Deborah Meaden: Investing as a woman shouldn't be scary – here's how to start

Dragons' Den icon Deborah Meaden reflects on her remarkable journey from a fearless 16-year-old entrepreneur to one of Britain’s most respected business leaders. Deborah opens up about how growing up with a fiercely independent single mother removed her fear of starting over, the misogyny she faced in the male-dominated world of venture capital, and why women should take complete control of their personal finances. Second Act is the podcast and community for women in midlife who refuse to fade into the background. Join host, midlifer, mum-of-two and divorcee Ateh Jewel as she navigates her own second act by speaking to celebrity guests about what age means to them, and how they're approaching this new phase of life. If you've got a question or dilemma you'd like Ateh, her celebrity guests and experts to answer, drop her a line at ⁠[email protected]⁠ and make sure to tune in to hear the answer. From HELLO! magazine Producer: Millie Jackson Editor: Liam Davis Executive producer: Danielle Lawler Follow @hellomag on Instagram and watch all new episodes on HELLO! magazine's YouTube channel. Chapters 01:50 – Single-Mother Resilience: Growing Up Without the Fear of Failure 03:40 – Dropping Out of Brighton Tech & Learning Through Doing 06:10 – Saving £50 for a Pony at 12 & Early Summer Jobs 08:15 – Playing Business at 7: The Cashier & Car Wash Mindset 09:40 – What Entering the "Second Act" Really Means 10:40 – Boardroom Power Dynamics: Sitting in the Boss's Chair 12:40 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Celebrating Your Wins 16:20 – Financial Literacy for "Queen Agers": Why Midlife Women Need Financial Power 19:40 – Dropping the Sack of Past Mistakes & Driving Forward Momentum 22:45 – How to Start Investing: Platform Tips & Finding Your Market 25:50 – Dragons' Den Success Stories: Dock & Bay Towels vs. Tangle Teezer 28:00 – Tough vs. Hard: Standing Firm for the Greater Good 31:25 – Late-Blooming Entrepreneurs & Finding the Right Timing 34:50 – 33 Years with Paul: Meeting at Butlin's & The Avenue Creamery First Date 37:20 – The Marriage Ultimatums & Choosing Independence 39:35 – Unapologetically Childfree: Challenging Societal Pressures & Tabloid Backlash 43:00 – Argentine Tango & How Strictly Come Dancing Transformed Her Marriage 44:45 – Horse Riding & Cognitive Health: The Power of Animal Connection 47:00 – Living in a Rescue Sanctuary: 6 Horses, 11 Sheep & 3 Dumped Cockerels 49:00 – Climate Activism & Taking Control of Purchasing Power 51:00 – Proudly 67: Rejecting Age Constraints & Climbing Over Locked Gates 53:50 – Advice to Her Younger Self: "Make All the Same Mistakes" 55:50 – Unplugging from Phone Anxiety & Focusing on Global Climate Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices