Each episode features a dynamic, rotating panel of entrepreneurs and experts who engage in lively and honest discussions about the real challenges faced by SMEs today.
- Vodafone Business launches new social-first content series produced by Diary Of A CEO host and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett’s FlightStory Studio.
- The series marks a significant shift in Vodafone Business’ media planning strategy – moving towards an always-on, social-first content strategy.
Following the recent news that business.connected is now Vodafone Business’s leading programme for digital transformation among small businesses, the company is unveiling a brand-new social-first video series.
This initiative is purpose built to reach small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) where they are most active, delivering hands-on advice and inspiration through engaging, easily digestible formats that today’s entrepreneurs find most relatable.
Vodafone Business has joined forces with Diary of a CEO host and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett’s FlightStory Studio to unveil the dynamic new social-first video series. This initiative is designed to inspire, support, and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs throughout the UK.
Why Vodafone Business is reaching SMEs through social-first storytelling - not just podcasts
A core goal of the programme is both ambitious and urgent: to digitally upskill one million UK SMEs by the end of 2025.
As part of Vodafone’s broader business.connected initiative, which aims to equip one million SMEs with new skills by the end of 2025, this innovative series adopts a fresh approach. Each episode features a dynamic, rotating panel of entrepreneurs and experts who engage in lively and honest discussions about the real challenges faced by SMEs today. Importantly, they share experiences, tips, and actionable insights on navigating digital opportunities and change.
The series also marks a significant shift in Vodafone Business’ media planning strategy – moving to an always-on, social-first model. Tailored to engage SMEs across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, the series focuses on concise videos, mobile-friendly storytelling, and high relevance to the audience.
Maria Koutsoudakis, Brand Director, VodafoneThree, said: “As The Nation’s Network, we’re dedicated to finding fresh, innovative ways to engage with entrepreneurs across the country. That’s why we are delighted to collaborate with FlightStory Studio on this ground-breaking video content series designed specifically for the entrepreneurial community.”
“We understand the many that demands small business owners juggle daily and have crafted this series to engage them during their everyday digital moments – offering a space to feel acknowledged, supported, and inspired.
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“By adopting a panel format with guests rotating episodically, we offer a variety of perspectives and experiences. This approach ensures the content remains honest, practical, and relatable.
“Often, the most valuable lessons come from those actively navigating the challenges daily, and we are thrilled to provide them with a platform to share their unique journeys and inspire the next wave of aspiring business owners.”
Christiana Brenton, CRO and Co-Founder, FlightStory Studio, said: “This partnership with Vodafone Business is unlike anything we’ve done before and that’s exactly why it’s so exciting. It represents the first time we’ve opened up our proprietary FlightStory blueprint – the very same tools, methodologies, and experimentation engine that powers The Diary Of A CEO – to an external partner.
“Together, we’re removing the editorial guesswork and giving Vodafone Business access to a system designed to pre-test and optimise everything from content themes to promotional hooks, all in the name of earning attention and building real connection.
“With Steven serving as Vodafone’s Digital SOS ambassador in 2024, this partnership is underpinned by real alignment in mission and mindset. At its core, it’s about helping more entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and less alone – and we’re proud to help Vodafone Business become the go-to network for the nation’s SMEs.”
Episodes will be developed in collaboration with FlightStory’s FlightLab testing framework, using experimentation to shape everything from the topics to the visual identity – ensuring the series genuinely resonates with its audience. Topics are based on real concerns voiced by UK entrepreneurs, with content crafted for maximum relevance and relatability.
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Apex Gym, the passion project of small business owner Amelia Lawes, has received much needed digital strength training from Steven Bartlett and the Vodafone Business V-Hub.
The first four episodes of the series explores topics that matter most to the UK’s entrepreneurial community:
Guests: Marisa Poster (PerfectTed, co-founder), Will Little (Little’s Coffee, founder), Georgia Gibson co-founder, .Tbc)
- Episode 2: AI Tools to work smarter & scale
Guests: Christiana Brenton (FlightStory, co-founder), Kirstie Kavanagh (AI trainer for SMEs), Leo Harrison (Chapter 2, founder)
- Episode 3: How to build an online business
Guests: Raphael Sofoluke (Black Business Show, founder), Nicola Gunby (CLIQ, co-founder), Teddie Levenfiche (PerfectTed, co-founder).
- Episode 4: How to sell online
Guests: Lucy Hitchcock (Partner in Wine, founder), Lorna Bladen (Enterprise Nation, CMO), Giles Atwell (Russell & Atwell, co-founder).
Watch and learn more.
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-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
About FlightStory:
FlightStory is a global media and investment company founded by Steven Bartlett.
FlightStory Studio is a global media and publishing company, focused on developing influential IP and scaling global audiences. It is built on the proprietary methodologies and technology that have driven the global success of the world’s second-biggest interview podcast and the number 1 show in Europe, The Diary Of A CEO (DOAC).
DOAC has 25 million followers, 11+ million YouTube subscribers, 60+ million monthly listens/views, and by 2024 had achieved over 1 billion streams. The show has become a cultural force and continues to grow at pace, adding 300 to 500K YouTube subscribers each month and boasting a 500% compound annual growth rate.
Founded in 2024, FlightStory Studio has successfully launched brand new formats, including We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson and Davina McCall’s Begin Again, both reaching #1 on Spotify and Apple charts. In the same year, DOAC’s commercial value increased by 143% under FlightStory Studio.
FlightStory Studio is also home to FlightStory Books, a publishing venture in partnership with Ebury, a division of Penguin Random House. Reaching global audiences with stories that resonate and inspire action, it is home to Steven Bartlett’s no 1 Sunday Times best-selling book The Diary Of A CEO: The 33 Laws Of Business and Life, the fastest-selling book in its category since records began. Other authors include Guinness World Record-holder Russ Cook, relationship expert Paul C. Brunson, entrepreneur Codie Sanchez, neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart, renowned divorce lawyer James J. Sexton and Whoop’s Global Head of Performance and host of FlightStory Studio’s Science & Soul podcast, Dr Kristen Holmes.
