Success Matters

Today we're joined by Tara Rule.

Tara has carved out a space where her passion for change is making a huge impact.

Her journey began with a desire to help people one by one with her Blog and her Facebook group Busy 2 Balanced. Tara's blog became more than a digital platform; it evolved into a catalyst for change. Her thoughtful reflections along with a commitment to inspire action resonated with thousands of people.

Tara has found her calling, a calling that extended far beyond the boundaries of the virtual world. Driven by a desire to facilitate real change, Tara transitioned seamlessly from blogging to coaching. Her coaching style is characterised by empathy, profound insights and a relentless dedication to empowering others.

Through her coaching, she has touched the lives of thousands, guiding them to unlock their true potential and navigate the complexities of life with resilience and purpose.

Welcome to this episode of Success Matters.

Today, I’m joined by Letty Pickering who calls herself an accidental environmentalist.

Concerns about the environment have never been more prominent than they are right now however, when we think of an environmentalist, we might think of protestors, people who cause disruption, people who live unconventional lives, basically, people who aren’t like us.

Having left the corporate world to follow her passion, Letty is on a mission to change that view and show how we can all become environmentalists by making small changes that have a big impact. 

Join us as we discuss Letty’s personal journey of realisation and choices to make a cleaner world.

In today's episode, we're honoured to introduce you to Tony Holness, a man who took a courageous leap of faith to leave the corporate world behind and embark on a remarkable journey with his autistic son Sam. Together, they've transcended boundaries, challenged societal expectations, and discovered the incredible power of determination and love.

 When Sam was diagnosed with autism, Tony and his wife faced a choice that many parents can relate to: to embrace the challenges or let them define the future. They chose the former, setting out on a journey to not just support Sam but to empower him.

Their journey led them to the world of ironman triathlons, a grueling test of endurance, strength, and willpower. Through countless training sessions, hurdles, and triumphs, Tony and his son found a unique way to communicate and connect, transcending the barriers that autism sometimes presents. Together, they've shown us the boundless potential of the human spirit, and how the power of a parent's love can move mountains.

Get ready for an awe-inspiring and heartwarming conversation as we dive deep into Tony and Sam’s journey, and the powerful lessons that can be learned when we dare to take a different path and redefine the boundaries of what's possible.

What if your life path had been set before you’d even been born?That’s what happened to today’s guest Steven Russell. 

The son of an abusive father and a mother who had been forced into prostitution, Steven was taken into care at the age of 6 months.

Steven moved through the care system from the age of 6 months to 16 years, living with 9 foster families, in two care homes and changing schools five times in the process. Steven says he could so easily have ended up in prison or a coffin and nearly did after an incident where he was stabbed in the head at the age of 19. 

After that incident and with advice from his mentor, Steven committed to changing his life. He set about a path to change the elements in his life that could lead him to Prison or his coffin creating a plan that he stuck on his mirror as a daily reminder of the life wanted to lead.

He decided to turn his Pain into Purpose establishing Elements, a Community Interest Company  to provide Child Centered Social And Emotional Mental Health Support.

As Steve quotes “I show my scars so that others know that they too can heal”

In a world where job security and corporate stability are often considered the ultimate goals, some individuals dare to break free from the norm to pursue their true passions.

Harriet le Seve, a remarkable woman with a burning desire for change and empowerment, left the safety and security of her corporate job to found THE EMPWR METHOD flipping the script of the traditional fitness program on its head. 

Starting her own business was no small feat. Harriet was burnt out from her job and took 6 months out to re-design her life. During this time, she worked as a receptionist at her gym rising at 4.30 in the morning to go and open it, clearing away towels and cleaning down machines. However, she was determined to see her dream come to fruition. T

hen Covid hit! With people taking up running in place of the gym, she pivoted to become a running coach all the while working on THE EMPWR METHOD.

Harriet’s mission is simple, to empower women to build a new life full of confidence and courage.

In this episode we talk about the sensitive subject of suicide.

Today we delve into Mike Jennings inspiring journey and the incredible impact of the Hike With Mike Foundation.

Mike's journey began when he lost two close friends to suicide. The tragic loss left him grappling with a profound sense of grief, and helplessness but it was a wake-up call that compelled him to take action.

 He realized that there was a dire need for more support, resources, and awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention and, whilst going for his daily walks during Covid lockdown, he recognised the power that walking and being outside with nature can make a difference to mental health.

With a determination to do something to help, Mike decided to leverage his love for the great outdoors as a tool for change. He embarked on a mission to get people hiking to heal themselves and also to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention. Thus, the HikeWithMike Foundation was born.

Mike's journey from grief to action is a testament to the power of one individual's determination to make a positive change in the world. Through the HikeWithMike Foundation, he has not only raised funds for suicide prevention but also ignited conversations about mental health, shattering the stigma that often surrounds it.

Today’s episode is an  extraordinary story of compassion, resilience, and community spirit that will warm your heart and remind you of the incredible power that one individual has to make a difference in the lives of thousands.

My guest today is James Anderson, a remarkable plumber with a heart of gold who doesn't just fix leaking pipes and faulty boilers; he mends broken spirits and warms hearts. Following the death of his baby son, James committed to lead his life to being the best that he can. 

After seeing how a cowboy plumber had ripped off a vulnerable person, James decided to honour his son by  dedicating himself to helping elderly and vulnerable people when they need it most.

James is a true unsung hero. His team responds to plumbing and heating emergencies often in the dead of winter, and they go above and beyond by offering their services free of charge to those who can't afford it. But that's not all. James also extends his kindness by providing essential food bank and food delivery services, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.

I was deeply moved by James’s story of the power of empathy and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the world today. I’m sure you’ll enjoy hearing his story as much as I did.

What would you do to save the Amazon?

That's the challenge that my guest Dan Wood set about solving. The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of our planet," is under constant threat from deforestation, illegal activities, and economic pressures.

But what if there were a way to harness the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Amazon, to not only protect it but also provide indigenous communities with the means to flourish economically? Well, that's exactly what Dan is doing.

In today's episode, we'll explore the journey that led Dan to base himself in South America, in and around the Amazon, the challenges he's faced, and the innovative commercial models he's developed in collaboration with indigenous tribes to create a sustainable and harmonious future for this vital ecosystem.

We'll learn how his work is not only preserving the Amazon but also ensuring that its invaluable resources are managed responsibly and its cultural treasures are celebrated.

So, join us as we venture deep into the lush green heart of the Amazon rainforest, guided by the wisdom of its indigenous guardians and the vision of Dan Wood.

Together, we'll discover how innovative commercial models can be a force for conservation and community empowerment in one of the world's most biodiverse and vulnerable regions.

 In today's episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Vinita Ramtri – a woman of many roles, each adding a unique layer to her fascinating journey.

Vinita isn't just a mother, she's a force of nature. A dedicated coach, a banking executive, and an advocate for embracing change, Vinita's story is one that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who has ever dared to challenge societal norms and expectations. Hailing from a traditional Indian family background, Vinita made the bold decision to step out of the confining box that had been carved out for her, and instead, she embarked on a journey to live life on her own terms.

In this riveting conversation, we delve deep into Vinita's experiences, struggles, and triumphs. We explore how she managed to balance the responsibilities of motherhood while pursuing her professional aspirations. We gain insights into the pivotal moments that led her to become a beacon of empowerment for others who seek to break free from the constraints of convention.

My guest today is an incredible woman, Love Melody, who is rewriting the narrative for orphans in Nigeria.

Growing up as an orphan herself, Love experienced firsthand the harsh realities and heartaches that can shape the lives of those without a stable home or family to call their own. But instead of succumbing to despair, she chose a different path—a path defined by compassion, determination, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.

As you listen to this episode, I hope you’re inspired as much as I am by the indomitable spirit of Love who is truly making a difference one orphan at a time.To make a difference yourself, head over to her foundation's website lovemelodyfoundation.org.