Episode Details

This week I’m joined by author, illustrator and entrepreneur Hannah Russell.

Many people will know Hannah through Little Alf, the miniature Shetland pony who first inspired a series of children’s books that went on to become bestsellers. What began as a blog written during recovery from a serious back injury has grown into a career spanning 20 published books, a thriving creative business and a loyal community of readers.

But this conversation goes far beyond books.

Hannah shares the twists and turns of a career that has evolved through opportunity, challenge and a willingness to keep trying new things. We talk about the confidence it takes to put yourself out there, the lessons learned from navigating cancer at a young age, and why sometimes the bravest thing we can do is return to the work that feels most like home.

Together we explore:

* Building a business from a passion rather than a plan

* How Little Alf changed the course of Hannah’s life

* The role animals played during recovery and treatment

* Why every chapter of your career teaches you something useful

* Learning to say no after saying yes too often

* The challenge of confidence, even after success

* Finding your way back to the work that lights you up

* The importance of community, connection and word of mouth

One of the things I loved most about this conversation was Hannah’s honesty. Despite publishing 20 books and building a substantial following, she openly admits that confidence doesn’t always come naturally. It’s a reminder that many of the people we admire are simply feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

For anyone wondering whether it’s too late, too difficult or too risky to follow something they genuinely care about, Hannah’s story is a wonderful reminder that the most meaningful journeys often begin with a single step and a willingness to keep going.

You can find Hannah here and here and look out for her new book for 2026!

Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business.