It Runs In The Family

Hello! We're Liz & Leila Willingham and welcome to "It Runs In The Family". We're the mother and daughter duo working within the public relations and communications agency, Liz Lean PR. Running a business is hard - really hard. Every business has its challenges and it's own ups and downs - but in a family business, this is often exaggerated by the willingness to speak your mind. But it also has some huge advantages that the corporate cultures just can't compete with. In this podcast, featuring a different family business guest in each episode, we're going to be digging into the stories, values and traditions of other family and multi-generational businesses. We'll explore their history, learnings and how they've developed through the generations and the unique advantages they've had over their competitors. We discover where human relationship migrates into business; the ups, downs, twists, turns and landmark moments that seal the fate of these fascinating organisations. You’ll get to hear some brilliant life stories too; some to make you laugh and others that’ll warm your heart. Many of our clients are family businesses who we've worked very closely with over a number of years - we've heard brilliant stories that reveal true values and fun operating as a family business. We want you to feel inspired by stories of others, find their honesty relatable and reach out to us with your own experiences. If you have any questions for future guests, have a story of your own or have any feedback please do feel free to get in touch on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrunsinthefamilypodcast/

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It Runs In The Family

The Brand with a Buzz: Behind Neve’s Bees’ Sustainable Success with Julie and Ross Macken #116

July 30, 2025 • Liz & Leila Willingham • Episode 116

A 9 year old Neve Macken posed a question 14 years ago about beekeeping… what grew from that moment set in motion a bee-auty brand with a difference.

Neve’s Bees is the brainchild of Julie and Ross Macken’s real life child, and its soaring success hasn’t cost their integrity. Far from it; they’ve built it to work their way.

Discover how the Neve’s Bees colony has grown with its product line, and what’s next for this brand with a buzz!

This episode covers:

Neve’s Bees’ mission to prioritise skin health and sustainability over profit margins
Transitions from high-powered corporate careers to a meaningful, purpose-driven endeavour
Ross & Julie’s decision to grow the business organically, staying true to their original vision
Running a business with personal integrity and enjoyment at the core

Julie Macken

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-macken-a234177/

Ross Macken

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-macken-b9653719/

Neve’s Bees

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nevesbees/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/
Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

People on this episode

Leila Willingham

Co-host

Liz Willingham

Co-host