Negotiators Podcast

Welcome to Monday Night Live

🎥 – Monday Night Live

Jane Gunn — Navigating Conflict in a Disrupted World 🌍🕊️
This week on Monday Night Live, we welcomed back the brilliant Jane Gunn, internationally renowned mediator, lawyer, speaker, and author — known as The Barefoot Mediator. With decades of experience in helping individuals, teams, and organizations resolve high-stakes disputes, Jane brought a wealth of wisdom, calm insight, and practical tools to our Monday night audience.

The Age of Disruption: Why Conflict Is Rising 🔥
Jane opened with a powerful observation: we’re living in an age of disruption — from political instability and global tensions to financial uncertainty and digital overload. This unrest filters down into the everyday lives of individuals, creating heightened defensiveness, fear, and adversarial behavior in homes, workplaces, and boardrooms.

She described a “cycle of crisis” that’s leaving people disoriented — with many lacking the skills, mindset, or support systems needed to deal with tension constructively.

Where Are the Role Models? 🧓👩‍🏫
Jane and Derek explored the growing absence of grounded, emotionally intelligent leadership. From politics to social media, society is sorely lacking in wise elders and effective role models. Children today often look to peers — or influencers online — rather than older generations for guidance. This, Jane believes, contributes to emotional immaturity and poor conflict management.

Her poignant reminder: “No one’s coming to save us. It’s up to all of us to speak up.”

Speaking Up — Even When It’s Hard 🗣️⚖️
From whistleblowing in the NHS to calling out toxic behaviors at work, Jane emphasized the need for courage and community support. People are often reluctant to raise issues due to fear of backlash, isolation, or being misunderstood.

She urged us to find safe spaces — with coaches, mentors, or trusted peers — to have “big conversations” and challenge injustice. Social media, she warned, isn’t that space.

The Lost Art of Dialogue 💬☕
We’ve forgotten how to have respectful, meaningful dialogue — the kind that used to happen over coffee or at the pub. Today, conversations are transactional, superficial, or overly filtered.

Jane reminded us that resolution happens not just through logic, but through human connection. As a mediator, she likens her work to hosting a dinner party: welcoming people, making them feel safe, and creating an environment where honest discussion can happen.

From Chaos to Clarity — Jane’s Mediation Framework 🧭
Throughout the episode, Jane unpacked her unique mediation process — built around:

Self-determination: Empowering people to make their own choices

Fully informed consent: Ensuring decisions are based on truth, not assumptions

The Murky Swamp of Reality: Facing difficult truths head-on, rather than avoiding them

Her aim isn’t to “patch things up” artificially, but to guide people through the discomfort of truth — so they can make decisions that stick.

Modern Challenges: AI, Comfort Culture, and Over-Reliance on Convenience 🤖🛋️
Jane raised thought-provoking concerns about artificial intelligence. She warned of a growing divide: AI creators vs. AI consumers. The latter risk losing their capacity to think deeply, question critically, or solve problems independently.

She also highlighted our culture’s obsession with comfort and convenience — and how it undermines our resilience and willingness to face hard decisions. “Some things must be uncomfortable and inconvenient — and still be the right thing to do.”

A Glimpse Inside Jane’s World: 3 AM Mediations and Hotel Hideouts 🏨📑
In a lighter moment, Jane shared an unforgettable story of a 3 AM mediation — running between hotel rooms with documents, navigating logistics to keep two estranged parties apart. With humor and humility, she illustrated the behind-the-scenes reality of high-stakes conflict resolution.

Her secret weapons? Dark chocolate, protein-packed snacks (no pizza!), and relentless professionalism.

Final Thought: Question Everything and Speak Up ✊💡
Jane closed with a powerful message: “Question everything. Speak up — even when it’s uncomfortable. Think deeply, differently, and dangerously.”

We all have a responsibility to challenge the dominant narrative, to seek truth beyond headlines, and to reconnect with real human dialogue.

📌 Don’t Miss Jane’s Free Webinar: “From Chaos to Clarity”
Jane is running a live session to teach her conflict resolution model and invite people into deeper discussion. Check the link in the description below! 👇

🙏 A huge thank you to Jane Gunn for another unforgettable evening of insight and inspiration.
Please like, subscribe, and share this episode if it resonated with you.

Until next time — keep thinking deeply and keep the conversation alive.

Welcome to Monday Night Live

🌟 Monday Night Live – Wisdom in the Room: Special International Edition 🌟

Oh, hello everybody, and welcome to this week’s Wisdom in the Room – Special International Edition on Monday Night Live, hosted by Derek Arden! This was an absolute global gathering of wisdom, packed with insight, humor, and heartfelt moments. Leaders, experts, teachers, and lifelong learners from all around the world joined in to share practical advice, personal stories, and powerful takeaways.
👋 If you enjoy this content, please like, follow, and subscribe!

🎙️ Speaking With Confidence: Tracy Hooper’s Top Tips
We kicked off with Tracy Hooper, live from Portland, Oregon! Tracy—former TV news anchor and now a communication expert—shared powerful tips on eliminating trendy filler words from our language to sound more confident and credible.
Her top words to ditch?
👉 “Pretty” — “I’m a pretty good speaker” vs. “I’m a good speaker.”
👉 “A little” — Stop saying “a little feedback” or “a little behind schedule.” Be direct!
👉 “Right?” — This common filler seeks validation but weakens your point.
✨ Pro Tip:
Practice the Power of Pause. Speak clearly, pause intentionally, and you’ll sound more powerful instantly! Also, record yourself to catch these habits—Zoom calls work perfectly for this.

🇫🇷 Cultural Insights & Timeless Wisdom: John Timms from Paris
Next, we went to France with John Timms, who highlighted fascinating cultural differences in communication. While Americans might favor brevity, in France, longer speeches often gain more respect!
John’s advice?
🔸 Carpe Diem!
🔸 Be generous when it counts—a story about Nobel laureate Alexander Todd’s kindness.
🔸 Listen more, speak less—especially in tense situations.
🔸 You’re not the only grain of sand on the beach—stay humble.
🔸 Shift focus from what others can do for you to what you can do for them—especially in negotiation!

🌴 Patricia Fripp’s Wisdom on Words & Relationships
From San Francisco, we welcomed legendary speaker Patricia Fripp! Patricia picked up on Tracy’s theme and added her own “words to banish,” including the dreaded “thing.”
Her gems:
📝 Ask those around you to help catch your bad habits.
📢 “It’s your obligation to make sure clients remember you!”
📧 Keep in touch relentlessly—newsletters, blogs, and social media matter.
🎭 “Be personal in public”—borrowed from acting greats to encourage authentic speaking.

A Heartfelt Message From Albania: Tony Woodall’s PSA
Tony Woodall, tuning in from Albania, shared a touching story about the sudden passing of a fellow expat. His takeaway was crystal clear:
❤️ Solo travelers need to stay connected.
If you live abroad or travel solo, make sure friends or locals know where you live and check in regularly. His story was a heartfelt reminder to look out for one another, especially expats living alone.

📚 Living Longer, Living Wiser: Nancy’s Generational Wisdom
Nancy Taylor shifted gears with fascinating research by Aviva Wittenberg-Cox on our “Four Quarter Lives.”
1️⃣ Quarter 1: Grow & learn (0-24)
2️⃣ Quarter 2: Achieve & build (25-49)
3️⃣ Quarter 3: Become & evolve (50-74) — The overlooked “wisdom generation”!
4️⃣ Quarter 4: Harvest & reflect (75+)
Her message: Employers & society need to recognize the value of older generations. Many people remain active, productive, and wise well into their 70s and beyond!

🏖️ Be The Fool to Become The Master: Carl Walsh from Hawaii
Live from Hawaii, Carl Walsh wrapped up with an energizing message:
🔥 “Be willing to look foolish to master anything.”
From theater to business, Carl reminded us that every master was once a beginner. Mistakes are not failures—they’re the price of admission to mastery.

🎯 Derek’s Closing Tips
Derek wrapped up with three essential lessons:
Focus on What Matters Most—apply the 80/20 rule daily.
Keep Learning Always—teaching others also boosts your own wisdom.

Stay Curious and Keep Sharing—it’s the secret to staying sharp!
💥 Thank you to all our amazing guests and to YOU for watching Monday Night Live!
If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and explore more from this incredible global community of experts.
🌐 Until next time, keep learning, keep sharing, and remember… there’s always wisdom in the room!

Welcome to Monday Night Live

🌟electrifying deep dive into the world of tech, journalism, AI, and digital wellbeing as we welcomed Dylan Tweney—acclaimed IT journalist, former editor at Wired and VentureBeat, and now a strategic communications coach.

From interviewing Jeff Bezos to navigating the social-media slot machine, Dylan brought decades of frontline Silicon Valley experience to the Monday Night Live community. Here’s your full rundown of what was covered 👇

Dylan kicked off by sharing what it’s really like to be an IT journalist—an interpreter of complex innovations into plain English. From the early days of the PC boom to the current AI revolution, he’s been on the frontlines of every major tech wave.

📰 Career Highlights:

While Dylan no longer writes about gadgets, he specializes in enterprise tech—the powerful but often overlooked systems behind business transformation. “It’s not flashy,” he said, “but it’s where the real value is created.”

One of the most insightful segments came as Dylan addressed the rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing.

📊 According to a survey Dylan conducted:

Why not more? Because AI can flatten creativity, Dylan warns. “AI-generated content often lacks soul—it’s polished, but not personal.”

🧠 Even more concerning: “AI changes how we think about what good writing looks like,” he explained. “If everyone starts copying the bots, human creativity could suffer.”

Dylan offered a hard-hitting perspective on social media’s addictive design—comparing platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) to slot machines.

🎰 The dopamine loop:

“It made me miserable,” Dylan admitted, reflecting on his personal social media experience. “And I saw how algorithms drive content that keeps us scrolling, not necessarily what’s good for us.”

Yet he remains optimistic. “I see young people who know how to unplug. There’s hope.”

In contrast to tech’s dopamine traps, Dylan championed serotonin and oxytocin—our natural “feel-good” chemicals:

❤️ Hug someone
🌊 Jump in cold water
🧘 Meditate and be present
🎙️ And yes… deep Zoom conversations count too!

On the rise of generative AI in China, Dylan noted that while some borrowing is inevitable, Chinese AI like DeepSeek and ERNIE builds on the same foundational research pioneered by Western labs.

“It’s more evolution than theft,” he said, emphasizing that global AI progress is built on shared knowledge.

As a writing coach, Dylan also gave us practical tips on powerful communication:

✂️ Cut the fluff: Get rid of “almost,” “very,” and other weasel words.
🔢 Use numbers: “5 Ways to Improve Your Storytelling” always works.
🧠 Intrigue beats summary: A headline should make you want to click, not summarize everything.

💥 Fun Fact: Great headline writers can earn 5x more than article writers—for good reason!

Yes, Dylan has interviewed Jeff Bezos—long before the Venice wedding closed half the city. His impression?

“A Bond villain laugh, but a visionary mindset.”
Bezos was excited about his 10,000-year clock project—a monument to long-term thinking, a rarity in today’s instant-gratification world.

📧 Interested in Dylan’s writing, coaching, or newsletter?
👉 Visit: https://dylan.tweney.com

💡 Whether you’re a business leader, content creator, or just tech-curious—Dylan’s insights are pure gold.

👏 A huge thank you to Dylan Tweney for joining us this week on Monday Night Live.
For more lively chats, sharp ideas, and world-class guests—subscribe and stay tuned.

📺 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this episode if you enjoyed it.
Until next time—stay curious, stay connected.

Welcome to Monday Night Live

“Beneath the Surface: Understanding the Imposter Phenomenon with Dr. Kate Atkin | Monday Night Live”

How Self-Doubt Holds High Achievers Back — And What To Do About It

🎙️ Monday Night Live with Dr. Kate Atkin: Unmasking the Imposter Phenomenon 👩‍🎓🧠

In this compelling episode of Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomes Dr. Kate Atkin, a celebrated speaker, trainer, and now PhD graduate whose research dives deep into the Imposter Phenomenon — a silent struggle faced by even the most accomplished individuals.

🎓 With a fresh doctorate under her belt and years of experience on the subject, Dr. Atkin reveals the science, stories, and solutions behind a challenge that affects up to 70-80% of people at some point in their careers.

Forget “Imposter Syndrome” — Dr. Atkin deliberately uses the term phenomenon to reflect the temporary and situational nature of this experience. It’s not a mental health disorder, but rather a common psychological occurrence where successful people struggle to internalize their achievements, fearing they’ll be exposed as a “fraud.”

Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, chances are you’ve felt it: “I don’t deserve this,” or “One day, they’ll find out I’m not really that good.”

1. A Personal and Academic Journey 👩‍🏫
Kate shares how she went from not having a first university degree to achieving a PhD — an inspirational arc that reflects the very subject she now researches. Her latest book, The Imposter Phenomenon, is a readable deep dive rooted in her doctoral findings.

2. Who Experiences It — And Why? 👥
While popular statistics suggest women are more affected, Kate unpacks the nuance. Her research and meta-analyses suggest that men and women experience imposter feelings differently. Women may hold back; men may push through — both paths can lead to stress and burnout.

3. Social Media and the Comparison Trap 📱
Instagram and other platforms have amplified the problem, especially among younger generations. Seeing only the “highlight reels” of others can intensify feelings of inadequacy. But as Kate says, “Compare yourself to yourself, not to others.”

4. The Workplace Matters 🏢
Supportive managers and inclusive environments significantly reduce imposter feelings. A lack of representation — being the “only one like you” in the room — heightens self-doubt. Organizations have a key role in addressing this.

5. Overworking and Overqualifying 📚
One common response to imposter feelings is over-preparation — spending hours ensuring you can answer every possible question. Another is seeking yet another qualification to prove worth. While preparation is good, Kate distinguishes between adaptive and maladaptive coping.

Dr. Kate Atkin’s new book, The Imposter Phenomenon, releases in July and is available for pre-order now. It’s packed with practical advice based on academic insight and lived experience. For more info, online events, or to get in touch with Kate directly, visit her website or follow her social media channels.

“You don’t need to be perfect to feel capable. The real power lies in accepting your strengths — and knowing that self-doubt doesn’t define you.”

🔔 Subscribe for more insights from leaders, ex

Welcome to Monday Night Live

💡 “Love it or loathe it, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay.”
This week on Monday Night Live, we’re diving deep into the mind-blowing developments in Artificial Intelligence and what it truly means for YOU – your job, your business, and your future.

Our special guest is the brilliant Graham Jones, Internet Psychologist, Author of over 30 books, and Head of Studies at the University of Buckingham. Graham brings his razor-sharp insights into how AI is transforming human behavior, education, business, and even… HR departments. 😮

✅ How AI is Reshaping the Workforce – Will 300 million white-collar jobs really vanish by 2027?
✅ Agentic AI in Action – From HR departments to legal support, discover how AI is literally acting like a team member in some businesses.
✅ Hallucination in AI Models – What it is, how to avoid it, and which AI tools are most accurate right now.
✅ Why Gemini is Beating ChatGPT – Surprising results in real-world use cases and the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
✅ How to Train AI Like a Real Person – Graham explains how he created a GPT based on a real Chief Technology Officer for student learning.
✅ The Rise of Domain-Specific AI – Why “general AI” is already outdated and how sector-specific tools are the future.
✅ Neural Processing Units (NPUs) – The next hardware revolution you’ll need to run AI efficiently.
✅ Why You Might Need a New Computer Every Year – Yes, really.
✅ Simple Tools SMEs Can Use NOW – AI doesn’t have to be complicated; Graham shows how to start small and scale smart.

Think AI lacks empathy? Think again. Graham shares groundbreaking research that shows people often rate AI (like ChatGPT) higher in emotional intelligence than real humans. Discover how AI is performing in healthcare settings, customer support, and beyond—where EQ matters most.

Are universities failing the AI test? Graham points to Financial Times reports showing how business schools are struggling to keep up with the pace of AI innovation. In a world where a skill can become obsolete in 6 weeks, how can we possibly train for the future?

Make sure you’re using premium versions with RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) if you want accurate, real-time info.

Is AI a threat or a tool?
Graham’s answer is clear: it’s what you make of it. Businesses that learn to integrate AI will thrive, while those that ignore it may fall behind.

Graham shares how he used ChatGPT to simulate a real-world conversation with a CTO from Specsavers, creating a custom GPT for tailored insights—something anyone can now do!

🧠 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, educator, or just curious about where the world is heading, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions every week on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden!

👉 Let us know in the comments: How are YO

Welcome to Monday Night Live

“Love it or loathe it, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay.”
This week on Monday Night Live, we’re diving deep into the mind-blowing developments in Artificial Intelligence and what it truly means for YOU – your job, your business, and your future.

Our special guest is the brilliant Graham Jones, Internet Psychologist, Author of over 30 books, and Head of Studies at the University of Buckingham. Graham brings his razor-sharp insights into how AI is transforming human behavior, education, business, and even… HR departments. 😮

✅ How AI is Reshaping the Workforce – Will 300 million white-collar jobs really vanish by 2027?
✅ Agentic AI in Action – From HR departments to legal support, discover how AI is literally acting like a team member in some businesses.
✅ Hallucination in AI Models – What it is, how to avoid it, and which AI tools are most accurate right now.
✅ Why Gemini is Beating ChatGPT – Surprising results in real-world use cases and the power of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
✅ How to Train AI Like a Real Person – Graham explains how he created a GPT based on a real Chief Technology Officer for student learning.
✅ The Rise of Domain-Specific AI – Why “general AI” is already outdated and how sector-specific tools are the future.
✅ Neural Processing Units (NPUs) – The next hardware revolution you’ll need to run AI efficiently.
✅ Why You Might Need a New Computer Every Year – Yes, really.
✅ Simple Tools SMEs Can Use NOW – AI doesn’t have to be complicated; Graham shows how to start small and scale smart.

Think AI lacks empathy? Think again. Graham shares groundbreaking research that shows people often rate AI (like ChatGPT) higher in emotional intelligence than real humans. Discover how AI is performing in healthcare settings, customer support, and beyond—where EQ matters most.

Are universities failing the AI test? Graham points to Financial Times reports showing how business schools are struggling to keep up with the pace of AI innovation. In a world where a skill can become obsolete in 6 weeks, how can we possibly train for the future?

Make sure you’re using premium versions with RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) if you want accurate, real-time info.

Is AI a threat or a tool?
Graham’s answer is clear: it’s what you make of it. Businesses that learn to integrate AI will thrive, while those that ignore it may fall behind.

Graham shares how he used ChatGPT to simulate a real-world conversation with a CTO from Specsavers, creating a custom GPT for tailored insights—something anyone can now do!

🧠 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, educator, or just curious about where the world is heading, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions every week on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden!

👉 Let us know in the comments:

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Hello everyone, I’m Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live.

Incredible Journey of Shaun West

Welcome to this week’s Monday Night Live hosted by Derek Arden, where we were joined by the remarkable Shaun West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist. In this gripping episode, Shaun opens up about his time in the British Army, high-stakes missions around the globe, and the surprising lessons he learned on his journey to becoming a business owner in the ultra-demanding world of private security.

Shaun’s journey began at just 16 years old when he enlisted in the British Army, entering a world of extreme physical and mental challenge. He shares what it was like to grow up fast in the military—how tough the initial training was, how many didn’t make it through, and what it meant to finally “earn the beret.”

From Northern Ireland to Beijing and Afghanistan, Shaun found himself on presidential security teams and deep within hostile regions, gaining life-changing experience and resilience. He spoke about the camaraderie and chemistry among soldiers from diverse backgrounds—people from all over the world uniting in shared missions.

Shaun gave us an eye-opening look at early post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan, including some close calls and complicated missions. While he didn’t personally negotiate with the Taliban, he worked closely with government agencies and serious organized crime units—always with the aim of protecting others under incredibly high-pressure conditions.

Returning to the UK, Shaun pivoted into the private security industry, starting out as an operator for high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities and professional athletes. His reputation for calm professionalism quickly grew: clients often asked, “Can we have Shaun again?”

But running a business was a whole new battlefield. Shaun candidly discusses the difference between being a top-tier operator and running a company—where you have to switch from chess piece to chess player, thinking strategically rather than just executing tasks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaun’s business flourished. Russian clients were doubling down on protection, creating a boom in demand. But that success was short-lived. When sanctions hit after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Shaun lost 90% of his business in just three weeks.

It was a brutal lesson in client diversification and risk management—but one that didn’t break him. Instead, it forged a smarter, more agile entrepreneur.

Ever wondered what it takes to protect a footballer earning £350,000 a week? Shaun takes us behind the scenes of match-day security, residential protection, and family safeguarding. Footballers might not always need round-the-clock bodyguards, but their schedules are public, making them vulnerable—and Shaun’s team is ready for every scenario.

We also talked about the crucial role of security dogs and how intuitive they are in escalating or de-escalating situations. Shaun shared how trust and a tight-knit professional network help him avoid “bad actors” trying to sneak into the industry—his vetting process is all about reputation, referrals, and relationships.

Shaun leaves us with some incredibly powerful insights into mental toughness, taking action despite fear, and why he found public speaking scarier than being shot at. Yes, really! Even after everything he’s faced, stepping on a TEDx stage was his Everest.

His advice to the younger generation?
👉 “Step into the ring. You don’t need the conditions to be perfect—just take the action.”

📣 Don’t Miss This Episode!
Whether you’re in the military, building a business, or just trying to find your path—Shaun West’s story is packed with lessons on courage, resilience, and transformation.

👇 Watch now, leave a comment, and tell us:
What was your biggest takeaway from Shaun’s story? subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden.
✅ Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Hello everyone, I’m Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live.
Tonight, we have a truly special guest: Sallie Barker MBE, the current Mayor of Guildford and a lifelong champion of sport, education, inclusion, and community leadership.

In this wide-ranging and uplifting conversation, Sallie shares her extraordinary journey — from a PE teacher passionate about climbing mountains to becoming a national leader in sport administration and finally, the Mayor of her beloved community.

Sallie’s story begins in the world of education, where she taught physical education with a passion for helping young people thrive. Her love of sport, combined with her drive for greater inclusion, led her into sports administration — rising through the ranks quickly over 13 years across three major organizations, including Sport England.

At Sport England, Sallie helped organize major international events such as the World Blind Games and World Lacrosse Championships. Her outstanding contributions earned her an MBE from the Queen in 2017.

Organizing global events is no easy feat! Sallie discusses the behind-the-scenes challenges: from funding issues to coordinating thousands of athletes and volunteers, to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
She reflects on how events like the cricket finals at Birmingham during COVID times showcased the power of sport to unite and inspire — even under enormous pressure.

One of Sallie’s greatest achievements has been her work promoting women in sport.
When she first joined the scene, women’s sports struggled for recognition, funding, and media coverage. Thanks to pioneers like Sallie, women’s teams today — from football to boxing — enjoy unprecedented visibility and support.

However, she also discusses ongoing debates around inclusion, especially in areas like transgender participation in sports. Sallie emphasizes the importance of fairness, empirical research, and creating opportunities for everyone, while recognizing the complexity of these evolving conversations.

After retiring from her professional sports career, Sallie felt the call to public service. At a key council meeting, when no one else stepped forward to become Mayor, Sallie took the leap — and the rest is history.

Now, as Mayor of Guildford, she is focused on supporting local charities, tackling isolation and mental health issues, and helping veterans and those affected by dementia. Her passion for community shines through in everything she does.

Many people don’t realize the real day-to-day work of a Mayor. Sallie shares heartwarming stories of visiting charities, supporting isolated individuals, and helping organizations that often struggle for recognition and funding.
From leading fundraising events to advocating for vital community causes, Sallie shows how leadership at the local level can make a real, human difference.

Sallie also shares memorable moments from receiving her MBE, including the surreal experience of meeting the Queen.
She reflects on the importance of keeping traditions alive — while being open to the necessary changes that modern society demands. Balancing the old and the new, she believes, is crucial for keeping communities strong and connected.

Even after a remarkable career, Sallie is not slowing down.
Her dedication to service, passion for sport, and love for her community continue to drive her forward.
However, she wisely notes the importance of balance, self-care, and not taking on too much — a lesson we can all appreciate!

Thank you, Sallie Barker, for joining us on Monday Night Live and sharing your incredible story of leadership, resilience, and heart.

✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden.
✅ Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Special Guest: Jasmin Faulk 🌟

An Extraordinary Journey of Courage, Culture & Resilience
📺 Watch this powerful episode now — and be inspired!

Who Is Jasmin Faulk?

Jasmin Faulk is a woman of extraordinary strength and depth, whose life story reads like a gripping novel — but it’s all true. Born in Saudi Arabia to a Muslim father and an Italian Catholic mother, Jasmin spent the first 25 years of her life navigating the complex world of dual identity in one of the most conservative regimes in the world.

This week on Monday Night Live, hosted by Derek Arden, Jasmin shares her story with incredible honesty, warmth, and insight. From her upbringing in a deeply traditional society to her daring escape to the United States, Jasmin’s story is not only captivating — it’s deeply moving and incredibly relevant in today’s world.

A Childhood Between Worlds

Jasmin began the episode by walking us through her early life. Her parents’ cross-cultural love story was rare for its time — a Saudi architecture student and a post-war Italian woman who fell in love in Florence in the 1960s. Although they came from two drastically different worlds, their union was marked by openness and acceptance, with both families embracing one another.

But for Jasmin, growing up in Saudi Arabia as a bicultural child meant always feeling like an outsider — even within her own home. Her Italian mother tried to assimilate into Saudi culture, even converting to Islam, but the deep contrasts in tradition and lifestyle never went unnoticed. Jasmin sensed early on that something about her life felt “off” and dreamed of a different future — one that felt out of reach.

A Dangerous Dream of Freedom

As Jasmin entered adolescence, the limitations of her life as a Saudi woman became more stark. While men in her culture had choices and freedoms — to study abroad, to marry outside their culture — those same options were denied to women. Jasmin’s longing for freedom grew into an obsession.

Her escape was meticulously planned. With the help of a trusted cousin and a bold, carefully orchestrated lie, she secured permission to travel — and made it to the airport in full traditional dress. With fear gripping her every step, she passed through security and boarded a plane. The moment the wheels lifted off the tarmac, she knew she was free.

She eventually made her way to the United States — a land she had fantasized about since childhood, thanks to American films and music — and began the next chapter of her life.

A New Life, a New Identity

Jasmin’s transition to life in America was not without its struggles. She had to learn and do everything for the first time — drive, open a bank account, speak freely, make independent choices. But each step was a victory. Over time, she earned degrees in sociology, multiculturalism, creative writing, and ethical leadership.

Her memoir, The Sandstorm, captures her journey in rich, unforgettable detail. In this episode, she also shares photos from her past, offering a deeply personal visual narrative to accompany her words.

What Jasmin Stands For Today

Now living in Seattle, Jasmin dedicates her life to activism, education, and storytelling. She is passionate about bridging cultural divides, challenging extremist ideologies, and advocating for tolerance, open-mindedness, and resilience.

Her message is clear: even in the face of extreme repression, it is possible to reclaim your life, your voice, and your future.

Get in Touch with Jasmin
📖 The Sandstorm – Her powerful memoir is available online.
🌐 Website: www.jasminfaulk.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Jasmin Faulk
📸 Instagram: @jasminfaulk

Final Thoughts from Derek Arden

“This was one of the most emotional and inspiring Monday Night Lives we’ve ever had. Jasmin’s courage and authenticity are deeply humbling. I know her story will stay with you — just as it has with me. Please share this episode with someone who needs a dose of perspective, courage, and hope.”

👏 Don’t forget to subscribe and join us every week for inspiration, leadership, and meaningful conversations.

🎥 Click play and experience Jasmin’s incredible story now.

Welcome to Monday Night Live

Derek Arden with Karen Young Discuss LinkedIn Marketing Strategies

Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live! Our host Derek Arden sat down with the brilliant Karen Young – Founder and CEO of Ethos Metrics – to discuss everything LinkedIn, marketing, and creative strategies for UK SMEs. Karen, with her 30 years of marketing experience across diverse sectors including British Airways and other leading companies, delivered a fun yet deeply informative presentation that left everyone inspired. 🚀✨

An Engaging Start
Karen kicked off the session by admitting that she sometimes feels like an “imposter” when talking about LinkedIn marketing. Despite that playful remark, her expertise shone through as she explained how, beyond simply spending budgets on ads, businesses can leverage LinkedIn as a powerful free channel to generate meaningful connections and quality leads. Derek and Karen emphasized the importance of forging authentic relationships rather than sending random connection requests, and Karen shared her unique perspective on targeting the right audience—especially freelance marketing directors and managers who are truly interested in engaging with insightful content.

The Power of LinkedIn
Karen highlighted why LinkedIn remains the premier business social media platform, boasting a user base of 44 million in the UK alone and rising steadily. She explained that with 56% male users and a professional environment where 61% of UK professionals are active, LinkedIn presents an ideal platform to reach decision makers. Karen also noted, with a lighthearted tone and plenty of emojis like 👍💼, that LinkedIn is remarkably less toxic than other social networks, making it the perfect space for professional discourse and networking. Her practical advice covered how to optimize visibility by posting quality content regularly and engaging with the right people—ensuring that the algorithm boosts those posts to the intended audience.

Quality Over Quantity
One major theme of the discussion was the importance of strategy. Karen advised that simply amassing connections isn’t enough; instead, focus on connecting with individuals likely to engage with your content. For instance, linking up with key freelance marketing experts can make a huge difference in how many likes, comments, and shares your posts receive. Karen also explained the nuances of LinkedIn’s algorithm: if your posts fail to captivate within the first hour, they’re likely to vanish from view. Therefore, she recommended that each post should be crafted with a strategic aim—curating a network that is genuinely interested and responsive. ✨🔗

Content is King
Switching the conversation to content creation, Karen shared her fondness for using unedited, authentic videos rather than overly polished productions. According to her, real-life authenticity wins the day as video content generates memorable impressions—often leading to face-to-face interactions after an online encounter. She also discussed the benefits of posting pictures, particularly selfies, which help humanize your brand and build a recognizable persona. Karen noted that every piece of content, whether it be a thought-provoking post or a relatable video, should invite conversation and encourage organic engagement from the right audience. 📹🤳

Insider Tips and Tricks
The conversation soon moved into some insider tactics for both organic reach and paid strategies. Karen explained the distinctions between impressions, likes, and comments on LinkedIn. She stressed that beyond the jargon, real engagement comes when posts invite thoughtful discussion—not just automated group responses. Additionally, she touched on LinkedIn advertising options such as thought leadership ads and lead generation forms, which pre-populate user details to reduce friction. Derek chimed in with his own experiences, humorously remarking on how even the smallest strategic adjustments can significantly widen a post’s reach. 📈💡

Final Thoughts and Call to Action
As the episode wrapped up, Karen shared parting words of wisdom: be intentional in your LinkedIn strategy, maintain authenticity, and never underestimate the power of a strong network. Derek reminded viewers that while each connection may not be perfect, focusing on those few valuable relationships will yield better long-term engagement. The session ended on a high note with lighthearted jokes and an invitation for audience members, especially those in the Guildford area, to join the conversation and network in person. 🌟🤝

Thank you for tuning in to this fun-filled Monday Night Live session! If you enjoyed the episode and learned something new about LinkedIn marketing, please like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging discussions. Don’t forget to connect with Karen Young and join our community for more insights on boosting your online presence!

Happy networking and see you next time! 🎉👥