Take A Chance On You

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks to Priscilla Ellington and Robin Wood Sailer co-founders of LeLabs (joining from the U.S!!), share their insights on the evolving event space, the impact of AI, community building, and their personal journeys through resilience and innovation.

Priscilla and Robin have both equally had stellar careers to-date. They discuss their innovative campaigns, the importance of local community engagement, and stories of resilience, from Priscilla's personal journey through breast cancer to Robin's tales of pregnancy and drive for continuity.

Discover how they are shaping the future of experiential events and the importance of authenticity and local engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Connecting Dots: The Power of Serendipitous Moments

00:57 Introducing LeLabs: Redefining the Event Experience

01:32 Robin's Journey from Newsrooms to Tech Events

04:04 The Impact of In-Person Connections in a Digital Age

04:40 AI's Role in Shaping the Future of Events

07:52 The Irreplaceable Value of Human Interaction

11:21 Successful Campaigns: EV Trail System and Community Involvement

14:29 Davos and Building Global Community Engagement

17:32 Local Community as a Core Element of Event Planning

20:30 Sourcing Talent and Building Authentic Narratives

28:31 Personal Stories of Resilience and Career Breaks

37:49 The Future of Events: Values, Morality, and Innovation

Resources

LeLabs Website - https://lelabsgroup.com

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/priscillaellington

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/robinwoodsailer

This week's guest Barra Fitzgibbon details his harrowing journey from ICU through to stage play creation, production and more!

In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth and guest Barra Fitzgibbon share insights on community engagement, the power of storytelling, and the journey of creating a play about COVID-19 ICU experiences.

Discover how passion, networking, and resilience can turn ideas into impactful projects, with practical tips for aspiring creators.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:59 The Podcast Journey and Growth

01:51 Meeting at a Networking Event

02:35 Finding Guests and Personal Stories

03:24 About Bloomsbury Institute and Community Engagement

04:27 Building Confidence Through Media

05:44 Passion for Community and Travel

06:20 Curiosity as a Driving Force

07:12 Spotlighting Students and Bloomsbury Dialogues

08:00 Impact of Media on Student Confidence

09:40 Reflections on COVID-19 and Human Connection

10:57 The Story Behind the COVID Play

13:18 Adapting the Play and Creative Process

15:17 Success at Bloomsbury Festival and West End

16:36 Touring the Play in Ireland

18:18 COVID as a Setting, Not the Main Story

18:51 Real Audio Conversations in the Play

19:48 Future Festival Plans and Re-Engagement

20:39 Funding and Sponsorship Strategies

23:51 The Power of Community Support

26:29 Balancing Passion and Practicality

29:52 The Future of Bloomsbury and Personal Goals

39:38 Lessons on Luck, Passion, and Persistence

41:07 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

 Resources

Bloomsbury Institute - https://www.bloomsbury.ac.uk/

Patient Soldier Play Tour Ireland - https://linktr.ee/patientsoldier

Bloomsbury Festival - https://bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/

LinkedIn - Barra Fitzgibbon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrafitzgibbon/

Blog about ICU experience - https://example.com/icu-blog

Website - https://linktr.ee/patientsoldier

A little surprise video of Risa's bike ride journey from Canada to Mexico!

Key highlights:

The Pacific Coast 

Long Beach 

Washington To Oregon 

In this episode of Take A Chance On You, Alexandra Forsyth sits down with award-winning author and speaker Risa August to explore a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and self-discovery.

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour, Risa’s life changed overnight, leading her to question everything, let go of control, and rebuild her path in a completely new way.

From embarking on a cross-country bike ride to becoming a patient advocate, Risa shares how adversity can become a catalyst for growth, purpose, and deeper connection.

This conversation also explores her experience living with acromegaly, the challenges of diagnosis, and the importance of community, storytelling, and self-advocacy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Risa August's Journey

02:30 The Impact of a Brain Tumour Diagnosis

06:09 Trusting Yourself and the Importance of Self-Advocacy

09:50 Letting Go of Control and Embracing Change

13:15 Navigating Life After Brain Surgery

14:58 The Journey of Radical Reinvention

14:59 The Cross-Country Bike Ride as a Metaphor for Life

17:46 Becoming a Voice for Change

20:50 Understanding Acromegaly and Its Impact

24:19 The Power of Community and Shared Stories

31:38 The Journey to TEDx: Embracing Opportunities

40:14 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Possibilities.

Alexandra introduces her new newsletter 'Chancing It' alongside her podcast 'Take a Chance on You,' sharing insights on guest stories, upcoming episodes, and resources for creators and podcasters. The episode highlights guest journeys, industry updates, and future plans for community engagement.

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In this episode of the Take a Chance on You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth speaks with James Thomlinson, founder and CEO of Sprint Partners. They discuss James's journey from a 20-year career in marketing to launching his own consultancy, the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of continuous learning, and the dynamics of working from home. 

James shares insights on time management, the role of automation in business, and the significance of nurturing talent and building company culture remotely. The conversation emphasises the emotional aspects of leadership and the importance of staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry. 

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of filtering information in a world overwhelmed by data, the significance of networking and community building, and the evolving role of technology and AI in entrepreneurship. They also explore generational differences in the workplace, emphasising the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership. The discussion concludes with encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to take risks and embrace their unique journeys.

Takeaways

Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.

Investing in marketing and being consistent is crucial for business success.

Setting boundaries and learning to say no is important for time management.

Automation can significantly enhance business efficiency and reduce workload.

Creating a productive home office environment is key to success in remote work.

Building a strong company culture is possible even in a remote setting.

Providing constructive feedback is vital for nurturing talent.

It's important to celebrate employee achievements and support their growth.

Focus on being yourself and staying in your lane.

Networking is essential for personal branding and growth.

Starting small in networking can lead to bigger opportunities.

The barriers to starting a business are lower than ever due to technology.

Emotional intelligence is crucial in managing diverse teams.

You must be all in when pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams.

Take a leap of faith and just go for it; don't look back.

You will find your tribe and community if you put yourself out there.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to James Thomlinson and His Journey

03:11 Launching a Business: The Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur

06:12 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation

08:57 Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business

12:04 Time Management and Setting Boundaries

14:48 The Role of Automation in Business Efficiency

17:58 Working from Home: Creating a Productive Environment

20:54 Building Company Culture Remotely

24:02 The Importance of Feedback and Nurturing Talent

26:46 Emotional Aspects of Leadership and Employee Transitions

30:01 Staying Relevant: Trends and Networking

33:42 Filtering Information and Overcoming Paralysis

39:21 The Importance of Networking and Community

45:01 Embracing Technology and the Role of Founders

51:46 Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace

Follow James journey - ⁠LinkedIn ⁠

Sprint Partners Consultancy - ⁠LinkedIn⁠

This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

In this episode, host Alexandra Forsyth interviews Cameron Wenham, head of marketing & communications at Tech Fellow, discussing the dynamics of the technology recruitment landscape, the importance of community building, and the evolving role of marketing in recruitment. 

They explore trends in the job market, the significance of soft skills, and the impact of generational shifts on recruitment strategies. The discussion also touches on personal growth, networking, and the challenges of remote work, emphasising the need for authority, relevance, and trust in marketing. 

In this conversation, Cam and Alex discuss the significance of inner work and community in personal growth. She emphasises the importance of feedback, navigating work-life balance, and overcoming burnout. The dialogue explores how environment influences development, the evolving definition of success, and the necessity of discomfort for growth. Strategies for developing tenacity and boldness are shared, alongside insights into recruitment strategies for young professionals and the future impact of AI on work.

Takeaways

-              Get started and just have a conversation.

-              The aim is to uncover the individual behind the job title.

-              Tech recruitment is still strong despite market trends.

-              Proof, passion, and pedigree are key for candidates.

-              Generational shifts are impacting recruitment.

-              Soft skills development varies across generations.

-              Marketing should facilitate sales, not just brand.

-              Community building is essential for brand presence.

-              Remote work impacts talent discovery and engagement.

-              Personal growth is a solo journey, but support is crucial.

-              Feedback is key for me with growth.

-              You can still be a big thinker in a nine to five.

-              There are no limits to what you can achieve.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:07 Tech Fellow Landscape

05:55 Trends in Recruitment and Market Dynamics

08:49 Career Path and Transition to Marketing

11:55 Growth and Community Engagement at Tech Fellow

14:54 Challenges in Recruitment and Marketing Strategies

18:09 Work Culture and Employee Fulfilment

21:51 Networking and Overcoming Anxiety

26:13 Neurodiversity and Mental Health in the Workplace

30:01 Authority, Relevance, and Trust in Marketing

34:08 Personal Growth and Finding Your Community

38:22 The Importance of Inner Work and Community

39:41 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth

41:01 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Motivation

43:02 The Role of Environment in Personal Development

46:08 Redefining Success and Embracing Change

48:25 Growth Through Discomfort and Community Engagement

51:18 Strategies for Developing Tenacity and Boldness

57:05 Recruitment Strategies for Young Professionals

Follow Cam's journey - LinkedIn

Tech Fellow - LinkedIn

This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

The wait is over. Take A Chance On You returns!

New trailer out now - catch a glimpse of what is to come including a sneak peek of our first guest. 

Host Alexandra Forsyth welcomes returning listeners and newcomers centre stage as she reflects on the journey of the podcast from its inception to the transition into Season Two. 

The importance of storytelling, leadership, and community building, are key areas explored this season, while addressing the challenges of networking and burnout. 

Alexandra emphasises the need for personal growth, self-advocacy, and the significance of small, meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms. 

Take A Chance serves as a motivational guide for listeners to navigate their careers and personal lives with confidence and purpose.

This episode was recorded in SHURE studio space.

Substack

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Get In Touch with Alexandra

In this episode of the Take a Chance On You podcast, host Alexandra Forsyth reflects on the journey of the podcast and shares her insights as we enter 2026. She emphasises the importance of setting goals, creating a roadmap, and embracing personal growth.

Alexandra highlights her key role in creative, how this has naturally evolving through Take A Chance and now "Dream Big", marking a true testament to Alexandra's current and future positioning and the transferable skills gained along the way.

She encourages listeners to take risks, pivot in their careers, and engage in self-reflection to discover their true purpose and mission in life.

Alexandra also introduces the upcoming season of the podcast, which will feature guests discussing various topics such as mental health, leadership, and digital transformation. She emphasises the value of community and networking, urging listeners to take their online connections offline for more meaningful interactions.

With a focus on providing resources and insights, Alexandra invites listeners to subscribe to the podcast and the accompanying newsletter "Chancing It", to stay updated on strategies and recommendations that can help them navigate their personal and professional journeys.

Social media links - Follow along

Get in touch - Questions for Alexandra