Episode 1 - ”I got disco leg.” A conversation with Sarah Furness, Combat Helicopter Pilot, Keynote Speaker and Mindfullness Coach

In this opening episode of Series 2, Sophy talks to former combat helicopter pilot, mindfulness coach, keynote speaker and Dangerous Women par excellence Sarah Furness. Sarah has unique perspective on what being dangerous means to her, and shares stories from her life to bring this to life. The wide-ranging, no-limits conversation covers: The power of being dangerous, and what brave looks like. The importance of language when discussing gender, and inclusivity. If it’s uncomfortable you are probably having the right conversations. Inclusivity targets, are they good or bad? Our role in influencing change and the personal responsibility we all need to take when it comes to gender bias. The importance of mentorship and allyship. The patriarchy is a male and a female thing. Why we should lean into our discomfort, and how it can be transformative. Emotions are just feelings, even when they are difficult, they don’t control us. Dealing with the fear of rejection, and the need for trust to have the conversations that matter. About Sarah Furness After graduating from Cambridge University, Sarah followed her dream to become a combat helicopter pilot in the RAF. As a Squadron Leader she led on operational combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and she was the first female helicopter pilot to fly and lead UK Special Forces missions in Iraq. She has a proven track record leading teams to victory in the most extreme conditions. A qualified mindfulness coach and human factors facilitator Sarah combines her military expertise with proven cognitive techniques to expertly guide individuals on their own journeys of discovery. She is fluent in “alpha male” and whilst she takes her work seriously, she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She has a young son who she adores and who keeps her on her A-game. Sarah has published two books FLY HIGHER and THE UNI-TASKING REVOLUTION. Links Website https://sarahfurness.com/ LinkedIn Sophy Norris | Sarah Furness Sponsor SelbeyAnderson Items referenced in this episode The Authority Gap: Why women are still taken less seriously than men, and what we can do about it. Mary-Anne Sieghart. (Published by Penguin) Fly Higher: Train your mind to feel as serious as you look. Sarah Furness. (Published by Rethink Press) The Uni-tasking Revolution: Focus on what really matters, get stuff done, waste less time. Sarah Furness (Published by Rethink Press).