Ep128: Stepping into Greatness
In this episode, it's just me. I'm reflecting on how we can stay the course despite setbacks and fears. And when we do, it lead to profound achievements, like I did at age 15 qualifying for the national swimming team.

In this episode, it's just me. I'm reflecting on how we can stay the course despite setbacks and fears. And when we do, it lead to profound achievements, like I did at age 15 qualifying for the national swimming team.
In this episode, Sarah Greevy, a coach with a master's in applied positive psychology, and I discusses the importance of playfulness in both personal and professional life. We explore playfulness as more than "just about fun" but a mindset that enhances problem-solving and creativity. Sarah shares her journey into positive psychology, inspired by improv and her coaching career. We agree that playfulness is innate and valuable for self-actualization, even in challenging circumstances, and how tha...
In this episode, Martin Sayers and I dive into the ever-evolving world of copy editing and the impact of AI. Martin Sayer is a seasoned copywriter who has navigated the industry's shifting landscape over the past two decades. We discuss how AI still struggles to replicate the emotional appeal and audience-specific nuance required for effective copy. The human touch, he argues, remains essential in crafting copy that truly resonates. Our conversation also explores the broader themes of authentici...
In this episode, Edmund Thomson Jones and I explore the profound intricacies of human connection, the fleeting nature of presence, and the beauty of seemingly insignificant interactions. We talk about our professional lives in large corporations to the authentic bonds formed in personal relationships, touching upon the powerful realization that true significance lies not in individual accomplishments but in the emotions and connections we foster. Through anecdotes involving Shakespeare, parentin...
In this episode, I chat with Dawn A. Denton a very dear friend of over 30 years. We have a laugh and dive into some hilarious anecdotes about mistaken identities, and even explore deeper themes around the impact of praise, personal growth, and tackling life’s challenges with resilience. WARNING: we say things that might be tricky to digest. But don't take everything we say too seriously. We unpick the value of everything from radio stints to life lessons and even a surprising journey through a n...
In this episode, I talk you through the key elements that make storytelling purposeful, powerful, and persuasive. WARNING: I am not asking you to speak like me. Use the framework to communicate like the real you! It works. In this episode, I take you through how to craft stories that captivate your audience, whether you're presenting in a meeting, leading a team, or pitching a new idea.
In this episode, I chat with Nick Jones diving into the complexities of modern business, personal growth, and creativity. Nick shares his journey from an introverted musician to a business leader, revealing how he’s challenging the flood of poor advice and misinformation that often misleads entrepreneurs. We explore the illusion of control, the impact of social media, and the importance of embracing authenticity for sustainable business growth. We also touch on emotional intelligence developed t...
In this episode, I coach one of my clients, Marika Messenger , exploring her work. This session offers insights into my public speaking coaching, as well as exploring communication and connection strategies. We discuss the circles of being, a framework detailed in my book Smart Storytelling - The Craft of Public Speaking. Marika, a self-described projector in human design, shares her life's mission to understand and dismantle societal conditioning. Her aim is to help us all break free from the m...
In this episode, I explore the paradox of happiness. I suggest we shift our focus from the relentless pursuit of joy and achievement. Instead, focus on cultivating peace with the present moment. I mean to question the limitations of popular self-help advice (which I have listened to) that emphasises searching for happiness is missintruptred as living in the present. I offer this; if we foster acceptance without understanding (without knowing) we can experience genuine peace and contentment....
Experiencing broken trust can leave us wary and sceptical, impacting relationships. This can lead to "betrayal trauma," causing symptoms similar to PTSD, such as hypervigilance and emotional numbing. In this episode, I share my experience and seek to help you overcome distrust, embrace mindfulness and impermanence to stay present and process emotions without judgment. I talk through my own experience of self-compassion, self-kindness and having a common humanity which are crucial for healing. We...
In this episode, Annabell Kay and I chat about life’s curveballs and the little things that really run the show. We dive into the big, scary changes that just drop in unannounced and the tiny tweaks we make every day that actually shape our lives. We unpack the drama of major shifts and celebrate the subtle power of baby steps. I guess it’s… life I mean… is all about rolling with the punches and sometimes, just taking a step back. Annabell’s use of the English language is simply stunning and del...
In this episode, I chew the phat with Naom Azran about "success is complete immersion", connection, relationships with animals and one another, labels and their unnecessariness hardship and its value for the stuff of life, and everything else besides. Speaking of labels (the unnecessary bit of life), Noam is a cowboy, a farmer, a dad, an entrepreneur, an inventor and business owner and one hell of a clever chap. Although he’d say when you do something fully… completely… the labels and ideas of s...
In this episode, I chew the phat with gorgeous Conor Randall in sunny Australia. Yup, he is cute. Conor was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in the latter part of 2021, and he was given eight weeks to live. He is on a mission to help others with cancer get through it. We talk about choice, perseverance, responsibility and so much more. For me, it was a wonderfully humbling experience....
In this episode, Cortney McDermott and I explore the role of detachment in leadership. We unravel how non-attachment, often misunderstood, is a powerful strategy for leaders to navigate business complexities with clarity and innovation. We dissect the balance between engagement and emotional distance, showing how it leads to resilient and adaptable decision-making. We unpick life experiences to discover we all can become more creative and successful. This conversation is essential for anyone in ...
In this episode, I chat with Laurence Paquette about the intricacies of identity, self-perception, and their impact on on our lives and leadership. We explore the impact of adhering too rigidly to a fixed self-image can limit success in dynamic professional settings. We laugh and unpack the value of seeing reality as it is, rather than how we wish it to be, and explore practical ways for becoming more adaptable....
The 'disconnection dilemma' examines how we are increasingly lost in a sea of digital distractions, from the mildly irritating to the perilously harmful. In this episode, Nick Looby and I explore the philosophy of human-centred communication and argue for a more thoughtful, intentional, and personal approach to our lives. We take a critical look at how digital pollution affects our relationships, mental health, and business success. We're all not only passive recipients of this digital onslaught...
Emotional intelligence is defined as our ability to understand and manage our emotions and to recognise and influence the feelings of those around us. In this episode, Marika Messenger and I discuss how this intersects with leadership. Conscious leadership is more than just self-awareness; it intentionally focuses on the bigger picture, fostering an environment that maximises productivity and a positive organisational atmosphere. It's about leading with humility and intention, conscious of the s...
This is the third episode in the series Disentangling Me. You can find episode one here or search for episode 95. Find episode two here. Or search for episode 102. In this third episode , we delve into the compelling world of collective illusions, where societal expectations often overshadow individual authenticity. Join me and Michele Cheyne of Wisdom Seekers Society as we unravel the tension between the private self and the public persona, examining how our silent acquiescence to perceived nor...
Join me and Steve Lappin as we dive into the beauty of living in the present. We laugh over the quirks of daily life and discuss how easy it is to be consumed by routine. In this episode, we explore the simplicity of awareness and question why we often overcomplicate the notion of 'living in the now'. Embrace this chat as a gentle push to slow down, understand situations genuinely, and cultivate a truer version of yourself, setting the foundation for authentic success. Rediscover the magic of th...
Exploring why we are constantly chasing more, striving for the next best thing, and how this relentless pursuit can often leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied. I reflect on the illusion of choice and how true freedom is not found in the abundance of choices but in understanding and embracing the present moment.
Delving into the essence of reality versus our personal perceptions with Nick Boxall-Hunt. We explore the profound significance of connections, integrity, and trust in our daily lives and the sales world. Join us as we unpack the foundational elements that shape our experiences and relationships.
Delving into the heart of overwhelm - what it truly means, why it's more than just a fleeting feeling, and how it impacts our daily lives. I talk to two friends, Annie and Michele , as we go beyond identifying the problem to provide real, actionable solutions. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, dealing with bereavement, or just struggling with the weight of day-to-day stressors, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate these rough waters. Join me, Annie and Michele ...
In this episode, I delve into the transformative power of your unique presence in communication. I suggest how your personal presence can morph speaking and presenting into a deeply impactful and unforgettable experience.
The value of giving is multifaceted, extending beyond the act itself to positively impact both the giver and the receiver. In this episode, I chat with my dearest friend of 30 years, local Counsellor Dawn Denton , about the value of giving. We unpack the simple art of giving and its impact on us. We remind ourselves that it isn’t just about making donations but about making a difference. In essence, the true value of giving lies in the profound impact it has on the individual, the receiver, and ...
In this episode, I chat to myself. Yup, it's just me sharing with you. My focus in this episode is unlocking the power of connecting through presence. In this episode, I use a work-related interaction to help explain the value of presence, this energy we have that we connect to when we talk to or communicate with each other. It is so much more than the words we choose.
Are you tired of feeling like the world is against you? Do you feel like life is not what it seems? In this thought-provoking, episode Florian Zocher and I explore why we should embrace reality and learn to understand the difference between our perceived version of reality and what is actually real. Join us as we take a deep dive into the power of accepting the truth and making the most of our lives....
This is the second episode in the series Disentangling Me. You can find episode one here or go to podcast episode number 95. In this episode, Michelle Cheyne and I explore and unpick the essence of our true nature and how to live it. Now because it's me, I like to discuss "the how". I'm not just interested in knowing that there's more to us than flesh and bones, that there is this thing called presence, pure potentiality. And like in the book, The Alchemist, the gold within. So in this episode, ...
We all want to contribute to a better future for ourselves, our family, the people we work with. It's natural to want to make a difference, be useful, and have a purpose. In this episode, Sally Pritchett and I discuss how business owners can change the face of business by helping employees embrace the unknown. We can build a better future now, by purposefully living and working within the unknown.
Our world is obsessed with us finding happiness, living our purpose and leaving a legacy. In this episode, Claire Curzon and I have a laugh and create plenty of joyous moments as we explore the value of relationships and consider whether they are necessary for "this pursuit of happiness" and living a full life. We discuss the wide array of rewards relationships provide us; from friends and family to share our lives with, and people who can help us out in tough times. Finally, we acknowledge the ...
Food and belonging are two of the basic necessities of life, and central to our identity. We meet for breakfast networking, we take part in power lunch meetings, we have people over for dinner, we sometimes get together for family dinners, or we eat alone, and occasionally we eat as part of a community or event. Food is key to who we are. In this episode, Wafaa Powel and I discuss the value food has for making time for each other. When we feel we have support and are not alone, we are more resil...