: https://gcea.co.uk Find out more about Shannon Andrew: https://shannonandrewmusic.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/shannonandrewmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076836804993&locale=en_GB# Find Shaping the North East: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510 https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/ https://www.sznmedialtd.co.uk Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region’s next chapter. From entrepreneurs and creatives to businesses, community projects and the people working to make a difference, each episode tells the stories behind the people and ideas shaping the North East of Scotland.

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  Episode #56

  Doing Business Differently in Aberdeen | Maya Vertigans (Planner Bee)

  Sep 14, 202638 min

  What does it mean to build a business around the way you actually want to work? In this episode of Shaping the North East, Chris is joined by Maya Vertigans, founder of Planner Bee V.A Services, an Aberdeen-based virtual assistant business built around a remote-first approach to work. Maya shares the story behind starting Planner Bee, her ambition to become an entrepreneur and the process of creating a business from the ground up. We talk about what it takes to move away from the traditional 9–5 working environment and create something that better reflects your own values, personality and ambitions. We also explore Maya’s passion for ethical and sustainable business practices, why Planner Bee has deliberately chosen to operate remotely rather than from a physical office, and the advantages (and challenges) that come with running a modern virtual assistant business. Our conversation also takes a more personal turn as Maya talks about her own journey of self-discovery. From attending university in a big city to realising that she may be more introverted than she once thought, we discuss how understanding yourself can influence the way you work, the businesses you create and the life you want to build around them. And, of course, we look ahead. Maya talks about the future of Planner Bee V.A Services, her ambitions for growing the business and what comes next as she continues to shape her own path as an entrepreneur in Aberdeen. Find out more about Planner Bee V.A Services: https://plannerbeeva.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/plannerbeeva https://www.facebook.com/plannerbeeva https://www.linkedin.com/company/planner-bee-va/ Connect with Maya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-vertigans/ Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region’s next chapter. From entrepreneurs and creatives to businesses, community projects and the people working to make a difference, each episode tells the stories behind the people and ideas shaping the North East of Scotland.

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  Episode #55

  Building Aberdeen's First Alcohol-Free Bar | Kate Kenyon (SOBR)

  Sep 7, 202647 min

  Kate Kenyon joins Shaping the North East to discuss the story behind SOBR, Aberdeen's first completely alcohol-free bar, and what it takes to build a business around a very different approach to the traditional bar experience. In this episode, we explore how the idea for SOBR came about, the challenges of launching a new concept in Aberdeen, and the reaction the business received when people questioned whether an alcohol-free bar could really work. Kate also shares the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up, the importance of creating a welcoming space for people, and her commitment to supporting those who may be facing their own struggles. We also discuss SOBR's growing success, recent award nominations, their first festival appearance, and Kate's ambitions to take the concept beyond Aberdeen. Could SOBR become a model for a new generation of alcohol-free venues across Scotland? Follow SOBR: https://www.sobrbar.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/sobr_bar/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582519197435 https://www.tiktok.com/@sobrbaraberdeen Follow Shaping the North East: https://sznmedialtd.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510 www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/ Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland. #Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #AlcoholFree #SOBR #AberdeenBusiness #ScottishBusiness #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #AlcoholFreeBar #Scotland

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  Episode #54

  Building a Career on Her Own Terms in Aberdeen | Gia Watson

  Aug 31, 202646 min

  Gia Watson joins Shaping the North East to discuss her journey from leaving the traditional 9–5 behind to building a career on her own terms in Aberdeen. A self-employed barber and occasional content creator, Gia has taken a very different path to the one she originally imagined. In this episode, we explore how she got started in barbering, the realities of becoming self-employed, her experience of offering non-gendered haircuts, and why the freedom of working for herself has opened up new possibilities for the future. We also talk about Gia's journey through bodybuilding and fitness, why her relationship with fitness is changing, and her decision to focus more on health and happiness rather than simply chasing physical goals. From wanting to travel and see more of the world to growing her presence on social media and figuring out what her next chapter looks like, this is a conversation about career changes, independence and finding your own direction. Follow Gia Watson: https://www.instagram.com/thethirdchair_gia/ Book an appointment with Gia: https://www.fresha.com/a/gia-aberdeen-398-george-street-zhfei7wh/booking Follow Shaping the North East: https://sznmedialtd.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/sznmedialtd/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588320118510 www.linkedin.com/company/szn-media-ltd/ Shaping the North East explores the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter through conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, community leaders and innovators from across the North East of Scotland. #Aberdeen #NorthEastScotland #AberdeenBusiness #SelfEmployment #FemaleEntrepreneur #Barber #AberdeenBarber #Fitness #Bodybuilding #Podcast

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