#335. Ideas Fest Founder & Glastonbury for Business - Frankie James

In this episode, Frankie James shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her role as the founder of Ideas Forums, which produces notable events including the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and Ideas Fest. Frankie explains how Ideas Fest is akin to a 'Glastonbury for business', offering an engaging festival-style environment for entrepreneurs. She elaborates on the challenges of organizing large-scale events, particularly during and after the pandemic, where maintaining community support became crucial.

The conversation touches upon the success of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, which has evolved significantly since its inception in 2012 due to increased media coverage and the public’s growing interest in entrepreneurship. Frankie shares insights on her partnership with her father to start the awards and how it grew from receiving hundreds of applications to thousands.

Frankie emphasizes the significance of authenticity in award ceremonies, voicing her concerns about the typical "pay-to-play" model prevalent in many business awards. Instead, she focuses on creating a genuine community where entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and grow, often attributing much of the event's success to its supportive network of past winners and mentors. The episode culminates in an exploration of Frankie's ambitious future plans for a physical space dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity among young entrepreneurs, backed by strategic investment from Nick Richard. Meanwhile, she candidly addresses her personal journey toward health and wellness, as well as the balance between ambition and happiness in both her personal and professional life.