Resilience Unravelled

Will Steel joins Resilience Unravelled and shares a business lesson from investing £50,000 in a shirt venture that failed after the designer overcharged and manipulated import paperwork, which Steele links to Keith Cunningham’s idea that leadership failures stem from lack of courage.

He introduces himself as a coach for business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them grow while reducing time spent working in the business, after a 27-year background leading transformational programs and a prior career as an Air Force and airline pilot.

Steele distinguishes his ontological coaching from curriculum-based mentoring, illustrating with a client avoiding a pay conversation with his brother/employee. He discusses limiting beliefs and confirmation bias, gives a personal spelling example, and explains writing his book, Free To Lead, to support leadership programs in the Middle East—especially for women—framing leadership as speaking up in the moment. He notes the book’s availability via Amazon and his website.

00:00 Intros

00:26 Shirt Business Betrayal

00:59 Courage and Leadership Lesson

02:32 Working With Creative Egos

03:50 Meet Will Steele

04:44 From Pilot to Transformation Work

05:38 Pandemic Pivot to Coaching

06:56 What Real Coaching Is

08:00 Brother Employee Breakthrough

09:53 Limiting Beliefs and Bias

11:33 Spelling Story Mindset Shift

13:06 Why He Wrote Free to Lead

16:34 Leadership for Everyone

18:24 Where to Get the Book

19:33 Closing Thanks

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In this Resilience Unravelled episode, Alexis Sikorsky, a Swiss entrepreneur based in London, recounts building an internet café/ISP in Senegal, fleeing the country with only a suitcase, then returning to Geneva to grow a banking software and internet development business to about $10–11M revenue before the 2008 financial crisis cut 75% of revenue in a day.

After years of survival, he rebuilt to breakeven and sold to private equity on an 11x EBITDA deal with 85% cash and 15% earnout, emphasising that PE deals involve uneven information and founders should do diligence on acquirers by speaking to prior CEOs.

He discusses why most people shouldn’t be entrepreneurs, differentiates “having a job” from owning a company, advises seeking free mentors who’ve done what you’re doing, warns about conflicts with PE-paid advisors and small-company investment banks, explains when to avoid investment unless necessary, and describes his book Cashing Out and his initiative Night Scale to help firms stuck at $5–50M revenue using mission-based, part-time C-level expertise.

00:00 Welcome

00:43 From Geneva to Dakkar

02:03 Building and Losing It All

03:20 Private Equity Exit Playbook

06:24 Chairman Life and Retirement

09:23 Who Should Be Entrepreneur

11:57 Mentors and Real Advice

16:14 Due Diligence on Buyers

21:30 Investment vs Exit Decisions

24:00 Why I Wrote Cashing Out

26:05 Night Scale and Growth Plateaus

27:49 Social Media Reality Check

28:47 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

On the podcast Resilience Unravelled, Russell speaks with Susan Inouye in Los Angeles about resilience themes in homes, products, and organisational culture, including companies that post values but don’t live them.

They discuss generational differences at work, with Susan describing shifts from command-and-control leadership toward belonging, meaning, and authenticity, and noting that millennials are now a large portion of the workforce.

Susan also shares that millennials are complaining about Gen Z, arguing it’s often about age and development, and references brain development and the influence of how generations were raised.

She emphasises that leadership change requires embodied practices, not just advice, explaining that transformation happens through the body and somatic intelligence, with HeartMath Institute research as an example.

Susan tells a client story about an event-production leader whose gift for planning became controlling behaviour; using the Sawubona (“I see you”) gift-centered approach, rituals for letting go, and trapeze lessons, the client replaced fear with freedom and became more trusting at work. Susan’s book, "Leadership’s Perfect Storm: What Millennials Are Teaching Us About Possibility, Passion, and Purpose," is aimed at leaders, includes stories and a coach’s corner with practices, is used in over 30 countries, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and donates all proceeds to the nonprofit Youth Mentoring Connection.

She notes Sawubona Leadership originated in South Central Los Angeles through Tony LeRae’s mentoring work.

00:00 Welcome

01:05 Resilience, building standards & planned obsolescence

03:00 Corporate values vs reality: authenticity and truth-telling at work

04:47 Millennials & Gen Z reshape leadership expectations

06:28 Are generational stereotypes real? Command-and-control vs belonging

10:24 Brain science, upbringing & why each new cohort gets judged

15:40 From advice to embodiment: practices, somatics & emotional intelligence

19:17 Client story: planning as a gift—and learning to let go (trapeze breakthrough)

25:49 The book: Leadership’s Perfect Storm—who it’s for & what’s inside

27:21 Where to buy + proceeds to youth mentoring; Sawubona ‘I see you’ origins

28:34 Wrap-up

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In this Resilience Unravelled episode, host Russell interviews Brad Ley in Texas about oxygen and exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT). Ley explains he turned to oxygen therapy about a decade ago after chronic illness and autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis and autoimmune arthritis, when standard drugs carried serious risks and he developed melanoma.

He contrasts EWOT with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, noting hard-shell hyperbaric treatments were recommended to him but were too expensive and time-consuming. Ley describes “inflammaging,” where inflamed blood vessels and swollen capillaries restrict oxygen delivery, pushing cells into anaerobic respiration, lowering energy production and increasing inflammation; he says delivering a high dose of oxygen during exercise can reduce inflammation and help reestablish blood flow in capillaries. He addresses concerns about oxygen and oxidative stress, stating oxygen is also important for detoxification and that research does not show increased oxidative stress from EWOT.

Ley outlines the origins of EWOT research from Manfred von Ardenne and explains how oxygen therapy relates to inflammation and hypoxia, comparing it to hydrogen-based approaches. He discusses founding 1000 Roads after building his own system as an engineer and then producing units for patients, with a focus on affordable at-home use and a protocol of about 15 minutes of cardio with a mask, three to five times per week.

Ley shares a customer anecdote about osteoarthritis improvement and notes response times vary. The conversation also covers red light therapy, which he says targets mitochondria to increase oxygen demand and pairs with EWOT by boosting oxygen supply then uptake, with claimed benefits including healing, cognitive function, reduced inflammation, skin and collagen support, and recovery. Ley notes the company ships from the US and internationally, with tariffs varying by country, and directs listeners to 1000roads.com and the 1000 Roads HQ YouTube channel for weekly videos on EWOT and red light therapy.

00:00 Welcome & meet Brad Ley (Texas)

01:04 Why more oxygen can reduce inflammation: ‘inflammaging’, capillaries & hypoxia

02:42 Is oxygen ‘rusting’ us? Oxidative stress vs detox benefits

03:51 Brad’s autoimmune journey & why he needed a third option

05:01 Hyperbaric oxygen vs exercise-with-oxygen: cost, time, practicality

06:32 The origins of EWOT: von Ardenne’s research & Brad builds his own device

08:32 Oxygen vs hydrogen therapy: how both target inflammation

10:01 Oxygen is ‘multimodal’: energy, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer & detox

11:28 At-home EWOT systems: 15 minutes, 3–5x/week, accessible pricing

13:11 Can it help osteoarthritis? Early user results & what to expect

14:17 Red light therapy explained — mitochondria, oxygen demand & synergy with EWOT

17:18 Shipping worldwide, 1000 Roads links & final wrap-up

You can contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, host Dr Russell Thackeray interviews Chris Burres, a scientist and entrepreneur, about his unexpected journey into the longevity space. Chris shares his extensive background in working with a unique molecule, ESS 60, which has shown remarkable potential in extending lifespan and improving health. He explains the science behind this molecule, its origins, and how it might contribute to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chris also touches on the skepticism surrounding the supplement industry, the rigorous research backing his products, and his transition from a carbon nano material scientist to a health supplement advocate. The discussion further covers the potential applications of ESS 60 in cosmetics and other health products, as well as Chris's commitment to continued research and ethical business practices. The episode wraps up with information on how listeners can learn more about the product, access discounts, and support a charitable cause through the purchase of Chris's book, "Live Longer and Better."

Just to be clear - we do not endorse the views contained in this podcast from the guest - nor have any claims been checked or verified.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 Chris Burres' Background and Longevity Journey

01:55 Defining Longevity and Its Importance

04:39 The Molecule: Basics and Breakthroughs

11:19 From Lab to Supplement: The Journey

19:24 Health Benefits and Research Insights

25:48 Product Offerings and Final Thoughts

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Dr Russell Thackeray welcomes Kate McAfoose from Chang Robotics. Kate shares her journey from civil engineering in upstate New York to her current role at Chang Robotics in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

She delves into her early career in project management and her transition into the field of automation and robotics.

The discussion highlights the challenges and resilience needed in male-dominated sectors, as well as the importance of mentorship for women in STEM.

Kate elaborates on how Chang Robotics is revolutionising healthcare with autonomous robots designed to assist nurses by performing nonclinical tasks, ultimately reducing their workload and improving efficiency.

The conversation also touches on the development, cybersecurity, implementation, and industry-wide potential of robotic systems.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 Kate's Background and Career Journey

02:16 Challenges in Male-Dominated Fields

03:23 Women in STEM and Mentorship

05:34 Introduction to Robotics

06:39 Robotic Applications in Healthcare

10:09 Development and Implementation of Robotics

12:30 Cybersecurity in Robotics

14:11 Leadership and Robotics

17:18 Future of Robotics and Conclusion

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Russell interviews Renee Zukin, an author and former educator, about her background, her focus on empowering entrepreneurial women, and the benefits of writing and journaling.

Renee discusses her new book, 'Every Day I'm Brave,' which explores the relationship with fear and provides tools for personal growth, including journaling prompts.

The episode also covers societal shifts in anxiety, the importance of self-compassion, and the potential advantages of writing as a method of facing and understanding one's own fears.

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Guest Background and Career Journey

02:03 The Power of Writing and Journaling

10:14 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

13:44 About the Book: Every Day I'm Brave

23:00 Conclusion and Farewell

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, host Russell Thackeray welcomes guest Patrick Engasser, who shares his journey of overcoming blindness since birth to succeed in sales and motivational speaking.

Patrick discusses his move from Buffalo, New York to Destin, Florida, and the attractions of the warmer climate and beach lifestyle. Despite his initial desire to work in sports radio, he pivoted to a successful career in sales and later coaching.

Patrick emphasises the importance of resilience, relationship-building, and empathy in both personal and professional spheres. He also touches on the advancements in assistive technology for the blind and highlights the benefits of facing and learning from rejection.

Patrick's book, 'If I Can Do It, You Can Do It,' aims to inspire others to overcome their own challenges and succeed.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:37 Patrick's Background and Career Journey

03:22 Living Without Sight

08:39 The Importance of Sales Skills

11:40 Building Relationships in Business

22:25 Patrick's Book and Motivational Message

25:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

This was one of our favourite podcast recordings from the last few months!

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled,' host Russell Thackeray interviews Chris Endersby, a versatile professional with a diverse career journey spanning local government, the private sector, and entrepreneurship. Chris shares his unconventional career path, the lessons learned from his early days in child protection social work, and his experience in local government policy roles.

He discusses his transition into the private sector, his eventual establishment of his own business, and the importance of authenticity, persona management, and resilience in both personal and professional contexts.

The conversation delves into the significance of values in business, the challenges of maintaining boundaries, and the role of playful creativity in fostering innovation and brand identity.

Chris emphasises the importance of building relationships and staying true to one's values while adapting to different environments.

A must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, business strategy, and the intersection of creativity and psychology.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Chris Endersby's Career Journey

02:32 Challenges in Child Protection

04:01 Maintaining Boundaries and Sanity

06:56 Persona Management and Authenticity

10:05 Values in Business and Personal Life

14:30 Scaling and Maintaining Culture in Organisations

21:01 Honesty and Integrity in Business

22:46 Defining Values and Purpose in Business

23:43 The Importance of Mission and Vision

24:19 Challenges of Goal Setting and Mental Wellbeing

25:07 Purpose and Commitment in Different Sectors

26:14 Career Choices and Commonalities

28:06 Building Relationships in Business

29:46 Learning from Failure and Resilience

33:26 The Role of Relationships in Decision Making

36:24 Branding and Marketing Strategies

39:49 Targeting the Right Audience

42:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Dr Russell Thackeray discusses eye health with Dr. Pam Theriot. Dr. Theriot shares her expertise on dry eyes, the impact of increased screen time, and effective remedies.

She explains the different types of tears, their roles, and how blinking rates are significantly affected by digital devices.

Practical solutions such as eyelid cleansers, Omega-3 fatty acids, and proper screen setup are discussed. Dr. Theriot also highlights her book, 'Alleviate Dry Eye,' providing listeners with a comprehensive guide to managing dry eye symptoms.

The episode concludes with Dr. Theriot offering a special downloadable resource for listeners on her website.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Understanding Dry Eye Disease

03:37 Impact of Screen Time on Eye Health

07:21 Daily Eye Care Routine

10:37 Diet and Environmental Factors

13:32 Pam Theriot's Book and Resources

19:03 Conclusion and Special Offer

You can contact us at [email protected]

Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com