Access to Inspiration

Sue Stockdale talks to learning designer Agnese Spona about the process of creating learning experiences. Agnese shares her frustrations with traditional education systems and the barriers to scaling individualised learning. The conversation concludes with thoughts on how to inspire better human interactions and curiosity within educational contexts, considering the rapidly evolving landscape influenced by AI and technology.

About Agnese Spona
Agnese Spona is a professional with a passion for empowering individuals and organisations through transformative learning experiences. Agnese is  founder of Ness, a learning design and facilitation practice focused on fostering growth and positive change. She also co-founded MadeFor, an international learning business where she led instructional design, customer experience strategy, and brand building as well served as a management team member at the Customer Bureau.

Agnese's insights on education sector has been deepened in her role as a thesis and research supervisor at Hague University of Applied Sciences and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. She is also a founding member of Women in CX and has served as a Strategy and Proposition Design advisor at Logiscool Netherlands (coding school for kids). Her volunteer work : TEDx Amsterdam Impact Program Coach and with Project Fearless demonstrate her commitment to community and social impact.

Find out more about Agnese Spona via her website : Instagram and LinkedIn

Key Quotes

• How do you actually motivate people to recognise that they want to learn?
• One of the things that's really hard in education is evaluation of effectiveness of that education.
• The ultimate goal is to make sure that you consider really the learner  in your design.
• If AI can do your Excel spreadsheet the question is what you're going to do then with that Excel spreadsheet.

Time Stamps

01:35 Agnese's Journey into Learning Design
03:14 Building a Learning Business
04:29 Understanding the Learner's Needs
08:37 Challenges in Traditional Education
14:21  Impact of COVID and AI on Learning
19:13  Personal Reflections on Education
22:05 Curiosity and Customized Learning
24:34 Scaling Individualized Learning
27:41 Future of Learning and AI

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Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra
Producer: Sue Stockdale 

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 speaks with Mark Fletcher, the owner of Altitude Esports, about what led him to forming and leading an esports racing team. Mark shares his deep-rooted passion for racing, influenced by his father's racing background and their combined foray into model car racing. He explains how the team was founded from personal loss and a desire to create a community. The conversation also touches on Mark's engagement with Sports 2000 racing, integrating his virtual racing skills into real-world mechanics, and the supportive family-like environment within the racing community.

About Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher is 36 years old and lives in Worcestershire, England. He is the owner of Altitude Esports, an iRacing esports team and SimFly Driver Development. Mark has a passion for most sports, and in his spare time runs, plays golf, and mechanic for a Sports 2000 race team. He enjoys travelling and exploring new places. 

Altitude eSports is a media partner of Access to Inspiration podcast.

Connect with Mark and Altitude Esports via Facebook and Twitch.

Key Quotes

• There are paid professionals who earn more than I do in my day job and they are racing on a simulator
• It's not just a day out for lads and dads
• We have exactly the same infrastructure as you would for a real race
• We can simulate in the SIM everything that the real world will throw at you
• Find your way to remember these people who have passed and make them still part of your life every day
• Every time that the car touches the track, its like I remember mum

Time Stamps
02:28 What is eSports Racing?
03:19 The Competitiveness of eSports
04:20 Formation of Altitude eSports
07:47 Challenges and Personal Motivations
10:47 Team Dynamics and Recruitment
21:08 Balancing Real and Virtual Racing
28:19 Getting Started with Sim Racing

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

If you are enjoying this podcast - Buy Me A Coffee and leave us a message to help us continue producing quality audio content for our listeners.

Sound Editor: Matias de Ezcurra
Producer: Sue Stockdale 

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 Eveline van den Heuvel about her fascinating life journey and academic background in cognitive neuroscience and health psychology. Eveline delves deep into the importance of questioning everything, connecting with people, and harnessing intuition and creativity in both personal and professional life, highlighting its significance in today’s world driven by technology and artificial intelligence.

About Eveline van den Heuvel
Eveline's genius is to help others pave the way into the unknown by creating a bridge between the pragmatic, transactional world and the ethereal creative space of imagination. She holds a Masters in Cognitive Neuroscience and Health Psychology as well as being a certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Breathwork coach. During her 20 years as a professional she has worked in academia, the startup and corporate world, as well as in personal and executive coaching. She loves bringing ideas to life particularly in the space between technology, neuroscience and meditation. Eveline also works as a facilitator, gently encouraging people to show and bring more of themselves within group workshops or regular monthly sessions.

Connect with Eveline van den Heuvel via Linkedin and Instagram

Francis Cholle TEDX Talk on Intuitive Intelligence recommended by Eveline

Key Quotes

• I counted how many homes I had lived in and I came to 36 houses by the age of 30.
• Intuition is not separate from creativity, but forms the basis for it.
• I think sometimes we can define limitations for others by what we say to them, what we say is possible for them.
• I remember having experiences where I had these senses like I know what somebody's feeling I've been here before.
• Allow yourself to learn something about yourself that you didn't already know.
• They found that 81 percent of the CEOs actually used their intuition to make certain decisions.

Time Stamps
02:20 Childhood Memories and Playfulness
03:23 Nomadic Lifestyle and Life Lessons
06:41 Academic Journey and Neuroscience
12:19 Exploring Intuition and Personal Growth
17:09 Integrating Intuition in Business
25:33 Practical Tips for Accessing Intuition

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 

In this episode 134, previous guest from episode 87 Dr Sarah Gilchrist introduces her guest, David Smith MBE, a former Paralympic rower with an impressive sports background. David shares his journey from winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, to facing the reality of paralysis and living with challenging medical issues. David stresses the significance of staying connected to the current moment as a key element of success and a fulfilling life. He introduces the concept of "being where your feet are," emphasising the value of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This mindset enables individuals to fully engage with their surroundings, experiences, and emotions, leading to a heightened sense of awareness and gratitude for life.

About David Smith MBE
David Smith MBE is a remarkable athlete, inspirational speaker, and advocate for resilience and mental strength. With an illustrious career in sports, David has competed at the highest levels, earning accolades in both rowing and cycling. His journey is marked by extraordinary achievements, including winning gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as part of the mixed coxed four rowing team. David's life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive tumor on his spinal cord. Despite facing multiple surgeries and the threat of paralysis, David's unwavering determination and positivity saw him return to competitive sport. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit. Awarded an MBE for his services to rowing and inspiring others, David now dedicates his life to motivational speaking, sharing his experiences with global audiences. Through his talks and podcasts, he empowers others to overcome adversity and embrace life's challenges with courage and optimism. Discover the incredible journey of David Smith exploring what he learned from his athletic career, his battles with health, and his mission to inspire resilience and a new perspective on life in others.

Connect with David Smith MBE via LinkedIn and his website

Time Stamps
02:05 - David's Tumour Diagnosis
04:03 - Impact of Tumour on Life
07:35 - Athlete's Awareness of Their Body
13:06 - Self-Management and Learning
16:06 - Challenges of Self-Rehabilitation
19:02 - Observing and Listening
23:00 - Finding Beauty in Simple Things
27:00 - Roberto's Story
31:08 - Redefining Success
36:37 - Humour in Difficult Times

Key Quotes

• "How do I make the world just a better place through my understanding of 14 years on cancer wards and neurosurgery wards and everything I've seen there."
• I think that my superpower was to realize the impermanence of life and to know that it doesn't last forever.
• I love getting bored in the countryside because it just feels like my days are going longer, which gives me longer time on this planet.
• I always try to smile to people because I know what it's like when someone smiles to me.
• I guess I paid the ultimate price to learn this lesson, but that is the paradox of all of this is that it taught me how to live.
• You see this strength come from the human spirit, this will to live, will to survive, which is beautiful. There's this level of humility.
• You need human doings as well to change the world.
• If you're born and you're lucky to live to 80, you're given 4,000 weeks.

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 interviews Shoko Doherty, CEO of Celtic English Academy, who originally hails from Japan and now resides in Wales. Shoko shares her experiences of cultural differences between Japan and Wales after moving 20 years ago, highlighting aspects of respect and societal values.

Shoko also describes how they embrace cultural differences and foster a multicultural environment with the students to lead to positive experiences for both students and staff and contribute to building a more inclusive and harmonious society.

About Shoko Doherty
Shoko Doherty is the CEO of Celtic English Academy, an English language school in Cardiff accredited by the British Council, which has welcomed over 15,000 students from more than 50 countries in the past 20 years. She also serves as the Chair of English UK, a national association dedicated to advancing international students' education in the English language within the UK.

Shoko is recognised for her role in exporting education and contributing to international trade as a Welsh Government Export Exemplar and as an Export Champion for the UK Government Department of Business and Trade. Holding a degree in music from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Shoko has an interest in classical music, especially brass bands. 

Connect with Shoko Doherty on LinkedIn : and Celtic English Academy on LinkedIn : Instagram : Facebook : TikTok

Key Quotes

• When I learned to speak in English, I was still using sense of Japanese language in a way, translating from Japanese to English
• Making mistakes in front of somebody in Japan is taught as a quite big embarrassment.
• I'm really proud that we do make differences in students' lives every day
• Language school is like a microcosm of the world where people from different countries and backgrounds meet and learn together.
• We recruit students from over 50 countries and the diversity of nationalities and the market are really important.
• Being a musician is like being an athlete. It's not so elegant behind the scene, unfortunately. It requires a high level of discipline, long hours of practice and ability to work collaboratively with others.

Time Stamps
02:20 - Cultural Differences Between Japan and Wales
08:11 - Career Path to become CEO of Celtic English Academy
14:01 - Implementing Diversity and Equality
20:40 - Continuous Learning and Development
25:01 - Measuring Success Beyond Profitability

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 Cobe Williams, the Director of U.S. programming for Cure Violence Global, as he reflects on his upbringing in Chicago, his exposure to street and gang life, and the impact of violence in his community. From childhood memories of block parties to the absence of a father figure leading him to the streets, Kobe shares poignant moments that shaped his life and perspective on the importance of addressing violence in communities. Learn how Cobe turned his life around to focus on community work, relationships, violence prevention, and the impact of the Cure Violence Global model. 

About Cobe Williams
Ricardo "Cobe" Williams's journey from the depths of gang life to becoming an international symbol of peace is nothing short of remarkable. His life story reads like a screenplay - born into the notorious Black Disciples, a childhood marred by the brutal murder of his father, and years spent navigating the treacherous waters of gang leadership. Yet, his astonishing turnaround - from gang leader to award-winning peacekeeper and community activist - offers a blueprint for social reform worldwide.

His work has been celebrated across media outlets like People Magazine and he has earned many accolades, including the Hero Award from Phillip Zimbardo and the United Nations Peace Award. Cobe serves as Director of US Programs for Cure Violence Global, overseeing training and technical assistance for more than 50 sites across more than 20 cities. Cobe travels the globe training violence interrupters in mediation and conflict resolution strategies. 

Connect with Cobe Williams via Interrupt The Violence.com 

Key Quotes

• “It's important to listen and get to know people and build relationships.
• “ A lot of youth feel nobody listen to them."
• “ A lot of times people, on the news when somebody got shot or somebody got killed or whatever, they always say it's gang related. That's not true. A lot of this violence is interpersonal."
• "I can help save somebody's life. It feels good to know I saved somebody from getting shot and getting killed."
• “People don't just wake up and say they want to do something bad to somebody, right? But a lot of times people they don't know how to ask for help."
• "Meet people where they are. Don't judge nobody because you never know what they've been through and what they're going through."
• "It's not how you start, but it's how you finish."

Time Stamps
[03:16] Turning point in court.
[06:40] Interpersonal violence beyond gangs.
[10:48] Credibility and community impact.
[12:44] Sports and community building.
[17:56] Overcoming struggles and inspiring others.
[20:47] Building relationships and understanding.

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 

Manuela Gil who was a guest on episode 73 returns to introduce Maritza Lopez, a former corporate professional turned eco-entrepreneur from Colombia. Maritza, the CEO of MyEcoHome is working on regenerating the Earth through bio-products extracted from Colombian forests, and explains the importance of maintaining forests for sustainability, creating value from forests, preserving biodiversity, and developing productive forests for future generations. Maritza also explains why she changed career at age 40 as well as addressing why she wants to preserve tropical dry forests in Colombia.

About Maritza Lopez
Maritza is an executive with over 15 years of experience in managing both private and state-owned companies. She is recognised as a prominent leader in entrepreneurship and the development of non-timber forest products from Colombia's forests. Her career spans public and private organisations, where Maritza has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in strategic management and driving triple bottom line impact initiatives. Her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability has significantly impacted natural resource conservation and economic development in local communities.

Connect with Maritza Lopez via LinkedIn  and website  

Key Quotes

• “Productive forests are forests that are romantic, poetic but also economical."
• "I think the main challenge for me now is embracing the scarcity."
• “What I'm trying to do is to live my life despite the uncertainty,”.
• "I imagine that we can regenerate 2% of the tropical dry forest in Colombia"
• "I want my daughter to see me as a woman that could follow her heart no matter what"
• “Risk must be taken because the greatest hardship of life is to risk nothing."

Time Stamps
[04:55] Productive forests and incentives.
[08:06] Understanding Colombian forest ecosystems.
[11:45] Preserving tropical rainforest through entrepreneurship.
[19:50] Balancing challenges in bioeconomy.
[24:32] Spiritual evolution in business.
[29:13] Taking risks in life.

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 Urs Koenig about his insights and experiences from his time serving as a peacekeeper, shedding light on the importance of humility in leadership in a demanding and high-stakes environment. Koenig explains the concept of 'radical humility' which he describes as the ability to be a bad ass leader and a good human at the same time.

About Urs Koenig
Urs is a former United Nations military peacekeeper and NATO military peacekeeping commander, a highly accomplished ultra-endurance champion, a widely published professor, bestselling author, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience helping hundreds of leaders and dozens of executive teams unlock new levels of achievement across four continents. He is the founder of the Radical Humility Leadership Institute and speaks frequently on the topic of leadership to corporations and associations across the globe. He holds a PhD in geography and a Master of Science from the University of Zürich, Switzerland, and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. Urs is the loving father of two teenage boys who make commanding soldiers look easy. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Connect with Urs Koenig on LinkedIn - Twitter - Instagram - website 

Time Stamps
[06:03] The role of humility in leadership.
[09:24] Humility in media portrayal.
[14:30] Radical humility.
[18:20] Embracing regular feedback.
[20:06] Leaders asking the right questions.
[25:29] Relationship building in virtual world.
[27:44] Building Trust in Relationships.

Key Quotes

•  "The best commanders I had were deeply humble. They had great self-awareness, they built meaningful relationships with their team members, and they applied a growth mindset."
• "I was always drawn to highly successful people who could have the humility and say, I actually don't know, but I'll go and find out."
• "The most important decision in strategy is deciding what not to do and having the humility to say no to everything else."
• "All of us should aspire to building a leadership factory in our teams"
• "You can't half-ass humility."
•  "I say be a badass leader and a good human"
• "Be more courageous in chartering your own course."

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 

In episode 129 Sue Stockdale talks to Dana Frank, who shares the story of her family business, TD Frank Family Properties. Dana explains the origins of the business dating back to 1950 and how determination and hard work laid the foundation for a successful business that continues to thrive today. Learn about the legacy of resilience and entrepreneurship that shaped TD Frank Family Properties over the years. Dana also talks about her book Get Up And Get On It, where she reveals the formula for creating generational wealth based on human experience that everyone can relate to. 

Find out more about Dana Frank via Dana's website and Instagram 

Key Quotes

• "Only 12% of family businesses make it to the third generation."
• "I treat my properties like I treated raising my children."
• "We are engaged every day and we have fun. It's such a fortunate position to be in where everybody's working towards the same cause. And when we win, we all win together."
• "Cash erodes, equity grows."

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn 
If you are enjoying this podcast and 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 

In this episode host Sue Stockdale talks to Ricardo Brito about his journey of experiencing burnout and how it led him to a pivotal moment of realisation. Ricardo reflects on the challenging work environment, dissatisfaction with the tech world, and the breaking point that made him reassess his path. 

About Ricardo Brito
Ricardo Brito is a career and life coach helping people pave their way to personal and professional fulfilling balance through what he calls the PATH Method. Ricardo’s journey began back in 2021, when deeply entrenched in the corporate tech world as a UX design lead he found himself battling burnout, disillusionment, and defeat. The turning point came when he reached a breaking point and sought medical help, realizing that something needed to change. This led him on an unexpected path of rediscovering himself through therapy, coaching, and experimentation. As he delved into coaching, Ricardo found a renewed sense of purpose and direction. 

Connect with Ricardo Brito on LinkedIn  and access his free Career Storytelling Kit or newsletter 

Time Stamps
[00:04:14] Financial and identity beliefs.
[00:06:23] Resistance to change.
[00:09:26] Embracing experimentation and playfulness.
[00:15:12] Identity and entrepreneurship.
[00:16:49] Transition in career coaching.
[00:21:19] The power of storytelling.
[00:25:31] Preventing burnout through self-care.

Key Quotes

• "I just shut down my laptop and said, I can't do this anymore."
• “Addressing the nature of that resistance is the first step to understand how can you let it go, call it by what it is and figuring out where it comes from."
• "It's a new confrontation with yourself and your identity."
• “We need to have those things to inspire us to move forward."
• "Changing how you approach things to make sure that you're invigorated and don't burn out again."
• "The better medicine is preventive medicine, not healing. So prevent your career burnout.”

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn 
If you are enjoying this podcast and 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