Ten Mentors Tuesday

Why do people stay silent when they know something is wrong? Why do workplaces, institutions and even ordinary people sometimes protect powerful people instead of confronting harmful behaviour?In this episode, Dan explores sexual harassment, silence, status, reputation and what he calls “The Golden Egg Syndrome”, the human tendency to protect people who bring money, influence, success or attention, even when serious concerns surround them.From workplaces and offices to celebrity culture and public scandals, this is a deep conversation about power, accountability, fear, human psychology and the uncomfortable reasons people often look the other way. Most importantly, how do we recognise these patterns in our own lives and what should we actually do when we see them happening around us?

Some people are not better — they were better guided. In this episode, we explore why growth is often shaped by environment, support, confidence, and opportunity more than talent alone, and what to do if you had to learn the hard way.

Why constantly consuming self-help advice, podcasts and people telling you to change this and fix that can actually keep you stuck. In this episode Dan looks at how the hamster wheel of constant reinvention affects your career and confidence, and why mastering one craft over time beats always starting over.

Most people believe they think for themselves. But if you look closely, much of what we believe, say, and do is shaped by the world around us — expectations, trends, and the need to fit in.In this episode, we unpack and do a deep dive on Emersons Essay on Self-Reliance and why its message still feels uncomfortable today. Emerson challenges the idea of conformity and pushes a simple but difficult question: are you actually living by your own thoughts, or just repeating what you’ve been told?We share our honest take on where self-reliance still holds up, where it feels difficult in modern life, and what it really means to trust yourself in a world full of noise.If you’ve ever felt pulled in different directions or unsure which voice to follow, this one is worth a listen.

Adult friendships don’t always last the way we expect them to. People come into your life, and then slowly move out of it. Some you lose touch with. Some you barely hear from anymore. And some disappear completely.And if you think about it too much, it can really get to you. You start wondering if you did something wrong. Why it faded. Why you didn’t stay in touch.In this episode, I share a different way of looking at it.“I came across this poem called The Train of Life… and it changed how I see friendships completely…” Instead of one “train of life,” I see friendships more like a railway network. Different lines, different directions. Some people stay on your train for years. Others are only there for a short part of the journey. And sometimes, you’re the one who gets off.This is about understanding that change doesn’t mean failure.It means movement. And maybe the goal isn’t to hold onto everyone. Maybe it’s to travel and experience well. And if you're interesting check out our mission and story at https://tenmentors.com/mentoring-mission/

Watching an orchestra perform Spring 1 by Max Richter changed the way I think about cooperation. Dozens of musicians, different ages, different backgrounds, each playing a different part, yet together creating something extraordinary. In this episode we explore what that moment reveals about society, leadership, teams, and why harmony appears when people stop trying to dominate and start listening to one another. Sometimes the most powerful lessons are not found in books or theories but in moments we can see and hear for ourselves.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLDvbnK_SqkCheck out our mission on https://tenmentors.com/

After years of chasing productivity — hour-long workouts, endless task lists, and constant pressure — Dan realised something surprising: more effort wasn’t creating better results. In this episode he shares the system that replaced burnout with consistency — 25-minute workouts and two meaningful tasks per day. The result? More progress, less stress, and the freedom to actually enjoy life while still moving forward.

We’re told that happiness lives at the top. The promotion. The book deal. The medal. The number in the bank account. The moment you can finally say, “I’ve made it.”But what if that’s a myth?In this episode, Dan explores why our biggest victories often feel strangely empty not long after we achieve them. From publishing a book and expecting a permanent internal shift, to watching Olympic athletes return to normal life just days after standing on the podium, this is a conversation about why “arrival” doesn’t deliver what we think it will.We talk about social comparison, invisible debt behind visible success, the pressure of curated lives online, and the quiet trap of delaying happiness until everything lines up perfectly.And most importantly — what replaces that mindset.Because maybe happiness isn’t about reaching a summit.Maybe it’s about evolving, deliberately and consistently, year after year.Borrow what helps and leave the rest.

Most people don’t quit because they chose the wrong path.They quit because nobody told them how long the path actually is.In this episode of Ten Mentors Tuesday, Dan breaks down why progress feels like failure in the early years — and why the slow middle is not a warning sign, it’s the price of entry.Using Formula One as a real-world example, we look at the hidden timeline behind mastery: years of repetition, awkward learning phases, and the uncomfortable gap between starting and becoming good. From karting to the world stage, success is never sudden — it’s accumulated.We also talk about:why social media timelines distort realitythe danger of “quit your job and chase your dream” advicehow long real careers actually take to buildthe truth behind the 10,000 hour rulewhy AI speeds tools up — but not understandinghow to structure progress so you don’t rely on motivationIf you’re in year two, year five, or anywhere in the messy middle — this episode will help you stop interpreting time as failure and start using it as an advantage.Because mastery isn’t dramatic.It’s repeated.New episodes every Tuesday.

Fear of failure stops more people than failure itself.In this episode of Borrowed Wisdom — Ten Mentors Tuesday, Dan explores why failure feels so personal, why we’re trained to avoid it from childhood, and why so many people quit too early in business, work, relationships, and personal growth.Most people don’t actually fail, they restart.They mistake early progress for proof they’re not capable.This conversation breaks down what failure really is, how ego and embarrassment sabotage progress, and why the people who succeed are usually the ones who simply stayed in the arena longer.You’ll learn:• Why the fear of failure feels worse than failure itself• Why most people quit before progress has time to compound• How to reframe failure as feedback instead of a verdict• Why patience and persistence beat talent and motivationIf you feel stuck, inconsistent, behind, or tired of starting over, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective on failure and long-term success.You’re not failing. You’re early.Borrow what helps. Leave the rest.

What is your purpose in life — and how do you actually find it?In this episode of Ten Mentors, Dan breaks down Principle 2 from 15 Principles to Master the Art of Living: Find your obsession and hold it tight.This is a practical, grounded conversation about passion, calling, and how purpose often shows up through obsession, hobbies, pain, or unfairness you cannot ignore.We explore:What purpose really feels like (and why it becomes an obsession)How Quiva, founder of Ten Mentors, discovered her mission to close the mentoring gap in workplacesWhy you can find your purpose at any age (Julia Child, J.K. Rowling, Jeff Bezos)Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and why stability comes before self-actualisationHow hobbies can turn into lifelong work (Lewis Hamilton, Mr Beast)How purpose can be forged through suffering and service (Danielle Walker, Vicky Phelan)Why purpose doesn’t need to be grand — parenting, teaching, nursing, leading and caring are powerful callings tooIf you’ve ever asked “What am I meant to do with my life?”, this episode will help you reflect on what keeps pulling you back — and what you may already be here for.Borrow what helps and leave the rest.Welcome back to Ten Mentors.

A mind that won’t switch off can make a normal life feel heavy. In this episode of Ten Mentors, Dan shares why he read Dale Carnegie’s How to Stop Worrying and Start Living—and the six practical lessons that changed how he handles stress in real life: defining the worst-case scenario, sealing the day, putting a stop-loss on spirals (especially about people), letting the past stay in the past, using probability instead of panic, and closing the loops that keep anxiety alive. Along the way, Dan connects Carnegie’s tools to thinkers like Eckhart Tolle, the Stoics, Buddhism, Nietzsche, and Aristotle—different language, same message: stop feeding worry with your life.

This week on Ten Mentors, Dan shares four lessons that hit hard in real life.First: we’re living through a “we” crisis. Trains full of silence. Dinners with phones on the table. Couples side-by-side but miles apart. This is not about blaming anyone, it is about noticing the default and choosing something better. A simple restore: put the phone away, not face down, away. One pint. One dinner. One night. Full attention back.Second: nobody cares about your first podcast, your first book, or your early drafts, and that is freedom. Anonymity gives you room to experiment, be imperfect, and build momentum without performing.Third: focus is a finite resource. If you chase money, fame, and status, you drift. Excellence is the input. The rewards are the outcome. Protect your attention from drama, comparison, and people who drain your energy.And finally: balance is not evenly distributed. On the way up, imbalance is often the price. Different paths, different constraints, different seasons. The key question is not “Do I have balance?” It is “Do I understand the trade I am making?”Borrow what helps and leave the rest.Give someone you know a box of tenmentors https://tenmentors.com/

“Hate” is a word many of us used as kids. We blurted it out when we felt controlled, ignored, or blocked from what we wanted, and then an hour later we were fine. Relationship therapist Terrence Real calls the adult version of that flare “normal marital hatred”: not abuse, not contempt, not a sign you married the wrong person, but a temporary spike of anger that can surface when boundaries are crossed, independence is squeezed, hormones and stress are high, or resentment has been left to build. In this episode, we talk about why it happens, how to tell the difference between a passing flare and something more serious, and what to do in the moment so your relationship bends instead of breaks.

If you’re struggling to change your habits, you’re probably not the problem — your environment is. In this episode, we unpack a powerful truth: people imitate their atmosphere. From pub culture to phone scrolling, from what’s in your cupboards to who you spend your time with, your “system” quietly shapes what becomes normal. You’ll learn how to stop blaming yourself, spot the patterns around you, and start changing your habits by changing what surrounds you — one honest choice at a time.

We’ve been taught that joy should be big to be real. The kind you earn through milestones, adrenaline, or a life that looks impressive from the outside. But what if that’s backwards?In this episode of Ten Mentors, we talk about the quiet shame of simple pleasures — and why making happiness rare makes life harder than it needs to be. From a friend almost dismissing a weekend of mushroom-picking to the everyday magic of watching whippets sprint wild and free in the forest, this is a reminder that small joy is not small ambition.Because life isn’t mostly made of highlight reels. It’s made of ordinary days. And the people who can feel real happiness in the simple stuff might be the most resilient of all.A gentle question to carry with you:How little of a thing could happen to make your day

What if happiness isn’t something you “feel on command,” but something you quietly build over time? In this episode, Caoimhe rethinks our whole idea of happiness — beyond positivity culture, comparison, and the pressure to always be okay.We explore meaning versus pleasure, the science of rhythm and movement, the Sardinian “Hi” effect, the power of warm relationships, and why purpose steadies us when life gets messy. A gentle conversation about joy, aliveness, and the small daily choices that make a life feel like your own.Check out our work https://tenmentors.com/ and how we are providing mentoring for those that get nonehttps://www.instagram.com/tenmentors

“Maybe I’m just unlikeable.” In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe talks about that quiet fear so many of us carry — that people at work, in our families, or online don’t really like us. Through real mentee stories, the stadium metaphor, and ideas from The Courage to Be Disliked, you’ll learn why others’ reactions aren’t an X-ray of your worth, how to separate your task from theirs, and one small experiment to stop twisting yourself into knots just to be liked.

What if you stopped chasing perfection and focused on one promise instead: “I will honour my growth”? In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe explores how tiny choices - a 20 minute workout, speaking once in a meeting, saying no when you are at capacity can reshape your future when you measure your days by growth, not performance.

Feel like you are doing good work but no one really sees you? In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe shares what she learned from Jeffrey Pfeffer’s work on power, plus real stories from mentees, to show why humility without visibility becomes invisibility – and how to change that without becoming fake or loud. You will leave with three simple questions and one small, uncomfortable action to help you become more visible at work on your own terms.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why “just work hard and be humble” keeps you invisible• How power, networks, and informal influence really work at work• Practical, uncomfortable-but-doable ways to make yourself more visible

Real progress and growth isn’t a straight line. There have to be pauses — the plateaus, the storms, the messy human dips where nothing seems to move. In this Ten Mentors episode, we talk about why progress needs stillness, why frustration is part of learning, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is eat the chocolate and chill the flip out.

Every generation clings to it — the idea that if the right leader comes along, life will get better. But history is messy, slogans fade, and nobody’s coming to save you. So maybe the question isn’t about your country. Maybe it’s about you. This is an episode you don't want to miss.

History is full of blood spilled in the name of belief systems — from witch trials and slavery to propaganda and assassinations. At a time when we cannot afford history to repeat itself, C. Duggan reflects on how easily beliefs become cages, shares a personal journey of unlearning, and shows why values — not beliefs — are what truly shape character and growth.

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Live each day like it’s your last.” But is that really the path to meaning? In this episode of Ten Mentors, Caoimhe shares a different perspective shaped by personal loss and everyday life. Discover why self-improvement, ordinary routines, and small daily choices matter more than dramatic “last day” living — and how your future self will thank you for it.

What can a reclusive singer teach us about success? In this episode, discover how Enya’s silence, a failed business of mine, and the quiet work of people like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Phelps, and Katie Bouman reveal a powerful truth: real growth happens out of the spotlight.

What can a Netflix series about Formula 1 teach you about life, leadership, and resilience?A lot more than you'd think.In this episode of Ten Mentors, I dive into how Drive to Survive became one of my most surprising mentors — revealing powerful lessons about ego, pressure, reinvention, and the hidden politics of high-stakes environments.From ruthless team decisions and explosive crashes to ego-fueled sabotage and behind-the-scenes “bitchness,” the world of F1 is more than fast cars. It’s a masterclass in ambition, power, and human nature under fire.I also share my own connection — from watching the race in Singapore (mainly for the parties!) to discovering why some drivers make it with money… and others, like Lewis Hamilton, break through with boldness.If you've ever had to navigate high pressure, perform under scrutiny, or question your seat at the table — this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and discover how a racing series taught me how to live with focus, humility, and drive.

Have you ever cried for someone you’ve never met?In this powerful episode, we explore the lasting legacy of Irish activist Vicky Phelan — a woman whose courage exposed a national health scandal, transformed policy, and inspired thousands to stand up for truth. Through her story, we reflect on grief, impact, and how the people we never meet can still shape our lives in profound ways.Host C. Duggan shares a deeply personal journey of learning from changemakers like Vicky Phelan, and Nelson Mandela, and invites listeners to consider what it truly means to leave a legacy.Whether you feel silenced, overlooked, or simply searching for purpose — this episode will remind you: your voice matters. And your actions today can ripple across generations.✨ Themes: Legacy, Courage, Social Justice, Vicky Phelan, Mentorship, Integrity, Activism, Speaking Up📚 Based on insights from The Book You Never Knew You Needed: 15 Principles to Master the Art of Living by C. Duggan.

What does a 99-year-old sushi master know about mastery that most of us miss? In this episode I share 10 powerful lessons from Jiro Ono — the quiet legend behind Jiro Dreams of Sushi — on craft focus and obsession and how they can shape your career your habits and your life.

You’re not lazy — you’re drifting.In this episode, we explore what happens when you stop living on autopilot and start honoring your future self in small, powerful ways.With Lina’s story, three practical mindset shifts, and a gentle challenge, you’ll walk away ready to make one choice today that your tomorrow-self will thank you for.

The way we speak to others—especially our children—shapes how they see themselves for years to come. In this episode, we explore how repeated comments can quietly become someone’s inner critic, why mothers are often harder on daughters, and how women internalize those voices into adulthood.It’s a gentle, honest reminder that our words matter more than we think. And that kindness, spoken out loud, can last a lifetime.

Sometimes, the most powerful mentors don’t speak — they sing.This is the story of how a song echoed through a football stadium and found its way into my life. A reflection on resilience, unity, and why “You’ll Never Walk Alone” still matters — especially this week.

In this episode, we talk about what happens when one person is carrying the weight of a relationship alone. Whether it’s love, friendship, or family—real connection takes two. It’s not about keeping score, it’s about showing up as a team. If you’ve been dragging the couch by yourself, this one’s for you.

You’ve been sold a lie: work hard now, live later. But what if ‘later’ never comes?In this powerful episode, we dive into the true story of Mary, a high-powered executive whose world was shaken when her boss—just months from retirement—suffered a life-altering stroke. What she did next will challenge everything you think you know about success, balance, and when life is meant to be lived.From Japan to the Amazon, Mary’s life-changing journey through global philosophies reveals the truth: balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about living fully now.If you’re tired of the grind, questioning the system, or simply craving a deeper, more meaningful life, this episode is your wake-up call.Warning: This might change how you live forever.https://tenmentors.com/Follow us on Instagram @tenmentors

Why do we exist. It's a question we ask ourselves from time to time especially when a change shifts in our lives. We question life? Why are we here. The simple answer; You Are Here to Experience LivingNot just to survive, endure, or chase approval. Not to cross off goals or achieve stability.You are here to live. To feel time, not just pass it.To breathe deeply, lose, love, rise, fall, laugh until your ribs hurt, cry until you’re emptied, and wake up willing to try again.As an old Aboriginal proverb says:“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.”Let that sink in: you are a visitor. You do not own this life, you do not control its length, and you do not get to stay forever. You are not here to perfect life; you are here to participate in it. You are meant to Grow, Love, and Become. That's it

This week, we're spotlighting someone who completely redefined what it means to be successful — Angela Duckworth. You might know her as the pioneer of “grit,” but she's also a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the most influential thinkers on achievement today.Duckworth has spent years exploring a deceptively simple question: What separates the high performers from the rest? Not just in academics or sports, but across every field — from CEOs to chefs, from artists to athletes.What she found wasn’t raw talent. It wasn’t IQ. It was grit — that unique blend of passion and perseverance over the long haul.Her work flipped the traditional success script. In fact, her bestselling book Grit has become a favorite in corporate boardrooms and classrooms alike. Why? Because her message is both bold and incredibly empowering: success doesn’t belong to the naturally gifted — it belongs to the persistent.And here's the kicker — grit isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you can build. No matter where you come from or what your background is, you can develop the resilience, the consistency, and the drive to stick with your goals — even when it gets tough.So, this week, we’re digging into Angela Duckworth’s groundbreaking research and what it means for your own path to mastery — whether you're chasing a promotion, launching a side hustle, or just trying to build better habits.Her Work: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Z49m4VQ4TfQ28Cnl42yiT?si=80b3b43057b34b5ahttps://www.instagram.com/tenmentorsHer Book: https://amzn.to/4jh697l

Your Past Does Not Define You.Have you ever paused to ask yourself how much your past truly shapes who you are? Does it dictate where you end up — or is there more to your story?You are not stuck. No matter what your past looks like, you have the power to rewrite your future. You are not bound by the mistakes, hardships, or circumstances that brought you here.Today, we're diving into powerful stories of resilience — of individuals who overcame poverty, defied expectations, and chose a new path when the one they started on seemed impossible. Their journey proves one thing: perseverance changes everything.You don’t have to be trapped by your past. You can rise, adapt, and move forward. The road may be hard, but the secret is simple—never give up.So, how will you respond to life’s challenges?Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @tenmentorshttps://tenmentors.com/how-to-let-go-of-the-past/Our last blog: https://tenmentors.com/how-to-be-happy/

Discipline isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill you build. In this episode, we break down practical strategies for strengthening self-discipline and taking control of your actions. We explore how the fear of inaction can be a powerful motivator, why overthinking stalls progress, and how taking small, immediate steps can push you forward. We also reframe failure as a crucial learning tool and share insights on persistence. Plus, we dive into Mel Robbins' "Five-Second Rule"—a simple yet powerful technique to help you take action instantly and build discipline fast. Tune in and start mastering the art of self-discipline today!Listen  Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quickest-ways-to-get-disciplined/id1789527629?i=1000699695463On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu2qocBh4_MBlog: https://tenmentors.com/blog/Learn more about Mel Robbins and her workhttps://www.melrobbins.com/books#the-5-second-rule

"Discover the hidden secrets to true happiness! In this episode with Tenmentors, we uncover what no one tells you about contentment, why chasing success won’t make you happy, and the surprising habits that lead to lasting joy. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!"Follow us on Instagram @tenmentorsWebsite tenmentors

Think you know how to find your passion? Think again! Most people are searching the wrong way—don’t make the same mistake. Discover how entrepreneur Steven Bartlett uncovered his true passion and what you can learn from his journey. Tune in and unlock the secret that could change everything!

Politics is everywhere—but is fixating on it holding you back in other areas of your life? In this episode, we break down how political distractions, division, and constant debates are draining your focus, energy, and motivation. If you’re tired of letting outside noise derail your personal growth, tune in to reclaim your success.

What do the Irish, Google, and Steven Kotler have in common.? Being curious. We deep dive into the power of curiosity and how you can apply this tip to your health, relationships, and work. Curiosity is your Queen!

TenMentors is changing the approach on how people get a mentor. They are addressing this widespread problem where 70% will go without a mentor in their life. Having a mentor is the secret weapon every human and business needs, and we’ve got a way to make it happen for everyone.