Tales to Inspire

In this bite-sized episode, Corin Bell, founder and Executive Director of Open Kitchen, shares her journey from public sector work to establishing a sustainable, not-for-profit business. Corin explores the significance of sustainability, not just environmentally, but also in financial and social terms. She addresses the guilt often associated with profit in community projects and advocates for taking action over criticism when tackling sustainability challenges. Corin believes that small, thoughtful actions are crucial for reversing the negative impacts of past decisions, encouraging everyone to contribute to the change. Key Takeaways: Three Parts of Sustainability: Corin emphasises that true sustainability encompasses financial, environmental, and social dimensions. For a business to be genuinely sustainable, it must be financially self-sufficient, minimise environmental harm, and provide positive outcomes for people and the community. Profit in Community Projects: Many community projects experience guilt around making a profit, but Corin insists that profit can be a force for good when reinvested in people and the planet. Importance of Local Actions: Corin highlights the importance of practical, local actions like community growing projects, which not only improve access to healthy food but also address issues such as social isolation, biodiversity, and air quality. Action Over Research: After years of studies and reports, Corin believes it's time for more action. Real change will come from people actively implementing solutions in their communities. Topics Discussed: The evolving role of social enterprises Sustainability beyond just environmental concerns Balancing profit and purpose in community projects How small actions can lead to big changes in sustainability Challenges in the food industry and community initiatives The need for practical action instead of endless research If you’re inspired by Corin’s story, consider getting involved in local sustainability projects or starting your own initiatives. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave comments, and share your thoughts on how sustainability can shape your life and community. Resources:

In this episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, we chat with Jon Berry, whose journey of overcoming adversity and finding success is truly inspiring. Born in 1975 in Birmingham and facing a tough start as a premature baby, Jon’s early life was marked by health challenges. Despite these hurdles, his creativity and love for building fueled his ambitions. Jon navigated health issues and anxiety during his university years, eventually being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). He managed his condition with resilience, adapting his life to maintain his goals. Jon founded Tyler Grange during a recession, driven by a vision for a supportive, community-focused business. Despite starting with minimal planning, his dedication to honest relationships and community involvement led the business to thrive. Jon's story highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and passion. Tune in to hear how he turned challenges into opportunities and built a successful, fulfilling career. Key Takeaways: Early Challenges: How Jon’s premature birth shaped his perspective. Educational Reflections: The impact of creativity and self-awareness in Jon’s school years. Health Struggles: Jon’s proactive management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Entrepreneurial Spirit: The founding of Tyler Grange and its focus on community and personal fulfillment. Tyler Grange's Role: Supporting projects with environmental compliance while balancing development and protection. Organic Growth: From converted police stations to a multi-office firm, driven by trust and employee well-being. Leadership Evolution: Jon’s growth from founder to Managing Director, emphasizing feedback and core values. Personal Sacrifices: The trade-offs for business growth and the importance of honesty and self-care. Innovative Campaigns: The "Save Your Skin" campaign launched after Jon’s cancer diagnosis, showcasing resilience and creativity. Core Values: The role of kindness, trust, and gratitude in Jon’s personal and professional life. Resources: Tyler Grange: The British Skin Foundation:

In this bite size episode with Jon Berry, we explore the essence of entrepreneurship, focusing on the importance of taking calculated risks and pursuing what you’re passionate about. Jon reflects on his own journey, sharing insights on how supportive environments can foster an entrepreneurial spirit and how navigating doubts and risks is an integral part of the process. Key Discussion Points: Redefining Entrepreneurship: Jon initially perceived the term "entrepreneur" as elitist, but he redefined it as simply taking action driven by passion. This perspective shifts the focus from merely achieving business success to actively pursuing one’s passions. Nature vs. Nurture: Jon argues that anyone can become an entrepreneur if given the opportunity and support to pursue their ideas. A nurturing environment is crucial for developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Doubts and Challenges: Through personal experiences, Jon reveals the scepticism often faced when transitioning to self-employment. He underscores that the perceived risks of entrepreneurship are often comparable to, if not less than, the false sense of security in traditional jobs. Facing Uncertainty: Entrepreneurship is filled with uncertainty, and long-term plans can be unrealistic. Jon embraces the idea of "winging it," learning from mistakes, and accepting vulnerability as part of effective leadership. Vulnerability in Leadership: Jon highlights the value of showing vulnerability and honesty as a leader, contrasting this with the formal and rigid corporate cultures of his earlier career. Creating a supportive environment where people feel safe to learn and grow is essential. Collaboration and Celebration: Emphasising the importance of celebrating others’ successes and fostering a collaborative business environment, Jon notes that while the business community in the North of England is more supportive and honest, there is still room for improvement. Moral Values: Aligning business practices with personal moral values is key for Jon. He aims to be remembered for his kindness and the positive impact he made, rather than just for professional achievements. Thank you for tuning in to this episode. Be sure to catch next week’s deep dive episode, where we’ll uncover more inspiring stories and valuable insights. Thank you for listening to this episode. Stay tuned for next week’s deep dive episode, where more inspiring stories and insights await. Resources: Tyler Grange:  The British Skin Foundation:

In this episode of Tales to Inspire, Krish Patel hosts a compelling live session featuring three distinguished ambassadors: Andy Hall, Hannah Cox, and Yatin Mistry. Each guest shares their unique journey and insights, highlighting themes of sustainability, inclusion, and mental health. Key Highlights: Andy Hall: Personal Struggles and Recovery Personal Struggles: Andy recounts his harrowing breakdown 14 years ago, including the impact of work pressure, financial troubles, and the loss of his parents. Recovery Journey: He details his path to healing, including therapy, hypnotherapy, physical activity, and volunteering. His involvement in suicide prevention groups and mentoring was pivotal in his recovery. Holistic Approach: Andy emphasises the importance of integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in achieving overall health. He advocates for finding purpose through helping others and spiritual exploration. Final Reflection: Andy encourages listeners to identify their purpose and take meaningful steps toward change, linking his personal story to broader societal issues like mental health and inclusion. Hannah Cox: From Personal Challenges to Advocacy Background and Challenges: Hannah shares her journey from facing cancer twice and the loss of her stepdad to seeking a purposeful life. Her early career in music and festival organisation shaped her path. Career and Discoveries: Her transition to running the betternotstop initiative was driven by her desire for positive change and sustainability. She highlights her work with B Corp certification and the Sustainable Development Goals. Better Not Stop: Named after her father's advice, the initiative focuses on creating impactful, sustainable businesses. Hannah's full-circle moment includes revisiting the music festival scene with a new perspective on sustainability. Community and Collaboration: Through the Better Business Network and Summit, she fosters collective action and support among businesses committed to making a difference. Yatin Mistry: Navigating Life as a Marginalised Community Member Personal Background: Yatin discusses his struggles with mental health, racism, homophobia, and the challenges of living as a gay man. He reflects on the impact of societal judgments and personal experiences. Buddhist Story: He shares a story about Lord Buddha's response to anger, which inspired him to not internalise others' judgments and opinions. Authenticity and Self-Acceptance: Yatin stresses the importance of embracing one's authentic self and not letting external opinions define self-worth. Privilege and Marginalisation: He highlights the ongoing struggles of marginalised communities and the concept of privilege, despite legal advancements. Encouraging Empathy: Yatin urges listeners to offer support and empathy to those from marginalised communities, emphasising the profound impact of inclusion. Thank you for listening to Tales to Inspire. We hope you enjoyed hearing from Andy Hall, Hannah Cox, and Yatin Mistry. Their stories of resilience and purpose are truly inspiring. Stay tuned for our next episode, and keep finding ways to make a positive impact. Until then, take care!

In this live interview on the Tales to Inspire podcast, host Krish Patel speaks with James Timpson, CEO of Timpson Group. James shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood, influenced by his mother’s role as a foster carer, to leading a successful family business. He recounts his early entrepreneurial experiences, including running a shoe repair shop at boarding school and working within the family business. James discusses Timpson’s growth, which includes 17 businesses like Timpson, Max Spielman, and Johnsons Cleaners, and highlights the company’s commitment to strong culture, employee trust, and social responsibility. He emphasises efforts to hire ex-offenders, maintain a simple business model, and balance profitability with social good. The conversation also covers challenges in retail, the hybrid retail model, and the importance of practical solutions and work-life balance. Key Takeaways: Upside-Down Management: Timpson’s business model is founded on the principle of minimal rules and maximum employee autonomy. Staff are given the freedom to manage stock, set prices, and ensure shop cleanliness, which cultivates a motivated and flexible work environment. This approach encourages employees to take ownership of their roles and fosters a sense of trust and responsibility. Bonus Scheme: The company employs a weekly bonus system that rewards employees for exceeding sales targets. This performance-based incentive not only motivates staff to drive sales but also helps keep operational costs low. The scheme underscores the importance of aligning individual goals with company objectives to enhance overall performance. Business Acquisitions: Over the past two decades, Timpson has acquired 23 businesses. Successful integration of these new acquisitions is a lengthy process, often taking three years to see noticeable results. Key strategies for effective integration include refurbishing stores and upgrading facilities, which help build trust and align new businesses with Timpson’s culture. Leadership & Hiring: Timpson places a strong emphasis on employee satisfaction, using the Happy Index survey to gauge and improve workplace morale. Recruitment is handled with care to ensure new hires fit the company culture. Leaders who do not meet the company’s standards are promptly replaced, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining a positive and productive work environment. Social Good: Timpson is dedicated to making a positive social impact, particularly through its employment of ex-offenders. With 1 in 9 employees recruited from prison, the company supports reintegration into society by providing stable employment. Additionally, Timpson contributes to the green economy by recycling watch batteries and offering services that meet genuine needs. Future Goals: The company’s focus is on sustained growth and maintaining a healthy cash balance without imposing rigid targets. Timpson’s approach to acquisitions involves aligning with their core expertise and learning from past mistakes to avoid repeating them. James Timpson’s insights into leadership, employee management, and social responsibility provide a valuable perspective on running a successful and ethical business. His emphasis on simplicity, trust, and a people-first approach highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. Thanks for listening! We hope you enjoyed the episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories. See you next time!

In this Deep Dive episode, Kerry Tottingham shares her journey from childhood through her career and personal life, including her experiences with endometriosis. The discussion covers managing chronic health issues, the evolution of her charity, and its mission to tackle societal inequalities and promote healing-centred design. The conversation highlights the charity’s work in coaching, project development, and its trauma-informed project supporting community organisations. Future goals include embedding these principles within the charity and amplifying their impact. The episode concludes with quickfire questions on personal values, inspiring work, and the legacy one hopes to leave. Key Highlights Creative Beginnings: Kerry’s upbringing in a creative family sparked her interest in various art forms, shaping her career and allowing her to explore and express creativity. Career Evolution: Starting with freelance art projects and community work, Kerry transitioned to roles in writing and project management for charities, leveraging her creative background to support meaningful causes. Personal Challenges: Balancing career responsibilities with single parenthood significantly impacted Kerry’s career decisions and personal growth. Health Struggles: Kerry shared her experience with endometriosis, discussing how the condition affected her productivity and overall well-being. Managing chronic pain and finding effective coping strategies have been central to her personal and professional life. Nonprofit Founding: Kerry’s transition to founding "Brilliant Thing" emerged from a desire to overcome limitations and drive social change. The nonprofit focuses on addressing systemic inequalities and supporting impactful projects. Mission and Work: The organisation engages in coaching, project development, and trauma-informed initiatives, including a significant project to support community sector organisations. Future Vision: Kerry aims to model social change by integrating healing-centred design within her organisation and amplifying its impact. Personal Reflections: The conversation concludes with Kerry reflecting on her values, aspirations, and the legacy she hopes to leave, emphasising the importance of inspiring others and creating a lasting positive impact.   Resources:   Kerry Tottingham | LinkedIn:  A Brilliant Thing | LinkedIn:  A Brilliant Thing:  Endometriosis UK:  The Lighthouse - social change networking group run by A Brilliant Thing CIC:

Today, our bite size episode features Kerry Tottingham, who will share her tale to inspire. We'll explore the meaning of inclusion, the dynamics of power, and the benefits of fostering a more inclusive environment. Kerry will also share insights on innovation through diversity and practical advice on finding empowerment in the workplace. Whether you're looking to change perspectives, empower yourself, or create a more inclusive community, this episode has something for everyone. Thank you for subscribing and joining us on this journey. Let's dive in! Key Points Discussed: Inclusion vs. Exclusion: True inclusion requires removing barriers and supporting people to access spaces they might otherwise be excluded from due to societal structures. Understanding Power: The conversation explores the concept of power, emphasizing the need to reflect on our feelings about it. Recognizing small areas of control in our lives can foster personal empowerment and societal change. Innovation through Diversity: The principle of "collide and align" is introduced, where blending diverse ideas fosters innovation and helps create unique solutions to societal issues. Empowerment in the Workplace: Practical advice is given on finding aspects of one's job that can be controlled to improve the overall experience, leading to greater personal happiness and a positive ripple effect on others. Genuine Inclusion Efforts: The need for organizations to go beyond box-ticking and embed inclusive practices within their structures is discussed. Drawing parallels with successful anti-smoking campaigns, a comprehensive approach combining messaging, accountability, and cultural shifts is advocated. Thank you for tuning in! Join us next week for Kerry's Deep Dive episode. You won't want to miss it! Until then, keep inspiring change. See you next time!   Resources:   Kerry Tottingham | LinkedIn: A Brilliant Thing | LinkedIn: A Brilliant Thing: Endometriosis UK:  The Lighthouse - social change networking group run by A Brilliant Thing CIC:

In this Deep Dive episode of Tales to Inspire Podcast, Krish sits down with a very special guest, his partner, Melissa Fielding. We delve into Mel's journey from a supportive upbringing in Bolton to pursuing a law degree and then transitioning into the corporate world. Despite her success, Mel felt a growing disconnect between her career and her true passions, leading her to a pivotal decision to leave the corporate life behind. Mel shares her childhood love for the outdoors, nurtured by countless family trips to the Lake District. This passion reignited during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting her to explore more adventurous pursuits like cold water dipping and paddleboarding. She reflects on the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal fulfillment and the role of nature in maintaining mental well-being. Mel's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of following one's passions and the bravery required to embrace significant life changes. From her days of dreaming about diverse careers to embracing a life of outdoor adventures and meaningful connections, Mel inspires listeners to pursue what truly ignites their spirits. Key Topics Discussed: Mel's background and supportive family Her journey through academia and the corporate world The pivotal decision to leave her corporate job The significance of the outdoors in her life The balance between career and personal fulfillment Mel's vision for a future filled with varied experiences and adventures Be inspired by Mel's journey and start embracing your own passions today. Tune in to uncover her strategies for integrating passion into everyday life.   Resources: Make More Magic: Mel Fielding:

In this episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, we welcome Melissa Fielding, a passionate advocate for women's communities and outdoor adventures. Melissa shares her journey of connecting with like-minded women who inspire and support each other in various aspects of life. Key Highlights: Finding Like-minded People: Melissa shares how she has naturally found and bonded with women who share her interests and ambitions, both in her personal life and professional circles. Supporting Women: Melissa discusses the importance of supporting women, especially in male-dominated fields, and the role of male allies in achieving equality. Value of Community: Reflecting on her own experiences, Melissa talks about how being part of an inclusive and supportive community helps individuals be their true selves and grow. Finding and Creating Communities: Melissa offers advice on finding and building communities through hobbies and shared interests. Join us to hear Melissa's inspiring story and her thoughts on women's empowerment and the power of community.   Resources: Make More Magic: Mel Fielding:

Amna Akhtar's journey began in Birmingham with childhood dreams of sports and creativity, overcoming cultural barriers to establish GirlDreamer, a platform empowering women of color. She embraced self-discovery over traditional education, valuing empathy, community, and action. Her experiences, including receiving the Obama Scholarship, reinforced her commitment to lifelong learning. In this conversation, Amna reflects on her deep admiration for the US's community and kindness. She passionately embraces immersive experiences, aiming to compress a decade's worth of life into a single year, driven by a quest for personal growth and fulfillment. Amna's perspective underscores her appreciation for the US's opportunities, shaping her ambitious life outlook and her dedication to seizing every moment. Key Takeaways: Resilience and Pursuit of Passion: Despite facing familial and societal pressures, Amna pursued her passions fervently, whether in sports or self-directed learning. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Through her experiences, Amna learned the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence, which became foundational in her personal and professional growth. Navigating Challenges: She navigated challenges such as parental expectations and personal setbacks, turning them into opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment. Self-Acceptance and Empowerment: Amna highlights the significance of self-acceptance and nurturing personal strengths, including sensitivity. Educational Pursuits: Amna's pursuit of education and continuous learning showcases her dedication to personal development and intellectual curiosity. Career Evolution: From her early career in sports to her current role in psychology and coaching, Amna's professional journey reflects adaptability and a commitment to helping others. Cultural Influence: Her cultural background has influenced her perspectives and approach, highlighting the intersection of identity, resilience, and personal growth. Advocacy and Mentorship: Amna's advocacy for mental health awareness and mentorship underscores her commitment to empowering others and fostering community support. Future Aspirations: Amna aims to expand her impact through coaching and educational initiatives, driven by her experiences and passion for helping others achieve their potential. Building Communities: She's passionate about creating supportive networks, especially for young women of color, through GirlDreamer. Impact through Action: Her work with GirlDreamer and beyond underscores her commitment to empowering others and making a tangible difference.   Resources: Girldreamer: Amna Akhtar: