If Anne Can

Today’s podcast episode features the indomitable Ann Carney. Ann was trapped in a cycle of overwork and bad health habits when at the age of forty-five, knowing she had to make changes, she decided to try to run. Like many beginners, she started too fast and would have given up if it wasn’t for a serendipitous meeting with a cousin she hadn’t seen in years. He guided her through a couch to 5k, and gaining confidence; she took out an advert in the local paper. She co-founded Chorlton...

My guest today is Chloe Richards, a brave and strong breast cancer survivor emerging from a period of loss and change. She is refocusing her business to deliver her mission to help women succeed in the workplace.We talk aboutHow women struggle to describe their value in the workforce.How it's important to take the time to reflect on your success and find the words to do this in a way that feels authentic. Creating behavioural diversity in the workplace so people can communicate in a way ...

Want to be a waser reather than a wisher? Listen to this episode and I promise you will get some inspiration to get up, get out and keep going!My guest today is Steve Pullen, a judo 7th Dan and holder of the MBE for his service to blind and disabled judo. He is a coach and has guided judokas to the Olympics, Paralympics, World and European Championships.Steve heads up a group of coaches whose prime objective is to increase and expand judo teaching facilities in North West England to inte...

Do you know what having the power of your convictions means? Not sure, then listen to today's episode My guest this week is Jane Lockwood; Jane is an activist who lived in Greenham Common to protest the horror of war and nuclear weapons. She has spoken at the UN and the Royal Albert Hall. She subsequently relocated to Australia, became a Head Teacher and led a national training programme. Jane is reigniting her passion for writing and talking and has contributed to two books on hea...

My guest today is Rowena Birch, an Olympic and European judo champion. Rowena is also the current president of the British Judo Association. Outside of judo, Rowena has coached at elite levels across many sporting disciplines and corporate leadership. She has retrained as a financial advisor and now runs her own business. Rowena talks about how she coped with not being selected for the Barcelona Olympic games by prioritising her training and reorganising her life to maximise her focus. Self B...

In this episode, I change our standard interview format and reflect upon the concept of bravery. Not being a brave person myself, I've been inspired by the bravery of my guests, and this episode features two astonishingly courageous women.The first is Angela Bently, a certified Wim Hof instructor who channels her passion for the cold to support people with their physical, mental and emotional health.Angela works tirelessly to overcome her anxiety to become a beacon and guide to those who want...

My guest today is Oonagh McDonnell, the founder of It's Her, a social enterprise based in Manchester that researches, develops and delivers collaborative and engaging activities, courses and workshops that support women and help them change their narrative.Oonagh's story is rooted in adapting to adversity and overcoming loss, beginning with her mother's death when she was eight years old, which left her feeling responsible for three younger siblings. After studying at Manchester Univers...

In this episode, we celebrate the importance of accessing green space and consider the historical actions of others and how these actions made it possible for us to enjoy the ability to ramble in the countryside.These conversations were recorded over the Kinder Mass Trespass 90th anniversary weekend in the High Peaks of Derbyshire in Hayfield village hall.I want to thank Joss Underwood from the Tent People, who organised a fantastic pop-up event on the village green in Hayfield and generously...

Sue France helps women in business make the best connections and is the founder of sue France Creative Connecting in Cheshire.She says, " I instinctively know who to match with who, and every day there is a new success story within my group."She has lovingly built a tribe of interconnected women who joyously build relationships. I joined Sue at one of her networking events held at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre and chatted with her to learn more about her thoughts about networking, and ...

Making an event Special My guest today is Toni Dudsak, a business leader currently working as the Executive Director of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in New York.Toni is a force of nature with tremendous energy, and this, combined with her strategic insight, ensures any organisation she is associated with is propelled to new heights.Toni also has the gift of organising elegant, fun events that flow beautifully without a hint of stress or sloppiness.Here are some of the highlights o...