Season 3, Episode 3: Trailblazer (with guest Lynsey Donoghue)

How would someone sum you up in one sentence? What words would they use to describe your attitude, who you are and how they know you? When Lynsey Donoghue was introduced to Dahlia the sentence that was used to describe her was 'She's up for life.' Dahlia explained that she immediately knew she needed to meet Lynsey and her her story, hearing those four words and envisioning positive mental attitude, energy, passion and strength. On meeting Lynsey and through recording the podcast Dahlia discovered that Lynsey is well and truly up for life. In addition to being a firefighter, Lynsey shares an inspiring story about her journey to being a finalist on BBC SAS Ultimate Hell. Lynsey shares how being a parent was part of the motivation that got her through the challenges in the show. She discusses how her need to overcome personal challenges and increase her resilience has shaped who she is today. Lynsey also discusses the reality of having multiple identities at one time balancing being a firefighter and being mum - and needing to wear several hats. The conversation includes the work she has done to champion job sharing within the fire service after having her third child, paving the way for more opportunities for people to work flexibly in firefighter roles. Listen to the conversation to hear how uniform creates equity within the Fire Station and across a team, how Lynsey survived the Ultimate SAS challenge in army gear in South Africa in 39 degree heat and the work she has done to bring flexible working to the West Yorkshire Fire Service. Topics in this episode include: firefighting firefighter strength resilience empowerment teams teamwork relationships clothes uniform job sharing flexible working diversity diversity and inclusion