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If you’re ready to rise to greatness, reclaim your power, and step into your most authentic life, this conversation with master trainer & coach Connie Theodoridis is for you. In this powerful interview, Connie shares the life lessons she wishes she knew at 30—from breaking free of toxic relationships to trusting your intuition, finding your authentic path, healing deeply, and building lasting confidence. This episode is filled with powerful Rise to Greatness teachings, personal growth insights, and life-changing wisdom designed to help you rise with clarity, courage, and momentum.
🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Rise to Greatness Episode:
- How to trust your intuition and follow your authentic self
- Why personal + professional development must coexist
- How toxic relationships block greatness—and how to break free
- How the Rise to Greatness mindset accelerates transformation
- How to stop living for others and step into your true purpose
- What Connie wishes she knew at 30 about identity, love & success
- Why your environment shapes your destiny
- How to build a life with no regrets and rise into greatness
This episode is a masterclass in authenticity, emotional healing, empowerment, and the Rise to Greatness lifestyle. If you’re seeking clarity, courage, direction, or a fresh start—this is the conversation you need.
*About the Host – Fran Harper*
Fran Harper empowers individuals and teams to live with clarity, purpose, balance, and their own version of greatness. With decades in sales, marketing, communication, and Neuro-Transformation Therapy, Fran helps people unlock success from the inside out.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about
📧 Contact: [email protected]
💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30
A channel where real stories meet raw truth and remarkable growth. Hosted by Fran Harper – Life Architect, entrepreneur & mindset coach, this community helps you:
✔ Build resilience
✔ Rediscover purpose
✔ Create a meaningful, intentional life
Each episode delivers practical wisdom, emotional support, and honest conversations to help you rise to greatness.
🌎 Connect with Fran Harper
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franharper/
💖 Spread the Love
💌 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to rise.
👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and hit the bell—your support helps this Rise to Greatness message reach more people.
#risetogreatness #whatIwishiKnewat30 #personalgrowth #authenticliving #relationshiphealing #lifelessons #selfdevelopment #empowermentjourney
Discover how filmmaker and charity CEO Donna Lyon transformed trauma, addiction, and adversity into a life of purpose, creativity, and empowerment. In this compelling episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, host Fran Harper dives into Donna’s journey from “surviving” to “leading,” and how her organisation Left Right Hook helps survivors heal through storytelling, movement, and community.
Donna opens up about rebuilding her life after addiction, the power of vulnerability, her faith, and why taking action, before mindset catches up, is the key to long-term transformation. She also explores the challenges facing young professionals today, the impact of trauma on creativity, and why healing is never linear.
In this episode you’ll learn:
• How Donna overcame addiction and rebuilt her life
• Why creativity and movement (like boxing) can support trauma recovery
• The power of vulnerability in leadership and storytelling
• How Left Right Hook empowers survivors of childhood sexual abuse
• Action-based mindset shifts that help overcome inertia
• Why personal growth requires courage, discipline, and community
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Who Is Donna Lyon
02:14 Donna at 30: Life in Turmoil
06:48 Hitting Rock Bottom & Seeking Help
10:26 The Five-Year Journey Through Recovery
13:45 “You Don’t Change Your Thinking by Thinking”
16:20 Finding Purpose Through Filmmaking & Storytelling
20:55 The Birth of Left Right Hook
25:12 Vulnerability as a Superpower
28:36 Creativity, Movement, and Multimodal Healing
31:58 The Realities Young Professionals Face Today
35:42 Leading with Compassion & Lived Experience
39:07 From Pain to Purpose
42:18 What Donna Wishes She Knew at 30
45:01 Final Takeaways & Closing Notes
Connect & Resources:
Guest: Donna Lyon, Ph.D. | Producer | Researcher | Survivor | Boxer | Founder | CEO
Website: https://leftwritehook.org/our-story
Host: Fran Harper | Head of Sales & Marketing - Global Paramount 21 Ltd - Podcast Host What I Wish I knew at 30
Website: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: / @whatiwishiknewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
If this helped you:
Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#DonnaLyon #LeftRightHook #TraumaRecovery #ResilienceJourney #HealingThroughCreativity #EmpowermentStories #MentalHealthAwareness #StorytellingForChange #PersonalGrowthJourney #OvercomingAdversity #LeadershipAndHealing #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #FranHarperCoaching
What does it take to turn your life around after hitting rock bottom? In this episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Fran Harper interviews Robert Theodoridis, a transformative entrepreneur who went from prison to building thriving businesses.
Rob shares his real-life lessons on resilience, mindset, personal growth, and overcoming adversity, offering actionable advice for anyone striving to achieve their dreams despite life’s challenges.
Key Topics Covered:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Rob's Journey
02:09 Reflections on Turning 30
06:46 Dreams and Expectations
10:02 Lessons on Trust and Relationships
12:45 Life's Curveballs: Incarceration and Resilience
18:36 The Hardships of Prison Life
23:17 Advice to My Younger Self
26:49 Life Lessons from the Past
28:30 The Importance of Impact and Memory
31:03 Navigating Modern Challenges for Youth
34:28 Mindset Shifts for Success
39:19 The FOTOS Method: Focusing on What Matters
40:40 The Bus Test: Ensuring Business Continuity
42:59 Reflection and Living with Purpose
43:12 Quickfire Fun Questions
Takeaways & Conclusions:
Keywords & Phrases:
resilience, entrepreneurship, mindset, personal growth, mentorship, overcoming adversity, life lessons, success, self-belief, transformation
Connect & Resources:
Guest: Rob Theodoridis | Speaker | Australian Business Champion | Co-Founder of RISE TO GREATNESS & Sydney Electrical Contractors | Author of VELOCITY
Host: Fran Harper | Head of Sales & Marketing - Global Paramount 21 Ltd - Podcast Host What I Wish I knew at 30
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: / @whatiwishiknewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
If this helped you:
Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#Resilience#Entrepreneurship#MindsetMatters#PersonalGrowth#OvercomingAdversity#LifeLessons#SelfBelief#TransformationJourney#SuccessMindset#Mentorship#FromPrisonToSuccess#EntrepreneurMindset#MotivationForSuccess#MindsetShift
In this inspiring episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, host Fran Harper sits down with Venessa Barnes, a respected voice in the food industry whose career has spanned from the kitchen to corporate strategy.
Venessa opens up about her journey from being a chef to becoming a strategic leader, the challenges she faced during COVID-19, and her personal battle with breast cancer at just 32. She also shares how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the food and hospitality industries, and how resilience, relationships, and authenticity helped her redefine success.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎧 Key Questions Discussed:
What did life look like for you at 30?
How did your cancer journey change your approach to leadership and life?
What role does AI play in shaping the future of your industry?
What advice would you give your younger self about money, growth, and resilience?
✨ Main Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Vanessa Barnes
02:53 Vanessa's Journey at 30
05:42 The Impact of COVID on the Food Industry
08:59 Personal Challenges and Growth
12:05 Lessons from Adversity
14:42 Advice to My Younger Self
22:25 Respecting Money and Life Lessons
27:54 Balancing Career and Family Life
30:20 Navigating the Impact of AI on Business
34:20 The Power of Relationships
42:09 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
🔑 Keywords: Vanessa Barnes, food industry, COVID-19, breast cancer, personal growth, resilience, entrepreneurship, AI, leadership, relationships, authenticity, women in business
📌 Follow the Show:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIWishIKnewat30
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franharper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@franharpercoaching?lang=en
Guest - Chef Venessa Barnes
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you:
Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes
#VenessaBarnes #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #FranHarper #Podcast #FoodIndustry #Leadership #Resilience #BreastCancerSurvivor #PersonalGrowth #AIandFutureOfWork #WomenInBusiness #AuthenticLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #CareerGrowth #InspiringStories
Chef Sarah Maric | Chef, Educator, and Culinary Leader - From Royal Kitchens to Resilience
In this episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Sarah Maric, President Emeritus of the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs reveals the real lessons behind Courage, Burnout & Redefining Success.
From cooking for royalty to leading some of Australia’s most demanding kitchens, and now inspiring the next generation of chefs. Chef Sarah Maric’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation.
Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:12 Intro .mp4
00:15 Chef Sarah Marrick: A Culinary Journey
03:45 The Challenges of Leadership in the Kitchen
09:56 Winging It: The Reality of Life at 30
13:39 Unexpected Paths: From England to Australia
17:37 Health Lessons: The Cost of Hard Work
19:21 Life's Curveballs: Family and Resilience
20:32 Emotional Insecurity and Resilience
24:35 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth
27:00 Advice to Younger Self: Mentorship and Growth
30:18 The Impact of Digitization on Human Connection
32:57 The Evolving Chef Culture and Mentorship
36:29 Quickfire Reflections and Life Lessons
43:09 Outro (1).mp4
Join Fran Harper as she and Sarah dive deep into the lessons learned from a life spent balancing ambition, growth, and well-being. Whether you’re a chef, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode will leave you inspired to rise again, no matter where you are in your journey.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of courage and transformation.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: / @whatiwishiknewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
Guest - Chef Sarah Maric
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you: Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#ChefSarahMaric #FranHarperPodcast #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #CulinaryJourney #Resilience #WomenInLeadership #CourageAndGrowth #LifeLessons #HospitalityIndustry #LeadershipPodcast #MotivationalPodcast
Chef Glenn Flood - The Heat Beyond the Kitchen: Lessons on Leadership and Burnout
In this episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, host Fran Harper chats with Chef Glenn Flood, culinary leader, mentor, and coach, as he reveals the real lessons behind leadership, burnout, and self-discovery.
From high-pressure kitchens to mentoring future leaders, Glenn shares how emotional regulation, gratitude, and self-reflection shaped his success. His story is a masterclass in balance, empathy, and purpose, whether you’re in hospitality or any fast-paced field.
Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Glenn Flood: A Culinary Leader
02:29 Reflecting on Career Milestones at 30
05:58 Navigating Challenges in the Culinary Industry
08:33 Dreams and Aspirations at 30
11:49 Life's Unexpected Turns and Experiences
15:05 Lessons Learned: The Importance of Balance
20:03 Mentorship and Emotional Regulation in the Kitchen
21:49 Navigating Burnout and Imposter Syndrome
27:10 The Power of Coaching and Mentorship
29:36 Leadership in Hospitality: Bridging the Gap
31:30 Key Advice for Emerging Leaders
33:15 The Impact of Technology on Young Professionals
36:58 Confidence Counts: The Best Advice Received
42:38 Reflecting on Your Journey
🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts and discover how confidence, gratitude, and self-awareness can transform your leadership journey.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIWishIKnewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
Guest - Chef Glenn Flood
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you:
Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#LeadershipPodcast #GlennFlood #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #FranHarperCoaching #CulinaryLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #MindsetForLeaders #ProfessionalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #HospitalityIndustry #MentorshipMatters #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowthJourney
In this inspiring episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, host Fran Harper sits down with Philip Wilkinson OBE, one of the most influential figures in the global food and agricultural industry.
With over four decades of leadership across the dairy and poultry sectors, Philip shares his hard-won wisdom, from building relationships that last, to making fast, confident decisions that drive success.
He reflects on his career transformation, from humble beginnings in the dairy industry to leading billion-pound food operations and receiving his OBE for services to the Dairy Industry. Philip also opens up about his philosophy on resilience, integrity, and never settling for “no” unless it’s the right answer.
🎧 Tune in to learn how determination, adaptability, and authenticity can shape not only your career but your entire outlook on life.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 - Intro ( music )
00:14 Introduction to Philip Wilkinson
03:09 Philip's Early Career and Challenges
07:53 Lessons Learned and Mentorship
14:17 Insights on the Poultry Industry
21:11 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
29:31 Reflecting on Past Mistakes
37:30 Building a Resilient Business
43:39 The Role of Technology
46:18 Navigating Industry Regulations
51:46 Future Vision and Sustainability
55:00 Closing Thoughts and Thank You
01:15:41 Outro ( music )
🎧 Tune in to learn how determination, adaptability, and authenticity can shape not only your career but your entire outlook on life.
🔗 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & YouTube
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIWishIKnewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
Guest - Philip Wilkinson OBE
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you: Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#PhilipWilkinson #LeadershipPodcast #FoodIndustry #Agriculture #CareerAdvice #FranHarper #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #OBE #BusinessLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #LifeLessons
Tim Whitehead: Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Relationships in Business | What I Wish I Knew at 30 Podcast
In this inspiring episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Fran Harper sits down with Tim Whitehead, a seasoned entrepreneur and hospitality leader with over 40 years of experience in the global food and business industry.
Tim opens up about his career transitions, hard-earned lessons in trust and partnerships, and the importance of authentic relationships in building long-term success. From overcoming setbacks to leading with empathy, Tim shares how communication, self-awareness, and resilience have shaped his personal and professional growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tim Whitehead’s Journey
05:47 Tim’s Career Transition at 30
10:51 Dreams and Aspirations at 30
16:49 Lessons Learned from Trust and Partnerships
21:55 The Importance of Relationships in Business
26:19 Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
33:49 Advice to My 30-Year-Old Self
34:09 Building Positive Relationships
36:30 Handling Pressure and Self-Awareness
38:18 The Importance of Communication
40:29 Navigating Modern Challenges
46:44 The Value of Face-to-Face Interactions
47:46 Lessons from Mentorship
48:49 Quickfire Insights and Reflections
🎙 About the Podcast:
What I Wish I Knew at 30 is hosted by Fran Harper, where inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers share the lessons that shaped their journeys, and what they wish they’d known sooner.
👉 Tune in now to hear Tim’s story and discover valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of relationships. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
🔗 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & YouTube
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: / @whatiwishiknewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
Guest - Tim Whitehead
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you: Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#TimWhitehead #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #FranHarper #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #EntrepreneurMindset #TrustAndPartnerships #CareerAdvice #HospitalityIndustry #ProfessionalGrowth
Chef Samuel Burke | From Kitchen to Corporate: Resilience, Mentorship & Life Lessons in the Culinary World
In this inspiring episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Chef Samuel Burke takes us through his remarkable culinary journey, from working in kitchens to leading operations in the Australian meat industry.
Sam opens up about burnout, resilience, and the importance of work-life balance in a demanding profession. He shares how mentorship, passion, and continuous learning shaped his career and why family and purpose matter more than accolades.
Whether you’re an aspiring chef, entrepreneur, or professional seeking direction, this episode will leave you motivated to pursue your goals with heart and persistence.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chef Samuel Burke
03:19 Transitioning from Kitchen to Operations
10:18 Dreams and Aspirations at 30
16:42 Reflections on Life Lessons
24:02 Navigating Career Challenges
30:51 The Importance of Relationships in the Culinary World
36:49 Advice to My Younger Self
43:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
53:46 Intro & Outro (1).mp4
🎧 Tune in now to uncover timeless lessons about leadership, sustainability, and personal growth from one of Australia’s most respected culinary figures.
🔗 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & YouTube
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatIWishIKnewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
Guest - Chef Samuel Burke
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you: Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes.
#ChefSamuelBurke #CulinaryJourney #LifeLessons #Resilience #Mentorship #WorkLifeBalance #FoodIndustry #ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #FranHarperPodcast
"Lowina Blackman on IVF, Holistic Crypto Coach, Founder of Crypto Magic, Mindset Shifts, 3D vs 5D living, self-care, personal growth, Bitcoin investing, life lessons at 30 | What I Wish I Knew at 30 Podcast"
In this episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, host Fran Harper sits down with Lowina Blackman, holistic crypto coach and founder of Crypto Magic, to unpack her powerful journey from corporate fashion to financial freedom and self-discovery.
At 30, Lowina believed she had life figured out, but burnout, a difficult IVF journey, and people-pleasing forced her to re-evaluate everything. Today, she shares the lessons that helped her redefine success: choosing authenticity, embracing self-care, and shifting from a 3D mindset to a 5D perspective.
Key takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Lowina Blackman and Her Journey
01:31 Reflections on Life at 30
03:33 Lessons Learned: Authenticity and Career Choices
04:44 Navigating Life's Curveballs: Burnout and IVF Journey
09:16 Advice to My Younger Self: Living Authentically
10:42 Understanding 5D Living and Quantum Physics
16:09 Advice for the Future: Bitcoin and Self-Care
18:50 Challenges for Today's Youth: AI and Evolving Systems
21:00 The Evolving Education Landscape
25:33 Mindset Shifts for Success
30:22 Lessons from the Past
37:00 Embracing Challenges and Choices
39:49 Intro & Outro (1).mp4
Whether you’re navigating burnout, chasing financial freedom, or searching for deeper meaning, Lowina’s wisdom will inspire you to create a life that’s truly yours.
🔗 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & YouTube
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1DgzhgbR0Zq3
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what
YouTube: / @whatiwishiknewat30
Follow the show What I Wish I Knew at 30:
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/whatiwishiknew
Guest - Lowina Blackman
Host - Fran Harper
If this helped you: Like 👍, Comment with your takeaway, and Subscribe for new episodes
#LowinaBlackman #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #FranHarper #Podcast #SelfCare #FinancialFreedom #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth
From the publisher's feed
For high performers whose role stopped working — the executive made redundant, the owner the business outgrew — ready to choose what comes next.
Guests include Chris Do, founder of Blind and…