The ZIPster

The ZIPster is a eclectic Substack focusing on personal healthcare experiences, sustainability, and the impacts of technology and climate change on society. It explores topics from hip surgery and NHS support, to sustainable living, banking security, technological advancements in energy, and global demographic shifts.

Personal Healthcare Sustainability Fashion and Ethics Banking and Finance Technology and Innovation Climate Change Global Demographics Renewable Energy Automotive Industry Environmental Conservation Education and Employment Economic Growth

The hottest Substack posts of The ZIPster

And their main takeaways

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 30 - Q is for Quentin

26 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startup Finance Management Leadership
  1. CitNOW started as a small business and grew a lot over time. It shows how you can build something big from humble beginnings.
  2. Hiring the right people is super important for a company's success. Finding someone who can help guide and improve the business can make a big difference.
  3. Past mistakes can teach valuable lessons. It's essential to learn from experiences to avoid making the same errors in the future.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 29 - Aston Martin?!

35 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Management Strategy Sales
  1. Starting a business is tough, especially during hard times, but with the right idea, it can thrive. CitNOW found success by focusing on video services for car dealers when no one else was doing it.
  2. Partnerships can make or break a business. For CitNOW, getting a big contract with Nissan was a major boost, but it also showed how complex relationships with larger companies can be.
  3. When competition increases, businesses must adapt. CitNOW faced new rivals offering cheaper services, so they had to find ways to cut costs without losing quality to stay competitive.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 28 - lets get personal

44 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Finance Growth Sales
  1. Running a small business means wearing many hats and staying proactive, especially when things get busy. It’s easy to forget important tasks when you're juggling too much at once.
  2. Bringing in the right people, like a good finance director, can really help keep a company on track, especially when cash flow is tight. That support can be a lifeline during tough times.
  3. Being mindful of your image and decisions is crucial in business. Making flashy choices can draw unwanted attention and distract from the goals you should be focusing on.

My Christmas story

26 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Holidays Traditions Family Food Storytelling
  1. The Christmas season creates a special atmosphere of warmth and comfort, making it a perfect time for reflection and writing. There’s a soothing silence that feels familiar and inviting as the days lead up to the holiday.
  2. Food plays a big role in Christmas preparations, with favorite treats like nuts, chocolates, and festive cakes being essential. Shopping for special items at the market adds to the excitement and tradition of the season.
  3. Watching Christmas television shows and movies is a cherished activity, even if the options aren't always great. The anticipation of classic comedies and family favorites makes this time of year feel magical.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 27 - kingmaker

35 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Start-ups Entrepreneurship Management Sales Investment
  1. CitNOW started small but grew quickly because they found a real need in the market. Their hard work finally paid off when big clients began to show interest.
  2. Growing a business means taking risks, like moving to a bigger office when your team expands. It’s important to adapt and hire the right people as demand increases.
  3. Team dynamics matter a lot in a start-up. Changing roles and titles can help everyone focus on what they do best and keep the business moving forward.
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How we built a business out of recession - chapter 25 - we want a Gordon.

44 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Consulting Sales Growth Strategies
  1. Hiring experienced consultants can help a business grow quickly without long-term commitments. This helps you tackle competition and make informed decisions.
  2. Forming strong connections is important for business success. Having the right people with industry contacts can pave the way for new opportunities.
  3. Sometimes, it's hard to convince talented people to join your team. Offering them a share of the company can be an attractive incentive.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 26 - the worst and best of times

35 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Sales Technology Automotive
  1. CitNOW was founded during tough economic times but managed to grow successfully. The company started from a small kitchen table and grew into a significant player in the automotive industry.
  2. The launch of CitNOW Workshop was a game changer. By providing video inspections, they built trust with customers and improved the approval rate for repairs.
  3. Finding the right partners and aligning on vision is crucial for a startup's success. Alistair's tech enthusiasm and risk-taking nature were key in driving CitNOW forward.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 24 - a series of unfortunate events

26 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Finance Management Challenges
  1. Starting a business can be tough, especially when facing constant challenges. It's important to stay focused and adapt to changing situations as they arise.
  2. Making mistakes is part of the learning process in business. Recognizing and addressing them helps avoid repeating the same errors.
  3. Building good relationships with banks and financial partners is crucial for success. Gaining their trust can help secure the necessary funding to grow the business.

Alien invasion...in my leg

53 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Recovery Surgery Physical therapy Healthcare system
  1. The author underwent hip surgery and describes the post-operative experience as feeling like an alien invasion in their leg.
  2. The author reflects on the healthcare system and the challenges of navigating medical services as a patient.
  3. The author's recovery post-surgery includes staying at a facility for physiotherapy and recuperation, providing insights into the institutionalized routine.

Now 5 years later on...

44 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Success Reflection Family Career
  1. Selling a business can bring positive changes and open up new opportunities for simpler, more fulfilling pursuits.
  2. Lessons learned from past entrepreneurial failures can pave the way for eventual success.
  3. Retirement can offer the chance to explore new hobbies, learn new skills, and enjoy leisure time with loved ones.

Two returns to Nice via Paris

35 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Cycling Local Cuisine
  1. Observing the transformation during 6 weeks post-surgery and enjoying the restored privileges, like cycling and walking, can be rewarding.
  2. Traveling by train from Paris to Nice provides a scenic view of the French countryside while experiencing the well-funded national rail service.
  3. Exploring the coastal towns like Villefranche sur Mer on bike reveals challenges and delights, offering a taste of local delights and picturesque scenery.

What's unusual about that?

26 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendships Golf Celebration Social Interaction
  1. Unexpected happenings can occur frequently in our lives, like funny moments on the golf course, showing the charm of spontaneity.
  2. When joining clubs or groups, the experience can exceed expectations, leading to valuable friendships and unexpected joy.
  3. Golf clubs can be a place to forge new friendships and have fun, proving that age is no barrier to making meaningful connections.

Bicycle cheer

26 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Renewable Energy Sustainability Green Technology
  1. Brazil's former president Bolsonaro has created a negative impact but has since left, possibly allowing for positive changes in the country.
  2. Positive initiatives around the world include electric car adoption in Norway, book bans in Texas countered by a banned book section in El Paso libraries, and reforestation through drone technology in Canadian forests.
  3. Various efforts worldwide promote bicycle culture, from creative storage solutions in Amsterdam to bike refurbishing programs in the UK benefiting refugees and prisoners.

Jacket potatoes - a humbling story

17 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food history Food culture Recipes Food Industry Food Trends
  1. The author rediscovered the joy of a simple jacket potato meal and its history, showcasing how food preferences can change over time.
  2. Recipe boxes with step-by-step instructions can offer variety and reduce food waste, making meal preparation easier for those not fond of cooking.
  3. The story also touches on the evolution of food trends, from the humble jacket potato shops to modern gourmet takes on this classic dish, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

Is buying British clothes enough?

44 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainable Fashion Environmental Impact Carbon Emissions
  1. Buying British clothes can be a step towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the fashion industry.
  2. To truly make a difference, consider reducing the amount of new clothes bought and shop second-hand more often.
  3. Supporting ethical and sustainable clothing brands, whether British or not, can have a positive impact on the environment.

My hip and the NHS

44 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Fitness Wellbeing Medicine Recovery
  1. The author shares their personal experience with hip issues and the journey through the healthcare system.
  2. Finding the right medical professional and treatment plan is important for managing and improving hip health.
  3. The importance of supporting the NHS for providing quality healthcare to all individuals.

The future for cars, hydrogen or battery?

35 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Transportation Energy Innovation Sustainability Research
  1. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is facing challenges compared to battery technology, leading to a shift in focus from major automotive manufacturers like VW and Toyota.
  2. Battery technology advancements, such as faster charging times and longer ranges, are making electric vehicles more practical and appealing compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  3. Technological innovations, like the development of nuclear batteries, may offer alternative energy sources for cars in the future, potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry.

French Whopper

35 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Climate Vegetarian Language Learning
  1. Enjoying new food experiences can lead to unexpected delights like Burger King's veggie burger
  2. Learning a new language involves dedication and consistency, not just intellect
  3. Creating visual connections can help in memorizing new words or concepts

Heaven or hell, hands off in London, Ozzie switch

26 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Renewable Energy
  1. South Australia has made significant progress in renewable energy, aiming for 100% by 2030.
  2. Autonomous driving technology is advancing, with companies like Wayve in London using deep learning techniques.
  3. The cruise industry is making a comeback, offering unique experiences like three-year world cruises.

It started with a kiss

8 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
  1. The author took a break from writing about climate issues to explore new topics and find their writing voice.
  2. The story discusses the impact of a puppy named Sammy on the family's dynamics and upcoming life changes.
  3. The author reflects on significant life changes starting with Sammy, leading to family members progressing into new life stages like engagements, weddings, and travels.

Hip stopped play

0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Health
  1. The author recently had hip surgery and needed time to recover
  2. The author acknowledges being unable to write during recovery
  3. The author hopes to have new content in the future