Build Your Purpose Podcast with Tom Hicks

Episode 25 kicks off with someone I’ve known and respected for a long time, Fraser Goatcher, now Director of Women’s Rugby at Leicester Tigers. Fraser and I first worked together through the Sussex rugby county programmes, so it’s been brilliant to watch his journey from the grassroots game through to the elite level.In this episode, we reflect on that journey, the experiences that shaped him as a coach and leader, and the work he’s doing now within one of the biggest women’s rugby programmes in the country. It’s been great seeing him go from strength to strength over the years, and this conversation gives a real insight into the passion, hard work and people-first approach that have helped him get there.

Jo Bradshaw is a mountaineer who has climbed the seven summits, including Everest, and supports mental health charities. What does it really take to climb the world’s highest peaks—and more importantly, to build a life that actually feels meaningful?In this episode, we sit down with Jo Bradshaw—one of the few people on Earth to complete the legendary Seven Summits, including Mount Everest—to uncover the deeper lessons behind her extraordinary journey.But this isn’t just a story about mountains.It’s about redefining success.Jo shares how chasing summits led her to a much bigger purpose: supporting mental health through charities like Place2Be, and why she believes happiness—not achievement—is the real measure of success.You’ll learn:Why focusing on the journey—not the destination—changes everythingHow resilience is built (and why you don’t need a mountain to develop it)What it truly means to find your personal summitHow purpose and happiness fuel long-term successIf you’re chasing big goals, feeling stuck, or questioning what success really looks like—this conversation will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking differently.Standout moments:“Happiness is success, whatever that looks like.”“Live in the moment to reach your goals.”“Supporting mental health charities is my purpose.”This is more than an interview—it’s a mindset shift.Listen now and start climbing your own Everest.

Sean Conway is an record setting endurance adventurer, author and speaker known for taking on long, demanding challenges and seeing them through with consistency and determination. From completing a self-supported triathlon the length of Great Britain to cycling around the world and completing 105 full Ironman distance triathlons in 105 days, Sean's CV of accomplishments is nothing short of outstanding.In this episode of Build Your Purpose, Sean shares the route that led him here. We talk about the decisions that changed his direction, setbacks he has faced along the way, and what success has come to mean for him over time. We also explore Sean’s motivations and what continues to drive him, alongside his approach to goals and everyday life. He speaks honestly about discipline, managing self-doubt, and the value of doing the basics well. It is a grounded conversation that offers a clear reminder that building purpose often comes from taking action, staying consistent and committing to the process.

This week we’re joined by former England rugby union player turned performance coach, Andy Long.From representing clubs like Bath, Newcastle Falcons, and Northampton Saints, to earning 2 England caps between 1997–2001, Andy’s journey through elite sport has shaped the powerful mindset he now shares with others.After his playing career, Andy went on to become Director of Rugby at Bishop’s Stortford RFC, and today helps people unlock resilience, achieve peak performance, and improve overall wellbeing.But what really sets this episode apart is Andy’s incredible work as Patron of Challenging MND, a charity dedicated to improving quality of life and creating meaningful memories for those living with motor neurone disease.Last year, he pushed a wheelchair alongside Alex Gibson in the London Marathon. And now… he’s taking on the brutal Marathon des Sables, aiming to raise £70k for this life-changing cause.Let’s get behind Andy and this incredible mission 🙌To donate visit: https://givestar.io/gs/andy-long--marathon-de-sables-2026To run along with Andy on the MdS - https://challengingmnd.enthuse.com/cf/marathon-de-sables-63d09Go listen to his full story on the latest episode of Build Your Purpose now 🎧@challengingmnd @andy_long_impact2 @therippleeffect.london

Darren Edwards is a world leading adaptive adventurer. After a climbing accident at 26 years old left him unable to walk he has gone on to achieve some incredible things.From recovery he went on to complete a record breaking kayaking expedition across the length of the UK as well as numerous other challenges including a world record attempt on the South Pole Darren is also a speaker and author who is on a mission to get you to Redefine Your ImpossibleThis conversation left me with so many great lessons, including:To continue to have the confidence to take big risksAnd not to be afraid of failure and take on challenges some might say are too bigIf you are inspired by Darren's story, be sure to follow him : @darrenedwards_adventurerAnd, like and subscribe and - if you can! - leave a 5 star reviewAll the best, Tom

Karl Hinett is a former British soldier, turned endurance athlete whose life was transformed after sustaining burns to 37% of his body in an explosion while serving in Iraq. Refusing to be defined by injury, he rebuilt himself through sport and adventure, climbing Manaslu, getting to the Lhotse Face on Everest, completing ultra-marathons, and raising significant funds for charity. Karl is now a motivational speaker and ambassador for veteran causes, inspiring others through his honesty about recovery, resilience, and purpose. He also tested his limits on Channel 4’s Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survivor, proving once again how resilient he is.This conversation was incredibly enjoyable, I loved the opportunity to speak with and, importantly, learn from Karl. His outlook on life is one that is different to most. He wants to live life to the fullest, enjoy the journey and be a role model for his family as well as to others. If you are as inspired by Karl as I am, make sure to follow him:@karl.hinettAs well as look out for his upcoming challenge, 22 ascents of Pen Y Fan over the Easter weekend.Thank you to Karl, for your time and your openness. This one is powerful.I hope you enjoy,T

Sam Cox is a former Royal Marine turned Polar adventurer. In 2023 he attempted a record breaking 2,000km journey unsupported and solo in Antarctica and is gearing up for his next epic challenge. Sam's journey from military service to empowering others to explore their own possible is one that has a huge amount of lessons for all of us. As a father he has insight into what it takes to balance big ambitions with family life as well as the intricate process needed to achieve your goals. I can't thank Sam enough for his time and his expertise, if you are keen to follow Sam's journey in his next Antarctic expedition or to join him in Sweden for an adventure of your ownMake sure to go to: www.poletopole.comor follow @samcoxhqor @poletopolehq

Dr Raj Joshi is an expedition leader, Dr, adventurer and all round inspirational human!He has led expeditions on all 7 summits, including the Big Red Nose Climb on Kilimanjaro, raising £3.3Million He also led David Beckham deep into the Amazon as well as serving as the medical expert on Channel 4's SAS Who Dares WinsOutside of this, Raj is the founder of the Adventure Boutique where he designs bespoke adventures and expeditions for a range of clientsRaj has an incredible approach to life and purpose and really shaped my own outlook on lifeRaj talks about the importance of happiness and taking an interest in peopleThe ability we all have to build resilience in our day to day lives and the importance of doing just thisThis conversation was a real pleasure to have and I can't thank Raj enough for taking time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me A special thank you to the team at Christopher Ward too for accommodating us in their new showroom in London. To find out more about Raj follow him at:- @raj.joshi.expedition- @theadventureboutiqueOr visit theadventureboutique.org

Griffin Mims is a cinematographer and photographer working for world renowned expedition organiser, AlpenglowIn 2025 he achieved a goal he was working towards for over a decade, summiting Mt EverestIn doing so it culminated years of purposeful livingGriffin first encountered the mountains as a child and knew then and there it was somewhere he wanted to beHe joined the climbing club at College and moved to Tahoe, demonstrating not only that he knew his purpose but that he was willing to sacrifice time and energy to pursue itGriffin is a very special person, he has incredible energy and passion and he speaks so well about embracing life and getting after your dreamsThis episode will give you a huge amount of lessons on purpose, adventure and having a positive mindset - and if you leave it with one thing... it'll be to "F*****g get after it! Ep 17 with Griffin Mims: King of the MountainEnjoy!!

Ollie Hoskins is a former international rugby player. Representing the Western Force, London Irish, Saracens and Australia Since retiring he is now working with business and people to implement his expertise in sharpening mental skills towards performance We dove into the experience he had losing his job when London Irish went bankrupt The elation of being picked for his country And the trials of moving clubs and feeling like he was starting over again to get selected I can’t thank Ollie enough for his time, energy and passion This episode will not only leave you inspired but will also give you tangible lessons on how to have a more advanced mindset for success If you like this episode, please like and subscribe and also give me a follow on @buildyourpurposepod Cheers Tom

Oksana is a Professor of Law at Lviv State Universityof International Affairs who has also founded a deeply impactful NGO; the Foundation of Institutional Development. Oksana’s work confronts one of the greatest threats to democracy; corruption We explore how one does this during war time.In addition to this Oksana is also a mother and works to support her friends, family and colleagues during continued troubles and violence in Ukraine This conversation will, no doubt, leave you wanting to help in any way you can. And so, if you’re inspired please follow Oksana Bronevytska and reach out as there are ways each and everyone of us can support those in Ukraine .

Mark O’Donoghue is a dedicated police officer whose mission has extended far beyond the streets of his own community. Mark shares his journey from frontline policing to work supporting police and civilians in war-torn Ukraine.We dive into his efforts to deliver essential gear, provide English-language education, and build connections with Ukrainian communities under siege. Mark recounts his visits to Ukraine, the sobering reality of life in a war zone, and the resilience of the people he’s met along the way.This conversation is a testament to purpose in action — where service, courage, and compassion intersect on the global stage.

Adam Bastock is a sustainability-focused entrepreneur and the founder of Small 99, a company on a mission to help small businesses become more environmentally sustainable without the overwhelm. In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges entrepreneurs are facing in 2025—from economic uncertainty to digital burnout—and how Adam navigates them with resilience and clarity. He shares the mindset shifts, practical strategies, and long-term vision that keep him grounded as he works to empower business owners to take meaningful climate action. Whether you’re an aspiring changemaker or a seasoned entrepreneur, this conversation offers insight into leading with purpose in a world that’s constantly evolving.Learn more at: www.small99.co.uk

Episode 12 – Building Resilience & Vision with James Frost of Flaming PhoenixIn this episode of Build Your Purpose, we sit down with James Frost, founder of Flaming Phoenix, to dive into the journey of entrepreneurship from a fresh, young perspective. James shares his insights on the importance of goal setting, prioritizing health and well-being as a young entrepreneur, and what it really takes to launch your own business from the ground up. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to realign your vision, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real talk on balancing ambition with self-care.Check out Flaming Phoenix and learn more at: https://flamingphoenix.co.uk

Alex isn’t just a speaker or author — she’s the pirate co-captain behind the global movement Be More Pirate — helping rebels, rule-breakers, and changemakers rewrite the rules and reclaim their power.In this episode, we dive deep into: • What it really means to be a modern-day pirate • How to challenge the status quo with purpose • Why small acts of rebellion can drive big changeThis one’s raw, real, and ridiculously inspiring.Tune in Wednesday April 9th — and let’s raise the black flag together.hashtag#BuildYourPurpose hashtag#BeMorePirate hashtag#AlexBarker hashtag#PurposeDriven hashtag#RuleBreakersWelcome hashtag#NewEpisode hashtag#PodcastDrop hashtag#BeBoldBeBrave

I sit down with Julia Davies—impact investor, philanthropist, and founder of We Have The POWER. After selling her business, she didn’t just retire—she put her money where her values are, funding businesses tackling the climate crisis and driving the circular economy.Julia isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. As a Patriotic Millionaire UK member, she’s calling for fairer wealth taxation. She breaks down what makes a purpose-driven company, how businesses can be both sustainable and profitable, and whether the private sector is really stepping up.Julia’s firsthand experiences—climbing Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua and observing mountain gorillas in Uganda—have deepened her understanding of eco-tourism and its role in protecting the world’s most precious natural landscapes.This one’s full of hard truths, bold ideas, and real action. Hit play and let’s build your purpose! 🎧🔥To Find out more about Julia's work visit: Tir Nature - https://www.tirnatur.cymru/Dorset Wildlife Trust https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/The Wildlife Trusts https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/Revolution Zero https://www.revolution-zero.com/By Way https://www.byway.travel/Patriotic Millionaires UK https://patrioticmillionaires.uk/Right to Roam https://www.righttoroam.org.uk/Reaction Collective https://re-action-collective.org/Energise Barnsley https://energisebarnsley.co.uk/

🎙️ Conquering Fear & Chasing Big Goals with Rebecca StephensIn this episode of Build Your Purpose, we sit down with Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to summit Everest 🏔️ and a powerhouse in leadership, adventure, and philanthropy.Rebecca shares her insights on:✅ Building confidence to chase audacious goals 🚀✅ Lessons from expeditions that apply to the corporate world 💼✅ The power of purpose-driven philanthropy 💙✅ Staying motivated and pushing personal limits 🔥From the mountains to the boardroom, Rebecca’s journey is packed with wisdom on resilience, self-progression, and leadership. If you’re looking for inspiration to take your ambitions to new heights—literally or metaphorically—this conversation is for you.🎧 Tune in and get ready to redefine what’s possible! 💪

Rachel Savage is a former editor of The Big Issue turned entrepreneur who is transforming how brands craft their stories. Rachel shares her journey from the world of publishing to launching her own business, where she’s on a mission to empower women and rewrite the rules of storytelling in the business world. Together, we explore: The challenges and triumphs of women in business. How strategy—whether for battle or business—can be a game-changer. The power of authentic storytelling in building a brand with purpose. This conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to level up their business or personal brand. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that will leave you rethinking the way you approach strategy and storytelling.

🌊 Ever wonder what it takes to conquer the vast Atlantic—and life’s greatest challenges? In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Rosalind Chaston and Andy Hodgson A.K.A the Ocean Escapades Team, who share their incredible journey of purpose, perseverance, and pushing past limits. 🎯 From embracing curiosity to cultivating a growth mindset, this conversation dives deep into how navigating obstacles and learning from failure can lead to success, both on the ocean and in life. 🚀 Whether you're chasing a dream, redefining your purpose, or just curious about what it takes to thrive under pressure, this episode is packed with insights and stories that will leave you motivated to take on your next adventure. 🌟 Tune in for a fresh perspective on resilience, teamwork, and what it really means to grow through the storms. 🎧 Ready to be inspired? Hit play now!

Nick Hunt is a business-leader with over 15 year’s experience with a FTSE 100 company. Throughout this time he has implemented purposeful and progressive strategies that galvanise both people and organisations. Through his experiences both as a consultant and entrepreneur Nick has worked with countless partners, all of which are benefiting from his passion, expertise and, of course, purpose. We sat down at his Cotswold Lakes Bew Co. Offices and explored topics such as: -If capitalism and environmentalism can cooperate-How to implement purpose into your business-Why scheduling time for yourself and your family is just as important as the next meetingAnd-How placing purpose in the heart of your journey leads to success A huge thanks to Nick for his time, energy and passion. To find out more about Nick, look him up on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe!

Tom Clowes is one half of the first British brothers to summit Everest together. He's an adventurer, entrepreneur and international speaker whose journey into finding his purpose is fascinating. Along the way Tom talks about how his purpose has shifted from summiting some of the world's most impressive peaks to now focussing on his family. From climbing trees, to summiting Everest and leading expeditions to South America in para-motors to entrepreneurialism; Tom's journey is one we can all learn from. If you enjoy this episode, like and subscribe to ensure you're up to date with all of the BYP episodes.

Kenton Cool is one of the world’s leading mountain guides, with 18 summits of Everest to his name as well as 6 of the other 7 Summits. Kenton's journey into the high mountains shows us how to live a life of purpose and, importantly, fun! Through this conversation you'll learn: How to be more Sherpa Why you shouldn't let what you perceive others think of you shape who you are and why confidence and adaptability are crucial to a successful and purposeful life If you want to find out more about Kenton, visit kentoncool.com or follow him @Kentoncool

This week, we're thrilled to welcome an extraordinary guest who truly embodies adventure, resilience, and purpose. Meet Holly Budge, named Woman of the Year in 2023, and an inspiration to thousands around the world. As an Everest summiter and the first woman to skydive Mount Everest, Holly has pushed the boundaries of what's possible. She has also conquered a grueling 1,000 km expedition across Mongolia, proving her strength and determination.Beyond her adventurous feats, Holly is a dedicated wildlife conservationist and the founder of the impactful NGO How Many Elephants, which raises awareness and funds to combat elephant poaching in Africa. She is also the visionary behind World Female Ranger Week, an internationally recognized event that shines a light on the courageous work of female wildlife rangers protecting endangered species.In this episode, we dive deep into Holly’s incredible journey from scaling the world's highest peaks to making a significant impact in wildlife conservation. Discover what drives her fearless spirit, learn about her adventures, and be inspired by her commitment to saving our planet's wildlife. This is an episode packed with inspiration, adventure, and a call to action—don’t miss it!Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Lucy is a conservationist, entrepreneur and innovator who is rewriting how businesses interact with charities. After leaving a successful career in the city to pursue her purpose of creating Bare Kind, Lucy has continued her journey into self-development, leadership and sustainable business practices. We spoke about how the people around you are key to your success and what it takes to take that leap into your purpose. Remember to like and subscribe to the channel and listen on all other podcast platforms too! Let's Build Your Purpose...

Neil Laughton is a record breaking adventurer with achievements such as the Explorers Grand Slam, he is a former SAS Officer and award winning entrepreneur and businessman. Neil's story will instill in you the confidence that you really can achieve your purpose and overcome any challenges. Don't forget to like and subscribe as well as follow the pod @buildyourpurposepod and find out more at Tom Hicks Adventurer But for now, please join me in welcoming Neil Laughton to the Build Your Purpose Podcast.