Episode 39 - Emma talks to David Hieatt - Entrepreneur and Deep Thinker…

So, it was an absolute treat to have an hour with him as part of my recent stint as a Do Radio presenter.David builds brands from nothing with next to nothing. Having spent a decade of his early years at Saatchi & Saatchi, he left to build his own brands.He was one of the founders of Howies in the 1990’s, which he exited via a trade sale to Timberland in the mid-2000’s.In 2008, he and Claire started the Do Lectures. The idea was a simple one. Gather together the world’s leading DOers, disruptors and changemakers, have them share their hearts and stories, and encourage others to DO amazing things too. There are now over 400 lectures available free online to watch, and the latest innovation of the Do Team is Do Radio In 2011, he took up the manufacturing mantle again, with his wife Claire, in the form of Hiut Ltd, determined to revive jeans manufacture in the town of Cardigan. In its heyday, Dewhirst, one of the Cardigan based factories used to produce 35,000 pairs of jeans a week, employing 400 people, but closed in 2002. The skills were all there and Hiut became known for handcrafting high-quality, sustainable jeans, often referred to as "slow fashion". Their commitment to craftsmanship, the "Do One Thing Well" philosophy, and the re-employing of local "Grand Masters", jean makers who lost their jobs in 2002 became hallmarks of the Hiut brand.David and Claire sold Hiut in 2025 to concentrate on the Do Lectures.All of David’s businesses are strong on brand and storytelling and his innovative thinking inspires many.David’s idea of success is:- Being in charge of your time.- Not worrying about money.- Do work that matters with people you like. And help others.I think that’s a pretty good success philosophy to have.In this episode, we talk about story, purpose, community, and why understanding the why of your business gives it wind in its sails.If you’re building something thoughtful and long-term — this conversation will stay with you.🎧 Listen now on Countrywoman’s Guide.Thanks for reading A Countrywoman’s Guide to Work and Life - please subscribe and be part of our Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com