Forging Resilience

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Primarily this is an opportunity for me to say thanks to all of the incredible people that allowed me to take some of their valuable time to talk. 

I am deeply blessed to have sat in the presence of some awesome human beings, not just for what they have done, but who they are. 

My intention was to have interesting conversations, with interesting people in the hope I could learn and be inspired and that this might be valuable for someone like you also. 

And in that sense, I achieved it. 

I am also grateful to the people that have listened to one or more, or even only part of an episode. 

Please reach out to me with any feedback or thoughts, as I am here to help give you a resource or a distraction that is valuable, entertaining and sometimes inspiring. 

Here’s to another season starting in October 2024. 

Love 

Aaron 

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Join us on Forging Resilience as we sit down with Rosie Steevenson, a former RAF navigator Rosie's journey into aviation began at age 12, driven by an inspiring newspaper advert, and has taken her from navigating the Tornado F3 during the post-9/11 era to co-running a business focused on human performance and organizational efficiency.

In this episode, Rosie shares her unique experience from being a front-line squadron member to becoming an instructor specializing in developmental missile firings.

Discover the essential role of briefing and debriefing in team performance, and how fostering an environment of psychological safety can make all the difference. By drawing comparisons with industries like healthcare, Rosie illustrates how the lessons learned in the military can be applied to improve continuous improvement and team cohesion in various high-pressure environments.

Rosie also delves into the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, normalizing failure, and the power of constructive feedback. Her personal anecdotes, such as her early resilience-building experiences in a challenging swim team, offer a compelling look at how these lessons have shaped her ability to overcome obstacles.  Tune in for a rich tapestry of stories and lessons that will inspire you to embrace resilience and elevate your leadership game.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-steevenson-08170146/

https://weareonamission.co.uk/

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Richard Mann's incredible journey from the Royal Marines to elite private security and ultimately to transformative leadership training is  inspiring.

 In our latest episode, Richard’s metamorphosis, driven by an obsession with psychology and high-performance states, offers a unique perspective on adaptability and continuous self-improvement.

Richard's stories are not just about physical endurance but also about confronting and mastering internal battles. From grappling with feelings of panic and shame during his early Marine days to the relentless pursuit of mental resilience, Richard’s narrative is a testament to overcoming emotional hurdles. This episode serves as a guide for anyone looking to build the mental fortitude necessary for high-pressure environments.

We also dive into practical strategies for achieving peak performance, distilled from Richard’s work with mentors like Dr. Don Green and elite athletes. He emphasizes the paramount importance of clarity, goal-setting, and mental resilience in both military and corporate settings.

Concluding with insights into his meditation practices and methods for maintaining mental strength under pressure, Richard's story is a masterclass in self-awareness and the power of consistent effort.

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Can you juggle multiple careers while pursuing your creative dreams? Our latest episode of "Forging Resilience" brings you the inspiring story of Ryan, a boxing gym owner, coach, vice chairman of Repton Boxing Club,  harbors a deep passion for filmmaking. 

We dive into Ryan’s daily struggle to balance his many responsibilities and explore how he can align his professional commitments with his creative aspirations. Tune in as we delve into his journey, uncovering strategies to help him find fulfillment amidst a whirlwind of obligations.

How do you overcome the fear and procrastination that hold you back from reaching your goals? In a candid conversation with Ryan, we tackle the common challenges that many face when trying to pursue both professional and creative ambitions. 

We discuss the power of taking small, manageable steps to overcome psychological barriers and make tangible progress on projects. Listen as we break down the process of moving forward incrementally, even when the end goal feels overwhelming, and share insights that can help you apply these strategies to your own life.

What can boxing teach us about composure and success in personal projects? Drawing parallels between the discipline of boxing and the art of filmmaking, we explore the importance of maintaining composure and managing emotions to achieve success. 

Ryan opens up about his experiences, sharing valuable lessons on overcoming internal barriers like fear of judgment and frustration. 

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What drives a young boy from Doncaster to overcome tremendous adversity and become a renowned leader in covert operations? Join us on "Forging Resilience" as Mike Bates, a former Royal Marine Commando, shares his extraordinary journey of resilience and personal growth.

From the moment his father left, igniting a fire inside him to his triumphant achievements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and beyond, Mike’s story is one of continuous goal-setting and unyielding determination. Get ready to be inspired by his incredible path from adversity to triumph.

We explore the essence of introspection and the exercise he calls "four spaces" to achieve equilibrium in life’s key areas: home, work, self, and others. Mike’s reflections on fatherhood, emotional openness, and the importance of aligning actions with values will resonate deeply with anyone seeking to live authentically and without regret. His journey of helping others, rooted in his childhood and military experiences, offers a compelling roadmap for personal growth.

Mike's transition from a high-stakes career in counterterrorism to a life of personal fulfillment is a testament to the power of resilience and dedication. Hear about his ambitious mission to raise funds for a neonatal unit through a solo Atlantic row, and how he leveraged the principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to reveal true character traits and manage aggression.

Whether you’re interested in leadership, personal development, or goal setting, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation with Mike Bates, where he shares his wisdom on living a life of purpose and resilience.

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What if celebrating your achievements could be the key to unlocking sustained success and happiness? 

Join us as we welcome John, a remarkable individual juggling careers in both coaching and policing, to discuss the struggle many of us face: truly valuing our accomplishments. Despite receiving positive feedback and creating numerous opportunities, John finds himself questioning the satisfaction that comes with his success. 

Together, we examine the upper limit problem and self-sabotage, and explore how recognizing and celebrating milestones can maintain motivation and peace of mind.

The journey of personal and professional development often hinges on mindset, and in this episode, we dive deep into the power of self-belief. John shares his rich experiences from coaching to kayaking, shedding light on common fears of fleeting success and scarcity. 

By reflecting on these fears, we uncover the underlying belief that progress and stability may not last. We emphasize the importance of evidence in reinforcing confidence and discuss strategies to overcome these doubts, ensuring continued growth and thriving in one's endeavors.

Balancing ambition with gratitude is a delicate act.  John’s story brings to life the importance of recognizing incremental progress, like improved financial stability and more frequent holidays. 

By grounding ourselves in the present and embracing change, we can overcome the fear of impermanence in our achievements. 

The takeaway? Embrace the journey, sit with your beliefs, and understand that the true reward lies in the continuous process of growth and self-discovery.

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Experience the evolution of Andy Brown, as he transitions from a lone officer patrolling Scotland's vast Highlands and Islands to an international hostage negotiator, adept at defusing the tension beyond our understanding.

Andy unveils how his foundational principles of adaptability, respect, and community policing in resource-scarce environments have shaped his negotiation skills, proving crucial in life-threatening scenarios across the globe. The stark differences he encountered in American policing methods, particularly in relation to gun culture, further refined his approach to maintaining calm in the eye of the storm.

In the heart of the episode, we navigate the intricate world of law enforcement negotiations, dissecting the crucial abilities that define a successful negotiator. With Andy's wisdom, we reveal the art of ego management, the might of active listening, and the power of empathy in de-escalating crises.

Discover strategies for keeping a cool head when the heat is on, and hear firsthand how a surprising advocate of meditation, Andy, employs this practice to maintain peak professional performance during operations.

Wrapping up, Andy shares soul-stirring stories that attest to the transformative power of human connections. From evacuating Afghan staff amidst the chaos of the Taliban takeover in Kabul, to the tale of averting a potential tragedy through a bond formed in a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, these narratives underscore the impact of lending an ear and extending a hand in someone's darkest hour.

Join us for this gripping conversation with Andy Brown and be inspired by the profound impact we can have on the lives of those around us.

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Dive headfirst into the wisdom of Brendan Chaplin, a renowned performance coach and entrepreneur who's mastered the art of impactful teaching and education.

Brendan takes us behind the scenes, sharing candidly the challenges and triumphs of his pursuit to make a lasting impression through his passion for coaching, balancing the scales between personal ambition and the commitment to family leadership, and the continuous cycle of learning and teaching.

Feel the weight of impostor syndrome and anxiety lift as we dissect the delicate dance of personal growth, self-care, and the power of being 'selfish to be selfless.' Brendan's narrative challenges us to take care of our own needs as a vital strategy in effectively nurturing others.

Finally, Brendan imparts a mindset shift that celebrates the pursuit of impact over perfection, advocating a "ready, fire, aim" approach to launching ideas and products.  We'll discuss the intricate relationship between building confidence, asserting our value proposition, and the dynamic nature of coaching.

Get ready to be emboldened to stand out in your field, nurture your self-worth independently of your professional milestones, and appreciate the crucial role of a supportive community in your entrepreneurial journey.

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WARNING: Listener discretion is advised. This episode discusses a suicide attempt.

Liz McConaghy was a former RAF loadmaster. Our latest episode unpacks  raw and riveting transformation from ramps of a Chinook, to a beacon of hope as a mental health advocate.

Her journey, detailed in "Chinook Crew Chick" and echoed in her keynote speeches, reveals the grueling reality of physical injuries, the specter of PTSD, and the pursuit of new purpose post-service. Liz's story isn't just about survival; it's a testimony to the power of vulnerability in overcoming life's darkest moments and finding solidarity in shared struggles.

Grief and trauma can weave complex webs in our lives, but understanding how to navigate these challenges can illuminate pathways to healing. This episode doesn't shy away from exploring the intricate dance between professional duty and personal pain that Liz experienced within the RAF's stoic culture.

Liz emphasizes that resilience is not about being unbreakable; it's about growing stronger through setbacks and discovering that our worth extends far beyond our achievements.

Her message is clear: sharing our narratives can foster profound connections and serve as a catalyst for personal and collective growth. Prepare to be moved and motivated as we explore the profound impact that openness, self-care, and teamwork can have on our mental health and overall well-being.

https://www.chinookcrewchick.co.uk/

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Vix Anderton, a former intelligence officer turned coach, understands the feeling all too well. On our latest episode, she takes us on a personal journey, from the disciplined world of the Royal Air Force to confronting burnout head-on in the international development sector.

A discussion about the damaging effects of "pernicious not enoughness" and how Vix's military precision and her passion for community and self-knowledge became the backbone of her coaching philosophy. As we unpack the conversation with Vix, we tread the fine line between ambition and self-destruction that perfectionism often draws.

Join us for an episode that not only addresses the challenges of perfectionism and burnout but also offers a compassionate lens through which to view our collective journey towards wholeness.

And if you're looking to connect with Vix for more wisdom, her unique online presence is just a click away.

https://vixanderton.com/

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