I've Got Your Back

Hey pal, and welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.

This week I'm sitting down with the wonderful Kieran Dodds, an Edinburgh-based photographer known for his research-driven photos and stories. His work has been exhibited everywhere from Sweden to the USA, Germany, Italy and Dundee, and this month he's celebrating 20 years of working completely for himself.

Full disclosure, Kieran and I are cousins. Our mums are sisters, two of six strong-willed daughters born to John and Betty. A few weeks ago, while catching up with the cousins, something told me I had to get Kieran on the podcast. I've learned to trust those intuitive nudges, and I'm so glad I did.

It's a gentle, thoughtful conversation about family, risk, human connection and finding significance in the small, everyday moments. It might also be where the name of this podcast comes from, so I share the story behind that too.

Inside, we explore:

• Why so many of our family have chosen the entrepreneurial path, and the love and security that made it feel possible
• Kieran's leap from a staff job at the Evening Times in Glasgow to freelancing, and the perfectly timed flight to America that followed
• The story behind Gingers of America, and how a simple portrait idea became a book about human connection
• What happens when you ask people "what unites America?" and why it's easier to answer when you start with your own community
• Backing yourself, and why Kieran's biggest driver was the belief that the world needs this story right now
• His 20 constants from 20 years of reinventing yourself in a world that keeps changing
• The Offline Club movement and why people are craving real, tangible things again
• Why our phones make us curl in on ourselves, and how photography can lift our eyes back up and out
• What Kieran believes the world needs to hear right now

This episode is full of quiet moments that make you pause. Kieran has a lovely way of reminding us that the things that feel small are often the things that matter most.

If you've ever wondered whether to back yourself, felt overwhelmed by the noise of the world, or needed a reminder to look up from your screen, this one is for you.

Connect with Kieran Dodds:

Find out more about his work

Explore his book Gingers of America

All the good stuff 🙌

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Hey pal, and welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.

This week I’m sitting down with the incredible Michelle Duval, a pioneer in human potential, coaching, and now AI-powered transformation. Michelle has spent nearly three decades coaching leaders, founders, and humans from all walks of life, and is now on a mission to democratise access to that kind of support through technology.

Michelle and I first met around ten years ago in Sydney during one of the most intense startup programs I’ve ever been part of. Picture twelve wildly different entrepreneurs trying to build a million-dollar business in ten weeks. It was chaos. And Michelle walked into the room and somehow held it all together with this calm, grounded brilliance that I’ve never forgotten.

Since then, her work has evolved from coaching into building an AI technology designed to help people all over the world realise their potential, not just the few who can afford a coach.

This conversation is expansive, honest, and deeply thought-provoking. I think this one is going to stay with you.

Inside, we explore:

• Michelle’s journey from early coaching days to building an AI technology used across the globe
• Why human potential has been inaccessible for most people and how that’s changing
• The honest reality of building in the AI space and what it really takes
• Why “work is broken” and what’s driving burnout, anxiety, and disconnection
• How AI is reshaping work, identity, and what it means to be human
• The biggest mindset shift we need to make right now around identity and job titles
• What the data reveals about Gen Z and why workplaces need to evolve
• Michelle’s powerful take on purpose and why it’s often much simpler than we think

This episode is full of those moments that make you pause and reflect. Michelle has this incredible way of holding both the challenges of today and the possibilities of what’s ahead.

If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, your place in work, or how to navigate what’s coming next, this one is for you.

Connect with Michelle Duval:

Find out more about her work

Explore her book Find Your Workverse (Discount Code to use at checkout for 10% off the book: GotYourBack10)

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal, and welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.

This week I'm sitting down with the brilliant Nathan Pollock, founder of Katapult Design, a product design consultancy with studios in Byron Bay, Sydney, and Melbourne. Nathan has been an industrial designer for over 35 years, and his story of how he got here is genuinely one of the most honest and inspiring I've heard. A burnout, a year on the road around Australia with his family, a caravan, and a spare bedroom that became the launchpad for one of Australia's most values-led design consultancies.

Nathan and I first connected back in 2021 when I was living in Byron Bay and he was exploring the idea of becoming a B Corp. And after four years, a global pandemic, a business that doubled in size, and a whole lot of grit, Katapult Design achieved their B Corp certification at the end of 2025. I am so, so proud of him and the whole team.

This conversation goes deep into what it really means to run a business with integrity, and I think you are going to absolutely love it.

Inside, we explore:

• How 35 years of designing products led Nathan to wrestle with the tension between creating things and creating waste, and what he's done about it
• The Katapult story from a spare bedroom in Byron Bay to a team of 12 across three studios
• Some of the incredible products Katapult has designed, including a world-leading electric hydrofoil brand born right there in Byron
• Why Nathan wanted B Corp certification and what drove him to finally commit to the process
• The honest reality of a four-year B Corp journey, including Covid, rapid business growth, and the moments they nearly put it down
• How Katapult quietly baked sustainability into their designs for years before they could formally champion it, and why B Corp changed that
• What B Corp certification is already opening up for Nathan in terms of clients, collaborators, and talent
• Nathan's final message to any business owner sitting on the fence about whether to go for it

This episode is warm, honest, and full of those brilliant nuggets that make you want to take notes. Nathan is someone who has always cared deeply, and now he has the certification to prove it. I know you are going to love him.

Connect with Nathan and Katapult Design:

Follow Katapult Design on Instagram @katapult.design

Find out more at katapultdesign.com.au

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal, and welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.

This week's episode is such a good one. I'm sitting down with the wonderful Nina Alexander — Reiki master, mum of four, Arbonne consultant, spiritual mentor, women's circle host, and founder of the most beautiful sustainable period pants brand, Annahitah. Nina and I have known each other through the Arbonne community for years, but it's only recently, working together on her B Corp journey, that we've really gotten to know each other deeply. And wow, I am just so glad we did!

Nina is one of those people who lights up every room she's in. She wears so many hats and does it all with such grace, intention, and heart. This conversation goes so many places and I absolutely loved every minute of it.

We cover a lot in this episode. The spark behind Annahitah. The goddess who inspired it. The grit it takes to bootstrap a startup from scratch. The beauty and the challenge of being a multi-passionate, multi-dimensional woman in business.

Inside, we explore:

1. How a statistic about tampons sparked a two-year journey to launch a stylish, sustainable period pants brand
2. What it really means to bootstrap a business from nothing and what Nina wishes she'd known sooner
3. Why B Corp certification mattered to Nina from day one, and the lessons from going through the process
4. Being half-Persian, the ancient Persian goddess Anahita, and how culture and identity wove their way into the brand
5. Donating period pants to girls in Malawi and Uganda and the messages that make the hard times worth it
6. The rise of female founders and what divine feminine leadership actually looks and feels like
7. Nina's upcoming divine feminine fragrance, one for each phase of the monthly cycle (yes, really!!)
8. What Nina believes the world needs to hear right now

This episode is honest, heartfelt, and full of those goosebumps moments. Nina is the real deal, doing business from the soul, and I know you're going to love her.

Connect with Nina & Annahitah:

Follow Nina @iamninaalexander

Follow @annahitah and find out more at annahitah.com

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal, and welcome back to I’ve Got Your Back the podcast.

This week’s episode is a special one. I'm taking you right back to where it all began - my journey with Arbonne. It’s been sixteen years since I first said yes, and I honestly can’t believe it!!

To help me mark the moment, I asked my dear friend Meg McLean put me in the hot seat. It felt only right - she was the one who first reached out to me about the business all those years ago.

We also recorded this one in a real-life studio for the first time, which made it all the more special. Huge thanks to Mark Edwards at @flatwhitemusic for making us feel so welcome and at ease!

We cover a lot in this episode. The early days. The doubts. The desire. The handwritten vision boards. We talk about what made me say yes, why I kept going, and what this business has taught me - not just about leadership and consistency, but about people, purpose, and trust.

Inside, we explore:

• How a chance message turned into a sixteen-year career
• Why saying yes came down to a gut feeling I couldn’t ignore
• Building a business before social media was really a thing
• What happened when people doubted me - and why that pushed me further
• The decision to treat Arbonne like a business (not just a hobby)
• Building in seasons - and learning to lead through the tough ones
• The retreat that brought everything full circle
• What it means to create something that genuinely puts people first

This episode is an honest look behind the scenes - not just of a business, but of a life shaped by the decision to say yes before I knew what that yes really meant!

Connect with Meg:

Follow @megmcleanuk and check out the She Can Podcast.

Watch the YouTube Video HERE

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal! Welcome back to I’ve Got Your Back the podcast.

🎉 Two years. 34 episodes. Over 2,000 downloads across 8 countries. 🎉

What a journey it’s been.

We’re celebrating a big milestone on the pod – and to mark the occasion, I thought it was time to flip the script and put me in the hot seat for once! For this special anniversary episode, I was interviewed by the amazing @megmcleanuk – my dear friend and host of the She Can Podcast. If you don’t already know her, go check her out. She’s a total gem.

It was also my first time recording in a professional studio (can you believe it?!). Huge thanks to Mark Edwards at @flatwhitemusic for making us feel so welcome, relaxed, and completely at ease.

In this episode, Meg and I dive into:

• How the idea for the podcast first sparked (on a bus in Sydney, of all places!)
• My very wobbly beginnings, the nerves, the handwritten scripts, and that iconic first “hey pal”
• What “I’ve Got Your Back” really stands for
• How intuition has shaped this podcast (and my life) — and what happens when we finally slow down enough to listen
• The incredible guests who’ve joined me along the way — from friends and mentors to strangers who became soul connections
• The South Africa trip that changed everything and sparked some of my favourite episodes yet
• Dreams for the future — from monetising the pod to giving back to grassroots communities doing powerful work

We also talk about fear — the kind that shows up when you're about to do something brave. We explore what it really means to take a first step (even a tiny one), the importance of asking for help, and the magic that unfolds when you just keep showing up.

This space was always about something bigger than downloads or charts. It’s about creating a place where you feel seen, safe, and encouraged to take that leap — whatever it looks like for you.

It’s for the ones who are figuring it out. For those standing at the edge of something new. For anyone who’s ever wondered, can I really do this? I promise, you can. And I’ve got your back while you do.

Whether you’ve been here since episode one, or this is your first listen — thank you. Truly. You make this all worthwhile.

Connect with Meg:

Follow @megmcleanuk and check out She Can Podcast @shecanpod

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come chat with me over on Instagram.

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal! Welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.

In this episode, I'm absolutely delighted to be joined by Thobile Chittenden, a powerhouse in social entrepreneurship, youth development, and community impact. Thobile and I first connected through our shared passion for purpose-driven work, and I knew I had to bring her on to share her incredible insights with you.

Thobile is a dedicated Community Builder, BMW Foundation Responsible Leader, and TEDx speaker who believes in the power of creativity and the arts to inspire social change. As Network Co-Lead at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, she advocates for an economy that centres people and the planet. She also serves on the boards of Makers Valley Partnership and CityKidz, working to foster community-led transformation and expand access to education. With a background in Integral Economics and Social Entrepreneurship, Thobile combines ethical economic insights with practical action to create meaningful impact.

In this conversation, Thobile shares her journey of leadership, resilience, and impact. We explore:

• The role of education in breaking systemic barriers and creating generational change.
• How mentorship and community support shape young entrepreneurs.
• The importance of self-belief and stepping into leadership with confidence.
• How businesses can play a role in uplifting and empowering the next generation.
• The personal experiences that fuel her passion for youth development and advocacy.

Thobile’s wisdom and energy are truly inspiring, and this episode is packed with powerful takeaways for anyone looking to create meaningful impact.

Connect with Thobile:

Follow her on LinkedIn

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come chat with me over on Instagram.

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal! Welcome back to I've Got Your Back, the podcast.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Pepe Marais, an incredible thought leader on purpose, creativity, and leadership. Pepe and I met at Farmhouse 58 in South Africa, where I was co-hosting a purposeful leadership immersion with my pal Tom. From the moment Pepe spoke, I knew I had to bring him on to share his wisdom with you.

Pepe is the founding partner and Group Executive Creative Officer of the brand and communications group Joe Public. He’s ranked as the number one creative leader in the South African advertising industry, holds a doctoral degree in Business Management focused on organisational purpose and conscious leadership, and is a published author. But at the core of all his work is a deep passion for unlocking human potential through purpose.

In this conversation, Pepe takes us on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and personal growth. We dive into:

• The power of finding your ONE word for life and how it can serve as your guiding principle.
• How childhood experiences and unconscious beliefs shape our purpose.
• Why stepping into your full potential requires facing your deepest fears.
• The connection between purpose, leadership, and creating meaningful impact in the world.
• His return to exploring spirituality and faith, and how that has influenced his journey.

Pepe’s insights are truly transformative, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to step into their highest self.

Connect with Pepe:

Grab a copy of his book

LinkedIn

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come chat with me over on Instagram.

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hi Pal! Welcome back to I've got your Back!

In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Appleton, a senior psychotherapist with extensive experience in adult and childhood mental health services within the NHS. Michael has worked as a clinical lead for MIND and consulted for British Airways and Go Crisis on mental health. His documentaries, including Facing the Enemy and Shrinking Childhoods, have been featured on BBC, PBS, Channel 4, and The History Channel, and his work has been published in The Observer, The Business Telegraph, The Washington Times, and United Press International.

Michael shares his perspective on the current mental health crisis, how shame plays a hidden role in anxiety and depression, and why so many people feel the need to mask their struggles. We discuss the importance of real human connection, how community can help people feel seen and understood, and what we can do to create spaces where vulnerability feels safe.

We explore:

• The rise in anxiety and depression post-2020 and why so many people still feel isolated
• How shame stops us from opening up and creates a cycle of self-judgement
• The neuroscience behind emotions, self-compassion, and why we are often our own worst critics
• The differences in mental health approaches between Scotland, Northern Ireland, and England
• How honest conversations can shift our perspectives and help us break free from self-criticism

Michael’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the way we talk about mental health and the small shifts we can make to feel more connected and supported.

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

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Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

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Hey pal! Welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Rachel Chan, a dear friend and fellow entrepreneur. Rachel and I have known each other for years through our Arbonne businesses, and it's been a joy to reconnect and deepen our friendship since she moved back to Scotland.

Rachel shares her incredible journey of transformation, from starting her entrepreneurial path 11 years ago to becoming a mother at 22 and navigating major life changes. She opens up about redefining success and happiness after attaching her self-worth to external factors, her experience leaving a long-term relationship and business partnership, reconnecting with her true purpose and values, training to become an intuitive psychology coach, and developing new beliefs around success, happiness and personal growth.

We discuss embracing change and transformation, even when it's uncomfortable, the importance of self-care and inner work when pursuing big goals, finding balance between hustle and rest in entrepreneurship, and tuning into your inner wisdom and intuition.

Rachel's journey is a powerful reminder that we can rewrite our stories at any point in life. Her dedication to personal growth and empowering others is truly inspiring.

Change is constant - learn to embrace it rather than resist. Success and happiness don't have to come through sacrifice and struggle. Balance ambitious action with self-care practices. Tune into your own inner wisdom rather than constantly seeking external validation.

Connect with Rachel:

Website: www.rachellimitlessliving.com

Instagram: @rachel_limitlessliving

Facebook: @Rachel.Chan21

Thank you for listening! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found value in Rachel's insights. Remember to tune into your own inner wisdom and trust yourself as you navigate life's changes.

All the good stuff 🙌

Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly Wellness

Join my "I've Got Your Back" community

Download my free Yoga Nidra Practice

Let's chat over on Instagram

Michelle's Website + Book a chat

Download my free Become B Corp Certified guide