Access to Inspiration

Sue Stockdale talks to Rosemary Hoskins, a learning and development expert, about navigating uncertainty in careers, personal growth, and leadership. Rosemary shares her journey from graduating during a recession to building a diverse career and offers insights on the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and peer learning. The conversation emphasizes the value of evaluating risks, asking 'what if' questions, and creating plans to manage the unknown. Rosemary also talks about her unique personal experiences, including bringing a polo pony from Argentina and building her own ecohouse illustrating the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to explore opportunities.

About Rosemary Hoskins
Rosemary Hoskins has built her career in people development around designing and leading strategic change to enhance organisational capability and to change the way that people work. Most recently serving as Global Capability Lead at AstraZeneca, she has previously worked in learning and development roles at Barclays, Citi, BP, UKTI, and PA Consulting.  Her first career was as an independent environmental consultant.  She likes to learn things mainly through doing them, supported by sharing ideas with others and just the right amount of relevant content.  

Connect with Rosemary Hoskins on LinkedIn

Time Stamps
01:57 Rosemary's Early Career Challenges
04:04 Skills for Thriving in Uncertainty
05:34 The Role of AI in Critical Thinking
06:57 Working in the Grey
08:37 Learning and Development Strategies
09:55 Personal Stories and Career Reflections
10:42 The Polo Pony Adventure
17:33 Leadership and Peer Support
20:04 Future Outlook and Final Thoughts

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews Anil Damle, a passionate nature and wildlife enthusiast from India, about his epic road trips across the continents of Africa, Latin America, and Australia. Anil shares his experiences of overcoming logistical challenges, the importance of teamwork, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. They delve into his journey's practicalities, including vehicle maintenance and adapting to different terrains and the personal growth that comes from embarking on such ambitious travels.

About Anil Damle
Anil Damle is a renowned film producer, author, and tourism pioneer. He comes from a distinguished lineage in filmmaking, being the grandson of the founder partner of Prabhat Film Co. now home to the prestigious Film & Television Institute of India. As a passionate adventurer, Anil holds three India Book of Records for being part of the first Indian teams to drive across Africa (2016), Latin America (2017), and Australia (2019). His career in tourism took off in 1993 when he founded Damle Safaris, specialising in wildlife tours, African safaris, and polar voyages. Anil is also a prolific author, having written 10 books on tourism, three of which have won the title of ‘Best Book of Tourism.’ 

Find out more about Anil Damle via website and YouTube

Time Stamps
01:15 Anil's Early Travel Inspirations
02:44 Epic Road Trips Across Africa
06:29 Challenges and Triumphs in South America
08:37 Navigating Language Barriers and Local Support
16:52 High Altitude Adventures in the Atacama Desert
19:50 Reflections on Resilience and Teamwork
31:08 Memorable Moments and Future Plans
37:09 Exploring India and Upcoming Adventures


Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews Jayshree Seth, who was appointed 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advance science, communicate its benefits and the importance of STEM fields to drive innovation.
 
About Jayshree Seth
Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist at 3M and currently holds 80 patents for a variety of innovations, with several additional pending. She joined 3M in 1993 after an MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, New York. She is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from her alma mater REC Trichy India, now NIIT Trichy, where she earned a B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering. She is also a member of Carlton Society which is the 3M Science and Innovation “Hall of Fame.” Jayshree is the fourth woman and first female engineer to be inducted. In 2025 she was named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Radar list featuring people those whose ideas will help shape the future of organisations and leadership. 

Connect with Jayshree Seth via LinkedIn

Time Stamps
01:05 Jayshree's Early Life and STEM Journey
03:20 The Power of Curiosity
04:51 Becoming a Chief Science Advocate
05:18 Understanding Public Perception of Science
09:00 Mosaic Building: Jayshree's Problem-Solving Approach
13:02 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Innovation
22:34 The Role of AI in Innovation
25:00 Jayshree's Inspirations and Legacy 

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews trailblazing conservationist Astrid Vargas in episode 143 of the Access to Inspiration podcast. Astrid shares her journey from childhood fascination with nature to leading efforts in bringing species like the Iberian lynx back from the brink of extinction. They discuss the importance of inspiration, systemic thinking, and community engagement in conservation, and delve into the 'four returns' model for landscape restoration developed by Common Land. Astrid emphasises the role of art, celebration, and collective action in fostering a sustainable future, offering insights and encouragement for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the planet.

About Astrid Vargas
Astrid Vargas is an award-winning conservation biologist with a track record in setting up, developing, leading, and monitoring environmental restoration programs. She has been a key figure in the recovery of three of the world’s most endangered species: the Iberian lynx in Spain, the black-footed ferret in North America, and the golden-crowned sifaka in Madagascar. Astrid believes in the power of art and inspiration to transform society. She is the founder of Inspiration 4 Action, an initiative that inspires communities to bring collective creativity into ecosystem restoration.

Find out more about Astrid Vargas and Inspiration 4 Action  via website: her book website : Instagram : Facebook

Time Stamps
01:22 Astrid's Early Inspirations and Influences
04:50 The Journey into Conservation Biology
06:42 The Iberian Lynx Recovery Program
11:35 The Four Returns Model for Landscape Restoration
21:44 Art, Celebration, and Community Engagement
29:26 Advice for Young Conservationists
31:14 The Joy of Conservation and Final Thoughts

Key Quotes

•  What if saving the planet could be joyful, creative and inspiring?
• There's a big need in endangered species programs to resolve conflict and to listen to each other and to find ways where we can all move forward together.
•  It's our own activity that's causing the demise of so many species.
• The beauty of nature makes me want to act. It gives me the amazing love to try to to do whatever we can so we don't lose it.
• We need a different thinking than the thinking that caused this problem.
• Our mind has to move to a restoration, regeneration thinking.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews Ricky Ellcock, a man who defied significant challenges to excel in two remarkable careers: professional cricket and aviation. Raised in impoverished conditions in Barbados, Ricky's journey saw him overcoming racial and socio-economic barriers. His ingenuity as a child, along with his resilience in facing career-ending injuries, led him to become Virgin Atlantic's first Black 747 captain. Ricky shares his experiences of culture shock at an elite English boarding school, fighting through debilitating injuries, battling depression, and ultimately redefining success. His story is one of humour, humility, and relentless determination to achieve one's dreams, and serves as a powerful inspiration for aiming high despite the odds.

About Ricky Ellcock
Captain Ricky Ellcock was born in 1965 in Redman’s Village, St Thomas, Barbados. He attended Combermere School, Barbados before gaining a scholarship to Malvern College, Worcestershire, England at 15 years old. Ricky made his first Class debut as a 17 year old fast bowler for Worcestershire CCC before being selected for the England cricket team at 24. A major back injury and two unsuccessful back operations was to ultimately end his cricket career.

He retrained in 1993 as a pilot at the British Aerospace Flying College and gained his MSc in Air Transport Planning and Management at The University of Westminster. Ricky joined Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1997 as their first black pilot and would go on to take command of the Boeing 747-400 (Jumbo) from 2005 until 2015 before switching to command the 787-900 (Dreamliner).

Connect with Ricky Ellcock via LinkedIn: Website: and find out about his book Balls to Fly

Time Stamps
02:08 Ricky's Early Life in Barbados
04:07 Cricket Career and Challenges
06:23 Cultural Shock and Education in England
12:04 Injuries and Setbacks in Cricket
20:00 Transition to Aviation and Overcoming Depression
24:32 Becoming Virgin Atlantic's First Black 747 Captain
32:18 Health Challenges and Writing a Book

Key Quotes

•  Everything that I saw was new. I'd never worn a jacket. I'd never seen a colour TV or a toaster.
•  At 16 years old, I could probably bowl a ball, near enough 90 miles an hour.
• My dad said  black people don't fly aeroplanes. 
•  I think every professional sportsman has to be dedicated. You have to have a major work ethic..

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Host Sue Stockdale reflects on an incredible year filled with growth and achievement and co-founder Clive Steeper and Sound Editor Matias de Ezcurra reflect on the episode has the greatest impact on each of them.

Listeners are invited to revisit highlights, key insights, and memorable moments from the year, including a reminder of practical tips on embracing failure, fostering openness within teams and using intuition. This episode serves as a celebration of our inspiring guests and the insights gained from them.

Timestamps
00:00:25 - Celebrating Achievements
00:02:14 - Clive's Favourite Episode
00:05:14 - Matias' Favourite Episode
00:07:39 - Embracing Failure and Learning
00:08:15 - Astronaut Robert Thirsk on Failure
00:08:26 - Danielle McDonough on Fear of Failure
00:09:43 - Keith Sharpe on Team Openness
00:11:18 - Eveline van den Heuvel on Regulating the Nervous System
00:13:21 - Sue's Favourite Episode


Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews philosopher Dr. Christoph Quarch, exploring his definition of philosophy and its relevance in today's world. Christoph shares his personal journey toward philosophy, his academic path, and the importance of meaningful conversation as a means for individual and collective transformation. They reflect on the significance of inspiration and spirit in fostering innovation and organisational change, as well as delving into the need for slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and embracing open-mindedness as keys to living a more fulfilling life.

About Dr. Christoph Quarch
Dr. Christoph Quarch is a philosopher and bestselling author of numerous books on philosophical, ethical, economic and social topics. He supports executives in companies, teaches as professor at Danube Private University in Krems a. d. Donau and as a lecturer at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA) and Basel University. Christoph organises philosophical journeys for the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT, and together with his podcasts, articles and the weekly radio column "Frühstücksquarch”, he covers a wide audience throughout the German-speaking world. Quarch's work draws on the sources of European philosophy to provide answers to the multiple challenges of the 21st century. In 2019, he and his wife Christine Teufel founded the New Platonic Academy to promote a renaissance of European humanism.

Connect with Christoph Quarch via website

Key Quotes

• Philosophy is mostly about analyzing and deciphering our current mindset
• There's a kind of operational system. which is working on our brain, on our mind, and we hardly ever reflect on it.
• We think conversation is something that is so taken for granted, everybody knows how to do it. But in fact, we don't know how to do it.
• Usually we do not listen to the words that other people  use, but we only hear what we want to hear.
• The more tools, instruments of communication we have, the less developed seems to be our capacity to converse in a good way.
• I think we need to learn to reconnect in a proper way, to reconnect with life, to reconnect with nature, to reconnect with being itself.
• I want to convince people  that life is easier and probably more fulfilling when we stop trying to do everything on the basis of our own power and our own ambition.

Time Stamps
[02:48] Collective social patterns and habits.
[05:05] Philosophy as a lifestyle.
[11:41] The importance of meaningful dialogue.
[15:11] Socratic dialogue and reflection.
[16:56] Disruptive Mindset in Transformation.
[22:08] The significance of inspiration.
[25:42] Spiritual dimension in conversation.
[29:05] The essence of human interaction.
[32:46] Reconnecting with nature's meaning.
[40:00] Open attitude towards philosophy.
[41:29] Engaging with philosophical conversations.


Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale talks to Paméla Bisson from Quebec City, who is a media arts advocate and the founder of Le Machin Club - a nonprofit dedicated to engaging children aged 9 to 13 in creative projects like short films, podcasts, and a weekly radio show. Through Le Machin Club, Pamela strives to empower children and foster a more conscious and aware generation in Quebec City's vibrant cultural landscape. Pamela recounts her journey from a summer camp counsellor to establishing her organisation and her mission to spark curiosity and empathy within young people. She shares her challenges, achievements, and transformative experiences in places like Senegal and Brazil, which have shaped her views on privilege, social awareness, and consumerism.

About Paméla Bisson
Paméla is a new media arts artist and movie director based in Quebec City, Québec. Holding a degree in Cultural action and social studies from the University of Québec in Montréal, she initiates projects focused on arts, culture, the planet and humankind. In 2015, she created Le Machin Club, a non profit organisation which produces media quality content by, and for youth, with collaboration of professionals. Based in Québec city, its mission is to empower youth, locally and globally, with creativity to be active in their community.

Connect with Pamela Bisson via website: Linkedin: Instagram : Facebook
and Le Machin Club via website: YouTube : Instagram : Facebook

Key Quotes

• Le Machin Club uses media arts to create a spark in the kids
• In the nine years that it has been running, we've been involving over around 500 children
•  Here we have a lot of privileges and we should not take them for granted
• There's a lot of injustice in the world and when you discover that perspective, you either do nothing with it or you see what you can do.
• I think arts in general are opening the boundaries we have in our own mindset.

Time Stamps
03:35 Inspiration and Background
06:18 The Birth of Le Machin Club
08:55 Engaging with the Community
17:02 Achieving Balance in Personal and Professional Life
18:26 Cultural Landscape of Quebec City
19:49 Challenges and Opportunities in Arts and Culture
24:20 Inspiration from Travel and Cultural Exchange
27:22 Profound Experiences and Personal Growth
32:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Adults 


Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Keith Sharpe, Head of Coaching and Leadership Development for the GB Cycling team talks to Sue Stockdale about his work helping athletes and coaches to be better tomorrow, by supporting them today. Keith explains how to create a high performance environment by role modelling curiosity, kindness and humility, and why playfulness and concise communication are key elements of success.
 
About Keith Sharpe
Keith has worked in elite sport for 24 years, gaining a wide range of experiences supporting athletes and coaches in Olympic, Paralympic and Professional sports. He is currently Head of Coaching and Leadership Development for the GB Cycling team. Keith is also a coach mentor for the Premier League. He spent a number of years working in Ghana and Denmark for Right to Dream and FC Nordsjaelland leading their Character Development strategy and delivery. Mindful of giving back, Keith is a Samaritans listener and founded his village Beer Club, which runs quarterly, promoting local suppliers and supporting the local community. 

Connect with Keith Sharpe on LinkedIn 

Key Quotes

• To not be curious is to be dead
• Kids always ask why, why, why? I think the day that we stop asking that is quite a shame
• I want to say or convey my message in the best way with as few words as possible.
• We're pushing the athletes every day to be a better version of themselves.
• I don't think there is failure. I think there's only learning.
• We're all carrying a story and to normalise that rather than to hide away from that is really important.
• I think that role modelling of being vulnerable is really important in the workplace.
• Inspiration comes from people passionate about what they're doing and doing it really well
• Trust yourself. You can do it. You can fluff your feathers and you can give it a go.
  

Time Stamps
[03:45] The role of curiosity in careers
[06:15] Overcoming self-doubt in communication
[11:35] Normalising workplace conversations
[13:41] Learning from performance outcomes
[18:03] Authentic leadership styles
[23:26] Importance of kindness in leadership
[25:27] Playfulness in learning environments
[31:06] Toastmasters for communication development
[35:00] Community engagement and leadership. 


Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Award-winning photographer Renato Granieri discusses with host Sue Stockdale his transformation from a corporate career to becoming an wildlife and travel photographer. Born in Sardinia and settled in the UK, Granieri shares how a trip to the Faroe Islands sparked his passion for photography at the age of 40 and the pivotal role his partner, a travel journalist, played in his career switch. Granieri emphasises the importance of patience, visualisation, and planning in capturing stunning wildlife images and describes the diverse global locales he explores from Antarctica to the jungles of Africa. He also shares his insights on using new technologies like drones for photography and how his work has become a lifestyle deeply rooted in nature conservation. 

About Renato Granieri
Renato has been a wildlife photographer since 2014. Since his first visit to the Arctic, Renato has travelled regularly to the Arctic and Antarctica. In 2024, Renato has reached the geographical North Pole on an expedition vessel. Renato has won several awards, including the Grand Prize of the National Geographic Traveller on two separate occasions, the Bird Photographer of the Year and the Asferico International Contest. Renato has been commissioned by newspapers, magazines, tour operators and tourist boards and also leads specialist photographic tours to a number of destinations around the world.
 
Amongst all, he spends considerable time with chimpanzees, both with those in the wild and those under rehabilitation, contributing to raising money for the preservation of the species. Renato has a strong passion for conservation and is actively involved in a project with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone. In 2022, he was made an official ambassador for the chimpanzees of Sierra Leone. He has two main long-term goals: help with the preservation of wildlife, particularly with great apes and the habitat they live in and inspire others to take care of our planet and travel the world responsibly.
 
Connect with Renato Granieri via website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Key Quotes

• I started touching my first camera at the age of 40.
• Visiting a colony of puffins was the turning point when I started getting very obsessive about wildlife and the natural environment
• You get paid to do something that you really like and change your life and change the way you see things
• Click less and think more
• One excellent shot is worth millions of average shots
• Learn the rules because they're very important, but also learn how to break those rules

Time Stamps
03:29 Discovering Photography: A Life-Changing Journey
06:13 The Creative Process and Inspirations
11:00 Wildlife Encounters and Photography Techniques
25:36 Tools of the Trade: Renato's Equipment
28:53 Building a Photography Business
30:35 Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Photographers

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale 
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra