129. Confessions of a CEO: Loneliness, Risk, and Building a Business with No Experience, with Harry Cramer

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Today, we’re diving deep into the story of Harry Cramer, founder and Managing Director of Smart Clinic, a specialist occupational health provider. Harry didn’t begin his career in healthcare—he actually started out in marketing and made the bold leap into the occupational health industry in 2015. Now, nearly a decade later, Smart Clinic has grown to 43 employees, helping businesses across the UK reduce staff absences and support employee well-being. Harry’s journey is more than just about business growth; he also runs Smart Clinic alongside his wife, Chloe. Today, we’ll discuss what it’s like to build a business with your partner, how to succeed in an unfamiliar industry, and why Harry believes that growth isn’t just about scaling—it’s about improving the quality of what you do. Key Talking Points: From Marketing to Occupational Health: How Harry transitioned from a marketing background into building Smart Clinic, a thriving occupational health business. Building a Business with Your Partner: The unique challenges and rewards of running a company alongside your spouse, and how to balance personal and professional life. The Importance of Speed and Technology in Occupational Health: Harry shares how Smart Clinic has disrupted the industry by providing fast, tech-driven services in a sector often known for slow responses. Occupational Health vs. Occupational Psychology: Understanding the difference between these two fields and how they work together to improve employee well-being. Empathy and Culture in High-Growth Companies: How Smart Clinic fosters a mission-driven, empathetic workplace culture as it scales. Connect with Harry Cramer and Smart Clinic: Smart Clinic Website: smartclinic.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-cramer-%F0%9F%A7%AC-ba5b3833/ Join the Conversation: Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment on our YouTube channel to share your experiences, questions, or suggestions for future topics. Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you’ve been affected by any of the themes in this episode or are struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be helpful: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. If you are in distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected]. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country. Connect with Truth, Lies & Work YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn Email: Reach out at [email protected]. Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.