Co-Founder at All Together Collective | Bridging the gap between scaling founders and VIP mentors through high-impact, pro bono advisory
For a ten-year-old Gussy Hydleman, the road from Devon to school wasn’t just a weekly commute; it was a mobile boardroom. Riding shotgun as the self-appointed “car secretary” for her father—then the CEO of a major UK manufacturer—she didn’t just manage his texts and schedule his calls; she witnessed the anatomy of high-stakes problem-solving. While her peers were focused on the newest toys, Gussy was absorbing the nuances of international supply chains and the delicate art of navigating complex business hurdles.
It was here, amidst the hum of the engine and the crackle of hands-free calls, that a fundamental truth took root: business is rarely solved in a vacuum, and the right counsel at the right moment is the ultimate competitive advantage. Today, as the Co-Founder of All Together Collective, Hydleman has scaled that childhood realization into a powerful ecosystem that bridges the gap between battle-hardened VIP executives and the next generation of scaling founders.
The Architecture of Grit and Perspective
Gussy’s journey is defined by a unique blend of high-level exposure and ground-level grit. Growing up in Devon and attending King’s College Taunton, she was raised in an environment that valued both academic rigor and entrepreneurial curiosity. However, her true education in human behavior and work ethic began at The Thatch, North Devon’s busiest pub. Starting at sixteen, Gussy learned the relentless pace of the hospitality industry. Her dedication was such that the owner bumped her to the over-18 pay rate while she was still seventeen—a moment of validation that remains a core memory. “That was an amazing feeling,” she recalls. “It taught me early on that while you might not love 100% of any job, the recognition of good work and the resilience built in the trenches are what prepare you for everything that follows.”
This period, combined with her later studies in Liberal Arts and Performance at the University of Exeter and Mountview Academy, gifted her a rare toolkit. She didn’t just understand spreadsheets; she understood people, narrative, and the “performance” required in leadership. She carries a grounded, “work to live” mentality that she often shares with the next generation: “You won’t love 100% of any job you do. There will always be parts of it you dread or feel less competent at—and that’s ok. Aim for enjoying the majority of your role, and don’t forget life outside of work.”
Navigating the High-Growth Landscape
Gussy’s professional trajectory saw her diving deep into the fast-paced world of FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods). With roles at BOL Foods and later as the Advisory Chair for Nix & Kix, she became intimately familiar with the “scale-up” struggle. She saw firsthand how founders often possess brilliant products but lack the “institutional memory” that comes from decades of experience. In April 2020—a time when the global business landscape was fracturing—Gussy co-founded the All Together Collective. The timing was serendipitous; as the world pivoted, the need for community and guidance became a survival mandate.
Under her leadership, All Together has evolved into a vital node in the UK business network. It isn’t just another networking group; it is a structured platform for pro bono mentorship. Gussy’s role involves a delicate curation: identifying the “VIP mentors”—the CEOs and Chairs who have “been there, done that”—and pairing them with ambitious SMEs and founders who are currently navigating the storms of scaling. Her approach is refreshingly direct, often echoing the “no fluff” philosophy she promotes in her industry events. Whether she is hosting intimate growth breakfasts at The Ivy or panel discussions on the complexities of VC and Angel funding, Gussy is focused on consistent, predictable commercial growth rooted in reality.
A Vision for Collaborative Legacy
The impact of Gussy’s work is felt in the success stories of the founders who have walked through All Together’s doors. By democratizing access to high-level advisors, she is effectively lowering the barrier to entry for success. Her leadership philosophy is heavily influenced by a piece of advice from her father that she carries as a professional North Star: “My dad always says to me, ‘worry about the things you can change, not the things you can’t.’ It’s given me great perspective, and is also a reality check when you realise this might be something you actually CAN change.”
As we move through 2026, Gussy’s focus is on expansion and depth. She is actively seeking a new cohort of Volunteer Advisors—the “VIP” mentors who feel a calling to give back—and CEO members who are ready to stop guessing and start growing. Her vision for All Together is to create an “Autopilot Proposition” for the collective: a system so refined that the right mentors and the right founders are naturally drawn together, creating a self-sustained cycle of excellence. Gussy Hydleman isn’t just building a business; she is building a bridge, ensuring that no founder has to drive the road to success alone.
Editorial Note
Gussy Hydleman’s journey reminds us that the most powerful tool in any executive’s arsenal is the willingness to listen and the courage to ask for directions. If you are a seasoned leader looking to share your “institutional memory” as a Volunteer Advisor, or a founder ready to scale your vision through pro bono mentorship, the All Together Collective is your destination.
