What happens when a lifetime of achievement no longer feels like enough?

Dr. Jack Groppel is a pioneering sports scientist, Hall of Fame coach, entrepreneur and former NCAA tennis coach whose work helped transform the way elite athletes, business leaders and major organisations think about performance, recovery and energy.

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine with Daniel Curtis, Jack looks back at the experiences, relationships and unexpected turns that shaped his extraordinary journey.

He shares how early jobs climbing and maintaining vinegar barrels taught him what he did not want from life, how an influential mentor redirected him from wildlife biology towards kinesiology, and how relationships helped take him from college tennis coaching to the forefront of international sports science.

Jack also takes us behind the scenes of his work with tennis legends including Stan Smith and John McEnroe, revealing how high-speed cinematography and scientific research offered new insights into elite performance.

However, this conversation reaches far beyond sport.

Jack reflects honestly on childhood discipline, the pressure to prove his worth, the danger of becoming addicted to achievement and the moments that forced him to reconsider what success really means.

He shares the deeply personal story of adopting his son from China, the lessons fatherhood taught him about love and strength, and how climbing Mount Kilimanjaro together became a powerful symbol of life’s peaks, valleys and unexpected challenges.

This is a conversation about resilience, faith, family, ambition, kindness and learning to build a meaningful life beyond the scoreboard.

• The childhood experiences that shaped Jack’s work ethic and ambition
• Climbing vinegar barrels and the lessons of his earliest jobs
• The mentor who transformed the direction of his life
• Moving from college tennis coach to internationally recognised sports scientist
• Working with Stan Smith, John McEnroe, Nike and elite athletes
• What separates the very best performers from everyone else
• Why achievement and approval can become addictive
• How adopting his son changed Jack’s understanding of success
• The role of faith, love and kindness in his life
• Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his son
• Why we should calibrate our lives every day around what matters most

Jack’s book, Mountains Within: A Life of Achievement, a Quest for Meaning, and the Mountain That Changed Everything, is available now:

https://noboringbooks.com/books/mountains-within/

#JackGroppel #MountainsWithin #HumanPerformance #SportsScience #Tennis #Fatherhood #Faith #Resilience #Purpose #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthTimeMachine

What does it take to keep pursuing a creative dream through grief, setbacks and years of uncertainty?

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine with Daniel Curtis, award-winning filmmaker, producer, professor and creative entrepreneur Dr. Thaddeus Jones looks back at the experiences, relationships and unexpected turns that shaped his journey into filmmaking.

Thaddeus speaks honestly about the complexity of family relationships, the lessons he carried from childhood and why he once imagined a future working in law enforcement. He also reflects on one of his earliest jobs in a pizza restaurant and what it taught him about effort, efficiency and taking pride in whatever work is in front of you.

The conversation explores his early creativity, his discovery of filmmaking during high school and the difficult path that followed. After struggling through college and spending around ten years moving between different jobs, becoming a father helped Thaddeus recognise that he needed to take his creative ambitions seriously and demonstrate to his son what it meant to pursue a dream.

Thaddeus also discusses grief, resilience and his enduring love of Halloween. Daniel shares the influence that films including Back to the Future and Groundhog Day have had on his own perspective, as they explore the wider power of cinema to shape how we understand life, choice and possibility.

Thaddeus reflects on his experience working across reality television, short films and feature films, as well as his ambition to develop faith-based horror that can entertain audiences while opening the door to deeper and more meaningful conversations.

The episode also explores the vision behind Five Element Studios, the need to challenge assumptions about careers in the arts and Thaddeus’s commitment to helping independent filmmakers build sustainable creative businesses.

At the heart of his story is a belief in mentorship, generosity and leaving a positive footprint. His advice is simple but powerful: guard your heart, keep your word, dream big and continue moving forward, even when the journey takes far longer than expected.

Connect with Dr. Thaddeus Jones and discover more about his films, creative projects and work supporting creatives:

Fanatik Productions: https://www.fanatikproductions.com
IMDb: Search for Dr. Thaddeus W. Jones Jr.
LinkedIn: Search for Dr. Thaddeus Jones Jr.
Instagram: Fanatik Productions

The Growth Time Machine looks back at the early ambitions, relationships, choices, setbacks, pivots and unexpected moments that shape who we become.

Hosted by Daniel Curtis.

Discover more or apply to join the show:
https://www.danielcurtishq.com/podcast

#Filmmaking #CreativeJourney #PersonalGrowth

What happens when you stop waiting to be recognised and start boldly creating the career and life you want?

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine, Daniel Curtis speaks with Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering, leadership coach and host of From a Woman to a Leader.

Limor looks back at her journey from dreaming of becoming an archaeologist to spending more than 20 years in software engineering and technology leadership. She shares the challenges she encountered as a woman working in a male-dominated industry, the biases that quietly influence career progression and the moment she decided to leave corporate leadership to help other women move forward.

Together, Daniel and Limor explore confidence, rejection, resilience, maternity discrimination, workplace stereotypes and why talented women can still struggle to recognise their own potential.

Limor also shares why waiting patiently is not always the right career strategy, how allies can advocate for women in the workplace and why following your instincts may be one of the most important decisions you ever make.

• Limor’s childhood dream of becoming an archaeologist
• Beginning her career as a software developer
• More than 20 years in engineering and technology leadership
• Moving from corporate leadership into coaching and mentoring
• The challenges women face in male-dominated industries
• How unconscious bias affects recruitment and promotion
• Confidence, self-doubt and recognising your own value
• Why women can sometimes undermine other women at work
• The importance of male allies and workplace advocacy
• Pregnancy, maternity leave and career progression
• Learning to handle rejection and build resilience
• Why waiting for opportunities can hold your career back
• Following your instincts and being bold before you feel ready
• Limor’s mission to empower the next generation of women leaders

Website and coaching:
https://limorbergman.com

Listen to From a Woman to a Leader:
https://limorbergman.com/podcast

Subscribe to The Growth Time Machine for more honest conversations about the childhood dreams, decisions, setbacks and unexpected turns that shape who we become.

What happens when a childhood dream refuses to disappear?

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine with Daniel Curtis, award-winning talk show host, podcast producer and media entrepreneur Richard Wilmore looks back at the people, ambitions, jobs, setbacks and unexpected turns that shaped his journey.

Richard shares how a childhood teacher supported him during a difficult period, why he originally imagined becoming a teacher himself, and how his fascination with talk shows eventually became something much bigger than a career ambition.

Inspired by the warmth and inclusivity of The Rosie O’Donnell Show and the kindness of figures such as Mister Rogers, Richard wanted to create spaces where people felt welcomed, celebrated and free to be themselves.

We explore his journey through retail, historical interpretation, acting and entertainment—as well as the unseen work behind building and producing thousands of episodes of talk shows and podcasts.

Richard also speaks honestly about illness, identity, societal labels, self-acceptance and the danger of allowing other people to define what success should look like.

This is a conversation about childhood dreams, authentic self-expression, connection, legacy and creating opportunities for voices that might otherwise go unheard.

• Richard’s childhood ambition to become a teacher
• The teacher who supported him through difficult circumstances
• His early jobs in retail and historical interpretation
• Studying acting and finding his place within entertainment
• How Rosie O’Donnell inspired his approach to hosting
• The enormous amount of work behind a successful talk show
• Moving from acting into hosting and creating his own opportunities
• Why kindness, celebration and connection remain central to his work
• The realities of fame, entertainment and digital media
• Defining success according to your own values
• Embracing identity and overcoming societal labels
• Giving a platform to people whose voices are often unheard
• The power of dreams, vulnerability and self-acceptance

Learn more about Richard and Make Your Day Richer:

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Subscribe to The Growth Time Machine with Daniel Curtis for more honest conversations about the childhood dreams, choices, setbacks, pivots and unexpected turns that shape who we become.

What if the most important negotiation you'll ever have isn't about salary... but about how you value yourself?

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine with Daniel Curtis, negotiation strategist Victoria Nelson shares her remarkable journey from growing up in the post-Soviet world to advising leaders, founders and executives on communication, confidence and high-stakes negotiation.

Together we explore why purpose matters more than achievement, how self-worth quietly shapes every decision we make, and why negotiation is about far more than money. Victoria also shares powerful insights on finding flow, overcoming external expectations, building confidence and creating a life aligned with your deepest values.

Whether you're leading a business, changing careers or simply trying to become more confident, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and timeless lessons.

In this episode:

• Growing up with Soviet expectations and finding your own path
• Why purpose creates lasting fulfilment
• Negotiation as a life skill—not just a business skill
• Finding your unique zone of genius
• Confidence, influence and self-worth
• The psychology behind meaningful work
• Why contribution matters more than recognition
• Strategic warmth and authentic leadership
• Advice Victoria would give her younger self

Connect with Victoria Nelson
🌐 https://poweroftheask....​
📸 Instagram: @victorianelson
✍️ Substack: Power of the Ask

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🔗 Connect with Daniel Curtis
Instagram:    / danielcurtishq  ​

LinkedIn:    / danielcurtishq  ​

Facebook:    / danielcurtishq  ​

🎤 Speaking & Enquiries
[email protected]

#Negotiation​ #SelfWorth​ #Leadership​ #Purpose​ #PersonalDevelopment​ #CareerGrowth​ #Confidence​ #Communication​ #Mindset​ #GrowthTimeMachine​

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine with Daniel Curtis, attorney and entrepreneur Scherrie L. Prince looks back at the childhood dreams, unexpected setbacks, business failures and life-changing pivots that shaped who she became.

Scherrie shares how her early ambition to become a doctor changed following her mother’s illness, what she learned from her first job at a bingo hall, and how failed businesses, difficult partnerships and market crashes eventually led her towards a career in law.

This is an honest conversation about resilience, self-belief, fractured relationships, taking risks and refusing to play small.

We explore:

• Scherrie’s childhood ambitions and early influences

• The confidence she gained from her first job

• How her mother’s illness changed her direction

• Lessons from business failures and difficult partnerships

• Why she decided to become an attorney

• The cost of self-doubt and inaction

• Healing family relationships

• Taking risks and embracing life’s unexpected pivots

• What it really means to play to win

• The legacy Scherrie hopes to leave behind

Learn more about Scherrie:

https://www.scherrieprince.com

Subscribe for more honest conversations exploring the early ambitions, decisions, setbacks, pivots and unexpected moments that shape our lives.

🔗 Connect with Daniel Curtis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielcurtishq

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcurtishq

🎤 Speaking & Enquiries

[email protected]

#TheGrowthTimeMachine #ScherriePrince #DanielCurtis #PersonalDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #BusinessLessons #LifePivots #SelfBelief #SuccessStories

In this episode of 'The Growth Time Machine', Daniel Curtis sits down with Billy Sammons for a warm and thoughtful conversation about life, legacy, family history, kindness, and the power of real human connection.Billy reflects on the advice he would give his younger self, the importance of listening to mentors and parents, and why the Golden Rule remains one of the simplest and most powerful guides for living well. Together, Billy and Daniel explore the meaning behind family heirlooms, ancestral stories, meaningful possessions, and the kind of legacy we leave for others to build upon.The conversation also moves into Billy’s work in warm marketing and referral-based business growth, where he helps entrepreneurs stop chasing cold leads and algorithms and start building genuine relationships through local partnerships, generosity, and intentional systems.Billy also shares more about his books and resources, including *Warm Marketing: The New Currency*, which explores how business owners can grow through community, trust, referrals, and real human connection rather than relying on cold outreach or paid attention.This is an episode about kindness, community, storytelling, business, and the quiet power of treating people well.Learn more about Billy Sammons and his Warm Marketing work:https://www.livelocalwarmmarketing.comBilly’s book, *Warm Marketing: The New Currency*:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6LMY1L8Connect with Billy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-sammons-9951181aTo connect with Daniel Curtis, book him for speaking, or find out more about his work:Website: https://www.danielcurtishq.comEmail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube: @danielcurtishq#BillySammons #DanielCurtis #GrowthTimeMachine #WarmMarketing #ReferralMarketing #RelationshipBuilding #BusinessGrowth #Kindness #Legacy #Storytelling

In this episode, Daniel Curtis sits down with executive coach, author and leadership strategist Chip Scholz to talk about leadership, personal growth, purpose, resilience and the small decisions that shape who we become.Chip has spent nearly 30 years coaching leaders, founders and family businesses through change, succession planning, organisational culture and leadership development. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Daniel and Chip explore childhood dreams, early work experiences, lifelong learning, reading, relationships, family, legacy and what it means to live a useful life.Chip is the author of Small Decisions, Big Shifts, Every Dog Has Its Day and Handoffs. A key theme in his work is that meaningful change rarely comes from one huge moment. More often, transformation happens through the small choices we make every day.This episode is for anyone interested in leadership, executive coaching, personal development, entrepreneurship, family business, identity, life transitions, resilience, legacy and living with purpose in the second half of life.Daniel and Chip also discuss the idea of “Semper Gumby” — staying flexible when life does not go to plan — and why being useful may matter more than being right, impressive or successful on paper.In this conversation, Daniel and Chip talk about:Leadership beyond the titleExecutive coaching and leadership developmentSmall decisions that create big shiftsPersonal growth and lifelong learningFamily business, succession and identityPurpose, legacy and relationshipsResilience after health challengesReading, curiosity and staying relevantWhy being useful matters more than being rightLiving the second half of life with meaningResources & LinksChip Scholz’s website: http://www.scholzandassociates.comChip’s books include:Small Decisions, Big ShiftsEvery Dog Has Its DayHandoffsMentioned in the episode:From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. BrooksYou can also visit Chip’s website to read more of his writing and find his “What’s Chip Reading?” page, where he shares books that have influenced how he thinks about leadership, curiosity and living well.Connect with Chip ScholzWebsite: http://www.scholzandassociates.com#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #Purpose #Legacy

He died three times.
He survived 73 major surgeries.
He was told he would never move again.

And still, Jay Setchell refused to quit.

In this powerful episode of The Growth Time Machine, Daniel Curtis sits down with Jay for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, faith, service, suffering, survival and the stubborn refusal to give up on life.

Raised on a farm with a work ethic carved into him from childhood, Jay went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps before a series of devastating accidents changed the course of his life forever. From being pulled from wreckage, to traumatic brain injury, paralysis, years of rehabilitation, and learning to walk again, Jay’s story is almost impossible to hear without being moved.

But this conversation is not just about what happened to him.

It is about what remained.

Faith. Courage. Humour. Purpose. Grit. And a belief that even when life breaks you, it does not have to finish you.

Jay speaks with remarkable honesty about pain, patience, prayer, stubbornness, and the people who helped him keep going. His message is simple, but deeply powerful:

It is always too soon to quit.

The Growth Time Machine is hosted by Daniel Curtis, a speaker, storyteller and creator exploring identity, resilience, creativity, faith and the moments that shape who we become. Through honest conversations, Daniel asks guests to look back at the people, places, setbacks, dreams and decisions that made them who they are today.

For speaking enquiries, podcast guest suggestions, collaborations or to find out more, visit:

www.danielcurtishq.com
[email protected]

She wanted to be an architect. Life had other plans.

In this episode of The Growth Time Machine, Daniel Curtis is joined by Bethan Curtis-Thomas to explore the unexpected journey that took her from childhood dreams of architecture, to a first job working in a deli, to a career in renewable energy—ultimately leading to a bridge being named in her honour.

Together they explore the twists, turns and opportunities that shaped her career, the lessons she learned along the way, what she's most proud of, the best advice she's ever received, and what she would say to her younger self.

The Growth Time Machine is a fast-paced interview podcast where every guest answers the same eight questions, revealing how life rarely follows the path we imagined—but often takes us somewhere just as remarkable.

If you've ever wondered how childhood ambitions evolve into unexpected careers, this conversation is for you.