Exploring the creativity of the human spirit with just five simple questions. Those questions give us a window to explore the journey and life story of people that look like they have it sorted.
Episodes
Tuesday May 15, 2018
Tuesday May 15, 2018
It would be right to say that this weeks guest does not sit about. I am not sure if he was always a man on a mission, but Alastair McGill is driven.
Although a trained and qualified as an accountant, he does not answer to that label. When pushed he says he was a creative accountant, but in truth, he is so much more.
He is a competitive runner and believes in living life to the max; there have been highs and lows. Making money and losing money.
But he is never short of ideas; some come small hours or when pounding the streets at 5 am, training for the next race.
Unlike many of my guests he has never lost his passion, and for him, it does not feel like hard work. He is always busy and loves thinking of creative ways to be disruptive.
“Why does it have to be that way?”
His businesses ( yes multiple) and life reflects his values and beliefs. He does not conform to industry stereotype. You could never call him a boring accountant.
He takes the modern approach that breaks boundaries where ever he goes he looks to create a positive, dynamic and fun environment for clients and staff alike.
Ali is all about compassion, empathy, about treating people well. If I was going to apply a label to what he is and does, he is an accountant, designer and educator. Yes even without university degree he was asked to be a course lecturer.
Currently, he helps organisations to work together, to create better companies.
I hope you enjoy the conversation with Ali McGill
Tuesday May 08, 2018
Tuesday May 08, 2018
Since the beginning of the years, I have learnt lots on this podcast journey. What I have discovered is that meaning and living a good life is available to all of us. My guests are living proof. But how do you and I get there?
I am stepping up and taking the journey, and I would like you to come with me. You will discover more on the programme or by joining the email list at life Passion and Business .com
This week's guests is a young family man who is living the dream with his wife Liz and their 3 Children. Does that sound corny and what do I mean by young. At my age anyone under 40 is young.
Danny Clark is in his 30th year and to some extent, he has done all of the traditional life journey and found it wanting. He felt controlled and unhappy.
On leaving education, he became a council surveyor, he did well and that could have been a job life, but the routine ground him down. It was the start of the feeling of being controlled and unhappy. His solution was to quit and go travelling.
They say travel broadens the mind and in this case, it was true, it changed his thinking. On his return, he went back into the world of work.
He explored estate agency, Insurance, Recruitment and eventually, he entered the financial services industry.
Somewhere on that journey he got married and had three children.
Life was good, he had over ten years of experience in the direct sales and achieved considerable success both personally and professionally.
But he and Liz had a dream of a different life with more freedom; they saw an opportunity in Multi-Level Marketing.
Before you groan, this is not a pitch for MLM or a particular company; it is the story of how they bucked a system that did not want to be bucked.
Danny and his wife Liz achieved huge success in the MLM industry, earning multiple incentives and being recognised as being in the top 1% of the company.
They did this by dumping the usual routine and using normal business practice. The company hated them for not following the system and pushed them out.
Not wanting to lose what they had gained Danny and Liz used the techniques they had developed to build an online coaching system for people in the MLM space.
In the last 12 months alone he has personally recruited 624 members to join his coaching programs.
Using the power of online platforms and social media Danny and Liz have created an income that is not bound by their location. After many years of feeling controlled and being unhappy. He is now living the dream and travels the world full time with his wife and family.
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Carla Young is a twitter connection from the time when people had conversations on the platform. It is still possible to have conversations there but that is another topic. I have followed Carla on various platforms and have always appreciated her dry wit and sharp writing.
She is a freelance technical writer, maybe there is a theme here I did not realize that so many of my connections were In the text writing business. What comes over in our conversation it that Carla has designed her business to fit in with her life. She does not really compromise if it does not fit it goes.
She is living proof that women can have it all – and then some – She has built multiple businesses on a virtual work-at-home model, and is an example to anyone looking to start a lifestyle business.
During her early days as a mother and entrepreneur, by her own admission, she made every mistake in the book and a few new ones for good measure.
She realized that “doing it all” was unhealthy and unsustainable. So she started by getting organized to the extreme, developing support systems for both her work and family.
Carla is a writer for hire in the technical space, she can make your pipes or sprockets shine and sound interesting. However, at the time of our conversation, she was on a writing sabbatical from the technical stuff, taking time out to complete a work of fiction. As you will hear it is a different process, but at 75,000 words project is well on the road to completion.
In her own words she is a “badass and does things her own way” I hope you enjoy my conversation with Carla Young.
Tuesday Apr 24, 2018
Tuesday Apr 24, 2018
My Guest today is Russell Dalgleish he is a serial Scottish entrepreneur and investor. He is known as a strategist and innovator. In reality, he is a technician and a project manager, he looks at the world through that lens, using those principles to run his life very successful.
He is an advisor to business and governments, and it often called on by the media to comment on business issues.
From the beginning, Russell developed an interest in technology and it has allowed the development of a successful international career in the technology sector.
He focuses his efforts on supporting owners and the boards of small and medium-size companies to devise and implement growth strategies to create shareholder value.
His portfolio business accomplishments is extensive, if there is a list of businesses influencers, then Russell will be in the top 100 or just outside of it. If you want to his full biography, please check the podcast website, as it there too much to list in this introduction.
My interest in Russell is what drives him, he is fiercely competitive and has been on my podcast radar for a while. I was delighted that he trusted me enough to say yes.
During our conversation, we explore my usual questions, and in return, he put me on the spot.
He has a view on success and the meaning of life, he also has the formula and gives the suggestion as to how you might discover your own.
As ever I hope you enjoy the conversation enough to share it.
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
There is a natural calm; you know you are in safe hands. As with all of my conversation, we explore the questions to which there are no right answers. The point is we cannot copy the path of another, but we can learn from their experience.
Jeff Nemeth left university with a degree in the hospitality industry and spent five years in hotels restaurants and catering
At some point on that journey, he discovered he was not as fit as he was and decided to do something about it.
That was his cue to leaving behind the hospitality. It was the start of a 15-year tour of the fitness industry, He became a personal trainer, later a gym manager and eventually a gym owner.
His life is a story and a journey that led him towards the personal development world. It begins with his early experience of the fitness industry.
As he found success in the gym and the personal training world, he realised that there was a gap. There is a way to get what you want in life without feeling lost in the process.
He is now a specialist in human performance coaching. Over the last two years, he has developed programmes and applies them to real-world applications. He brings the tools to increase calm, clarity and harmony in the lives of busy people.
Jeff has some tips and tools to share, as ever I hope you enjoy the conversation.
If you enjoy the show and find something useful, do get in touch I would love to hear from you. You can find me on the podcast website, on LinkedIn or Facebook.
As ever please share the podcast there will be people in your network that will appreciate you for it. It only remains for me to say thanks for listening and I will catch you later.
Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
My guest on today's programme is Simon Middleton. He was a connection I followed and made through LinkedIn. So imagine my surprise to during our conversation when I discovered that Simon is the author of "Build A Brand In 30 Days" a reference source I regularly use with marketing clients.
It is true to say that Simon is in his later years and has had a long and varied career. On leaving education, he trained as a primary school teacher. On qualification, he discovered that teaching was not for him.
Moving into public relations, he honed his creativity and writing skill. Then in one of those volte-face moments, he decided to retrain as a Nurse and spend ten years working in the NHS.
On leaving the health service in another career shift, he returned to the PR and branding world. It was a time accelerated growth, and his career took off, writing books, speaking at events, running a successful brand consultancy. He did the TV slots. He did the world travel.
Moving on again for health reason, Simon relocated to his beloved Suffolk and found inspiration on the beach and in the harbour at Southwold. That inspiration has led to the launch of a new menswear clothing brand. "Blackshore"
In our conversation, you can hear us enjoying the journey. We touch on branding, Stories, What is a success, the meaning of life and the reason why TV detectives drive Volvo cars.
I hope you enjoy the conversation with Simon Middleton.
Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
The podcast today is a little different from the previous conversations in that there is no guest.
The main reason for that is I have been travelling throughout March, that has meant limited internet access, limited scheduling windows with guests and technology problems. It finally caught up with me today; I could not make it happen.
That was it I am left with a show and no guest. In considering what was the best thing to do I realised that the one person you have not heard from is me, what is my story.
I might have shared a little bit of it on the website or in the podcast, but I have not told my actual story. Or where I sit with the theme of this show, I have said I am on the journey of discovery. But not explained my thoughts on the big questions of success passion and meaning.
It is time I set the record straight and gave a little bit about my life and where I come from.
This podcast covers my early life, the loss of passion for the work that I did, it also looks at how my passion shifted as my circumstances changed.
I talk about my thoughts on success, meaning and at the end of the podcast I share a resource that is working for me at the moment.
Tuesday Mar 27, 2018
Tuesday Mar 27, 2018
What we have learnt so far
During the last 10 weeks or so we have had a number of interviews and discovered some common threads around life passion and business
One of the things comes through it is about following the energy, all of my guests had a curiosity for life
They have an interest in what is going on around them.
There is something about discovering the qualities of your character because when you explore and express those qualities you are fulfilling the purpose you were made for
What is Success
This is not necessarily something that is comparable with others. Your success may look and feel different.
Money is not always the answer but it can be a tool
Following your joy can be the same as following your passion
Passion is often about serving the world or serving a greater purpose.
But the one thing that is important if you are going to follow a life of passion and purpose is to make sure that you're serving your own purpose and that you are looking after yourself.
Dan put it best when he said. Are you earning enough to give you the freedom to do the things you are passionate about?
My conclusion in making this programme was that it is difficult to review and distil ten interviews without telling you everything. I can only say listen to them they are worth the time.
Tuesday Mar 20, 2018
Tuesday Mar 20, 2018
Martin Murry, you may not know the name, but you will know the product, Roserock Gin. Martin is part of the new movement in distilling industry.
We are seen this before with craft beer. Over the last ten years, there has been a growth in the number of microbreweries. They have changed how beer is appreciated and turned around a declining industry.
Now it is the turn of the craft distillers. Craft distilling was blocked by the licencing rules at HMRC. The licencing was based on a minimum still size of 1800 litres. That is beast standing over 4m tall.
In 2009 Following a successful challenge by a London, Gin producer. Small production licences were granted, the door had been opened, and it unlocked a new industry of creativity and innovation.
This the story of Martin Murry, a man that has always been passionate about brewing and drinks industry. It is his journey from a successful career in the oil and gas industry to the rekindling his passion for brewing and distilling.
In our interview, you will hear about the choices he made and how it all began.
The experiments, and what is holy Grass
This is the Story of Roserock Gin
Tuesday Mar 13, 2018
Tuesday Mar 13, 2018
Lisa Avery She is a positive psychologist. My conversation with Lisa was an inspiration, as she walks her talk and is clearly passionate about her life and work.
But our conversation was more than that, as we explore some of the science behind finding meaning.
Lisa is head of UK operations for Growing with Gratitude an international organisation dedicated to the empowerment of young people through positive psychology. It is about helping them uncover previously hidden strengths and tap into deep reserves of resilience.
She also works in the corporate worlds using positive psychology to bring about change.
It is the story of someone who followed their skills for languages and teaching and discovered a passion. That discovery changed their life direction.
In the programme, Lisa explains the difference between Eudaimonic and Hedonic Happiness. And we look at the practical steps you can take to find your own journey.
I hope you enjoy my conversation with Lisa Avery
Tuesday Mar 06, 2018
Tuesday Mar 06, 2018
I have been in marketing for 20 years, like every industry there are the "Stars" people that are leaders in their field. My guest today is one of those leaders.
Doberman Dan ( he will explain that name ) has been a serial entrepreneur for over 30 years. He is a best selling author and A-list copywriter a gun for hire in the world of sales copy.
He is also a professional musician and composer, and his writing success allows him the time to pursue that passion.
There is a story and a journey here, The idea of a music career started at age seven. However, coming from a poor family and low self-esteem background goals and planning was not in the mindset.
In his early years, he worked without direction. While the dream was to be a professional musician the reality was to earn a living. You will hear how joined the Dayton Police Department. How he explored multi-level marketing and went on for nine years or serial business failure.
He ultimately discovered his success in writing for the Bodybuilding world, and this saw him leave the police departments and become a writer.
In this interview there are revelations, We discuss aspects of his journey that have never been publicly explored.
Our conversation is a business interview but it is also a discussion about life and finding meaning.
Tuesday Feb 27, 2018
Tuesday Feb 27, 2018
Who is Dasiy Luther,
She is a prepper some might say a survivalist, today she runs a number of websites that provide information and tips on how to live through natural or man-made disasters.
The reason I reached out to her for an interview was that I saw her story, and realised she is a ferocious writer.
100,000 words a week according to Grammarly
Six years ago, Daisy was in the corporate world and hating every minute of it. The job once enjoyed had turned into a stressful grind and it was taking her away from the things she was really passionate about.
A dramatic change came with the death of her father died. It was the last conversation with her dad that became the catalyst to move her forward and towards a career in writing
The universe continued throwing things at her before she committed to change. She experienced personal economic collapse with the loss of her home and car. Another family blow was the death of her X Husband and father of her children.
It was the prepping skills and a well-stocked larder that kept the family fed, and she took the leap and became a freelance writer.
She has not looked back, her writing career has allowed her to be the Mum she wants to be. Only last year she ran her business from the road during 3 month trip around the USA with her youngest homeschooled daughter
On this journey, she has developed some amazing marketing skills. As for the future she is prepping her business for sale and looking to retire to Hawaii.
I hope you enjoy the conversation with Daisy Luther
Tuesday Feb 20, 2018
Tuesday Feb 20, 2018
The gift this week is my guest Ketan Makwana, I first saw him speak at an event in London 2 years ago. He is a well-known speaker both internationally and on the TEDx circuit. To put that is context, In 2017 he travelled just under 120,000 miles did 42 cities and over 250 events.
The man is a serial entrepreneur and mentor and has started, scaled a sold multiple businesses in the last seven years.
Our story begins in 2011, for various social economic and political reasons August that years saw riots on the streets of London.
Ketan's rise to prominence was due to his response to that summer madness. He could see the issue was in part to the emerging skills gap between education and employment.
In 2012 Ketan founded and delivered an event called Youth Enterprise Live. It was a project backed by the Prime Minister of the day David Cameron. The project was the UK’s largest event focussed on Education, Employment and Enterprise for 15-30-year-olds.
It was an outstanding success. In our conversation, you will hear how that event was conceived and how at the last moment a hitch put it all at risk.
Tuesday Feb 13, 2018
Tuesday Feb 13, 2018
My guest on this podcast is victor Jemeniz I first came across Victor through my podcast addiction, I like to go to the gym, and I tend to listen to podcasts while I'm there.
Listening to his programme I was inspired to get in touch. It was clear that Victor had a busy and varied business life. Success and entrepreneurship came quickly to him. But there was more, and you will notice as you hear him speak. There is calm about him he is grounded. I got the sense that he had some answers to my life questions and that we would connect well.
During our conversation, you will hear how he started a cycling business and almost went broke but turned it around.
How he creates communities and networks around him
How to recognize and find your own passion
How and why he walked away from one of the most successful cycling podcast on iTunes.
Tuesday Feb 06, 2018
Tuesday Feb 06, 2018
My Guest today is Ian Forsyth, a Glasgow man who I moved to Inverness in the late eighties for a job with the civil service.
He went back to Glasgow in 1990 and discovered that the call of the Scottish Highlands was too strong to ignore.
On his return to Inverness, he went work for an eventually own one of the largest training companies in the area. The company specialised in business development and consultancy.
Seven years ago the business started to produce training videos. The project developed into a wide range of video production and that range has continued to evolve.
Last year saw the business joined forces with PR and Communications company System2.
in our conversation Ian explains the secret to making a good video, we explore the creative process what it takes to get stuff done and the importance of making choices.
He even managed to squeeze in a few golf tips