Podcast: Focusivity & Enterprise Nation

valeriellinkedin
Aug 18
3 min read

Woman smiling against an orange background featuring text: "The Small Business Podcast, Valerie Lothian on Financial Stress Relief." Timer shows 38:37.

'Finding Financial Stress Relief' with Valerie Lothian of Focusivity by Aaron Asadi of Enterprise Nation

As the Founder of Focusivity, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, the UK’s leading small business support platform. We delved into the overlooked and critical role of financial stress relief and communication in building resilient businesses, business leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals.

I shared Focusivity's inception and unique service around money, growth, and decision-making: “Now it’s evolved to providing financial stress relief to individuals and businesses that have anxiety and stress over managing and increasing their finances.” ~ Valerie Lothian, Founder.

A few Highlights from the Podcast

In conversation with Aaron, we unpacked key themes such as:

Financial Communication as a Superpower

I shared how clear storytelling - whether to investors, stakeholders, or colleagues, boosts credibility and trust. It can turn complex numbers into meaningful narratives that drive engagement / financial success.

Identifying Hidden Blockages

Often, financial challenges are rooted in mindset constraints. It is the importance of reflecting: what assumptions or fears are holding you back? Finding and addressing them is the first leap toward real progress.

Building Resilience Through Support Networks

Knowing who they are, what they do and how they provide financial support can be transformative.

Key Takeaways of Financial Stress Among UK Employees

Hit on Productivity and Mental Wellbeing ~ About 29% of the UK workforce (approx. 8.2 million people) report that financial worries, mainly due to the cost-of-living crisis, have negatively impacted their productivity at work this year. [Unum Group]

Distraction and Focus Challenges ~ 25% of UK workers said debt concerns have impacted their workplace performance. [Workplace Journal]

Daily Impact on Focus and Sleep ~ 45% of workers lose sleep due to financial worries; 59% say these concerns prevent them from performing at their best; 18 million working hours are lost annually in the UK due to financial stress. [Fincap]

Absenteeism & Presenteeism ~ The broader economic cost of reduced productivity is at £10.3 billion annually, with 12% of private sector workers missing work due to financial worries (averaging 4.7 days absent); nearly a quarter acknowledge reduced productivity due to money stress. [DS Howell]

Employee Retention and Morale ~ A striking 78% of employees would consider quitting for an employer that prioritises financial wellbeing; 69% who receive such support feel more positive toward their employer and are 52% more likely to stay longer. [The HR Director]

Working Parents Under Pressure ~ 73% of employers express concern about how financial stress is affecting working parents’ mental wellbeing, given the high costs of raising children, inflation, and economic uncertainty. [[Workplace Journal]

Why Financial Stress Relief Matters

For business owners, their stress is often magnified and tied not only to their own livelihood, but also to their employees, clients, and future growth. Employers are encouraged to introduce Financial education and literacy initiatives i.e. workshops, online resources to empower employees to manage budgets, savings, planning and much more.

Holistic Approach: Since 2004, Focusivity has specialised into transforming how people relate to money, easing financial strain and fostering clarity, confidence, and communicative strength.

Beyond Numbers: Financial stress isn't simply about managing budgets or spreadsheets, it’s deeply entrenched in addressing the unseen emotional side of money. It can paralyse decision-making, strain relationships, and can hold leaders and entrepreneurs back by dimming their vision for growth.

That's why Focusivity's work focuses on addressing the mindset and mechanics of financial stability.

Why This Podcast Relates to You

This isn’t just about crunching numbers. With Enterprise Nation’s platform, we are reaching a community committed to growth and transformation. This collaboration amplifies the message that financial clarity and emotional wellbeing aren't luxuries ~ they’re foundational to lasting success.

If you're navigating financial overwhelm, running a business, or wondering how mindset intersects with money, the podcast is a great place to begin. Tune in, get inspired, and realise that transformation is possible when you adopt the right tools with the right support.

It was fantastic to have received the following statement:

“It’s just been lovely, Valerie. Carry on doing what you’re doing. Exceptional person! I love the financial stress relief kind of combination. Good luck with it and we will stay in touch.”

~ Aaron Asadi, CEO ~ Enterprise Nation.

Such encouragement from Aaron was a reminder of the growing demand for my unique financial stress relief service.

If you are someone who is curious about transforming your financial mindset, let's move from strain to strategy, confusion to clarity and stress to strength.