Welcome to our ‘Unlocking Leadership’ series, where we tap into the wisdom of some of the most inspiring founders, leaders and creative minds of today. Explore insider stories, strategies and insights, as we unlock the secrets of successful leadership.

You may recognise Lisa Macfarlane as one half of ‘The Mac Twins’. Together, Lisa and identical twin sister Alana, 36, have had some fun-packed career experiences to date, including DJing at the Olympics, presenting on the Brits red carpet and regular live radio shows (for BBC 1xtra and Virgin Radio), and being the official Love Island DJs. Now, Lisa and Alana can add business women to their credentials, as founders of the gut stuff — their proudest venture to date.

Lisa and Alana started a YouTube series in 2015 interviewing scientists about the microbiome.

The gut stuff was built to democratise gut health and now has a highly successful snacking range, a corporate wellness services business, three books, a consumer-focused gut health app, and even their very own (now global) TV show ‘Know your sh!t‘.

Lisa, what three leadership qualities are most important to you and guide the way you work?

I think humility has to be number one. Alana and I have never [run a business] before, so we are always very open when we don’t know the answer to something, or need some help!

Secondly, I think honesty is key — you have to bring your team alongside you, and sometimes it’s a tricky balance; keeping them focused and positive, while being realistic about what’s happening or what’s required of them.

And lastly, positivity. There is always, always, a way out, or an answer to something. You just have to keep problem solving and stay in the fight long enough to find it.

Which leaders inspire you?

To be honest, I’d say my sister Alana. Sounds a bit trite, but I guess I have the best insight into her perseverance and resilience every single day and know what it takes – especially with families and just getting up in the morning!

Also, I find teachers in general endlessly fascinating as leaders. They have to grasp the attention of children all day long, and must feel the weight of their futures on their shoulders. It’s incredible.

What’s the best piece of career advice that you’ve received?

“Stick in” – our dad used to always say. That day-to-day, ‘keeping your head down and getting the work done’ and sticking around long enough to reap the rewards, is something that isn’t necessarily lofty or noble, but represents being an entrepreneur perfectly.

What’s one of the biggest challenges within the wellness industry today, and how’s the Gut Stuff navigating this?

The main problem we have is this expensive snake oil being sold with little to no evidence, which creates a major problem where people think wellness ‘isn’t for them’ and is all about expensive products and gong baths. At the Gut Stuff we primarily want to educate people that this simply isn’t the case, we always make sure our information is digestible, our language is accessible and our prices are palatable!

What are you most excited about right now in terms of upcoming projects for the Gut Stuff?

We’re launching a brand new media show that combines pop culture and science in a way that’s never been done before! Also, a new ‘100 days to hack your gut health’ programme – more to be announced soon!

What has been a personal career highlight?

Raising our first investment round was a real stamp of approval that people trusted us to take something forward in a way we would never have dreamed of.

And finally mastering a P&L.. haha – numbers are very much Alana’s bag, not mine, so it’s taken a lot of work and late nights wrestling with Excel spreadsheets.

Lisa (left) and sister Alana were born and raised in Edinburgh.

What would be the pinnacle of career success for you?

I have a little baby, and didn’t take much maternity leave (a few weeks at most!). I think the pinnacle for me would be finding a world where I can fulfil the business needs, his needs and mine in one day – just once!

When are you most inspired or productive?

I’m definitely most productive when I’m out walking my son in his pram. When he was in his sling when he was tiny, I would pound the pavements and problem-solve so much better than at my desk.

What’s your creative process (from brainstorming ideas to making them reality) and what do you think is the secret to your successful partnership with Alana?

The secret is literally in your question! I do all the innovation, thinking and brainstorming, and Alana is pure execution, making all the crazy stuff that comes out of my head happen.

How do you motivate or inspire your team?

We have a team ‘sips and successes’ every month where everyone shares their wins. We try not to let any negativity in in those few hours. Also, just helping them see how insane it is that we all get this opportunity to create something bigger than ourselves and really help people. I can’t think of anything more motivating than that.

What advice would you give to any aspiring entrepreneurs – particularly anyone thinking of entering the health and wellness space?

Make sure your business/product/service is coming from an authentic place. It will help you navigate customers, investors and ultimately what you want the business to be. In terms of what the business offers, and what you offer – I think really getting to the root of that early will help guide the path you go on and ultimately allow you to ride the highs and trudge through the lows.

Finally, what is a favourite motto that you often draw on?

“Unshakeable self belief” – one of our best school friends went on to be a very successful athlete and she always used to say it. When the odds are stacked against you and you have nothing to lose, it makes you invincible!

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