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It Runs In The Family

It Runs In The Family

By: Liz & Leila Willingham
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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/

© 2026 It Runs In The Family Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Unquestionable Ethics of an Organic Brand with Steenbergs’ Co-Founders, Axel and Sophie Steenberg #136

    The Unquestionable Ethics of an Organic Brand with Steenbergs’ Co-Founders, Axel and Sophie Steenberg #136
    May 20 2026

    When Sophie and Axel Steenberg walked away from corporate life to start an organic spice business, they bet on their values, their patience, and their family.

    Steenbergs is a business grown from a tiny North Yorkshire unit with just two kilos of each spice; now it’s a tried, tested and trusted brand, known for doing the right thing at all costs…

    Sophie and Axel join us to explore the reality of doing business ‘the nicer way’, and how your business’ ethos is a stark reflection of the family who runs it.

    🔑 Key Themes

    • Building a Values-Led, Organic Business
    • Patience and Risk in a Niche Market
    • Preserving Your Ethics Amid Wider Pressures
    • Environmental Responsibility

    🔗 Connect with us

    Steenbergs Website: https://www.steenbergs.co.uk/

    Steenbergs LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steenbergs/

    Steenbergs IG: https://www.instagram.com/steenbergsltd/

    Axel Steenberg LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-steenberg-3209b37/

    Sophie Steenberg LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-steenberg-a475828/

    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/

    Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

    https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • A Living Piece of History: The Headland Cornwall’s Iconic Legacy with Director, Veryan Palmer #135

    A Living Piece of History: The Headland Cornwall’s Iconic Legacy with Director, Veryan Palmer #135
    May 6 2026

    The Headland Cornwall is an unmistakably iconic hotel overlooking Fistral Beach, and the family in charge have their eyes set on the long term…

    Veryan Palmer is the hotel’s director, and has wanted to be a hotelier since the age of 10 - her passion for the building, the team, and the area is second to none.

    Discover a building steeped in history, and learn what it takes to keep it running as more than a hotel, but as a living piece of Cornish history.

    🔑 Key Themes

    • Custodianship and Heritage
    • People, Culture and Team
    • Community Responsibility and the Cornish Visitor Economy
    • Balancing Legacy with Future Growth and Sustainability

    🔗 Connect with us

    • The Headland Cornwall Website: https://www.headlandhotel.co.uk/
    • The Headland Cornwall IG: https://www.instagram.com/theheadlandcornwall/
    • The Headland Cornwall LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-headland/
    • Veryan Palmer LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veryan-palmer-fih-mi-is-a528a115/
    • Veryan Palmer IG: https://www.instagram.com/veryanp/

    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/

    Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

    https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Inside 50 Years of London Glassblowing with Peter and Sophie Layton #134

    Inside 50 Years of London Glassblowing with Peter and Sophie Layton #134
    Apr 22 2026

    The idea that glass can be worked in a small studio, rather than a closed-off factory, was once novel. Thanks to Peter Layton, it’s become an icon of London.

    He discovered studio glass in the US, and has since built one of the UK’s most influential glass studios, thriving for over 50 years and now boasting a site on Bermondsey Street.

    We’re joined by Peter and his daughter, Sophie, who share how family, community and a deep love of craft have kept the fires burning through recessions, big commissions and the handover to the next generation.

    🔑 Key Themes

    • The Craft and “Magic” of Glass
    • Community, Mentorship and Open Studios
    • Resilience and Creativity
    • Succession Planning

    🔗 Connect with us

    • Guest Website: https://londonglassblowing.co.uk/
    • London Glassblowing IG: https://londonglassblowing.co.uk/
    • London Glassblowing LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-glassblowing/
    • Peter Layton LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-layton-7a04996/

    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/

    Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

    https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
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