In this thought-provoking episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with Steven Painter to explore the deeper realities of living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), the mind-body connection, and the hidden impact of stress and trauma on our nervous system. This conversation goes beyond labels and diagnoses, diving into the human experience behind chronic conditions and the resilience it takes to navigate them. 🎯 What You’ll Learn:
Why prolonged stress and trauma can disrupt the nervous system
How the “freeze” response differs from fight or flight—and why it’s often overlooked
The concept of allostatic load and what “going through too much” really means
How FND manifests both physically and mentally
The importance of awareness and understanding in healing journeys 🌱 Why This Matters for Individuals & Leaders: If you're navigating stress, supporting others, or leading in high-pressure environments, this episode offers a powerful shift in perspective: 👉 Your body isn’t working against you—it’s responding to protect you. You’ll discover how to:
Recognize early signs of nervous system overwhelm
Build empathy for yourself and others
Shift from judgment to understanding in mental health conversations
Create safer, more supportive environments in work and life 🌍 About the Episode: Steven Painter shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder after experiencing the cumulative effects of stress, trauma, and life challenges. Through his story, he sheds light on how the nervous system can become stuck in a “freeze” state, and how this impacts daily life. This episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast explores the science, the lived experience, and the deeper emotional layers of what it means to live with FND—while also inspiring hope and awareness for others.

In this powerful episode of the Being Human: Hidden Depths podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with sales expert and social entrepreneur Paul Nicholls to explore a journey that blends purpose, profit, and impact. Paul shares how he transitioned from a successful career in financial services to building Crystal Kingdom—a unique social enterprise helping children discover their self-worth through storytelling, workshops, and his middle-grade fantasy book The Magical Secret of the Crystal Kingdom. 🌟 This episode dives deep into: How businesses can grow through referrals and word-of-mouth marketing The power of authentic sales and relationship-building A win-win model where companies gain clients while funding free mental health programs in schools Paul’s mission to reach 10% of UK schools in the next 5 years The importance of helping children build confidence, resilience, and purpose Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, or someone passionate about meaningful impact, this conversation offers both practical insights and inspiring perspective. 🎯 Key Takeaways: Sustainable growth comes from consistent micro-actions Sales is about solving problems, not pushing products Purpose-driven businesses can create real societal change 📅 What’s Next: Paul will be sharing exclusive 10-minute teachings and a special Connect2Me talk—stay tuned! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that uncover the hidden depths of being human.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with Phil Norbury to explore the deeper layers of leadership, consciousness, and human connection. This conversation goes beyond business metrics and dives into the inner world that shapes how we lead, grow, and build meaningful communities.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why internal resistance often blocks growth more than external challenges
• How past experiences and learned behaviors shape decision-making and leadership
• The shift from overthinking to heart-centered awareness for better clarity and intuition
• The power of “being” over constant striving in achieving sustainable success
• How asking without hidden motive can unlock aligned opportunities
• Why we may be entering a phase of greater collective awareness and connection

🌱 Why This Matters for Founders & Leaders:

 If you're building a business or leading a community, this episode offers a powerful shift in perspective: 👉 Growth isn’t just about doing more—it’s about understanding yourself more deeply. You’ll discover how to:

• Lead with clarity, presence, and emotional intelligence
• Build authentic, trust-driven communities
• Move from control to alignment in your business and life

🌍 About the Episode:

Phil Norbury shares his journey from early entrepreneurship to a 32-year career as an Independent Financial Advisor, and eventually into deep personal transformation. Through experiences with internal resistance, health challenges, and self-discovery, he uncovered powerful insights about human behavior, consciousness, and the importance of inner alignment. This episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast explores how true growth begins within—and how that inner shift can transform the way we lead, connect, and create impact.

🔗 Connect & Explore:
👉 Speaker LinkedIn (Phil Norbury): https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-norbury-40a83625/
👉 Host LinkedIn (Gill Tiney): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilltineycollaborationglobal/
👉 Website: https://collaborationglobal.org/
👉 Join Our Next Guest Session / Community: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/collaboration-global-guest-sessions-3736159

 🚀 Who This Is For:

• Founders & entrepreneurs
• Coaches & consultants
• Community builders
• Leaders focused on personal growth and conscious leadership
• Anyone looking to build a purpose-driven business and life

💬 Let’s Start a Conversation: What’s one internal shift that changed the way you lead or make decisions? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

 #CollaborationGlobalPodcast #PhilNorbury #GillTiney #Leadership #ConsciousLeadership #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #CommunityBuilding #Mindset #BusinessWithPurpose

What if curiosity, nature, and collaboration are the real drivers of sustainable growth? In this inspiring episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with Nigel Hughes to explore a life shaped by creativity, environmental stewardship, and purpose-driven collaboration. From choosing ballet over the military to leading global rewilding projects and protecting rainforests, Nigel’s journey challenges conventional thinking and shows how small, intentional actions can create global impact.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why curiosity and deep listening are essential for meaningful collaboration
• How daily connection with nature improves mental clarity and leadership
• The power of challenging norms to create lasting impact
• Lessons from rewilding, conservation, and global community projects
• How to integrate holistic health practices alongside conventional approaches
• Why purpose doesn’t retire—and how to stay engaged in meaningful work

🌱 Why This Matters for Founders & Leaders:
 If you’re building a business or leading a community, this episode offers a powerful reminder: 👉 Growth isn’t just strategic—it’s deeply human, creative, and connected. You’ll walk away with insights on how to:

• Build authentic, purpose-driven communities
• Lead with curiosity instead of control
• Create impact that extends beyond business

🌍 About the Episode:
Nigel Hughes shares his journey from a career in the performing arts to becoming a global advocate for environmental conservation and collaboration. From protecting 2,000 square miles of rainforest to launching community-driven environmental initiatives worldwide, his work shows how collaboration and creativity can solve complex global challenges. He also opens up about his personal healing journey and how reconnecting with nature played a vital role in his recovery—offering a fresh perspective on health, resilience, and purpose.

 🔗 Connect & Explore:
👉 Speaker LinkedIn (Nigel Hughes): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-hughes-outstanding-global/
👉 Host LinkedIn (Gill Tiney): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilltineycollaborationglobal/
👉 Website: https://collaborationglobal.org/
👉 Join Our Next Guest Session / Community: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/collaboration-global-guest-sessions-3736159

🚀 Who This Is For:

• Founders & entrepreneurs
• Coaches & consultants
• Community builders
• Sustainability advocates
• Leaders looking to build impact-driven, purpose-led businesses

💬 Let’s Start a Conversation: What’s one small action you’ve taken that created a bigger impact than you expected? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

 #CollaborationGlobalPodcast #NigelHughes #GillTiney #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDriven #ClimateAction #BusinessWithImpact

Can food truly reverse chronic disease and what can leaders learn from it? In this powerful episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with Nicolette Richer to explore a transformative perspective on food as medicine and how organic, plant-based whole foods can help reverse chronic illnesses and restore long-term wellness. But this conversation goes beyond health it’s about rethinking systems, habits, and how we build sustainable, purpose-driven communities. 

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Why up to 97% of chronic diseases may be reversible through nutrition
• The hidden impact of processed foods on long-term health and performance
• How food systems, habits, and mindset shape both personal and professional growth
• The connection between gut health, mental clarity, and leadership effectiveness
• Why community-driven wellness models are the future of sustainable impact

🌱 Why This Matters for Founders & Leaders: If you're building a business, leading a team, or growing a community—your energy, clarity, and resilience are your greatest assets. This episode will challenge you to:

• Build healthier habits
• Lead with greater awareness
• Create impact-driven communities that go beyond profit

🌍 About the Episode: Nicolette Richer shares her journey from personal transformation to building healing ecosystems, including her vision for a “stay-to-heal” wellness hotel designed to make nutrition-based recovery accessible to all. This episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast highlights how true growth both personal and professional starts at the root.

 🔗 Connect & Explore: 👉 Speaker LinkedIn (Nicolette Richer): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-richer/
👉 Host LinkedIn (Gill Tiney): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilltineycollaborationglobal/
👉 Website: https://collaborationglobal.org/
👉 Join Our Next Guest Session / Community: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/collaboration-global-guest-sessions-3736159

 🚀 Who This Is For:

• Founders & entrepreneurs
• Coaches & consultants
• Community builders
• Health-conscious professionals
• Anyone looking to build a purpose-driven business and life

💬 Let’s Start a Conversation: What’s one habit you’ve changed that made the biggest impact on your health or leadership? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

 #CollaborationGlobalPodcast #NicoletteRicher #GillTiney #FoodAsMedicine #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #Wellness #BusinessWithPurpose #HolisticHealth

In this powerful episode of the Collaboration Global Podcast, host Gill Tiney sits down with author and advocate Ayo Deforge to explore the lasting impact of childhood grief and the importance of emotional support for children experiencing loss. Ayo shares her deeply personal story of losing her mother to cancer at just 13 years old and how that experience shaped her journey into storytelling, poetry, and advocacy for grief support in education. The conversation highlights how children often process loss internally and why supportive environments, open dialogue, and compassionate listening can make a meaningful difference. Together, Gill Tiney and Ayo Deforge discuss how simple acts of kindness, empathy, and ongoing connection can help individuals navigate grief at any age. They also explore the role schools can play in supporting children through grief counselling, emotional expression, and safe spaces for conversation. Ayo also reflects on her personal journey through infertility, pregnancy loss, and the unexpected birth of her child, sharing how resilience, faith, and community support shaped her path forward. This conversation offers valuable insight for parents, educators, leaders, and anyone interested in supporting children and families through grief and life’s most difficult transitions. 🎯 In this episode, we discuss:

• If conversations like this resonate with you, there is a space where these reflections continue. You’re welcome to join the guest meetings at Collaboration Global. For 90 minutes, people from different paths come together simply to connect, collaborate, and grow — sharing ideas, perspectives, and possibilities in a way that goes deeper than traditional networking. There are thoughtful conversations.
  Stories from people building meaningful work.
  And a room where people genuinely listen.                          LINK  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/collaboration-global-guest-session-online-tickets-192260726007

• The emotional impact of childhood grief and loss
• Why empathy and presence matter when supporting grieving individuals
• The importance of grief education and counselling in schools
• How storytelling, journaling, and creative expression support healing
• Aya Deforge’s personal journey through infertility, loss, and unexpected hope
• Ways communities can support children experiencing grief                                                                                                                                                                                                          

In this inspiring conversation, host Gill Tiny speaks with spiritual artist Carmela Ruggiero about the healing power of art, intuition, and self-expression. Carmela shares her journey from the corporate world to spiritual artistry, explaining how intuitive drawing and creative expression supported her mental health during stressful periods and lockdown. She explores how art can help individuals process emotions, access inner wisdom, and create meaningful impact—without needing traditional artistic training. This episode covers:
✨ Art as a tool for emotional and mental well-being
✨ Intuition, energy, and spiritual creativity
✨ Self-discovery through non-traditional art forms
✨ Why arts and culture matter for community healing Carmela also discusses her workshops, including sessions at Columbia University, and her mission to help people reconnect with their inner gifts. 🤝 For Business Owners & Collaborators This episode is ideal for founders, wellness brands, educators, and cultural organizations interested in conscious leadership, creative well-being, and purpose-led collaborations. 📩 Reach out to explore partnerships, workshops, or collaborative projects. 🔔 Like, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates.

What if the way we speak to children today shapes their mental health for life? In this powerful and deeply human episode of Being Human: Hidden Depths, host Gill Tiney, Founder of Collaboration Global, is joined by educator, author, and mental health advocate Tana Macpherson-Smith for an unforgettable conversation about childhood experiences, emotional wellbeing, and healing. Tana shares the story behind her book There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder, a moving metaphor for the subconscious “inner voice” that forms in childhood and silently influences our beliefs, behaviours, confidence, and mental health well into adulthood. Together, Gill and Tana explore:

• How early childhood experiences shape lifelong mental health
• The hidden impact of everyday words, comparisons, and “small” moments
• Why prevention, not crisis management, is the future of mental health
• Trauma, invisibility, resilience, and emotional survival
• The role of parents, teachers, and society in raising emotionally healthy children
• Practical ways to quiet the inner critic and build self-compassion
• Why mental health education must start before birth

Tana also shares her own extraordinary journey—from teacher and housemistress to a life-changing mental health breakdown—and how that experience reshaped her mission to transform how we understand emotional development, trauma, and healing. This episode is essential listening for:
✔ Parents and caregivers
✔ Teachers and educators
✔ Mental health professionals
✔ Leaders and coaches
✔ Anyone exploring healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth

In this episode of Being Human: Hidden Depths, host Gill Tiney speaks with filmmaker Jon Hill about grief, storytelling, and the power of human connection. John shares the true story behind his feature film Above the Clouds — a chance meeting with a stranger shortly after the death of his father that became a life-changing moment and a film 13 years in the making. Together, they explore loss, purpose, creativity, and why being human is about curiosity, courage, and connection.

What if self-love wasn’t something we had to earn, but something we were born with? In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle Baer, author of Heart Full of Love and Heart Full of Empathy, joins Gill Tiney to explore children’s emotional wellbeing, intrinsic self-worth, empathy, and the power of purpose-driven storytelling. Michelle shares how observing her granddaughter sparked a realization: children are born whole, loving, and confident, until societal labels and external validation begin to erode that truth. 

The episode dives into why nurturing self-love and empathy early in life is essential, especially in a world shaped by comparison, pressure, and digital influence. Michelle explains how her books gently address complex topics such as mental health, parental imprisonment, physical differences, and non-traditional identities, without shame, judgment, or fear, creating safe emotional spaces for both children and parents. Beyond the message, Michelle opens up about the realities of publishing a book, from the cathartic act of writing to the practical challenges of editing, illustrating, self-publishing, and marketing. She highlights the importance of collaboration, community support, and asking for help when bringing creative ideas into the world.

Together, Gill and Michelle reflect on why these books resonate just as deeply with adults as they do with children, the role schools and educators play in emotional development, and why helping young people pursue what lights them up, sports, arts, or creative passions, builds confidence, belonging, and resilience. This episode is a reminder that love and empathy are not soft skills, they are life skills.