Wit + Grit

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares what he calls his “iOS update” - a shedding of identity.

After years of building his public platform around the suicide of his father and his own mental health journey, Daniel realised something profound:

The story that built him, no longer fits him.

From losing his dad at 9, battling addiction, therapy, public speaking, Channel 4’s The Piano, and impacting 25,000 students in 20 days, Daniel reflects on identity, reinvention, masculinity, hope, parenting, resilience, and the responsibility we all share for the next generation.

This is not an episode about trauma.

It’s an episode about evolution.

About what happens when the thing that made you, isn’t who you are anymore.

Takeaways

• Identity can evolve - even when the world expects you to stay the same

• Behavioural change is slow - give yourself grace (20% after 6 months is still progress)

• We are not designed to do life alone - build and use your support network

• Young people don’t need “toughening up” - they need modelling, leadership and challenge

• Praise can transform identity faster than punishment

• Who you become matters more than what you achieve

• Businesses have a role in shaping the next generation

• Service without expectation fills the cup

• Solitude and reflection are performance tools, not luxuries

• Sometimes growth means shedding the skin that once protected you

Keywords

Daniel Wilsher, mental health, identity shift, personal reinvention, parenting in 2025, resilience, behavioural change, leadership, masculinity, hope for young people, school mental health, social media impact, ADHD, public speaking, trauma recovery, service leadership, solitude, reflection, LifeX program, youth development, corporate social responsibility, mentoring young men

Chapters

00:00 – The “iOS Update”

02:00 – Shedding the story that built you

05:30 – Why behavioural change takes longer than you think

09:30 – The power of male support networks

13:00 – 100 talks in 20 days: the school tour

16:30 – The student who couldn’t name one good thing about himself

20:00 – What to tell a 15-year-old finding his way

22:00 – Working with kids vs corporates

24:00 – “Kids need to toughen up” — response to leaders

30:00 – Social media, AI & parenting in 2025

39:00 – Filling your own cup

44:00 – Daniel’s spoken word: Reflections

46:00 – What’s next? LifeX & the HOPE program

50:00 – Final takeaways

Joel Blake is a private client solicitor at Wilkes, a Future Faces ambassador, and a Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year winner - but his story starts in Dudley, navigating limited role models and plenty of “you’ll never make it” moments.

In this episode, Joel shares how rejection shaped his resilience, why confidence is built over time, and the mantra that changed everything: it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you. We also dig into imposter syndrome, bridging generational gaps at work (including “upward mentoring”), and why networking works best when it’s human, not transactional.

If you’re a young professional trying to find your way - or a leader who wants to build a stronger team culture - this one’s for you.

Key takeaways

Rejection is part of the process - consistency beats talent when you keep showing up.

“It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” Put yourself in rooms and build real relationships.

Authenticity wins long-term - pretending to be someone else is exhausting (and unnecessary).

Networking isn’t transactional - it’s about genuine conversations and playing the long game.

Upward mentoring matters - juniors bring value too; trust is built in the small moments.

Working-class background = strength - it can become your edge for empathy, rapport, and connection.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable - growth lives on the other side of fear.

Keywords

Joel Blake, Wilkes, private client solicitor, Future Faces, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, young professionals, Birmingham, West Midlands, Dudley, Jamaican heritage, social mobility, imposter syndrome, confidence, networking, mentorship, upward mentoring, leadership, trust, resilience, rejection, career development, professional services, law careers, authenticity, workplace culture, generational leadership, community, opportunity

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joel Blake

01:57 Joel's Upbringing and Early Aspirations

06:55 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

12:10 Career Journey at Wilkes

16:32 Navigating Change in the Legal Profession

21:14 Building Confidence and Professional Growth

24:14 Fostering Collaboration Across Generations

25:30 Unveiling Surprising Aspects of Personal Growth

27:00 The Power of Authentic Networking

30:09 Pride in Regional Development

34:13 Vision for the Future: Inspiring the Next Generation

36:00 Empowering Young Professionals through Future Faces

38:31 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Authenticity

40:43 Encouragement for the Underestimated

43:36 Setting Ambitious Goals for 2026

In this conversation, Lisa Butler shares her inspiring journey from an 18-year military career to becoming a coach and advocate for courage and leadership.

She discusses overcoming early challenges, the importance of resilience, and how her military experience shaped her understanding of courage.

Lisa emphasises the need for individuals to be brave in their personal and professional lives, the significance of recognising and supporting others' struggles, and the role of boundaries in maintaining mental well-being.

She introduces her upcoming initiative, The Courage Collective, aimed at fostering a supportive community for personal growth and empowerment.

Takeaways

1. Dreams start with tea and ginger biscuits.
2. Importance of having that road track in your mind.
3. Blow things up if you can.
4. Courage shows up every day.
5. There's a real importance of knowing who your people are.
6. Help people to be brave.
7. Be fierce in your own agency.
8. We miss opportunities if we are not brave.
9. Speak up about things that are wrong.
10. Everyone needs a Gandalf stick.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa Butler's Journey

02:50 Overcoming Early Challenges and Building Resilience

05:45 Military Career and Lessons Learned

08:57 Transitioning to Coaching and Leadership

11:54 The Importance of Courage in Today's World

14:42 Recognising and Supporting Others in Need

26:51 Navigating the 'I'm Fine' Culture

29:20 Inner Child Work and Rebuilding Confidence

31:57 Transforming Limiting Beliefs

35:29 The Importance of Values and Boundaries

42:12 Creating Community and Courage

50:05 Empowering Responses to Demeaning Language

Summary:

In this episode Chris Meah, an AI expert and founder of Meah Labs and the School of Code, discusses the transformative power of AI, the importance of lifelong learning, and the future of education and work.

He shares insights on how AI is reshaping industries and the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven world.

The question is, will AI be the end of us all?

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Takeaways:

AI is reshaping industries and requires new skills.

Lifelong learning is essential in a tech-driven world.

The School of Code helps people transition into tech careers.

AI can enhance human capabilities if used wisely.

Education systems must adapt to prepare for future challenges.

Critical thinking and adaptability are key skills for the future.

AI's impact on society is both promising and challenging.

Open discussions about AI's role in society are crucial.

The future of work will be more tech-centric and collaborative.

AI can democratize access to information and opportunities.

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Keywords:

AI, School of Code, lifelong learning, technology, education, future of work

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Chapters:

00:52 Chris Meah's Journey into AI

05:55 Understanding AI: What It Is and Isn't

09:08 The Optimism and Pessimism of AI

18:13 The Power Dynamics of AI Technology

22:17 Encouraging AI Adoption in Businesses

25:28 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

33:01 The Importance of Hardship in Childhood

34:44 Creating a Safe Learning Environment

38:55 AI's Role in Human Development

40:57 Business Innovation and Exploration

47:54 The Future of AI and Humanity

In this episode, former England international rugby player Luther Burrell shares his journey from professional sports to philanthropy, discussing identity, race, and mental wellbeing.

He reflects on his transition from elite sports, the challenges of finding purpose post-retirement, and the importance of networking and community impact.

Luther emphasises the power of honesty, resilience, and creating positive change through his foundation.

Luther Burrell, rugby, identity, race, mental wellbeing, philanthropy, transition, networking, community impact, resilience

1. Good people will find good people.
2. Throw mud at the wall until the good thing sticks.
3. Be honest with yourself.
4. No one is coming to you with a magic wand.
5. Those that you meet on the way up, you'll meet on the way back down.
6. Power of deconstructing yourself.
7. Always have a no dickhead policy, but stress test this ASAP.
8. The importance of breathing.
9. Focus on the controllables.
10. A problem shared is a problem halved.

00:00 Introduction to Luther Burrell

03:15 Life After Professional Sport

08:30 Survival Mode: The Transition Challenge

15:11 Asking for Help: Breaking Down Barriers

21:06 What Do I Have to Offer?

30:22 Building High-Performing Teams

32:56 Building a Culture of Accountability

34:48 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

37:30 Navigating Racism in Sports

42:28 The Impact of Philanthropy and Community Work

50:23 Transformative Power of Sport

57:04 Inspiring the Next Generation

In this reflective episode, PJ and Andy pause to mark a milestone: 21 episodes down.

What started in June 2025 with a simple decision - “let’s just press go” - has become a powerful lesson in momentum, confidence, and learning through action.

They explore why perfection is often the enemy of progress, how confidence is built through doing (not thinking), and why most people underestimate the value of simply staying in the game.

From Roger Federer winning just 53% of the points he ever played, to the importance of lead vs lag measures, mental fitness, trusting your gut, and protecting your time - this conversation is a grounded, honest look at what really moves things forward.

This isn’t a how-to episode. It’s a perspective shift.

A reminder that clarity can come after motion - not before it.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Momentum creates clarity - not the other way around

Waiting to feel “ready” keeps most people stuck. Pressing go creates feedback, confidence, and direction you can’t think your way into.

2️⃣ You’ve got to be able to fail to win

Roger Federer won just 53% of the points he ever played. The difference wasn’t perfection - it was his ability to reset and play the next point.

3️⃣ Confidence is evidence-based

Real confidence doesn’t come from affirmations.

It comes from giving the world irrefutable proof that you are who you say you are — by showing up and doing the work.

4️⃣ Consistency beats intensity

Some days are 100%.

Some days are 5%.

Doing something keeps momentum alive — and momentum compounds.

5️⃣ Lead measures matter more than money (early on)

Downloads, conversations, invitations, engagement, feedback - these are signs you’re moving in the right direction long before revenue appears.

6️⃣ Protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset

Because it is.

Time is often given away to people, jobs and tasks that don’t serve us - and we rarely get it back.

7️⃣ Don’t do it alone

Ideas grow faster - and more safely - when shared. Having someone alongside you helps challenge blind spots, build belief, and avoid isolation.

🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

• Anyone sitting on an idea

• Founders and creators early in the journey

• People struggling with confidence or overthinking

• Anyone who feels stuck waiting for “the right time”

• Those navigating change without a clear rulebook

🧠 CORE THEMES

• Pressing go

• Momentum vs perfection

• Confidence through action

• Failure and resilience

• Mental fitness

• Trusting your gut

• Time, energy and priorities

• Learning on the job

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage: The Journey Begins

02:42 Momentum and Growth: The Power of Starting

05:21 Learning Through Experience: The Value of Failure

08:17 Defining Success: Beyond Financial Metrics

11:10 Time Management: Prioritizing What Matters

14:34 Trusting Your Gut: Navigating Risks in Business

17:15 The Importance of Community and Feedback

20:08 Physical and Mental Fitness: Foundations for Success

22:57 Iterating and Evolving: What’s Next for the Podcast?

25:48 Final Thoughts: Encouragement for Aspiring Creators

In this episode, siblings Peggy and Will Crawford discuss their unique career paths and shared experiences.

Peggy, a data analyst and semi-pro poker player, shares insights into the poker world and her journey in content creation.

Will, founder of Quiet Note, talks about integrating mindfulness and music to improve mental wellbeing.

They explore the challenges and rewards of their respective fields, emphasising resilience, passion, and the importance of mental health.

The conversation also touches on their supportive sibling relationship and future aspirations.

Let's get into it.

siblings, poker, mindfulness, mental wellbeing, content creation, resilience, passion, mental health, Quietnote, career paths

• Peggy Crawford is a data analyst and poker player.
• Will founded Quiet Note, focusing on mindfulness and music.
• Resilience and passion are key to success.
• Mental health is a priority for both siblings.
• Peggy shares insights into the poker world.
• Will integrates music and mindfulness for wellbeing.
• The siblings support each other's careers.
• Future aspirations include expanding their ventures.
• They emphasise the importance of mental health.
• The conversation highlights their unique career paths.

00:00 Introduction to the Crawfords

01:21 Peggy's Journey in Poker and Data Analysis

03:51 Will's Mindfulness and Music Business

06:53 Daily Routines and Work-Life Balance

09:49 Innovative Approaches to Mental Health

12:36 Sibling Dynamics and Collaboration

15:22 The Intersection of Poker and Strategy

18:06 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

20:38 Mindset and Resilience in Business

23:25 The Importance of Patience and Purpose

28:39 Rituals and Habits for Grounding

32:33 Mindfulness in Poker and Life

36:05 Building Community Through Poker

39:52 Future Aspirations in Poker and Business

44:21 Advice for the Next Generation

In this episode of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Doug Wright MBE DL - a man whose life reads like a masterclass in resilience and service.

Doug shares how he went from failing his exams and disappointing his parents to finding purpose on 93p an hour at McDonald’s, becoming the youngest restaurant manager, and then having his world turned upside down after a devastating car accident that left him temporarily paralysed from the neck down.

He talks candidly about the charities that supported his family during that time, how that shaped his lifelong commitment to giving back, and how he eventually became a McDonald’s franchisee with just £612 to his name, growing to 26 restaurants across the West Midlands.

Doug opens up about:

• The Kids Village project – a UK-first respite holiday village for seriously ill children and their families – and how they’ve just raised £5.3m, opening three years ahead of schedule.

• Why his two non-negotiables are “honest and hardworking”, and how “why wouldn’t we?” became the heart of his culture.

• What he’s learned from mentoring hundreds of business owners, his time as High Sheriff of the West Midlands, and why he believes sport and food are the international languages of connection.

• The advice he’d give to 16-year-old Doug after that first shift cleaning toilets: “Well done fella – keep going, be yourself, and don’t do it alone.”

If you care about people-first leadership, community impact and staying positive in the hardest moments, this one will stay with you.

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Key Takeaways

• Resilience isn’t theory – it’s lived: Doug broke his neck at 20 and was told he might never walk again. That moment became his lightbulb: if I get through this, I’ll use my life as a force for good.

• Someone believing in you can change everything: McDonald’s gave him a chance when he was “pretty much unemployable”. That belief is now the core of how he hires, leads, and mentors.

• From 93p an hour to 26 restaurants: With just £612 and one bank willing to back him, Doug built a multi-restaurant franchise, employing 66,000 people over 44 years.

• Two H’s and two promises: If you bring Honest and Hardworking, Doug promises you’ll be made to feel valued and special.

• Why wouldn’t we? Instead of shutting people out because they don’t fit a rigid corporate rulebook, Doug’s default is to ask “Why wouldn’t we?” – especially around flexible work and opportunity.

• Retention > recruitment: Hospitality has huge staff turnover. Doug flipped the model – investing heavily in retention, development and trust instead of endlessly chasing new hires.

• Articulate the WHY before you shake the bucket: In charity work (Ronald McDonald House, Kids Village), Doug doesn’t start with asking for money. He starts with a compelling why, builds love for the cause, then shows clear impact.

• Third-party advocacy beats self-promotion: Let the people you serve tell the story – families, children, and community voices are more powerful than any CEO speech.

• Sport and food as international languages: Sport (and a good meal) can bring people together across cultures, languages and divides – especially in an “angry world”.

• Advice to young people (and 16-year-old Doug): Be yourself, be proud of what you’re doing, protect your mental health, step away from social media, and don’t try to do life alone.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Doug Wright's Journey

01:17 The Kids Village Initiative

05:48 Early Life and Career Beginnings

12:17 Overcoming Adversity: The Accident

15:20 Recovery and Ambitions

17:09 Becoming a McDonald's Franchisee

18:51 Building a Business and Non-Negotiables

19:43 Transforming Workplace Culture

23:43 The Journey of Growth and Community Engagement

26:55 Mentorship and Empowering the Next Generation

31:43 Charitable Work and Community Impact

36:26 The Power of Sport in Uniting Communities

40:17 Reflections on Retirement and Future Aspirations

Summary

In this uplifting and deeply honest conversation, Becca Horley shares the journey behind her award-winning legal career and the personal transformation that shaped it. From feeling “stuck” and disconnected to redefining her identity through fitness, fashion, boundaries and self-respect, Becca opens up about what it really takes to build a happier, more confident life.

She talks vision boards, daily habits, confidence vs. comparison, being first-gen in law, resilience through loneliness, and how young talent can thrive in today’s workplace. This episode is packed with energy, vulnerability, and practical mindset shifts you can use immediately.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up more boldly in the world - or how to help the next generation flourish - this one is for you.

Key Takeaways

Create who you want to become.

Becca literally wrote a list of what a “happy, successful woman” looked like - then started behaving like her before she felt like her.

Small habits change everything.

Daily movement, ironing your clothes, cooking fresh food, better sleep - “tiny promises kept to yourself” build deep self-respect.

Authenticity is a strength, not a risk.

Fashion, colour, self-expression - the freedom to show up as yourself makes you better at work and life.

Boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re essential.

Saying “no” protects your energy and stops you letting yourself down in the name of pleasing others.

Confidence grows in quiet places.

Becca shares the power (and cost) of doing the work alone - and how connection, movement, and purpose help battle loneliness.

Keywords

Confidence. Boundaries. Self-growth. Habits. Personal branding. Authenticity. Legal career. Young professionals. Mentoring. Resilience. Wellbeing. Vision boards. LinkedIn. Burnout prevention. Self-care. Purpose. Career development.

Chapters

00:00 — Opening Quote: The List That Started It All

00:30 — Setting Up the Conversation

01:00 — Who Is Becca Horley? A Vibrant LinkedIn Voice

02:00 — The Real Story Behind the Awards

03:00 — Feeling Stuck & Starting Again

04:30 — How Fitness Became a Turning Point

06:00 — Building Confidence Through Tiny Daily Habits

07:30 — The Vision Board Ritual & Manifesting Change

09:30 — Why Fashion Is Becca’s Form of Self-Expression

11:30 — Standing Out vs. Fitting In

13:00 — Finding Yourself Again After Low Moments

15:00 — Crafting Boundaries & Saying No With Confidence

17:30 — The Power of Self-Promises & Routine

19:00 — Why Law? And Why Birmingham?

22:00 — The Value of University & Becoming Independent

24:30 — Building Confidence in the Next Generation

27:00 — The Painful Reality of Not Having a Mentor

30:00 — Persistence: Hundreds of Emails Before a Yes

32:00 — Fletcher's Group & The Importance of Community

34:00 — What Becca Actually Finds Tough

36:00 — Dealing With Loneliness & Recharging

38:00 — Podcasts, Mindset, and Feeling Better Daily

40:00 — Public Speaking, New Challenges & What’s Next

42:00 — The Importance of Being Proud Out Loud

45:00 — Advice for Employers: Don’t Cap Young People’s Ambition

47:00 — Final Reflections & Closing

In this episode, two young entrepreneurs, Rhiannon Fry and Abbi Evans, share their journeys of building businesses in their teens.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the role of education in preparing for real-world experiences.

The conversation also touches on the influence of family and mentors, the significance of social media in modern business, and the value of taking risks and pursuing passions.

Bring it on.

entrepreneurship, resilience, social media, education, young founders, business challenges, mentorship, risk-taking, personal growth, modern business

• Building a business at any age requires courage and creativity.
• Resilience is key to overcoming daily challenges in entrepreneurship.
• Education often lacks practical life skills needed for business.
• Social media is a powerful tool for modern businesses.
• Taking risks can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
• Mentorship and family support are crucial for young entrepreneurs.
• Balancing sports and business can be challenging but rewarding.
• Networking and real-world experiences are invaluable for growth.
• Young entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives and tech-savviness.
• Pursuing passions can lead to fulfilling and successful careers.

Building a business in your 20s requires courage.

Resilience is key to overcoming challenges.

Education lacks practical life skills for business.

Social media is a powerful tool for business.

Taking risks leads to personal growth.

Mentorship is crucial for young entrepreneurs.

Balancing sports and business is rewarding.

Networking is invaluable for growth.

Young entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives.

Pursuing passions leads to success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Young Founders' Journeys

03:30 Navigating Business in Your 20s

06:09 The Importance of Life Skills in Education

08:54 Resilience and Motivation in Entrepreneurship

11:09 Finding Your Niche in Business

13:57 Inspiration and Role Models

16:54 Marketing Strategies for Young Entrepreneurs

19:31 Wow Moments and Progress in Business

26:56 Celebrating Small Wins

27:48 The Journey of Continuous Growth

29:21 Dream Clients and Projects

32:41 The Importance of Networking

35:18 Advice for the Next Generation

38:22 Parenting in a Digital Age

40:54 Reflections on Personal Growth

44:38 The Role of Screen Time Limits

48:47 Overcoming Procrastination