On this 34th instalment of The Unscathed Life Podcast, I am delighted to host the phenomenal Dr Samuel Ekundayo.  Dr Samuel is a Senior Lecturer, an Author, a Life Coach, a Preacher and a Transformational Speaker who is based in Auckland, New Zealand. 

He is often referred to as the “Purpose Preacher” and his mandate is to help people discover their purpose, for fulfilling, influential and impactful lives.

On today’s show, Dr Samuel speaks about the process of discovering one’s purpose and the distinction between our gifts and our divine purpose. He says “Gifts were given for purpose and not the other way round. Many people mistake their gifts for their purpose and “exalt the gift more than the gift giver”

This powerful masterclass will open up your eyes to the importance of stepping into what you have been called you to do and also impress upon you that “whatever God has called you to do, he has already put the ability inside of you”

On this today’s podcast, Dr Sam also shares his truly inspirational personal story. From very humble beginnings, and a childhood dream of becoming a professor before the age of 40, Dr Sam testifies powerfully on the importance of having a vision and having complete faith & trust in God for the impossible despite heavily contradicting circumstances. 

Key highlights of this episode include:

• Asking God that very important question of Finding your identity/purpose. (08:53)
• “There are no primary and secondary purposes, there is only one purpose. God has created us for a specific purpose”. (16:52)
• “It may not seem like it, but all you need to do is TRUST and OBEY”. (23:40)
•  The dimension of God in the life of man. (25:57)
•  Finding your most dominant gift and recognising it. (30:00)
• The difference between gifts and purpose. (31:00)
• The two things that make a King. (32:20)
• The problem of being multi-talented ( 34:22)
• “When you don’t know your purpose, you abuse your gift”. (36:23)
•  How to recognize the difference between a gift and a skill. (37:43)
• “The moment you find your place, the people around you easily find theirs”. (42:18)
•  Dr Samuel talks about his days of humble beginnings and pivotal moments for himself and his family (45:38)
• The big decision that changed their lives ( 55:08)
• There is reward for stewardship and faithfulness. (1:12:41)
• The importance of paying it forward. (1:19:45)
•  Practicing the act of faith and knowing exactly what to pray for. A journey through BSc,MSc and PhD. (58:43)

Dr Samuel and his wife are the proud visionaries behind SPIN (The School of Purpose and Influence) SPIN is a school for people who do not know and would like to discover their purpose in life and it is also for those who are willing to create a positive and transformative impact in their generation.

For further information, please visit:

www.spinuniversity.org

www.samekundayo.com

On this 33rd Instalment of The Unscathed Life podcast, I have a very revealing and much needed conversation with Dr Vivian O. Ikem (Dr Viv).  Dr Viv is a Certified Coach, a Consultant, Speaker and the author of  the  book “Shadows in the Mirror – The Many Faces of Depression” . Her passion  is helping the world become more empathetic, wellbeing and growth aware, so they can thrive whilst being successful. 

On today’s show, Dr Viv and I are discussing the subject of depression. What it is, how it often manifests and what we can do to become more aware so that we can jointly deconstruct the many negative associated socio-cultural nuances. 

Dr Viv shares her personal story of overcoming depression and gives valuable insights that will help broaden perspectives for anyone who is currently struggling or anyone who needs to be a source of strength for others. 

The overarching message on this episode is to encourage anyone struggling with depression, who is perhaps too afraid to seek help, to realise that you have so much more on the inside of you, and the power is in your hands, to get the help you need so that you can heal and be all that you were created to be. 

Some key highlights of the episode;

• “Just one word can be the difference between life and death” (3:08)
• “It's okay to not be perfect all the time” (4:20)
• Dr Viv. discusses her book, Shadows in the Mirror, The Many Faces of Depression (7:19)
• What it means to lose yourself (7:45)
• Signs of depression (13:51)
• Tips for navigating your way out of depression (15:31)
• The importance of having a strong support system (22:00)
• “Show up as you are, you don't need to be packaged all the time” (30:00)
• Dealing with stigmatisation surrounding (35:08)

She is a Chemical Engineer by background (with a PhD), multiple award winning researcher and ex-management consultant with a top UK based Consulting firm.

She is an NLP certified life coach, John Maxwell Team Leadership Coach, Speaker and Teacher, and podcast host of Reset with Dr Viv; a podcast with a focus on self-rediscovery, mental health, Leadership and  Personal Growth. She is also a contributing Author of the book “Unzenable – A Guide to Stress Less and be More” and she believes it is important for individuals, leaders, organisations and communities  to be balanced, mental health aware and compassionate to self and others whilst being successful. She is also a singer and worship leader who loves God and shares his message of hope to those broken and in pain. 

You can find Dr Viv  here: 
Instagram: @vivian_ikem 
Website : www.vivianikem.com

On today’s solo episode, I am talking about Guilt. As a common, often unspoken feeling we individually face at various points in our lives, I thought it would be a great one to unpack on today’s show. I break down the guilt construct. What it is, who it manifests, how it affects us and crucially what we can do to help ensure that it does not hold us back from manifesting our highest selves. 

I open the show by speaking extensively on Guilt and how it impacts us as humans, both emotionally and physically. I also contrast Guilt with Shame, what I consider to be Guilt's older and more debilitating cousin. I provide some insights on how and when Guilt might start to morph into Shame and what to do to avoid this. 

I then proffer some practical tips for overcoming Guilt with a compelling 4 R’s method -  Reflect, Responsibility, Repent and Renew. 

I conclude my teaching by sharing that although Guilt has somewhat of a bad wrap, it is not an entirely bad thing, because it points to two significant things. The first is that it is a sign that a person can be empathetic. You are only able to feel guilt if you can see a thing from someone else’s perspective. The second is that it helps us focus on good. When we feel guilty,  it often causes us to turn our gaze outward and seek strategies for positive change. 

In summary, you can either use guilt as a stick with which to beat yourself or as a stick that reinforces your moral compass and causes you to do better going forward. 

Key highlights of this episode are:

• True definition of Guilt and how it links with our personal values (2:07)
• The difference between Guilt and Shame  (6:42)
• Impact of Guilt on our physical body  (8:53)
• The 4 R’s of overcoming Guilt (11:56)
• “We may have done a bad thing, but we are not the thing we did” (17:56)
• “Take out self-pity, it’s deadly”  (21:22)
• “Forgiveness cannot change the past, but it can enlarge the future” (22:00)
• The flip side of Guilt (28:40)
• Our response to the realisation of sin.  (24:52)

"Your trauma has been lying to you, the beauty and value of who you are, is not tainted."– Coach Bims.

On episode 31, I am joined by Abimbola Oguntunde (Coach Bims), a sought-after speaker, writer, poet and transformational trauma informed life and purpose coach. 

My conversion with Coach Bims reveals entirely why she is renowned as “The Jailbreaker”. Straight off the bat we start by dissecting trauma. What is it? How do our brains process it? What do you do in the wake of trauma? She gives answers that will bring clarity to any relatable experiences from your past. 

She shares vulnerably her personal story of having been sexually abused by multiple adult relatives between the ages of about 4 and 9 years old, as well as the impact it had on her self image whilst growing up and also the impact in adult life as a mother to two daughters. 

If you have ever felt tainted by past experiences, then this episode will set your soul on the path to freedom. 

Coach Bims believes that every single one of us carries a gift that the world needs and way too many women and men are stifled by past pain and false limitations. She believes we must start with the understanding that we can not change the past, but instead in reframing the past, we get the power to reset the present and consequently shape the future. 

This episode will inspire you to prioritise healing for your soul and encourage you to rise above shame and inadvertent ‘emotional prison’ sentences 

Key highlights:

• “Trauma is any experience that has a detrimental effect on your emotional health and wellbeing” (5:48)
• On being sexually abused as a child. “I believed there was something wrong with me” (6:30)
• How the brain processes trauma; as well as the different types of trauma (10:00)
• “Your trauma has been lying to you. The beauty and value of who you are is not tainted.” (14:00)
• Signs trauma may be limiting you (17:35)
• What to do if you recognise you are being limited by trauma (23:19)
• Debunking Shame and unlocking the power that comes with sharing your story (25:48)
• “If you truly believe that you are not your story, then let it out” (33:00)
• Tips for protecting your children from sexual predators (39:32)
• “You are valuable, you are worthy, you are precious. You deserve joy and laughter for your soul” (44:00)

Coach Bims is a certified NLP Master Practitioner and certified Life Purpose Coach and she is also trained in Emotional Intelligence and solution-based counselling. She prides herself in bringing true transformation to her clients as they heal from the pain of their past, reconnect with their inherent value so they can design their dream future and flourish freely! 

You can find Coach Bims on Instagram here 

“Where others may give up, I always have the attitude of ‘the show must go on’” – Dean Carby.

My guest  on our very 30th episode is none other than Dean Carby. Dean, who I consider to be one of the most positive influences of our time, is the founder of the Elite Vendors Network (EVN), an events organisation and network of primarily African Caribbean Wedding & Events professionals in the UK. 

Today we are discussing Dean's inspirational journey and he holds nothing back as he shares everything starting from his early life.  Dean opens up about traumatic experiences in childhood, living in one of the biggest council estates in London and how it shaped him into the man that he is today. 

Dean, who is not one to blame circumstances, made a decision to not allow negativity thrive in his life. Instead, his positive disposition and desire to spread light in every way possible, are a direct consequence of those same negative experiences. 

Lessons on hard work and never giving up, which he also picked up from a really young age, became the springboard for catapulting into the successes he currently enjoys across his businesses and passions. 

On this episode, you will learn that success is truly a choice and it is one that rides on the wings of resilience and consistency. You will also learn that the power to shape who you become lies entirely within you and that it is never too late to make a decision to become who you truly desire to be. 

Highlights of the episode.

• On breaking moulds and societal expectations (3:54)
• “Integrity will always speak for you” (6:39)
• Making positive choices and defying negative childhood experiences (7:32)
• “Writing the vision, so you can run with it” (13:43)
• Hard work principles to live by (15:35)
• On building resilience (21:32)
• Why saying yes and figuring it out later is not always a good advice (26:39)
• Living by the code of empathy (29:21) 
• “No matter how difficult things are, always show up” (33:10)
• On seeking help when it is needed (37:30)
• On building the EVN dream (39:11)
• Forging a path through dedication  (45:43)

Dean has worn numerous hats in the events industry as both an entertainer and a planner, however his main passions are designing and transforming event spaces. Dean helps people design and transform their businesses and lives via training, coaching, mentoring and networking. He also loves to connect clients with suppliers and help vendors to connect with one another which he does via the Elite Vendors Network.

Connect with Dean: 

Website: http://www.elitevendorsnetwork.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitevendorsnetwork/

Email:[email protected]

Episode 29 - Happy new Month! Kicking off the brand new Month and Quarter with an episode which focuses on one of the core determinants for success in our lives - mindset. 

On today’s show, I discuss two main types of mindsets; Victim or Warrior mindsets, which drive our daily outcomes. I delve into the attributes of both and provide tips for enforcing the Warrior mindset or for making the transition from Victim to Warrior status. 

I share Warrior mindset hacks and affirmations with the overarching theme of the episode being that your mind can either be used in allyship, to propel you forward or as a self-inflicting weapon which will constrain you from being all that you can be in life. 

This episode will help you see the truth of who you really are. You are enough, you are worthy and there is value that you carry regardless of the circumstances of your life. You can choose to win instead of letting the shackles of victimhood keep you stuck. 

Key highlights from this episode include:

• Do you have a victim mindset or a warrior mindset? (1:01)
• The common thread across people with Victim mindsets (6:12)
• “Living in a jail, where the gates are wide open but you prefer to stay there” (7:18)
• Ways to identify the victim mentality (11:20)
• “Warriors earn their stripes on the battleground” (14:18)
• “Seeing yourself as a warrior helps you take power, from every experience you find yourself in” (16:39)
• A Warrior mindset stops you from being your own worst enemy (18:40)
• Warrior Mindset Hacks (19:55)
• “You are not your circumstance”(27:44)
• Warrior Affirmations (35:50)

Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram and on Facebook. Use the hashtag #iamunscathed. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast.  

On episode 28, we have a hugely inspirational conversation with Caroline Popoola, a Columnist, Speaker and CEO of Alpha Childcare Limited, a leading UK childcare provider. Caroline currently runs over 15 childcare settings in the UK, leading a team of 75 childcare experts and helping over 500 children a day. 

On today’s show, Caroline gives us unfettered access into her life. She shares her moving story of advancement beyond adversity and admits tenacity, undying hope and unwavering faith to be amongst the core pillars of her success. Despite facing challenges such as sexual abuse, homelessness, academic and environmental limitations and even racisim, Caroline’s light never for once dimmed. and continues to forge ahead, intent on living a fulfilling life that is rich in generational impact 

There are so many moments on today’s episode that leave me completely awestruck and I have no doubt that there will be several life, relationship and business lessons that will stay with you and help you cultivate a mindset that elevates you into a higher version of yourself. 

Key highlights from the episode

• Life as a child (12:03)
• Undying hope; an all important trait. (21:03)
• ‘Learn to take life easy’ (23:06)
• ‘Every decision comes with a creative power’ (24:55)
• ‘Your world is formed in your mind’ (26:38)
• ‘Go until God says stop or wait’- (27:41).
• Traits of a serial entrepreneur – (29:58)
• ‘Whatever your hands find to do, do it well’ – (36:37)
• ‘Choose the best version of yourself all the time’ – (40:13)
• The pivot into childcare (48:05)
• ‘I’d rather try and fail, than not try at all’ (53:32}
• “If God fails, he has to answer to the world” (57:17)
• Unwavering faith; essential to seeing God’s hand (1:03:21)

Caroline contributes immensely to the community through the Caroline Popoola foundation in line with her personal and company ethics which at present, helps to feed 150 parents and children from low-income backgrounds monthly. The foundation runs a delivery food bank to various homes across London. In addition to this, the foundation supports startup businesses with seed funding and has provided bursaries for several young people to get into higher education.

“If you don't fight yourself daily, all you want to achieve will never happen, because your body will win, not your mind” – Chindah Chindah.

On this week's episode I am joined by Chindah Chindah, an award winning Motivational and Transformational Speaker and Coach. 

Chindah Chindah who is on a mission to help couples, and purpose-driven individuals become the best versions of themselves delivers on today’s podcast, what I am calling a  masterclass on harnessing the power of decisions for forging a path to the exact kind of life you envision. 

Chindah uniqueness isn’t just in name alone and on today’s show, we hear all about Chindah’s unique story; From a childhood in abject poverty whilst in Nigeria, to studying in South Africa and eventually moving to London for further study. Chindah has defied innumerable limitations within his path to emerge as the man of significance he is today. 

The insights from this episode will challenge you to become more resilient and also encourage you to focus on personal growth. It will also help set your mind on more meaningful things in life such as living a purposeful life and dying empty. 

Key highlights from the show

• Reaching a pivotal moment in life (8:40)
• The power of decisions (10:58)
• Understanding your why (14:18)
• Fighting for who and what you believe in (20:25)
• The importance of right relationships (28:00)
• Not being complacent with your present situation (30:03)
• “If you plant trees, money will grow on trees” (33:13)
• How to die empty (36:10)
• On becoming a relationship expert (40:33)
• His three daily rituals for staying grounded; Finding Yourself, Feeling Yourself and Fighting Yourself  (48:04)

Chindah has been married to his God-fearing, and beautiful wife, Chimzi for12 years and they have two adorable and talented boys - Chris, and Cedric. 

Chindah is the author of two bestselling books, which can both be found on Amazon : “What Can I Do to Make My Marriage Work?” and “The Power Of Personal Change”.

Chindah’s other pursuits include being the Founder of Limitless Life Pro Academy, Married Life Management, CARE Ministry and 4XL Telecoms, UK. Chindah is also an IT Service Architect, working as a consultant for a multi-billion pound telecommunications operator. 

Welcome to today's very special International Women's Day edition. In the first of it’s kind, I am co-hosting today’s show alongside Bralade Koroye-Emenanjo from the Stellify Podcast. Yes, you read that right, move over ClubHouse, today you get to experience the best of two amazing podcasts in one very scintillating conversation. 

For this episode, Bralade and I showcase the beauty of true sisterhood as we let you all in on a girlie chit-chat with two of our sister friends, Ijeoma Nwachukche and Chrissie Afe. 

We share our perspectives on the symbolism of International Women’s Day, the importance of representation as women in the workplace, and raising the next generation of strong women.  We discuss the balance between maintaining our femininity and advancing in male dominated sectors, as well as reflect on the toll of having to prove ourselves to be worthy of seats we should already own.

Amongst witty jokes and hearty laughs we speak to the seriousness of what it means to be 21st century women; appreciating the progress thus far but also understanding that more must be done to arrive sooner at the ultimate destination of gender equality. 

Key highlights of this episode. 

• What international women’s day means to each of us (9:30)
• Challenges that come from working in male dominated sectors (19:02)
• “Being feminine yet strong; femininity is not synonymous to weakness” (23:10)
• The intersection between race and gender. Closing the inequality divide (28:57)
• How does tokenism weigh in the inequality balance? (32:18)
• “We chose to challenge…”(36:14)
• On raising the next generation of strong women (45:17)
• The importance of having a supportive tribe (55:52)

Meet the ladies:
Ijeoma Nwachwuche is a Senior Executive within the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria. She is also the founder of a newly launched Purple Orchid Project, where she coaches and mentors young female career professionals - click here to join the waitlist for the next cohort Bit.ly/thereferralcode. She is also an author of a soon-to-be published book called ‘The Referral Code’. She is also a wife and mother to three children. 

Chrissy Afe is a HR Professional who works within the academic sector in the UK. She is also a hair coach. and a worship minister who takes great joy in seeing people have real encounters in a place of worship. She is also a wife and mother to two children.

Bralade Koroye-Emenanjo is an Engineering Leader in a Chemical Manufacturing Company in the US. She is also a Speaker, a Writer, an Author, and a Podcaster on the Stellify Podcast. She is a wife and a mother to three children.  

And here's a formal introduction for me. I am a Coach to the Unscathed Life Community, Podcast host (as you know), a Speaker and a singer songwriter based in the UK. I have also been a Project/Programme manager for more than 12 years. 

On Episode 25, I have a totally mind-renewing discussion with my guest, Bankole Williams. 

Bankole Williams is a Consultant and a Peak Performance Coach who is doing great work in the space of understanding the link between Science and Spirituality and leveraging the Mind-Body connection for seeing astounding results. 

On today’s show we get an insight into Bankole’s research and a taster into his Bootcamp Coaching Programme S.O.A.R (Science Of Astounding Results). Bankole deepens the understanding of our role on earth as co-creators with God and provides sufficient context around how we can renew our mind using our creative power for producing the kind of results we truly desire to see.  

Between the many mic drop moments on this episode, I have no doubt that our conversation will elevate your thinking and challenge any false conditioning you have around the true power of your mind and the importance of not letting external factors determine how you manifest in your day to day life. 

Key Highlights from this episode.

• “What people don't understand they Mystify” (5:43)
• Science and Spirituality; Two parallel lines that don’t connect , or do they? (8:52)
• “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and it is the glory of kings to search it out” (9:46)
• The hypocrisy in compartmentalized spirituality (12:40)
• Stress and creation cannot happen simultaneously. What you use for stress you lose for creation (18:34)
• “When you are not creating, you are leaving yourself to become a victim of the randomness of life” (20:21)
• “When we are not deliberately living by design, we are positioning open to things we do not desire” (22:22)
• “The lies we have believed and embraced over the years is that what is seen is more tangible than what is unseen” (24:56)
• “Reprogramming our unconscious mind is crucial for keeping us in alignment with our conscious minds” (29:36)
• Creating in the context of our physical health (39:52)
• The biblical principle of believing and without doubts (51:08)
• Insight into “SOAR”, Bankole’s online coaching programme  (56:33)

Bankole Williams is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic programming (NLP). He is a UK Certified Life & Career Coach and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) from the International Council for Managing Consulting Institutes ICMCI). He is also a Fellow of the International Management Consultants Certification Board (FIMCB). He is also widely regarded as a Behavioral Change Expert. He is an emergent force to be reckoned with in the field of Management Consulting with over 10 years of experience in Human Resources and consulting fields.  He is also a recipient of the Lagos State award of Excellence in Youth & Social Development.

Register for SOAR here: https://bankolewilliams.com/soar-with-Bankole

Connect with Bankole

Follow Bankole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambankole/

Website: https://bankolewilliams.com/