Why do we keep buying Starbucks, even when we know the controversies? In this episode, we dig into the story of the coffee giant that has become both a symbol of convenience and a lightning rod for criticism. Founded in 1971, Starbucks is often celebrated for its values and branding, but its practices tell a more complicated story.

We explore the company’s public image versus its reality, touching on issues like human rights concerns, environmental impact, and supply chain challenges. From accusations of low wages for coffee farmers to union-busting and even reports of child labour, Starbucks faces ongoing scrutiny despite its efforts to improve. With 38,000 stores worldwide and a massive footprint in North America and Asia, the question remains: can a corporation this size truly balance profit with ethical responsibility?

As we unpack the concept of the "triple bottom line" - people, planet, and profit - we discuss the challenges big companies face in aligning their business practices with their public commitments. It’s a conversation about the tension between doing good and delivering shareholder value and what it means for us as consumers. So, grab your brew (maybe not Starbucks this time) and join us for an honest look at the coffee culture we love - and love to question.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

What if Wilson wasn’t sent by FedEx? We take a deep dive into the fascinating story of how this logistics giant reshaped overnight delivery. Together, we explore Fred Smith’s bold vision to create a reliable service for time-sensitive shipments, from critical business documents to life-saving medical transplants.

We talk about the company’s strategic moves in the 1980s, its innovative investments in technology, and the uphill battle of convincing people why fast delivery mattered. FedEx’s journey shows us how resilience, adaptability, and even failure can lead to game-changing success.

Join us as we unpack the lessons, surprises, and “what ifs” behind one of the most iconic logistics companies in the world. Let’s explore how FedEx has shaped the way we send, receive, and think about time-sensitive deliveries. Tune in for an episode full of inspiration and insight!

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

The Dalkon Shield IUD was introduced in the 1970s with the promise of revolutionising contraception, but its story serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when innovation outpaces responsibility. Designed by Dr. Hugh Davis and marketed by A.H. Robbins, the device’s peculiar shape, resembling a beetle might have seemed like a stroke of medical ingenuity, but the reality was far from reassuring.

This tragic chapter in medical history teaches us some hard lessons. First, the absolute necessity of rigorous clinical testing before any product hits the market. The consequences of cutting corners in the development and testing phases can have lifelong repercussions for patients. Second, the critical role of corporate responsibility in safeguarding public health - profit cannot come before safety. And finally, the importance of informed consent. Patients must be given a complete and honest picture of potential risks to make truly informed decisions about their health.

The Dalkon Shield story isn’t just about a faulty product; it’s a cautionary tale about trust, ethics, and the impact of decisions made in boardrooms on real lives. It reminds us to question, to demand accountability, and to advocate for transparency in every aspect of healthcare and beyond.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.