Stephen Doyle — one of Ireland’s most highly trained military and security professionals.

A former member of the elite Irish Army Ranger Wing, Ireland’s equivalent of the SAS, Stephen served with distinction for over two decades in both operational and training environments across some of the world’s most volatile regions, including Kosovo and Lebanon. Trained as a sniper, martial artist, close protection specialist and military instructor, Stephen operated at the highest levels of tactical and strategic security.

Stephen also served in clandestine military units, worked within UN training environments, and played a key role in developing operational policies, humanitarian engagement strategies, and unit SOPs designed to minimise conflict, reduce civilian risk, and prevent unnecessary hostile engagement during overseas deployments.

Throughout his military career, Stephen conducted multiple tours in the Middle East with UNIFIL and NATO operations and also served in close protection roles for Irish Presidents including and. He later became Chief Instructor within the Cadet School at the Irish Military College, often described as Ireland’s equivalent to Sandhurst.

Now the founder of, Stephen brings military precision into the corporate world, working with blue-chip organisations across Europe and the Middle East in areas such as close protection, hostile environment awareness training (HEAT), counter-terrorism, risk mitigation, emergency response, situational awareness and executive security.

A graduate of the Military College, Andrews University, Templemore College and the Security Institute Ireland in International Terrorism and Advanced Security Studies, Stephen also serves as a practising EMT with the Order of Malta.

In this fascinating conversation, Stephen shares:

• What it really takes to operate in elite military units
• The psychology, discipline and mindset of special forces training
• Lessons from operational tours in conflict zones
• Close protection work for presidents and high-profile individuals
• The transition from military life to entrepreneurship and business leadership
• Leadership, resilience and decision-making under extreme pressure
• Why humanitarian strategy matters in modern conflict environments
• How military systems and tactical awareness can transform corporate performance and security

This is a gripping, insightful and deeply inspiring conversation with a man whose life story genuinely feels like the Irish equivalent of Rambo — but with the intelligence, strategy and humanitarian awareness forged through real-world experience.

Whether you’re interested in military operations, leadership, resilience, elite performance, business strategy or personal growth, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Host Doug Gordon:

• Former C-level executive, recognised in The Times and The Independent for building large global businesses.
• International bestselling author of "Charge Yourself Up for Success - Energizing your life, work and relationships", featuring endorsements from three New York Times bestselling authors, a Star Wars actress, and a Dragons’ Den investor. Sold over 22k copies.
• Media appearances across national radio, US and Swiss TV, international podcasts, and multiple magazine covers. Contributing writer for several publications.
• Former national radio host and now sponsored podcaster of the show “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” featuring over 350 NYT bestselling authors, film stars, sports leaders, political figures, and major business executives.

• 5× award-winning speaker, trainer, mental health specialist, and performance mindset coach.

• 28k+ followers on LinkedIn and 100+ recommendations. Testimonials include C-level leaders at Dell, Samsung, Citibank, Cambridge University, Stanford, the Institute of Directors and many more.

• Sponsored as an ambassador by Together Magazine and Louis Copeland & Sons.

Recent press coverage:

Front cover of the Global Goodwill Amabassador Magazine:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lisajo...

American TV show:

   • How Elite Executives Optimize Energy & Com... 

Article on goalsetting in Together Magazine:

https://togethermag.eu/goal-setting/

Useful links:
Website and LinkedIn at bottom of this email.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast...
CEO | D&S Performance Optimisation Ltd

Keynotes | Corporate Training | Consulting | Coaching | MC | Sponsored Podcaster | Radio Presenter | International Bestselling Author | Ex C-Level | Contributing Journalist🔗 https://dougdgordon.com

How do you scale a business from 15 people to nearly 700 employees across six continents—without losing your culture, purpose, or performance?

In this episode, I sit down with Brendan McGurgan, one of the UK's leading experts on scaling businesses with purpose. Brendan is the former Group Managing Director of CDE Global, where he helped drive 25x revenue growth and transformed the company into a world-leading organisation operating globally. Today, he is the co-founder of Simple Scaling, creator of the ScaleX™ Framework, bestselling author, podcast host, investor, and trusted advisor to ambitious business leaders.

We explore the real secrets behind sustainable business growth, leadership excellence, high-performance teams, entrepreneurial mindset, company culture, succession planning, scaling systems, and building businesses that thrive long-term.

Whether you're a founder, CEO, entrepreneur, business owner, or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and powerful insights that can help you scale with clarity and purpose.

🔥 In this episode, we discuss:
• How to successfully scale a business
• Building high-performing leadership teams
• The ScaleX™ Framework explained
• Avoiding the biggest mistakes growing companies make
• Creating a culture that attracts and retains top talent
• Leadership lessons from growing a global organisation
• Scaling without burning out
• Purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• The future of SMEs and business growth

Brendan's website:
https://simplescaling.com

Learn more about Brendan:
https://simplescaling.com/about-us-si...

If you enjoyed this conversation, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone building a business or leading a team.

#BrendanMcGurgan #BusinessGrowth #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SMEs #HighPerformance #BusinessLeadership #CompanyCulture #CEO #Founder #ScaleX #SimpleScaling #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #ScaleWithPurpose

Lauren Schuivens, the Founder and visionary behind Samavira is a certified meditation & mindfulness instructor trained by Buddhist Monks in Thailand. She has worked with some of the biggest personal growth authors in the world during her career at Mindvalley and has facilitated events for thousands of people worldwide. Even though she is a successful entrepreneur today, her story started off on a very different path.

Lauren became a victim of armed violence and was raped before she turned twenty. Due to her early life trauma, she developed a severe eating disorder and had to deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. As a result, she was prescribed antidepressants for treatment. Her therapists said she would be dependent on medication for the rest of her life — but she decided to prove them wrong.

Doug Gordon:

• International bestselling author of “Charge Yourself Up for Success – Energizing your life, work and relationships” (22,000+ copies sold). Book is endorsed by 3 NY Times bestsellers, a Star Wars actress and a Dragons Den Multimillionaire TV star.

• 5× award-winning speaker and performance mindset coach. Awards including from the Institute of Directors.

• 100+ LinkedIn recommendations from C-level leaders and senior executives.

• Former national premier league hockey player (captaining and coaching internationals at the highest level).

CEO | D&S Performance Optimisation Ltd
Keynotes | Corporate Training | Consulting | Coaching | MC | Sponsored Podcaster | Radio Presenter | International Bestselling Author | Former C-Level | Contributing Journalist
✉️ [email protected]🔗 https://dougdgordon.com

Dr. Joe Vitale is a renowned author, speaker, and coach known for his expertise in personal development and the law of attraction. With over 90 books to his name, including bestsellers like “The Attractor Factor,” “Zero Limits,” and his pivotal role in the book and movie “The Secret” has inspired millions worldwide to achieve their dreams and unlock their potential.

He gained widespread recognition through his appearance in “The Secret,” where he shared insights on manifesting success and abundance. As a dynamic speaker, Dr. Vitale captivates audiences with his compelling storytelling and actionable advice, empowering individuals to transform their lives through positive thinking and the power of the mind.

In addition to his writing and speaking, Dr. Vitale is a certified hypnotherapist, metaphysical practitioner, and marketing specialist. His unique blend of spiritual wisdom and practical business acumen makes him a sought-after consultant for individuals and organizations looking to achieve extraordinary results. Whether through his books, seminars, or online programs, Dr. Joe Vitale continues to inspire and guide people on their journey to personal and professional fulfilment.

https://www.joevitale.com/optin158473...

Host Doug Gordon:

• Former C-level executive, recognised in The Times and The Independent for building large global businesses.
• International bestselling author of "Charge Yourself Up for Success - Energizing your life, work and relationships", featuring endorsements from three New York Times bestselling authors, a Star Wars actress, and a Dragons’ Den investor. Sold over 22k copies.
• Media appearances across national radio, US and Swiss TV, international podcasts, and multiple magazine covers. Contributing writer for several publications.
• Former national radio host and now sponsored podcaster of the show “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” featuring over 350 NYT bestselling authors, film stars, sports leaders, political figures, and major business executives.

• 5× award-winning speaker, trainer, mental health specialist, and performance mindset coach.

• 28k+ followers on LinkedIn and 100+ recommendations. Testimonials include C-level leaders at Dell, Samsung, Citibank, Cambridge University, Stanford, the Institute of Directors and many more.

• Sponsored as an ambassador by Together Magazine and Louis Copeland & Sons.

 https://dougdgordon.com

In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Richard Susskind, one of the world’s leading thinkers on artificial intelligence, the future of work, and how technology is reshaping humanity itself.

Richard is not a futurist in the abstract — he is a globally respected advisor to governments, professional bodies, and major institutions, helping them navigate what happens when AI doesn’t just support human work, but fundamentally replaces, transforms, and redefines it.

Over the course of this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we explore:

🔹 The real future of AI — beyond hype, fear, and headlines
🔹 How AI will change the nature of work, professions, and expertise
🔹 Which jobs will disappear, which will evolve, and which will be reborn
🔹 The psychological and societal impact of living alongside intelligent machines
🔹 What it means to be human in a world where knowledge is no longer scarce
🔹 Whether AI will ultimately liberate or destabilise humanity

Richard draws on decades of research and insight from his seminal books, including The Future of the Professions, Tomorrow’s Lawyers, Online Courts and the Future of Justice, and How to Think About AI — works that have influenced leaders across law, business, education, healthcare, and government worldwide.

What makes this episode especially compelling is that we don’t just talk about technology — we talk about meaning, ethics, identity, and responsibility. This is a conversation for anyone who senses that we are standing at a major turning point in human history and wants to understand what comes next.

Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, professional, creative, or simply curious about the world your children will grow up in, this episode will challenge your assumptions, expand your thinking, and leave you seeing AI very differently.

http://susskind.com

Host Doug Gordon:

• Former C-level executive, recognised in The Times and The Independent for building large global businesses.

• International bestselling author of "Charge Yourself Up for Success - Energizing your life, work and relationships", featuring endorsements from three New York Times bestselling authors, a Star Wars actress, and a Dragons’ Den investor. Sold over 22k copies.
• Media appearances across national radio, US and Swiss TV, international podcasts, and multiple magazine covers. Contributing writer for several publications.
• Former national radio host and now sponsored podcaster of the show “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” featuring over 350 NYT bestselling authors, film stars, sports leaders, political figures, and major business executives. Only podcaster to be brought into the government buildings to interview the Finance minister.

• 5× award-winning speaker, trainer, mental health specialist, and performance mindset coach.

• 28k+ followers on LinkedIn and 100+ recommendations. Testimonials include C-level leaders at Dell, Samsung, Citibank, Cambridge University, Stanford, the Institute of Directors and many more.

• Sponsored as an ambassador by Together Magazine and Louis Copeland & Sons.

Useful links:
Website: https://dougdgordon.com/

Alison Levine has peaked the 7 summits of the world, skied to the North Pole and South Pole and written the bestselling book On the Edge. She is a history-making polar explorer and mountaineer. She served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on each continent and skied to both the North and South Poles—a feat known as the Adventure Grand Slam, which only 20 people in the world have achieved. 

She is the author of the New York Times best-seller On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and other Extreme Environments.

Levine is the founder of the Climb High Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of jobless women in western Uganda by training them to be trekking guides and porters in their local mountains, thus allowing them to earn a sustainable living wage through climbing-related tourism. Her efforts enabled the first group of local women to climb Uganda’s highest peak—Mt Stanley, and her work in Africa is the subject of the PBS documentary Living Courageously.

https://alisonlevine.com/about-alison/

Host Doug Gordon:

• Former C-level executive, recognised in The Times and The Independent for building large global businesses.

• International bestselling author of "Charge Yourself Up for Success - Energizing your life, work and relationships"

• Former national radio host and now sponsored podcaster of the show “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” featuring over 350 NYT bestselling authors, film stars, sports leaders, political figures, and major business executives.

• 5× award-winning speaker, trainer, mental health specialist, and performance mindset coach.

• 28k+ followers on LinkedIn and 100+ recommendations.

• Sponsored as an ambassador by Together Magazine and Louis Copeland & Sons.

Website: https://dougdgordon.com/

#AlisonLevine #SevenSummits #PolarExplorer #Leadership
#Resilience #MentalToughness #HighPerformance
#ExtremeAdventure #Exploration #MountEverest
#DecisionMaking #InspirationalStories
#LeadershipPodcast #PeakPerformance #chargeyourselfupfirsuccess

My guest on my podcast “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” is Jessica Cox who is the world’s first licensed armless pilot. she flies planes, drives cars, scuba dives, rides bikes, and even holds a black belt in Taekwondo — all where she was born without arms. She is also the bestselling author of the book “Disarm your limits”. And has just released  the audio book is literally just out now Jessica’s story isn’t just about extraordinary achievements. It’s about resilience, self-belief, and turning adversity into purpose. She’s a global speaker, a disability rights advocate, and humanitarian who has helped and inspired millions of people around the world through her story. 

She really is a true inspiration and a pleasure to have on the show. 

Jessica’s book: www.disarmyourlimits.com 

Website: https://jessicacox.com/about/ 

JESSICA COX WANTS TO BUILD THE FIRST EXCLUSIVELY FOOT-CONTROLLED AIRPLANE IN HISTORY: website to donate: https://www.impossibleairplane.com 

Host Doug Gordon: 

• Former C-level executive, recognised in The Times and The Independent for building large global businesses. Articles in the Times and Independent newspapers…

https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/davy-appoints-three-city-heavy-hitters/31506422.html

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/werlau-joins-davy-united-1.2410549 

• International bestselling author of "Charge Yourself Up for Success - Energizing your life, work and relationships", featuring endorsements from three New York Times bestselling authors, a Star Wars actress, and a Dragons’ Den investor. Sold over 22k copies. 

• Media appearances across national radio, US and Swiss TV, international podcasts, and multiple magazine covers. Contributing writer for several publications. • Former national radio host and now sponsored podcaster of the show “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” featuring over 350 NYT bestselling authors, film stars, sports leaders, political figures, and major business executives. Only podcaster to be brought into the government buildings to interview the Finance minister. 

• 5× award-winning speaker, trainer, mental health specialist, and performance mindset coach. 

• 28k+ followers on LinkedIn and 100+ recommendations. Testimonials include C-level leaders at Dell, Samsung, Citibank, Cambridge University, Stanford, the Institute of Directors and many more. 

Useful links: 

Website: https://dougdgordon.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-gordon-216091b/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/inspirational-people-inspirational-stories-with-doug-d/id1805966288

Amy Morin is a licensed psychotherapist, keynote speaker, award-winning host of the Mentally Stronger podcast, and an international bestselling author of six books on mental strength, including the globally acclaimed 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.

Her expertise has been featured by major outlets such as Good Morning America, Today, Oprah, Tamron Hall, and BBC and her TEDx Talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, has been viewed over 24 million times.

Amy’s passion for teaching mental strength stems from a personal place. After enduring the loss of her mother and husband by the age of 26, she realized the traditional tools of therapy weren’t enough to manage her grief.

In this podcast we talk all about mental health, emotional resilience, mindset and how to improve your relationships, your parenting and how own happiness.

Doug Gordon background:

• Former C-level executive, recognised in The Irish Times and The Independent for building large global businesses.
• 5× award-winning speaker, trainer, mental health specialist, and mindset coach.
• International bestselling author of "Charge Yourself Up for Success - Energizing your life, work and relationships", featuring endorsements from three New York Times bestselling authors, a Star Wars actress, and a Dragons’ Den investor.
• 28k+ followers on LinkedIn and 100+ recommendations. Testimonials include C-level leaders at Dell, Samsung, Citibank, Cambridge University, Stanford, the Institute of Directors and more. (See some attached)
• Media appearances across national radio, US and Swiss TV, international podcasts, and multiple magazine covers.
• Former national radio host and now sponsored podcaster of the show “Inspirational People, Inspirational Stories” featuring over 350 NYT bestselling authors, film stars, sports leaders, political figures, and major business executives.

Useful links:
Website: https://dougdgordon.com/
LinkedIn:   / doug-gordon-216091b 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast...

Aidan has been selling since the age of eight, turning his natural drive and people skills into a thriving business career. As the founder of Align (a sales and business development consultancy), he combines strategic thinking with a genuine passion for connecting with others.

Outside of work, you’ll find Aidan on the tag rugby pitch, tennis court, or enjoying a competitive game of darts, chess, or poker!. And when it’s time to unwind, nothing beats good company and a great bottle of whiskey.

We talk all topics around sales strategy, cold calling strategy, email sales strategy, leadership tips, scaling tips, marketing tips and much more.

If you are a business looking to scale or increase your sales this is a must listen…

https://www.alignca.ie/

Doug Gordon bio:

I am a radio presenter, motivational speaker, bestselling author and former C-level exec who was in the Times and the Independent for growing large global businesses. I also am an award winning mental health practitioner, mindset coach and healer who has written an international bestselling book that is all about mental wellbeing and positive mindset.

✅ 5X Award-Winning Speaker, Trainer & Coach
✅ 100+ Written LinkedIn Recommendations from top executives & teams (including from C-level in Dell, Samsung, CitiBank). Plus from individuals suffering from mental health issues or stress.
✅ National radio presenter for over 5 years now podcaster interviewing political heads, NY Times bestsellers, Sports stars, film stars and well known business leaders. Show is all about inspiration, mindset and wellbeing.
✅ Proven Results with FTSE 100 & Fortune 500 companies, elite sports teams & high-growth businesses. Both on business side and resilience / wellbeing side.
✅ 21 Years in Finance / fund management: C-Level leadership, sales growth & business leadership strategy (Fidelity, Lazard, HSBC, Aviva, Columbia Threadneedle & Davy)
✅Recognised corporate sales success in the national press (Times & Independent).
✅ International Bestselling Author of “Charge Yourself Up For Success - Energizing Your Life, Work and Relationships” & Global Speaker featured in The Times, The Independent, many magazines, TEDx & hundreds of top business summits
✅ Keynotes at Institute of Directors Global Convention x2, Cambridge University x2, Stanford, London Investment Summit, National Workplace Wellbeing Summit, Wealth Summit, Thrive conference, Mental Health Summit & many more.
✅ Worked with companies such as Dell, Aviva, Airbus, Samsung, JP Morgan, Salesforce, Delilites, Ocuco, Sensys, Odey Asset Management and many more

▶ Linkedin:   / doug-gordon-216091b 

▶ website: dougdgordon.com (http://dougdgordon.com/)

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE, INSPIRATIONAL STORIES with award winning speaker, coach, trainer, healer and bestselling author (Charge Yourself Up For Success) Doug Gordon

In this episode, Doug sits down with Fatima Whitbread MBE — an Olympic legend, world champion javelin thrower, and inspirational humanitarian. Fatima shares her incredible life journey — from being abandoned as a baby and growing up in care to discovering her inner strength, discipline, and competitive mindset that led her to become a two-time Olympian and global sporting icon.

Today, Fatima channels that same resilience into The Fatima Campaign UK, her charity dedicated to empowering vulnerable children and young people across the country. She also shares exciting details about her upcoming Friends of Fatima’s UK Campaign Dinner at the House of Commons this October — a night of purpose, community, and inspiration.

This is more than a story about sport — it’s a story about human courage, healing, and hope. Whether you’re into sports, personal development, or just love hearing real stories of people who’ve turned pain into purpose, this episode will deeply move and inspire you.

💫 Key Topics in This Episode:

Fatima Whitbread’s powerful childhood story: from care home to champion

How sport transformed her life and built her mindset for success

Lessons on resilience, discipline, and emotional strength

The Fatima Campaign UK and its mission to support vulnerable youth

The upcoming charity dinner at the House of Commons

🔥 Watch if you love:

Inspiring stories | Overcoming adversity | Mental strength | Mindset growth | Olympic motivation | Women in sport | Personal transformation | Emotional resilience | Child welfare | Charity and purpose

🌍 Connect & Support:

🎟️ Friends of Fatima’s UK Campaign Dinner — October 30th, 2025

📍 House of Commons, London

💻 Tickets & info: FatimaCampaign.com

📢 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE if Fatima’s story inspired you — and tag someone who needs to hear this message.
#FatimaWhitbread #DougGordon #InspirationalPeopleInspirationalStories #Olympian #Mindset #Motivation #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #InspiringStories #SportsMotivation #FemaleAthletes #CharityEvent #HouseOfCommons #UKCharity #FatimaCampaign #PersonalDevelopment #EmotionalResilience #SuccessMindset #LifeTransformation