Identity First

In one of the most profound episodes of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet speaks with Jack Briggs, co-author of Jack and Zena: A True Story, about love, survival and the lifelong impact of forced marriage and honour-based abuse. What began as a young relationship in 1992 quickly escalated into credible death threats, police involvement and a life spent in hiding. Jack and Zena were forced to flee, eventually living under assumed identities for 13 years, moving more than 75 times to escape those determined to find them. At a time when awareness of forced marriage was minimal, systems failed to recognise the severity of the threat, leaving the couple navigating danger with little structured protection. Jack speaks candidly about the trauma that followed — the hypervigilance, breakdown, and diagnosis of complex PTSD — but also about the extraordinary ripple effect of sharing their story. Their book helped inform parliamentary debate, contributed to the development of the UK’s Forced Marriage legislation, and influenced frontline police training across the country. This episode is not only about survival, but about identity under threat: what happens when systems fail, when love defies culture, and when lived experience becomes a catalyst for change. It is a sobering, courageous and ultimately hopeful conversation about conviction, belief and the human capacity to endure.

In this powerful episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by Paralympic table tennis player Martin Perry for an honest and deeply human conversation about resilience, ambition and identity beyond sport. Born with congenital limb loss affecting three limbs, Martin grew up as the youngest of four brothers in a lively, competitive household that helped shape his determination and humour. From early experiences of difference and schoolyard challenges to discovering table tennis as a teenager, Martin shares how sport became both an outlet and a calling. He reflects on the long road to competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — the near-misses, self-doubt and sacrifices required to reach the world stage. With remarkable candour, Martin speaks about losing out on a medal by just two points, the emotional aftermath, and the powerful sportsmanship shown by French supporters in that moment. But this episode goes beyond medals and rankings. Martin explores how becoming a father reshaped his perspective, challenging the idea that we are defined solely by our achievements. While table tennis has been central to his identity, he now sees himself first as a husband and dad — roles that anchor him far more deeply. A moving conversation about drive, vulnerability and redefining success, this episode asks: if the role you play disappeared tomorrow, who would you be?

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet explores the powerful connection between home and identity with John Ford, founder of the John Ford Group. Together, they examine how our homes are far more than bricks and mortar — they are spaces of safety, memory, belonging and self-expression John shares his personal journey into the world of home adaptations, inspired by his mother’s experience with multiple sclerosis and the practical changes his family made to help her live independently. That early experience shaped a business now dedicated to adapting homes for people living with disability, catastrophic injury or age-related mobility challenges The conversation moves from the emotional impact of life-changing diagnoses to the practical realities of widening doorways, installing level-access showers and future-proofing properties. John explains why so many families choose to adapt rather than move, and how thoughtful design can preserve dignity, independence and identity — without making a home feel clinical or institutional They also discuss the growing trend towards “lifetime homes,” proactive adaptations, and how professionals can better support families during emotionally charged transitions. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on what it truly means to feel at home — and how, when life changes, our spaces can change with us.

In this episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by David Lees from Crest IT for a thoughtful conversation about trust, pressure and the invisible systems that quietly hold organisations together Moving beyond the stereotypes of hardware and helpdesks, David shares what good IT really means in sectors such as case management, healthcare and legal services. From cybersecurity and compliance to disaster recovery and AI adoption, Crest’s role is less about technology for its own sake and more about ensuring that systems work reliably in the background—freeing professionals to focus on the people they support. David reflects on the emotional weight behind technical failures, the panic that can arise when systems go down, and the importance of calm communication and proactive planning. He explains how building trust takes time, especially for organisations that may have had difficult experiences with previous providers. Rather than overwhelming clients with jargon or constant change, Crest prioritises steady implementation, transparency and partnership. The conversation also explores the future of AI and automation—not as job replacements, but as tools to remove repetitive tasks and create space for more personalised, human-centred work. Ultimately, this episode asks a powerful question: if your systems disappeared tomorrow, where would the real pressure points lie—and what would reliable technology free you to focus on instead?

In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Andrew Ormerod, a former paramedic and the founder of CPDme, to explore how continuing professional development can be made simpler, more meaningful, and far less daunting. Andrew shares how his years on the frontline, combined with postgraduate research, revealed a common problem across health and care professions: people value CPD, but struggle to record it. Time pressures, complex formats and the fear of “doing it wrong” often lead to procrastination — or the infamous shoebox of certificates. From that research, CPDme was born. Andrew explains how the platform allows professionals to quickly capture learning as it happens, whether through reflection, discussion, supervision or everyday workplace experiences. Designed for mobile use and aligned with regulatory standards, it removes the friction that stops people engaging with their development. The conversation also explores creative approaches to CPD, leadership and management learning, and the thoughtful integration of AI as a supportive — not replacement — tool. Andrew’s core message is simple: don’t overthink CPD. It’s not just a requirement, it’s a personal record of growth, judgement and professional identity. As always, the episode closes with a reflective question: if you looked at your CPD today, what might still be missing?

In this deeply moving episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by Tony Pearson, creator and host of the podcast Fliqer, a platform born from a single moment of hope during his rehabilitation after a life-changing accident in 2022. After suffering a broken neck and being left paralysed from the neck down, Tony was told survival itself was uncertain. What followed was a long, painful and uncertain road to recovery, where the smallest movement in his fingers became a “flicker” of possibility – the spark that would later inspire Fliqer. Tony shares his story with honesty, warmth and resilience, reflecting on how identity is not lost through trauma, but reshaped. Supported by his wife and driven by an unshakable belief in progress, he chose to focus on what remained rather than what was taken away. Through Fliqer, Tony now amplifies stories of people who have rebuilt their lives, faced addiction, homelessness, disability, illness, or profound personal change, showing that growth is possible in every circumstance. This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only physical but emotional and psychological. Tony’s message is simple yet transformative: change begins when you choose to begin. If you look for the flicker moments in your own life, you may discover hope where you least expect it.

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet is joined by claimant solicitor James Tomlinson for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens inside a serious injury claim. James shares his experience supporting clients with life-changing injuries – from brain and spinal trauma to complex poly-trauma – and explains how legal, medical and rehabilitation processes intersect long before a case reaches settlement. Together they unpack questions many case managers and clinicians quietly hold: how to choose the right solicitor, how claims are actually valued, why future care and accommodation often outweigh compensation for the injury itself, and how funding and evidence evolve over time. The conversation also tackles one of the most sensitive topics in the claimant journey – surveillance – exploring why it is used, how it can affect a case, and why language, record-keeping and context matter so deeply in clinical reports. Throughout, James returns to a central theme: trust. He argues that genuine collaboration between solicitors, case managers, therapists and insurers is not idealistic, but essential to achieving meaningful outcomes for injured clients. A thoughtful, practical episode for anyone working in rehabilitation, case management or legal support – and for anyone curious about how care, law and identity meet in real life.

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet is joined again by occupational therapist and transactional analysis practitioner Lisa Poole to explore why caring roles can be so emotionally demanding and why “switching off” from work is often harder than we expect. They discuss how professional identity, personal values, and ingrained drivers such as “be perfect” or “please others” can blur the boundaries between work and home, leaving carers feeling drained, or sometimes unexpectedly energised. Lisa introduces the importance of rituals and transition points, especially in a world where many people now work from home. Simple actions like changing clothes, wearing shoes for work, or physically stepping outside can help signal a shift between roles and support emotional wellbeing. The conversation also explores burnout, reframing it not as personal failure but as a signal that contracts, expectations, and resources may need renegotiation. Through the lens of transactional analysis, Lisa explains how energy is influenced by patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and how tools such as completion lists, reflective supervision, and clear professional boundaries can protect against depletion. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on the importance of “strokes” – positive recognition and affirmation – encouraging listeners to seek, give, and offer these to themselves as a vital, renewable source of emotional nourishment.

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet is joined by occupational therapist and transactional analysis practitioner Lisa Poole for a thoughtful exploration of identity, communication, and change. Drawing on her experience across health, social care, education and organisational settings, Lisa introduces transactional analysis as a practical framework for understanding how we relate to ourselves and others. The conversation explores how identity is shaped across a lifetime, particularly through significant transitions such as illness, trauma or life-changing injury. Lisa explains the core transactional analysis model — the parent, adult and child ego states — and how our past experiences can subtly influence present-day reactions, behaviours and communication. With clarity and warmth, she shows how greater self-awareness can help professionals navigate difficult conversations, avoid unhelpful patterns such as “rescuing,” and remain grounded in the here and now. The episode also tackles sensitive and real-world scenarios, including supporting people through grief, identity shifts, mental health challenges and disclosures around gender identity. Throughout, Lisa offers practical insights, reflective questions and compassionate guidance that are relevant not only to case managers and clinicians, but to anyone interested in human connection. At its heart, this episode invites listeners to reflect on identity as a lifelong, evolving conversation — and to consider what it might mean to see ourselves, and others, as “perfect, whole and complete.”

In this episode of Identity First, Megan and Stephanie sit down with Andrew Jenkins — known to many from BBC’s The Traitors, but whose real story goes far deeper. At 21, Andrew’s life was rewritten in an instant following a catastrophic road traffic accident that left him with life-changing injuries, a long recovery, and an even longer battle with identity, self-worth and unspoken trauma. Andrew opens up about the physical and emotional fallout of the crash — the coma, the surgeries, the isolation, and decades of silently “wearing the mask” expected of a young Welsh rugby lad raised in a stoic, old-school environment. He speaks with powerful honesty about grief for the life he lost, the slow journey toward acceptance, reconnecting with family, and how therapy finally reshaped his understanding of himself. We also explore how The Traitors unexpectedly became a platform for Andrew to share his message, why vulnerability is strength rather than weakness, and how he now champions resilience, emotional honesty, and healthier role models for young men. It’s a raw, inspiring conversation about rebuilding identity, breaking generational patterns, and choosing who you become after everything changes.

In this powerful episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet speaks with solicitor Tracy Norris-Evans, a leading practitioner in catastrophic injury law whose work places her at the heart of some of the most life-altering moments individuals and families can face. Tracy shares how her early love of medicine led her into a legal career that bridges clinical understanding with deep, long-term client relationships—often spanning decades. Throughout the conversation, Tracy offers a rare insight into how identity shifts after catastrophic injury—not only for the injured person, but for whole families navigating trauma, litigation, medical assessments, and the lifelong impact of life-changing conditions. She explores the dual roles she often occupies: first as a litigator fighting for clients, and later as a professional deputy or trustee tasked with safeguarding their financial futures. Tracy discusses how families must repeatedly revisit painful details through expert assessments, the emotional toll on litigation friends, the complexity of navigating cultural and religious needs, and the profound “ripple effect” of brain injury highlighted through her work with the Head Together conference. Thoughtful, compassionate and insightful, this episode shines a light on identity as something dynamic, fragile and deeply human—and asks what it means to preserve hope through the most challenging journeys.

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet speaks with Teresa Clarke, whose life changed forever in 2006 when she fell asleep at the wheel while driving friends home from a festival. The crash killed three of her passengers, injured two others, and left Teresa seriously hurt. Convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, she later served time in prison. Before the accident, Teresa was a 27-year-old artist and designer struggling with direction and her sexuality. Afterward, she faced the unbearable weight of guilt, grief, and physical recovery — an “existential crisis” that stripped away everything she thought she knew about herself. Yet through the love and support of family and friends, she slowly rebuilt her life. Teresa describes making a private vow to live her life in honour of those who died, which became her anchor through the darkest years. Seventeen years on, she now works in mental health and wellbeing, helping others find meaning through trauma. She reflects that identity is not fixed but continually reshaped by what we choose next. True happiness, she says, lies in inner peace and purpose, not external validation. Her story is one of profound accountability, transformation, and enduring hope.

In the debut episode of the "Identity First" podcast, host Stephanie Fleet interviews Teresa Shaw, a director at CMS UK, about the significance of identity in case management. The podcast's title was inspired by a recent CMS UK conference that centered on personal and professional identity. Teresa explains that the conference's theme addresses the changing identities of both case managers and their clients. As case management evolves into a registered profession, professionals from diverse backgrounds like nursing and social work are forming a new, unified identity. This shift allows case managers to move from the constraints of corporate environments like the NHS to a more bespoke, individualized approach. The discussion also focuses on clients who undergo a change in identity following a traumatic event. The speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing the fluidity of identity for both professionals and clients. They highlight the dangers of unconscious bias and "throwaway comments" from medical professionals, which can negatively impact a client's recovery and sense of self. Teresa shares a personal anecdote of being misdiagnosed because of a nurse's unconscious bias against her as a fellow nurse. The conversation concludes with the idea that while identity changes can be difficult, they can also be embraced as positive opportunities.