Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Stories That Shape Us
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Stories That Shape Us
Stories That Shape Us episodes
- The Christmas Story in 5 minutes (by David Forrest)
Amidst all the Christmas celebrations, gifts, parties, have you ever wondered what the actual Christmas Story really is? Why do we celebrate it? Who do we Celebrate? Why is this story significant?
Join David Forrest as he explains the Christmas Story and ends with a piece he wrote titled 'Nativity'. Many thanks to David for sharing this with us all!
5 min - New Beginnings, Brave Choices - Niyi Oludipe's Story
In this episode of 'Stories That Shape Us', our host Samuel Agbede sits down with Niyi Oludipe, Director of Shepha Properties. The conversation ranges from Niyi's journey of moving from Nigeria to the UK, overcoming numerous challenges to establish himself in a new country and his eventual success in the property sector. He freely shares his personal struggles, life-changing decisions, the role of his faith and the importance of persistence. Niyi also reveals how books and biographies have been crucial in influencing his mindset. The episode climaxes with discussions about setting up Shepha Properties, the lessons learned and the satisfying feeling of creating high-quality homes for families.
🔗 Connect with Niyi
🌐 Website | 🐦 Twitter | 📸 Instagram | LinkedIn
Rapid-fire questions
1. Favorite book? Deep thinking.
2. Favourite food? Rice.
3. If you could have dinner with three inspiring leaders, living or dead which leaders will you choose or invite? Barack Obama, Jim Rohn, Oprah Winfrey.
4. Favorite holiday destination? Malaga, Spain.
5. Name three people that have had the most impact or influence on your life? My parents, spiritual mentor Shola Oladipo and business mentor Ralph.
🧰 Resources mentioned
Shepha Properties's Website: https://shephaproperties.co.uk/about/
Themes:
Moving from Nigeria to the U.K
Influence of books and biographies
Journey in the property sector
Challenges and Rewards in setting up Shepha Properties
59 min - David Forrest's Life Lessons And Stories On Self-Worth, Love And Integrity
Join us on this interesting conversation with David Forrest, a writer, software engineering tech lead, and a PhD holder in Experimental Particle Physics as he shares his experiences, life lessons, and perspectives. We delved into a variety of topics, circling the themes of self-worth, heart attitudes, diverse cultural appreciation, and love.
Embracing Life's Script Authentically
Our chat includes reflections on the power of authenticity in communication, especially in our professions. David beautifully pointed out that people - whether in a work setting, familial role, or personal life - have intrinsic worth. This value does not increase or decrease based on their job role, responsibilities, or achievements. We all need to present our true selves, even to ourselves.
The Value of Diversity
David passionately shared his experience of working within diverse cultures, emphasizing that everyone has something to learn and teach in the rich tapestry of humanity. Crowned by his creative work on love and worth, he pushes for an appreciation of the richness different cultures bring, challenging stereotypes and embracing unique perspectives.
Love – More than Just a Feeling
One highlight of the conversation was the exploration of love. David Forrest shared a profoundly insightful perspective on love, stating that love is not merely an emotion, but an intentional action. He adds that love is a verb, an active choice we make. It also gives us the freedom to be authentic, wherein we forsake personal interests for intimate connections.
The core of our worth
The crux of the conversation was a reminder that we all possess something valuable to contribute to the world. David underscored this by stating, "you are precious," and "you have something so worthwhile to bring."
Contemplating on life and careers, he voiced the importance of separating our self-worth from professional achievements. By doing so, we anchor our worth on a more stable and constant foundation. For David, his faith serves as this unwavering anchor.
David then delves into his interpretation of love, his experiences in work and relationships, with a highlight on a poem he had written about love. Finally, he offers a look into his upcoming book about love.
🔗 Connect with David
Facebook | Medium | LinkedIn
Rapid-fire questions
- What is your favorite book? 'Seeing Stars' by Simon Armitage. It's a beautiful collection of very short pieces written by a poet, but they're like prose.
- If you could have dinner with three inspiring leaders living or dead, who would you invite to the table and why? If I were to have dinner with inspiring leaders, I would likely pick people who have faced failure and hardship in their lives.
- Where is your favorite holiday destination? Alicante, Spain is my favorite holiday destination.
- Name three people who have had the most impact on your life story? If I can combine several people into one, I'd choose my family, wife and mentor when I was in University
- If your life was a book with all your experiences, your lessons, your stories, what would its title be? The title of my life's book would be 'There's More Than One Way To Do It'.
🧰 Resources mentioned
Seeing Stars by Simon Armitage
55 min - Creating a Life of Financial Freedom and Joy: The Humble Penny's Story
Join us on this insightful conversation with Ken Nwokoroafor, a leading voice in the personal finance space, and the author of the book ‘Financial Joy: Banish Debt, Grow Your Money and Unlock Financial Freedom in 10 Weeks’. In this episode, we dive deep into the personal stories that have shaped him.
Ken shares his journey from humble beginnings to financial independence and the pivotal moments that have defined his path. From growing up in Nigeria to moving to the UK and facing financial challenges, Ken's story is one of resilience, determination, and self-awareness. He shares how he overcame debt and financial struggles, and how he and his wife Mary founded "The Humble Penny" to help others achieve financial independence and create financial joy in their lives. Tune in to discover the lessons Ken has learned along the way, including the power of prioritizing values, the importance of investing in self-education, and the mindset shifts needed for financial abundance. Whether you're looking to take control of your finances or seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating a life that truly matters.
🔗 Connect with Ken
🌐 Website | 🐦 Twitter | 📸 Instagram | LinkedIn
Rapid-fire questions
- What is your favourite book? Financial Joy
- If you could have dinner with three inspiring leaders, who would you invite? Oprah Winfrey, Steven Bartlett, Barack and Michelle Obama
- Where is your favourite holiday destination? Zanzibar
- Name three people who have contributed the most to your life: God, Ken’s parents and Mary, Ken’s wife
- If your life was a book, what would its title be? The Humble Penny
🧰 Resources mentioned
Ken’s book: Financial Joy: Banish Debt, Grow Your Money and Unlock Financial Freedom in 10 Weeks ****
1 hr 8 min - Life Lessons From 26 Years in the British Army: Jimmy Samuel's Story
In this episode, our host, Samuel interviews Jimmy, a military veteran with 26 years of service. Jimmy shares valuable insights, life lessons, and stories from his time in the military, highlighting the values of discipline, courage, respect, and the misconceptions surrounding the military. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and the importance of gratitude and personal growth. This engaging conversation delves into the impact of family togetherness, the power of storytelling, and the significance of seeking new experiences and perspectives in life. Join us as we explore Jimmy's journey and the stories that have shaped him.
🔗 Connect with Jimmy
LinkedIn
Rapid-fire questions
- What's the most unusual food you've tried during your travels and did you end up liking it? Frog legs and Palm-wine
- Favourite book - Legacy by James Kerr
- Share a hilarious rookie mistake from your early days in the military that still makes you laugh - New military joiners volunteering for several things in the military
- What is your favourite movie? Moneyball
- What are some common misconceptions about the military?
Bio
Jimmy joined the Army in 1995. He joined the Royal Signal and over a career spanning 26 years, he served in 8 operational tours and a host of overseas deployments. Jimmy commissioned in 2015 and served the last few years of his career in Scotland where he resigned his commission and joined JPMorgan Chase where he is a Chief of Staff in Asset Management Architecture. Jimmy is Married to Stephanie and they have two children, Cameron, Sydney and his dog, scout.
He is passionate about rugby, serving as the Director of Rugby at Bannockburn RFC. Jimmy believes in hard work, a growth mindset and helping people become the best version of themselves through advocacy and creating alliances across diverse groups.
🧰 Resources mentioned
Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life
54 min - I Was Here: Tabitha Nyariki's Philosophy For Impactful Living
Imagine sitting down with an amazing lady who's experienced life in several countries, founded an NGO and is a passionate advocate for child literacy and racial equality. That's us! We had the joy of having a conversation with Tabitha Nyariki, a Kenyan native who shares her life journey and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. From her mother's influence that shaped her childhood to her experiences in student politics, you'll hear Tabitha recount her life with honesty and wisdom.
As we chat, you'll learn about the practical ways to tackle racism - Tabitha shares her insights on the importance of broadening our knowledge and understanding. You'll also hear about her work in the charity space, specifically with her NGO Kosi Africa, and the struggles she faced while starting it. Tabitha's story of resilience and determination in the face of these challenges is truly inspiring.
Lastly, Tabitha opens up about her personal struggles and how these hardships motivated her to push through. Her experience of moving to different countries, coping with failures, and finding the silver lining in every situation will remind you that it's not just about the destination, but the journey itself. So, buckle up for this insightful journey with Tabitha Tabs, as she takes you through a life full of passion, resilience and inspiration.
🔗 Connect with Tabitha
🐦 Twitter | 📸 Instagram | LinkedIn
Bio
Tabitha was born in Kenya and currently resides in Glasgow.
She advocates for child literacy and has done this through various channels including co-founding a literacy NGO, Kosi Africa, in Kenya, where she works to ensure young children in Western Kenya have adequate learning and reading material. She is passionate about making the world a fair place for all and is the youngest board member of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum where she hopes to build more support for Fairtrade among the youth. Tabitha enjoys watching football and travelling in her spare time.
She is currently the Race Equality Charter Project Officer at Glasgow Caledonian University and previously worked as a Sabbatical Officer at their Students’ Association.
In her roles she has mainly focused on advocating for issues around Racial Equality in Higher & Further Education. In 2022, she won the NUS Equality & Diversity Award for her commitment towards Equality & Diversity in Higher Education. Tabitha is a graduate of Glasgow Caledonian University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Applied Psychology.
Rapid-fire questions
- What is your favourite book? The Bible
- If you could have dinner with three inspiring leaders, who would you choose? Her mum, Pamela Gillies, younger Tabs
- Where is your favourite holiday destination? Mauritius
- What is your favourite food? Chapatti and Chicken
- If your life was a book, what would its title be? “I was here”
🧰 Resources mentioned
Bible
1 hr 24 min - Small Girl, Big God: Tolulope Oke's Remarkable Story and Life Lessons
Join us on this deep conversation with Tolulope Oke, Global Head of Diversity At Diageo and Multi-Award Winning Diversity Champion where we discuss everything from the people who have had an impact on her life’s story to pivotal moments in her career to lessons she’s learnt from growing up as a minority in the United Kingdom.
More specifically, in this episode, we spoke about:
- Her faith and the impact of her faith on her life’s journey
- The necessity of being kind to yourself and healing from the past
- Dealing with grief
- The importance of role models in shaping the next generation and closing the generational wealth gap
- Being true to yourself and not defining ourselves by other people’s expectations
Tolu ends this episode by saluting other black women for their strength, resilience, and contributions to society. She reminds listeners to embrace their own journey and to be proud of their accomplishments.
🔗 Connect with Tolulope
LinkedIn | Instragram | Twitter
Rapid-fire questions
- Name three women who have had a profound impact on your life story - my mum, sister and Hannah Reed/Sarah Nelson
- What is your favourite book? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
- Favourite holiday destination? Sydney, Australia and Vietnam
- If your life was a book, what would its title be? Small Girl, Big God
- What is your happiest childhood memory? My mum bringing ice lollies to pick me up from school
- What’s that compliment that someone has given you that has made the most impression on you? I really appreciate it when people tell me that “I’ve been a good friend”.
🧰 Resources mentioned
- The Trailblazers Experience Podcast: EP11 TOLULOPE OKE :Be at the forefront of powerful conversations - Driving change in the DE&I Space
- Techstroverts: Episode 29 | Tolulope Oke
- Redeeming Love
1 hr 3 min - The Courage to Create Change: Dr. Nike Folayan's Journey Of Advocacy for Diversity in Engineering
In this episode, our host, Sam interviews Dr. Nike Folayan, a Chartered Engineer and the co-founder of the Association for Black and Minority Engineers (AFBE). As part of the Black History Month theme of celebrating sisters, they discuss Dr. Nike's journey and her work in advocating for diversity in the engineering industry.
Dr. Nike shares her insights on the importance of courage and kindness in making a difference. She emphasizes the need to stand up for what you believe in and the value of having a strong support system. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by change-makers and the significance of staying true to oneself while navigating societal pressures.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Nike's personal experiences and beliefs shine through. From being inspired by her mother's bravery and confidence to drawing strength from her faith, she shares how these influences have shaped her determination and commitment to making a positive impact.
Join Sam and Dr. Nike as they explore the power of courage, kindness, and finding one's identity in this thought-provoking conversation.
Bio
Dr Nike Folayan is a Chartered Engineer and a Telecommunications Engineering Consultant. She is co-founder and chair of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE) which campaigns for more ethnic diversity in UK engineering. They’ve had over 20,000 beneficiaries.She was featured in Powerlist: Britain’s 100 most influential people of African and Caribbean heritage. She is a member of the Science Council and Transport for London diversity groups. She contributed to the Royal Academy of Engineer's diversity strategy,
In 2012 AFBE-UK launched "Making Engineering Hot", a video campaign which promotes engineering to the BME community.
In 2011 Vince Cable, then Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills attended the AFBE-UK’s seminar on infrastructure in the UK.
In 2016 she coordinated "Transition", which saw students from universities across London take part in a series of employability workshops, CV assessments, mock interviews and engineering challenges. Source: Wikipedia
🔗 Connect with Dr Nike
🐦 Twitter | LinkedIn
Rapid-fire questions
- What is your favourite book? The Bible
- If you could invite three leaders to dinner, who would they be? Nelson Mandela, Mitchelle Obama and Michael Jackson
- What is the favourite compliment someone has given you? I’m also moved when people tell me that I am kind
- Who are the top three people who have had an impact on your life’s trajectory - my mum, dad and elder brother, Ollie
- If your life was a book, what would it’s title be? “She had courage”
🧰 Resources mentioned
1. The Bible
2. Ollie's episode
47 min - "Do It Afraid": Peace Itimi's Philosophy For Facing Goals And Life
In this episode, we sit down with Peace Itimi, the founder of FoundersConnect, a platform that documents the African tech startup landscape and stories of founders on the continent.
Peace shares impactful anecdotes from her life and the key takeaways that have helped her grow. She emphasises the importance of failure as a learning opportunity and how it can lead to growth and feedback. Her journey is a reminder that success is not always a straight line, and that it's okay to take risks and learn from those experiences.
In this interview, Peace further talks about the phrase "do it afraid" and how it has become a mantra for her. For Peace, "doing it afraid" means acknowledging and feeling the fear and anxiety that comes with taking risks, but still pushing forward and taking action. She emphasizes that fear is a natural response, but it shouldn't stop you from pursuing your goals and dreams.
Rapid-fire questions
- Favourite book: The War of Art
- What is your favourite holiday destination: Amsterdam
- What is the favourite compliment you’ve received: “You’re beautiful and you’re strong”
- How would your 16 year old self react to all you’re doing now: She’d be shocked and impressed
🔗 Connect with Peace
🌐 Website | 🐦 Twitter | 📸 Instagram | LinkedIn
🧰 Resources mentioned
War of Art by Steven Pressfield
52 min - "He Kept Trying To Find Himself": Award Winning Diversity Champion Ollie Folayan MBE's Story
Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories that shape us. In this episode, we have an amazing guest, Ollie Folayan, a chartered process engineering consultant, visiting professor at the University of Dundee, and an award-winning diversity champion. Ollie shares personal stories on his family background, faith and upbringing. He further shares his experiences with racial discrimination and how it has shaped his career and advocacy work.
Ollie emphasizes the importance of community in professional development and how it can help individuals overcome barriers and achieve success. He also provides insights on creating effective initiatives for promoting diversity and inclusion in organizations.This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Ollie's insights and experiences provide valuable lessons on how to overcome barriers and achieve success in the face of discrimination. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the importance of community, education, and research in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.🔗 Connect with Ollie
🐦 Twitter | LinkedIn
Bio
Ollie Folayan is a visiting professor to the School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee and Head of Process and Safety at Engineering consultancy, Optimus Plus Aberdeen. He is the co - founder of AFBE -UK.
Ollie graduated with a BEng in Chemical Process Engineering with Fuel Technology from the University of Sheffield in 1999 and then earned a Doctorate (PhD) in Fuels and Combustion from University of Leeds in 2002 authoring five international publications in the field of combustion and engineering. To date Ollie has worked on Major CAPEX Front End Engineering Design, Detailed Design and commissioning Projects.
In 2018 Ollie Folayan was accepted into the Fellowship of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
Ollie has championed successful outreach programmes such as Making Engineering Hot, NextGen (Scotland), Transition and Real Projects and has co-authored three publications on the influence of role models in the transition from academic study to the workplace and on the sustainability of the engineering profession in the UK. Ollie has chaired a number of annual seminars featuring key industry leaders and politicians and is a regular speaker at events on varied engineering topics. Ollie was a member of the All Energy Diversity and Inclusion task group setup in 2019 by Oil and Gas UK
Ollie has been a judge of the Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards (2020, 2021 & 2022), the Offshore Achievement Awards (2019), the Association for Consultancy and Engineering Awards (2021) and the Oil and Gas UK Awards (2020, 2021)
Ollie was a finalist in the Mentor of the Year Category at OGUK Awards in 2021 and finalist in the Diversity Hero at the Herald Awards in 2021. Ollie was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Award by the Institution of Chemical Engineering (IChemE) in 2021.
Ollie was awarded an MBE for services to diversity and inclusion in engineering in the King's First New Year Honours' List in 2023
🧰 Resources mentioned
1. The GEMM study
1 hr 6 min
About Stories That Shape Us
From the publisher's feed
Stories That Shape Us is a podcast which celebrates the power of personal stories to inspire and connect us. Everyone has a story worth telling and our aim is to curate life-defining lessons,…
experiences and stories of people around the world and democratise these to people who need them in their journeys. From tales of personal growth to tales of resilience, we explore how these stories have shaped the lives of our guests and how they can inspire us to live our own lives more fully and empathetically. Join us as we uncover the stories that shape us all.