What’s it really like to build a successful agency while handling the pressure of leadership and mental health?

Tom Jauncey, co-owner of Nautilus Marketing, didn’t follow the traditional path. He started freelancing at 16, turned a side hustle into a thriving agency, and learned firsthand that success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about people, culture, and well-being.

In this episode, Tom gets real about the highs and lows of running a business. He opens up about the mental toll of leadership, why therapy became a game-changer, and how he’s built a company that actually supports its employees.

From hiring the right team to navigating the fast-changing world of marketing, he breaks down what worked, what hasn’t, and what he wishes he knew earlier.

If you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or just trying to grow without burning out, this one’s for you.

Episode Topics:

00:00 - 01:41 Introduction

01:42 - 03:15: How Tom got started in business at 16

03:15 - 07:50: Challenges of starting a business from scratch

07:50 - 12:40: Turning passion into a profitable business

12:40 - 17:25: Creating a company culture that feels like family

17:25 - 21:55: Why mental health matters in entrepreneurship

21:55 - 26:30: Bouncing back from setbacks and failures

26:30 - 30:45: The hardest and most rewarding parts of running an agency

30:45 - 34:10: The different ways to build a career without a degree

34:10 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

🔗 CONNECT WITH Tom

👥 tom@nautilusmarketing.co.uk

💻 https://nautilusmarketing.co.uk/
🎧 https://nautinerds.com/

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What really goes on behind the scenes of link building?

In this episode, Alejandro Meyerhans, the mind behind Get Me Links, reveals the truth about link building: the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and what actually works in SEO today.

He shares his journey from client to leader, breaking down the real strategies that drive results while avoiding risky shortcuts.

Beyond SEO, Alejandro dives into leadership, sales, and the power of clear communication in the digital marketing space.

He also shares why staying humble, building strong relationships, and constantly learning are essential for success.

If you’re in SEO, affiliate marketing, or online business, this episode is packed with insider knowledge and actionable insights you don’t want to miss.

Let’s get into it!

🔗 CONNECT WITH ALEX MEYERHANS

👥 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmeyerhans/

💻 https://getmelinks.com/

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How does a copywriter become a marketing agency leader and a fractional CMO?

In this episode, Kathryn Strachan, a fractional CMO, talks about her path from copywriter to marketing professional.

She explains her methods for building a marketing plan that works well for startup founders.

If you are looking to gather funds and help your startup grow this year, listen as she discusses overcoming self-doubt, setting up a clear marketing plan, and understanding your audience.

Kathryn also shares tips on keeping your marketing steady, taking feedback seriously, and supporting new talent while handling several clients, all while maintaining a healthy work- life balance.

This episode has simple, smart tips for marketers, business owners, or anyone looking to grow!

SO, let’s get into the episode now!

Episode Topics:

00:00 - 03:10: How Kathryn became a Fractional CMO
03:10 - 05:35: Managing overload in new roles
05:35 - 07:05: Planning your marketing approach
07:05 - 09:02: Why steady marketing works
09:02 - 10:41: Common marketing errors
10:41 - 13:38: Knowing your audience
13:38 - 15:05: Marketing for SaaS explained
15:05 - 17:43: How feedback helps improve
17:43 - 19:19: Building a strong network
19:19 - 22:45: Why investing in junior talent pays off
22:45 - 25:08: Managing multiple clients
25:08 - 26:30: Advice for Future CMOs

🔗 CONNECT WITH KATHRYN STRACHAN:

👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-strachan/
🎧 Her Podcast Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/68ivLxoRC75Ju4c8SzpHTh?si=369402f1efb74e52

Check out Kathryn’s new book: https://amzn.eu/d/4wgVjTY

ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show!

https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6

Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO:

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