Take it from a Mentor

“Maybe I’m just unlikeable.” In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe talks about that quiet fear so many of us carry — that people at work, in our families, or online don’t really like us. Through real mentee stories, the stadium metaphor, and ideas from The Courage to Be Disliked, you’ll learn why others’ reactions aren’t an X-ray of your worth, how to separate your task from theirs, and one small experiment to stop twisting yourself into knots just to be liked.

What if you stopped chasing perfection and focused on one promise instead: “I will honour my growth”? In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe explores how tiny choices - a 20 minute workout, speaking once in a meeting, saying no when you are at capacity can reshape your future when you measure your days by growth, not performance.

Feel like you are doing good work but no one really sees you? In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe shares what she learned from Jeffrey Pfeffer’s work on power, plus real stories from mentees, to show why humility without visibility becomes invisibility – and how to change that without becoming fake or loud. You will leave with three simple questions and one small, uncomfortable action to help you become more visible at work on your own terms.In this episode you’ll learn:
• Why “just work hard and be humble” keeps you invisible
• How power, networks, and informal influence really work at work
• Practical, uncomfortable-but-doable ways to make yourself more visible

Real progress and growth isn’t a straight line. There have to be pauses — the plateaus, the storms, the messy human dips where nothing seems to move. In this Ten Mentors episode, we talk about why progress needs stillness, why frustration is part of learning, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is eat the chocolate and chill the flip out.

Every generation clings to it — the idea that if the right leader comes along, life will get better. But history is messy, slogans fade, and nobody’s coming to save you. So maybe the question isn’t about your country. Maybe it’s about you. This is an episode you don't want to miss.

History is full of blood spilled in the name of belief systems — from witch trials and slavery to propaganda and assassinations. At a time when we cannot afford history to repeat itself, C. Duggan reflects on how easily beliefs become cages, shares a personal journey of unlearning, and shows why values — not beliefs — are what truly shape character and growth.

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Live each day like it’s your last.” But is that really the path to meaning? In this episode of Ten Mentors, Caoimhe shares a different perspective shaped by personal loss and everyday life. Discover why self-improvement, ordinary routines, and small daily choices matter more than dramatic “last day” living — and how your future self will thank you for it.

What can a reclusive singer teach us about success? In this episode, discover how Enya’s silence, a failed business of mine, and the quiet work of people like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Phelps, and Katie Bouman reveal a powerful truth: real growth happens out of the spotlight.

What can a Netflix series about Formula 1 teach you about life, leadership, and resilience?

A lot more than you'd think.

In this episode of Ten Mentors, I dive into how Drive to Survive became one of my most surprising mentors — revealing powerful lessons about ego, pressure, reinvention, and the hidden politics of high-stakes environments.

From ruthless team decisions and explosive crashes to ego-fueled sabotage and behind-the-scenes “bitchness,” the world of F1 is more than fast cars. It’s a masterclass in ambition, power, and human nature under fire.

I also share my own connection — from watching the race in Singapore (mainly for the parties!) to discovering why some drivers make it with money… and others, like Lewis Hamilton, break through with boldness.

If you've ever had to navigate high pressure, perform under scrutiny, or question your seat at the table — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and discover how a racing series taught me how to live with focus, humility, and drive.

Have you ever cried for someone you’ve never met?

In this powerful episode, we explore the lasting legacy of Irish activist Vicky Phelan — a woman whose courage exposed a national health scandal, transformed policy, and inspired thousands to stand up for truth. Through her story, we reflect on grief, impact, and how the people we never meet can still shape our lives in profound ways.

Host C. Duggan shares a deeply personal journey of learning from changemakers like Vicky Phelan, and Nelson Mandela, and invites listeners to consider what it truly means to leave a legacy.

Whether you feel silenced, overlooked, or simply searching for purpose — this episode will remind you: your voice matters. And your actions today can ripple across generations.

✨ Themes: Legacy, Courage, Social Justice, Vicky Phelan, Mentorship, Integrity, Activism, Speaking Up

📚 Based on insights from The Book You Never Knew You Needed: 15 Principles to Master the Art of Living by C. Duggan.