In this special bonus episode of Shoe Dares Wins, Michelle provides a personal and introspective look into the recurring themes of "purpose" and "failure" that have permeated her podcast. While stepping out of her usual interviewer role, Michelle engages audiences with her reflections on how past guests have guided her journey and how purpose serves as an underlying force in life's various ventures. Mentioned guests include Mandy Hicks, who redefined what failure meant in her fight to become a successful fighter pilot, and Beaky, who offers an alternative view on living without a defined purpose.

Transitioning into a seamless exploration of life's challenges, Michelle revisits her episode with Mandy Hicks and recounts her own story of venturing to Los Angeles, which she initially perceived as a failure. Michelle's sharing of personal anecdotes invites listeners to reframe their understanding of purpose and failure, emphasizing that these concepts evolve over time. Encouraging audience engagement, Michelle prompts reflection on personal life lessons learned from perceived failures.

• Purpose can vary greatly from person to person and may change throughout one's life journey.
• Failure should be reframed as a part of the learning process that ultimately guides individuals toward their true purpose.
• Many successful people have faced repeated failures but have used these setbacks as stepping stones toward achieving their goals.
• It’s important to accept periods without a defined purpose and use them as opportunities for growth and exploration.
• Personal challenges, such as Michelle's experience with acting, (can) lead to valuable life lessons beyond initial perceptions of success or failure.

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Mandy Hicks stands as a pioneering force in aviation, etching her name in history as one of the first women to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front lines of the Royal Air Force (RAF). Her groundbreaking career during the early 1990s not only challenged existing gender barriers but fundamentally reshaped perceptions of women in military aviation. Beyond her remarkable flying achievements, Mandy has emerged as a powerful voice for diversity, leadership, and resilience, sharing her insights through books and speaking engagements that inspire professionals across industries.

Episode Summary: In this electrifying episode of "She Who Dares Wins," host Michelle sits down with Mandy Hickson, a true trailblazer whose journey transcends the cockpit. From her early days with air cadets to becoming a pioneering fast jet pilot, Mandy's narrative is a masterclass in courage, persistence, and transformative leadership. Her story illuminates the complex landscape of gender dynamics within the armed services, revealing how individual determination can catalyze systemic change.

With raw honesty, Mandy unpacks the challenges of entering a male-dominated field, highlighting the critical role of male allyship and supportive team dynamics. Her experiences offer a nuanced perspective on professional growth, emphasizing that true progress emerges not from conformity, but from authentically challenging established norms. Through compelling anecdotes, she demonstrates how failures are not obstacles, but essential stepping stones to extraordinary achievements.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of early resilience in challenging systemic barriers
• Critical importance of collaborative environments and genuine allyship
• Strategies for maintaining individual identity while navigating challenging professional landscapes
• Reframing failure as a fundamental component of personal and professional development
• The transformative potential of purpose-driven leadership
• 
  

Notable Quotes:

1. "I was one of the first women to fly the tornado GR4 on the front line in the RAF."
2. "Allyship is phenomenal... It doesn't have to be male or female, but it just so happens that you and I have been in male-dominated environments."
3. "Resilience and that grit... are tied into purpose."
4. "The world doesn't need more people to blend in. What it needs is people to radiate and to shine."
5. "Once you're into a system, my goodness, you can fight it from within."

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In this captivating installment of "She Who Dares Wins," host Michelle delves deep into conversation with Beaky, whose life story reads like an adventure novel waiting to be written. With refreshing candor, Beaky unpacks the essence of bravery and the transformative power of trusting one's intuition. Her journey, shaped by an unconventional upbringing, winds through the corridors of prestigious newsrooms to the serene banks of fishing streams, each chapter marked by bold choices and unexpected turns.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn as Beaky opens up about her evolution in the fishing world, where she's become an accidental pioneer for women in the sport. Her battle with cancer emerges as a powerful testament to her resilient spirit, handled with the same gutsy determination that characterizes her approach to life. Through entertaining anecdotes - including a memorable appearance on Blind Date - Beaky weaves a narrative that's equal parts inspiring and entertaining, demonstrating how life's greatest challenges can become stepping stones to profound personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The transformative power of intuition and its role in navigating life's pivotal moments
• How finding one's voice and confidence can reshape both personal and professional landscapes
• The art of embracing life's unexpected detours and turning them into opportunities for growth
• The crucial importance of self-advocacy, especially during health challenges
• Using humor as a powerful tool for resilience and healing in difficult times

Timestamp

0:00 Daring to Follow Your Gut and Stand Up for Yourself

5:35 A Life of Random Jobs and Unexpected Opportunities

7:37 Rediscovering the Excitement and Community of Fly Fishing

12:31 Women Challenging Stereotypes in Male-Dominated Hobbies and Professions

16:36 Hiding Pregnancy Fears and Workplace Challenges

20:33 Empowerment Through Humor and Speaking Up

25:43 Fighting for Personalized Cancer Treatment and Trusting Intuition

34:49 Finding Humor in Breast Cancer and Unexpected Discoveries

38:38 Unexpected Adventures on a Blind Date TV Show

43:14 Embracing Opportunities and Finding Happiness in Life's Journey

49:33 Unconventional Workplace Stories and Humor

57:52 Fishing, Tweed, and Parenting Mishaps

Beaky's Instagram @beakyfishes

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Rachel Reeves is a prominent British politician currently serving as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a historic role she assumed in July 2023, marking her as the first woman to hold this position in the 800-year history of the office. Rachel has been a Member of Parliament for Leeds West since 2010 and has a background in economics and financial services. She has consistently been a strong advocate for the Labour Party, contributing significantly to its path back to power. Before entering politics, Rachel was an economist at the Bank of England and worked in financial services, bringing a wealth of experience to her political career.

In this engaging episode of the Shw Who Dares Wins podcast, host Michelle is joined by trailblazing political figure Rachel Reeves, the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK. Throughout the conversation, Rachel and Michelle discuss the challenges and triumphs that stem from navigating a male-dominated field, the importance of perseverance, and the impact Rachel hopes to achieve through her groundbreaking role. This episode serves as both an inspiration and a guide for listeners, especially young girls and women, aspiring to forge successful careers in politics or any field that has traditionally been less accessible to them.

Rachel Reeves shares her journey from a young chess player to one of the most powerful women in British politics, emphasizing her dedication to the Labour Party even during challenging times. The episode is rich with insights into her motivations, drawing on her personal experiences of daring to believe in herself and others to change the course of history. With the 'Women in Finance Charter' initiative and firsthand experiences from years in politics and finance, Rachel sends a powerful message that highlights the importance of visible role models and seizing opportunities to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

• Sticking with your convictions, even during challenging times, can lead to historic successes and change.
• Seeing role models in action is crucial for inspiring young women to pursue ambitious careers.
• Opportunities should be seized whenever they arise; small steps can lead to significant outcomes in one's career journey.
• The changing landscape for women in traditionally male-dominated fields is significantly driven by initiatives like the 'Women in Finance Charter.'
• Economic stability and growth are central to improving living standards and ensuring everyone's better future, highlighting Rachel's commitment to her role as Chancellor.

• "In a way, that was a risk because it might have been for nothing, staying around and seeing your party drift further from power."
• "You can't be what you can't see. And if a woman has never done that job or you've never seen women doing the sort of thing that you want to do, then I think it is quite hard to aspire to do it."
• "For ordinary people to feel better off and to have a bit more confidence about their future."
• "I strongly believe that we should make the most of those. And that's what I would tell young boys and girls, but maybe particularly girls."
• "I've always, you know, sort of thrived in a way and done well in male-dominated environments."

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Kate Pankhurst is a celebrated children's author and illustrator whose groundbreaking work has transformed how young readers learn about influential women in history. After training as an illustrator, Kate found her passion in creating engaging non-fiction children's books, most notably her revolutionary "Fantastically Great Women" series. Through her unique blend of historical storytelling and captivating illustrations, she has carved out a distinct space in children's literature, making history accessible and exciting for young audiences.

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of She Dares Wins, host Michelle speaks with Kate Pankhurst about her remarkable journey from creating childhood comics to becoming a celebrated author and illustrator. Kate shares candid insights about breaking into children's publishing, the evolution of her "Fantastically Great Women" series, and its unexpected adaptation into a West End musical. The conversation explores how Kate's work has helped fill a crucial gap in children's literature by bringing previously overlooked stories of remarkable women to the forefront.

Key Takeaways:

• Kate's career exemplifies the power of embracing uncertainty and taking creative risks
• The success of the "Fantastically Great Women" series demonstrates the strong appetite for diverse historical narratives in children's literature
• Navigating a freelance creative career requires resilience, adaptability, and openness to unexpected opportunities
• Children's books can serve as powerful tools for initiating important conversations about history, equality, and empowerment
• The adaptation of Kate's work into different mediums shows how impactful children's literature can reach beyond the page

Notable Moments:

• Kate reveals how her childhood love of comics and the Beano influenced her career path
• The fascinating origin story of how the "Fantastically Great Women" series came to be when there was nothing like it in the market
• Discussion of how women's achievements in sports, science, and aviation were historically overlooked
• Insights into the creative process of transforming historical figures into engaging characters for young readers
• The surprising story of how her books were adapted into a musical featuring songs by Girls Aloud's songwriter

Memorable Quotes:

• "My whole career has been based on 'I'm not really sure if I can do that, but okay, I'll just have a go.'"
• "When I first started going into schools, I don't remember learning about any women from history... there's just so many stories."
• "We all change the world a little bit every day."
• "Reading and books are so important... they help us understand other people and understand ourselves."
• "Every book you read as a kid has the power to change the world a little bit."

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About the Guest: Kim Rix embodies the spirit of professional reinvention. Beginning her career as a personal assistant to senior executives at prestigious firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG, Kim's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish The Savvy Club, an exclusive social events club for executives. Her journey continued to evolve as she ventured into professional photography before discovering her true calling in gemology. Now a graduate gemologist, Kim combines her passion for adventure, photography, and precious stones by traveling to mines worldwide, documenting her discoveries and sharing her expertise with others.

Episode Summary: This compelling episode of "She Who Dares Wins" features Kim Rix, whose career trajectory exemplifies the power of embracing change and following one's curiosity. Host Michelle guides listeners through Kim's fascinating evolution from corporate professional to successful entrepreneur and ultimately to globe-trotting gemologist.

The conversation explores several fascinating themes:

• The art of recognizing and seizing opportunities
• Building confidence to make major career transitions
• The value of professional education in pursuing new passions
• Combining multiple skills and interests into a unique career path
• The excitement and challenges of exploring gem mines worldwide
• The importance of creating original paths rather than following others' footsteps
• 
  

Kim shares intimate details about her journey, including the success of The Savvy Club, which caught the attention of notable figures like Duncan Bannatyne and was featured on Channel 4's "Secret Millionaire." Her story demonstrates how each career move, though seemingly disparate, contributed to her current success in gemology.

Key Takeaways:

• Career transitions, though daunting, can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities
• Formal education and proper training are crucial when entering a new field
• Success often comes from combining diverse skills and experiences in unique ways
• Taking calculated risks while maintaining a clear head is essential for career growth
• Innovation and originality trump imitation in building a successful career path

Notable Quotes:

1. "It was really a kick in the pants for me when I realized I didn't know an awful lot—and that motivated me to go get some proper training."
2. "I love the high pressure of organizing and executing events and ensuring things go to plan."
3. "One of the key things is having a good head on your shoulders and knowing when the right time is to take risks."
4. "Life is about discovering new opportunities, forging your path, and making your own luck."
5. "It's dangerous to try and copy what others are doing; it's much more fun to come up with your unique idea."

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About the Guest: Marina Gibson is an acclaimed fly-fishing instructor and advocate who has revolutionized the angling community. Despite not coming from a commercial fishing background, Marina's passion for fishing was sparked in childhood through her mother's influence. In a bold move that defined her career, she left behind a demanding corporate position in London to pursue her true calling in fishing. Marina has since established her own fishing school and co-founded "Cancer in Pisces," an impactful charity that brings the therapeutic benefits of fishing to cancer patients. Her journey has culminated in the publication of her book, which offers intimate insights into her experiences in the fishing world.

Episode Summary: In this captivating installment of "Shoe Dares Wins," host Michelle delves into conversation with Marina Gibson, whose presence has reshaped the fishing industry. The episode weaves through Marina's transformative decision to abandon corporate security for her fishing dreams, exploring how this leap of faith led to unexpected opportunities and challenges.

The discussion touches on several compelling themes:

• The courage required to pursue one's authentic path
• Fishing's profound impact on mental wellness and healing
• Challenging gender stereotypes in traditional male spaces
• Building a successful business while staying true to one's values
• The power of social media in creating meaningful connections
• Balancing professional ambitions with personal life changes, including impending motherhood

Marina shares candid insights about how her business evolution actually affected her personal fishing time, the challenges of becoming a qualified instructor, and her mission to make fishing more accessible to diverse groups. The conversation also explores how her charity work with cancer patients has added deeper meaning to her professional journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Marina's transition from corporate success to fishing entrepreneur demonstrates the value of following one's passion, even when it means taking significant risks
• Through "Cancer in Pisces," Marina has proven fishing's therapeutic potential, creating meaningful experiences for cancer patients and their companions
• Her success in building an inclusive fishing business shows how traditional industries can be transformed through fresh perspectives
• Social media proved instrumental in Marina's journey, connecting her with a global community of women in fishing
• The intersection of personal passion and professional purpose can create unexpected opportunities for positive impact

Notable Quotes:

1. "Giving up my job and deciding to chase the fishing thing… I'm just gonna chase the fishing thing." - Marina Gibson
2. "Anyone who supported the Shoe Dares Wins shop and bought hoodies and tea. I absolutely love you." - Michelle
3. "I think Instagram was when I really started to pick up on. There are women around the world who are kind of doing this as a job or as a hobby." - Marina Gibson
4. "All I thought about… Fishing was, like, the one… The thing." - Marina Gibson
5. "My own fishing suffered as a consequence because I put so much energy into becoming a qualified instructor and starting up a business." - Marina Gibson
6. 
   

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As the "Shoe Dares Wins" podcast reaches its first Christmas season, host Michelle reflects on a year full of growth, gratitude, and inspiring stories. With a focus on exploring stories of women who have dared and won, Michelle passionately shares insights into the podcast's journey from its inception to becoming a shared space for empowerment and inspiration. Her reflections are infused with appreciation for her audience and guests, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs of her adventure in podcasting. Michelle also reveals her personal journey with ADHD and the significant role the podcast has played in helping her achieve consistency and growth.

In this episode, Michelle's determination to uphold the values of the "Shoe Dares Wins" ethos shines through her commitment to creating a platform for empowerment and connection. The episode is packed with engaging narratives from the past year, along with a sneak peek into the upcoming high-profile guests and plans for live events. Michelle also candidly discusses the challenges of running the Shoe Dares Wins clothing brand while keeping the podcast financially viable, demonstrating the resilience needed to succeed in these ventures. Amidst these reflections, Michelle previews the exciting, expansive plans for the year ahead, including a focus on personal growth and community connection.

• Michelle's journey in podcasting began with a bold leap of faith, driven by passion and commitment to inspire women.
• The podcast, rooted in face-to-face storytelling, has facilitated meaningful connections with guests from various backgrounds.
• The transition from construction to storytelling has highlighted Michelle's passion for people and their stories.
• The podcast remains a personal and professional growth journey, helping Michelle manage her ADHD and consistency challenges.
• Despite financial hurdles, the Shoe Dares Wins brand continues to grow, supporting community building and empowerment.

• "I wanted to go two feet in because I had to live by the name she who Dares Wins."
• "Nothing beats sitting down, face to face with someone and hearing their story."
• "I came to the realization after working in construction...it was the stories, it was the people."
• "The first three years of any business are incredibly hard...knowing that the show is growing is all that I need."
• "As it grows, I know the show's only going to get better."

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Jenny and Oonagh Jenny and Oonagh, the passionate duo behind The Marshmallowists, are redefining the way people perceive marshmallows. Bringing a gourmet twist to this classic treat, they are known for crafting artisanal marshmallows with innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients. Their entrepreneurial journey showcases their ability to combine creativity with business acumen, as they spearhead The Marshmallowists' operations, manage collaborations, and drive brand growth. Both bring diverse experiences and a shared love for experimentation, making them true trendsetters in the confectionery industry.

In this engaging bonus round with The Marshmallowists, hosts delve into the entrepreneurial and personal insights of Jenny and Oonagh. The episode explores the duo's journey, delivering marshmallow-centric business wisdom alongside heartfelt self-reflections and joyful anecdotes. As they discuss their favorite motivational quotes, career check-ins, and the importance of continuous learning, Jenny and Oonagh offer listeners a delightful peek into the dynamic life of confectionery creators who mix business with creativity.

Throughout the episode, Jenny and Oonagh share their profound insights on business management and personal growth, underscoring the importance of adaptability and skill acquisition. Their stories reveal how varied each day can be, from events to baking or even learning new vehicle-related skills. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, creativity, and the marshmallow-making craft. Keywords like "artisanal marshmallows," "entrepreneurial journey," and "new skills" provide depth and SEO-optimized content to engage listeners and entice them to plunge into this sweet story.

• "Go be better" serves as the Marshmallowists' mantra, encouraging better choices and workmanship in everyday actions.
• Jenny and Oonagh appreciate their career's variety and continuously evolving nature, exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit.
• Embracing new skills and responsibilities is crucial in their business journey, leading to growth and more efficient operations.
• For aspiring business leaders, they emphasize the significance of embracing support and letting go of control.
• Self-confidence in decision-making is key; both Jenny and Oonagh highlight the journey to trust their instincts and choices.

• "Go be better. Being better, says the marshmallowist."
• "Our day is so varied. Our life is so varied."
• "I am able to tell the temperature of sugar just by looking at it."
• "It's great for a business when everyone is empowered to do their job properly."

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Elissa is a seasoned commercial pilot and breathwork instructor who embarked on an unconventional career path by forgoing university to pursue her passion for flying. She began her journey as a private pilot at 17, and after facing challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis, became a flight instructor before shifting gears into the military. Despite being made redundant from military training, Elissa successfully transitioned to a thriving career in a unique aerospace company, where she has been for over 14 years. She is also dedicated to teaching breathwork to help others manage stress and improve wellbeing, conducting corporate workshops and private sessions tailored to individual needs.

Join host Michelle on the She Dares Wins podcast as she sits down with Elissa, a commercial pilot who dared to follow a less conventional path in the world of aviation. Ignoring the typical university route, Elissa embarked on her flying career at 19 and navigated through a series of challenges including the global financial crisis and changes in military demands. Through determination and self-guidance, she established herself as an expert in the aviation industry, refusing to let setbacks deter her from her goal of becoming a pilot.

In this enlightening episode, Elissa shares the gripping story of her recent flight through Storm Bert, providing listeners with a thrilling behind-the-scenes look at the high-pressure decisions pilots face. Her foundational belief in perseverance shines through as she discusses navigating unpredictable weather and utilizing breathwork—a practice integral to her life for managing stress and focus. Discover key takeaways about resilience, pursuing one’s passion despite adversity, and how the simple act of controlled breathing can be a powerful tool for managing stress.

• Elissa embarked on her flying career at an early age, choosing aviation school over university, demonstrating the power of following one’s passion.
• Despite setbacks such as the global financial crisis and redundancy from military pilot training, she successfully pivoted her career into commercial aviation.
• Elissa’s encounter with Storm Bert exemplifies the intense decision-making process and responsibility pilots face, underscoring her expertise and composure.
• Breathwork has become a secondary passion for Elissa, which she uses both personally and professionally to manage stress and improve focus.
• The journey emphasizes resilience and the importance of pursuing what truly fulfills you, regardless of obstacles along the way.

• "I am going to be a pilot. And I just didn't see the point in going to university to spend three years doing a subject that was unrelated to my goal."
• "I've learned about flying from that, or I've learned from flying about that. Where you find yourself in situations that you think that was. What was I thinking?"
• "In a world where you're always switched on... just to take a few minutes to stop everything and come back to yourself, I find then for that second trip I go into things with a clearer mind."
• "Breathwork is something that you can use anytime, anywhere because all it needs is your breath."
• "It doesn't have to be complicated. It can be just as simple as following your breath as it comes in and out."

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