Perfectly Flawed Podcast

What does it take to reclaim your life after abuse?In this episode of Perfectly Flawed, I talk with Larissa Astara Gray, who escaped an abusive partner in the middle of the night with her young son, flying out of Egypt to safety. From surviving toxic relationships, heroin addiction, and sexual trauma, Larissa’s greatest challenge has been learning to trust and love herself.Now a dynamic speaker and advocate, she sparks transformative conversations about sexual health, consent and the impact of pornography, guiding people toward healthy, empowered choices.We explore:💡 How to survive trauma and rebuild trust in yourself.💡 Why honest conversations about sexuality are vital.💡 Turning personal hardship into empowerment and change.🎧 Tune in for a raw, inspiring, and life-affirming conversation.Introducing Larissa Astara Gray, a dynamic speaker committed to revolutionizing sex education and sparking transformative conversations about sexual communication. In a world struggling with outdated views on sexuality, Larissa is a beacon of change. She has spent years researching with educators, survivors, and young people, combining their insights with her own powerful story. Having overcome rape, sexual shame, toxic relationships, and substance abuse, Larissa is dedicated to healing and empowerment. Her talks cover building healthy sexual relationships, preventing sexual assault, non-consensual experiences, and STIs. Her biggest passion is revealing the truth about pornography's impact on young people. Larissa guides people toward healthy, respectful, and empowering sexual choices. She’s not just a speaker; she’s a movement. 

What if the key to success isn’t just talent—but learning to be your own best friend?In this episode of Perfectly Flawed, I sat down with Elliot Kay, CEO of the Speaker Awards and Summit, author and entrepreneur. Growing up with an alcoholic father and facing bullying and isolation at school, Elliot learned early what it felt like to be alone and friendless. Those experiences could have held him back—but instead, they became the foundation for resilience, self-acceptance, and an extraordinary career.Today, Elliot helps leaders and speakers amplify their influence, using the power of authentic, purposeful communication to create impact, trust, and lasting change. He believes that speaking with heart isn’t just about being heard—it’s about inspiring, leading, and leaving a legacy.Together, we explore:💡 How to transform loneliness and self-doubt into confidence and self-compassion.💡 Why authenticity is the most powerful tool in leadership communication.💡 How speaking with purpose can create influence, trust and real change.🎧 Tune in for insight, inspiration, and a reminder that the most important voice to listen to… is your own.CEO of the Speaker Awards and Summit | Expert in Impactful Leadership Communications Elliot Kay is the CEO of the Speaker Awards and Summit and a leading voice in leadership communication. With years of experience helping speakers and leaders amplify their influence, he focuses on using the spoken word to connect, lead, and inspire change. Elliot champions authenticity, clarity, and purpose—believing that speaking is one of the most powerful leadership tools when used with heart. Through his work, he supports professionals in mastering communication that creates real impact, legacy, and trust. His mission: to raise the standard of excellence in the world of speaking.  Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-kay/  

What if the real measure of resilience isn’t avoiding disaster—but learning how to play the hand you’re dealt?In this episode of Perfectly Flawed, I sat down with Steven Dowd, whose life changed in an instant. Cycling to work in London, preparing for a local race, Steven hit a barrier and was javelined into the ground, breaking his neck and leaving him instantly paralysed from the neck down. The prognosis was bleak, the choices limited—but that same day, an experimental clinical research trial gave him hope.Starting with a promise to his wife while lying motionless in intensive care, Steven embarked on a journey that would not only see him walk again but also complete extraordinary charity challenges raising awareness and funds for spinal cord injury research.As a former professional poker teacher, Steven brings a fascinating lens to life’s challenges: the stakes may be high or low, but the key is always the same—reset the cards, play your hand, and never give up.Together, we explore:💡 How mindset and persistence can rewrite what seems impossible.💡 The power of resilience when the hand you’re dealt feels unplayable.💡 Why small shifts in perspective—like seeing life as a poker game—can transform recovery and life itself.🎧 Tune in for inspiration, insight, and a reminder that even in the most unlikely circumstances, courage, determination, and a little strategy can help you rise again.A promising career in corporate financial services took a dramatic turn as a result of a freak cycling accident in which Steven was instantly paralysed from the neck down. His prognosis was bleak and his choices limited but that same day Steven was given hope through an experimental clinical research trial. Starting with a promise to his wife, made whilst laying motionless in intensive care, he set about a journey that would not only see him stand and walk again but create and complete several remarkable charity challenges raising funds and awareness for spinal cord injury research. stevendowd.com [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendowd 

What if the courage to succeed starts with the courage to embrace who you truly are?In this episode of *Perfectly Flawed*, I sat down with **Lewis Crompton** to talk about the bravery it’s taken him to reclaim his truth. As a young man, he grew up in north London with well-meaning parents and a church community that led him to believe he was deeply flawed for being gay. So much so that he agreed to undergo “treatment and interventions” before eventually making his peace—and learning to fully embrace what he once saw as a flaw.Lewis’ journey didn’t stop there. From training as a therapist at 19, to burning out in retail, to discovering investing and trading, he has carved a path that blends personal transformation with financial empowerment. Today, he helps others escape the rat race, build sustainable income, and live life on their own terms.Together, we explore:💡 The courage it takes to confront deeply held beliefs about yourself.💡 How setbacks and challenges can be reframed as opportunities for growth.💡 Why embracing your perceived flaws is the foundation for authentic success.🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of honesty, resilience, and inspiration—and hear how Lewis turned what once felt like a limitation into his greatest strength.Lewis grew up in north London to teacher parents. He went to the local church where he discovered a skill and desire to help other which led to him training as a therapist at the age of 19. When he burned out in his early 20’s, he found himself working in retail. At this point, he decided retail and corporate was not the life for him. That’s when he discovered investing and trading. He went into debt to get access to mentorship with Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad team. After 7 months, he left his job and started travelling the world. Feeling dissatisfied with not fulfilling his core mission, Lewis started teaching others how to trade, helping them to escape the rat race and develop an income generating skill.  www.startradingnow.com https://www.instagram.com/withlewiscrompton https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSi6FAzyo-utA0rUVe5mIrQ  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewiscrompton/ 

How do you rebuild after hitting rock bottom?In this episode of *Perfectly Flawed*, I talk with **Charlie Cannon**—an engaging, energetic speaker and coach who lights up every room he enters. But Charlie’s journey to resilience and self-respect began in darkness.At just 21, after a night of partying, Charlie fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his car on the M4 motorway. The accident left his sister in a life-threatening coma, and the self-blame consumed him for years. In that time, he also uncovered the impact of childhood sexual abuse, sending him further into a spiral of numbing and escape.What followed was a long journey of self-understanding, healing, and transformation. Today, Charlie uses his story to spread messages of resilience, energy, and compassion—for self and others.As a **speaker and coach**, Charlie has worked at the intersection of leadership, performance, and wellbeing for almost two decades. His clients include global brands such as **Deloitte, Tesco, HSBC, Barclays, Mars, and Unilever**. His philosophy is simple but profound: resilience matters, but so does the often-overlooked asset of *energy*.In this conversation, we explore:✨ Why setbacks can become our biggest opportunities for growth.✨ How self-respect and compassion transform resilience.✨ The vital role of energy in sustained performance.✨ Why leaders need to balance high achievement with humanity.Charlie’s story is a powerful reminder that even in our deepest struggles, light and growth are possible.🎧 Tune in for a raw, uplifting, and energising conversation on resilience, leadership, and the art of being human.

What happens when a strength and conditioning coach at the very top of professional rugby has his worldview turned upside down?In this episode of Perfectly Flawed, I sit down with Craig White—award-winning leadership coach and mentor who’s spent over 25 years working with elite athletes, including the British & Irish Lions, Wales Rugby, and the Leicester Tigers. At the height of his career, a trip to Thailand changed everything. Immersed in meditation and mindfulness, Craig began a journey of deep personal transformation that would eventually lead him to guiding men’s retreats in the UK and Peru and back to the rugby grounds - bringing an entirely renewed approach to performance and what it means to be a leader and a man in today’s world.Our conversation explores:💡 Craig’s response to the phrase toxic masculinity—and why it’s more complex than we think.💡 How rugby’s “macho” culture can be integrated with compassion, sensitivity, and insight.💡 Why men need to access their full emotional range to lead authentically.💡 The unifying thread between sport, leadership, and self-awareness.Craig is now committed to helping men redefine success—not just in sport or business, but in life. Through his work and his podcast, Dare To Be Different, he’s challenging outdated norms and inspiring a new, more expansive model of masculinity: strong and sensitive, competitive and compassionate.🎧 Tune in for an honest, challenging, and uplifting conversation on what it really means to be a man.Craig White is an award-winning leadership coach and mentor who has spent over 25 years coaching elite athletes, including British & Irish Lions, Wales Rugby and other international teams. Now, he helps men access their full emotional range, lead with authenticity, and live more meaningful lives. His work blends sport, leadership and personal transformation. Craig is also the host of Dare To Be Different, a podcast exploring the personal transformations of influential male leaders.https://craigwhitecoaching.com  https://craigwhitementoring.com/podcast/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-white-performance-coach/https://www.instagram.com/craigwhitementoring/https://www.youtube.com/@daretobedifferentcraigwhite 

What does it mean to be authentic when we contain multitudes?In this episode of *Perfectly Flawed*, I sit down with **Oliver Gregory**—multidisciplinary artist, writer, and creative director from Sheffield, England. By day he’s Oliver, reserved and understated. By night, he transforms into **Miss Titty Kaka**—a drag queen persona that is bold, unhinged, and unapologetically alive.Oliver first revealed this side of himself while working on **Virgin Voyages** as *The Diva*, stunning audiences with a presence that was every bit as real as his off-stage self. His drag career began at *Funny Girls* in 2014, before dazzling in Paris at *MANKO Cabaret* and the *Vogue Paris Foundation Gala*. He’s since created original productions with **Princess Cruises** and **Virgin Voyages**, blending theatre, costume, and spectacle in ways that continually push creative boundaries.In our conversation, we explore:💡 How drag can be as authentic as everyday identity.💡 The liberation of embodying different facets of self.💡 What it means to create performance that is unhinged, spectacular, and deeply human.💡 Why embracing duality can free us to live more fully.Oliver reminds us that identity isn’t about choosing one mask over another—it’s about allowing all of our selves to be seen, celebrated, and expressed.🎧 Tune in for a dazzling, honest, and liberating conversation about art, authenticity, and the many ways of being human.Oliver Gregory is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and creative director from Sheffield England, with expertise in live theatre, visual media, and costume fabrication.Starting at Funny Girls (2014-2017), he debuted his drag persona, Miss Titty Kaka, and later performed in Paris at MANKO Cabaret and the Vogue Paris Foundation Gala 2018. He has worked with Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and renowned creatives, developing original productions and immersive entertainment. Oliver continues to push theatrical boundaries,creating unhinged, spectacular, and stimulating performance experiences. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-gregory-creative/https://www.olivergregory.co.uk/https://www.tittykaka.com/ 

How do you rebuild a life after surviving the unimaginable?In this moving episode of *Perfectly Flawed*, I speak with **Madeleine Black**—author, professional speaker, sexual violence activist, and host of the acclaimed podcast *Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling*. As a teenager, Madeleine was gang raped and left fearing for her life. For decades, she carried her trauma in silence. Then, in 2014, she stepped onto a TEDx stage to share her story—and the response changed everything.Today, Madeleine is a powerful voice against sexual violence, advocating for survivors to reclaim their courage, trust their bodies, and set boundaries without apology. Her journey from silence to strength is one of profound resilience, joy, and advocacy.In our conversation, we explore:💡 Why victims of sexual violence are never “asking for it.”💡 How shame and silence can be broken through courage and community.💡 The long road of healing—and the power of reconnecting with life.💡 How Madeleine helps others find their voice and step into their own strength.Madeleine reminds us that even in the darkest experiences, it is possible to heal, to speak, and to inspire others with courage.🎧 Tune in for a conversation that is raw, hopeful, and deeply human.Madeleine Black is an author, professional speaker, sexual violence activist, former psychotherapist and has a podcast show called “Unbroken: Healing Through Storytelling”  After decades of silence, Madeleine decided to share her own story publicly online in September 2014 and she completely underestimated what the response would be.    She is passionate about speaking out to end the shame, stigma and silence surrounding sexual violence and to help others find their courage and voice too www.linkedin.com/in/madeleineblackspeaker444 www.youtube.com/c/MadeleineBlackUnbroken www.madeleineblack.co.uk

In this episode of *Perfectly Flawed*, I sit down with **Paul Avins**—a transformational coach, entrepreneur mentor. Paul’s remarkable career includes a 20-year track record of helping entrepreneurs and CEOs achieve extraordinary results, with over 550 companies, many scaling to £5–10 million, he leads world-class masterminds, retreats, and events through **Massive Action Coaching** and the UK’s No.1 Scale-Up Mastermind, **F12**.Paul’s life took a dramatic turn when a severe asthma attack nearly ended it. Minutes later, he returned, transformed by the experience. He believes that this near-death experience (NDE) prepared him to navigate the challenges of his wife’s subsequent disabling illness, teaching him resilience, perspective, and the deeper meaning of wealth and life.In this conversation, we explore:💡 The intersection of business success, personal wealth, and spiritual insight.💡 How a life-threatening event can redefine purpose and perspective.💡 Lessons from guiding hundreds of entrepreneurs to scale their businesses beyond imagination.💡 The importance of resilience and presence when life throws unexpected challenges your way.🎧 Tune in for a conversation that blends business, life, and spirituality, and discover how extraordinary success and personal transformation can go hand in hand.With a remarkable 20-year track record coaching entrepreneurs and CEOs, Paul knows how to deliver real results. He's successfully guided over 550 companies to surpass £1 million in revenue, with many scaling to an impressive £5 million and £10 million heights, dominating their industries. Paul's journey has been marked by resilience, having survived a life-threatening asthma attack nine years ago, a testament to his unwavering commitment to helping others overcome adversity. As the CEO of Massive Action Coaching, he leads 'Team Purple,' renowned for delivering world-class events, masterminds, and retreats that inspire and empower entrepreneurs on their scale-up journeys. Paul is also the driving force behind the No1 Scale-Up Mastermind in the UK, F12, boasting a remarkable 10-year history of creating millionaire business owners. Links:  https://www.instagram.com/paulavins/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/ https://www.facebook.com/PaulAvinsCoach https://www.youtube.com/@paulavins  

He calls himself “just a drummer”—but Tom Morley is far from just anything.As the original drummer for 80s band Scritti Politti, Tom went on to play with legends like David Bowie and Madness. Today, he blends old-school rock ’n’ roll eccentricity with new-school technology, including generative AI, to unleash creativity in the most unexpected places—like corporate boardrooms.Through drumming, chanting, and his trademark humour, Tom has a rare gift: he gets even the most straight-laced delegates clapping, singing, and drumming in harmony. As one client said: “We didn’t believe we could do it, but we could see that you believed we could do it. So we went for it—and it worked!”In this free-spirited conversation, we explore:🥁 How group energy transforms when people are given permission to play.🥁 Why stepping out of our comfort zones leads to breakthroughs.🥁 The art of creating in the moment—and why that’s at the heart of being human.🥁 Tom’s reflections on music, technology, and unifying people through rhythm.Tom is living proof that when we risk a little vulnerability, magic happens. As one HR leader put it: “How do you get 150 delegates from 50 territories to sing in harmony in half an hour? Ask Tom Morley.”🎧 Tune in for an episode that’s part rock history, part magical masterclass, and all about the extraordinary power of being perfectly flawed.

What does it take to break free from your past and create a life of purpose, peace, and impact?In this inspiring episode of Perfectly Flawed, I’m joined by Gethin Jones—a man whose journey from childhood in care, addiction, and repeated prison sentences to becoming a leader, speaker, and changemaker will leave you in awe. Today, he is the Founder and CEO of Unlocking Potential, a transformative organisation that brings lived experience to the heart of leadership, consultancy, and training.Gethin is one of the most inspiring, wise, and fun-loving people I know—a jovial, Buddha-like presence who radiates warmth and authenticity. With his trademark Think It, Say It, Do It framework, he now works with individuals, teams, and organisations worldwide, showing them how to build resilience, challenge broken systems, and unlock their true potential.In this conversation, we explore:💡 How Gethin turned struggle, addiction, and prison into fuel for transformation.💡 Why authenticity and acceptance are at the heart of empowerment.💡 The power of lived experience in creating change that lasts.💡 How we can all step into our full potential—no matter where we’ve come from.🎧 Tune in to hear Gethin’s powerful story of redemption and wisdom. His life is living proof that no matter how flawed our past, we can all create extraordinary futures.Gethin Jones is the Founder and CEO of Unlocking Potential, a transformative organisation dedicated to inspiring change. His journey, from childhood in care to prison and overcoming addiction, fuels his mission to empower individuals and organisations.  Unlocking Potential’s Associate Model brings together experts with lived experience to deliver bespoke consultancy, leadership development, and training for public and corporate sectors.  An international speaker and PSA member, Gethin’s Think It, Say It, Do It framework inspires audiences worldwide. His work challenges systems, builds resilient leaders, and drives meaningful transformation, helping people unlock their full potential.

What if the real key to success isn’t chasing perfection—but learning to tell the truth about who you are, flaws and all?In this episode of *Perfectly Flawed*, I’m joined by **Beth Sherman**—comedian, keynote speaker, and seven-time Emmy Award-winning writer for some of television’s biggest shows, including *The Late Show with David Letterman*, *The Tonight Show with Jay Leno*, *Ellen*, and even the Academy Awards. She’s also performed stand-up across the US and for troops in Iraq, proving her belief that *“truth is funny.”*Now, through her consultancy **Laughter Connects**, Beth helps people show up authentically, engage with impact, and use humour as a bridge to connection.Together, we explore:💡 Why honesty, not perfection, makes us relatable and successful.💡 How humour helps us navigate struggle and build resilience.💡 What it means to show up—messy, real, and unapologetically you.🎧 Tune in for laughter, insight, and a reminder that your truth is not only enough…it’s the funniest thing you’ve got.Beth Sherman is a comedian, and seven-time Emmy Award-winning Hollywood comedy writer who's written for the biggest shows in American television, including Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Ellen, and the Academy Awards. As a comedian, she’s performed at comedy clubs across the United States, as well as combat outposts and forward operating bases in Iraq. She is the winner of seven (7) Emmy awards, and was nominated for a 2023 Writers Guild Award for the Netflix comedy special, Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. She also works as a presentation coach and keynote speaker on connection and engagement through her consultancy, Laughter Connects.

Shelley suggests we think not fist about why but of who we really are. She talks aboutchanging gender 40 years ago. What it was like then and what it is like now.What struck me was the sheer bravery of finally recognising who you truly are and thengetting out into the world and living and being it. A real call to action for us all to recogniseour own dreams and ambitions and then take courageous action to be who we truly are andbring those dreams to fruition.Bio:Shelley is a Speaker, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Trainer, & Author. She has become amedia commentator specialising in psychotherapy & psychology, with appearances on BBCTelevision, Sky and Channels 4 and 5 as well Radio 4’s “Woman’ Hour” “Midweek” and the“Jeremy Vine Show”. She has also featured in “Psychologies,” and “Therapy Today”magazines.As a Speaker, Shelley’s topics are Transformational Change, Diversity & Thoughtleadership. Although speaking has taken over from performing comedy on the Stand-upcomedy circuit where she performed five one-woman shows at the Edinburgh Festival andcompleted a seven-night run Off-Broadway in New YorkLinks:https://shelleybridgman.comlinkedin.com/in/purposeandlegacycoachhttps://www.facebook.com/shelley.bridgman2TEDX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7BdX_CmH7UPlease like and subscribe.

Steve had a terrible car accident that crushed his legs, but he learnt, not just to walk again,but become a World Champion Para-triathlete.We talk about how life doesn’t always, if ever, go to plan. We all need to course correct. Sorather than expecting perfection, if we accept the flaws as we go, we can use them to adaptthe plan along the way. Here we talk about how only 4% of the original moon landing voyageactually went to plan ‘but they knew the astronauts, and everyone was good enough toadapt along the way’.We talk about perfectionism and 85% rule. Also, about the link between Steve’s recentphysical septicaemia and his mental and emotional situation at the time. Once he hadfigured out that link, he was able to remedy it straight away.Bio:Steve’s extraordinary journey of resilience and triumph took him from wheelchair to worldchampion and now beyond in business as a professional speaker. Whether addressing aroom full of executives or conducting workshops for diverse groups, Steve brings his energyand unwavering dedication to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and their‘GOLD’ - their Goal, Opportunity, Love and Dream. Steve is the author of two books. His autobiography ‘Don’t lean on your excuses’ and‘GOLD’ which empowers the reader to unlock the power of their potential and achieve theirgoals. A TEDx speaker, winner of Global Business Awards, Motivational Speaker of the Year andRegional Speaker of The Year numerous times by his professional association the PSA.Links:www.steve-judge.co.ukMob: 07939 220784https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-judge-908293b1/https://www.facebook.com/Steven-Judge-317765745069694/https://twitter.com/SteveJudgehttps://www.youtube.com/user/JudgeInnovations/videosVideo: https://youtu.be/M2VX9s2QohMPlease like and subscribe.

When Julie took a jeer from a workman, when out training for the London Marathon, sheembraced it and turned it into a global enterprise called “Too Fat to Run”. A huge advocateof taking “Imperfect Action” Julie has founded both this and multiple other businesses, she’srun 6 marathons, published 15 books and helped thousands of people take their ownimperfect action and just get on and bring their ideas into reality. She may run the longevents but she her way is to take shortest possible distance between turning an idea into anaction even if its imperfect.Bio:Julie Creffield is an expert on innovation, creativity and social mobility. An award-winningcomedienne, 14 times author, 6 times marathon runner, and proud solo parent to her STEMobsessed 12-year-old. Her career spans 30 years and has included work with OxfordInnovation, London 2012, the UK Government and industry giants like Google and Disney.Her life has not been without struggle though, with undiagnosed ADHD, 5 redundancies,being hospitalised with COVID, and near bankruptcy, she knows a thing or two about havingto bounce forward.Links:www.juliecreffield.comwww.juliecreffieldspeaks.comwww.linkedin.com/in/juliecreffieldhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Julie-Creffield/author/B00GRWL4G4Please like and subscribe.

In this episode we talk about how a terrible accident at school sports day with a javelin led to the death of her friend. Receiving no counselling or support, Lis blamed herself and thought she was a monster. She had to learn to forgive herself and find a true compassion for the human condition.   Bio:Where leadership, performance, and wellbeing meet, Lis Cashin is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel seen, heard, valued, and that they belong. An award-winning keynote and TEDx speaker, author and consultant, she helps individuals, leaders, and teams thrive. Currently pursuing an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, Organisations, and Leadership, Lis brings cutting-edge insights and a strengths-based, systemic approach to developing inclusive, high-performing environments where people and organisations can thrive. Links:https://www.liscashin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lis-cashin/Please like and subscribe.

Paul is a mindfulness coach and founder of Dharmalicious - a community to practice self-awareness . He has a wisdom and sacredness for life that makes for an enjoyableconversation – particularly when we explore how he has learnt to manage his on perfectflaws in the shape of anxiety. A natural fight or flight response which we so oftent prefer tofight or flee from. He, instead, has learned to turn towards it not away from it - greetinganxiety with a welcoming; “Hello Old Friend” and discovering what it has to offer him.Bio:Paul Dalton is a mindfulness teacher and Conscious Leadership Coach. He specialises inblending ancient wisdom principles with modern leadership practices to help create culturesin which people and teams thrive. He is also the founder of dharma⌁licious, a Buddhist-inspired community that supports its members in living wiser, kinder, calmer, and happierlives.Links:https://www.pauldalton.coach/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldaltoncoaching/https://www.instagram.com/pauldaltonmindfulnesshttps://youtube.com/@beginagainmindfulness?si=II0VoGZ5tRFTJuKhPlease like and subscribe.

Vicki talks about going from being a girl who was not adventurous nor sporty to taking onsome of the toughest physical pursuits around the world from cycling across America to theGreat Ocean Row from Los Angeles to Hawaii – and how she reclaimed her sovereignty tomake her own life decisions rather than waiting for others to give her permission to lead herown life.Bio:A leading well-being expert, TEDx keynote speaker, coach, mentor, and athlete, Vicki Ansteyis also an entrepreneur turned adventurer and world record holder. Vicki was among the firstwomen to reach the final stages of Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins and, in 2021, secureda world record for rowing the mid-Pacific unaided. In 2024, she achieved a second worldrecord, cycling 3,000 miles across America in The Race Across America. A UK Ambassadorfor Inspiring Girls, she fundraises through her challenges. She speaks on resilience,empowerment, and emotional endurance, advising teams on stress, mindset, and high-performance teamwork.Links:www.vickianstey.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/vickianstey/https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickianstey/Please like and subscribe.

On holiday in Sri Lanka on Boxing Day and Michelle and her husband went down to breakfast before returning to sleep off the hangover. They had planned to go diving but were awoken by all kinds of noise. They found themselves amid the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. She talks about how a group of survivors clubbed together to survive for one week, amidst all the devastation and chaos and how it has given her an insight into the magnificence of humanity and the value of community.Bio:Michelle is known as The People Reader. She is a veteran, a previous award-winning CEO, a tsunami survivor and now, a human behaviour and communication expert. She has created a suite of analysis tools that help people to uncover their magnificence and works with organisations to unleash their people potential. She is the National President of the Professional Speaking Association and is openly ADHD with Dyscalculia, synaesthesia, and misophonia as comorbid conditions.Links:linkedin.com/in/michellemillsporterwww.thepeoplereader.comwww.mmp.uk.comPlease like and subscribe.

Deeply entrenched in the demands of SW London motherhood and work – Lise felt overweight and undervalued until she decided to no longer let it stop her.  She took up triathlons, adventures and even welcomed a family of refugees into her home. She has since bought a refuge house for women and children and is a passionate advocate for women embracing their wealth. She bares her soul and her body on Instagram and asks: “why let shame stop you?”  In this conversation we explore her recognition that her extra weight was a natural adaptive response and protective layer to a car accident when she was young. The pressure to lose it before she was ready was what embedded a lifetime of shame which she is now releasing through her Instagram activities.  Bio:Lise Thorne is a passionate advocate for body acceptance and self-love. After a car crash at seven led to weight gain and self-doubt, she struggled with body image through her teens and on. Now, she inspires other women to free themselves from limiting beliefs through projects like photographing women’s nude bodies annually to celebrate growth and change. Lise also founded The Welcome Home Project, providing housing for homeless refugee mothers and her latest project is launching The Money Conversation to empower women in investing and financial independence. A firm believer in movement for mental and physical well-being, Lise is on a mission to help women follow their dreams and become unstoppable rockstars. Links: https://www.instagram.com/walking_this_way/https://www.instagram.com/welcome_home_london/https://www.instagram.com/the.moneyconversation/www.dynamicfutures.co.ukPlease like and subscribe.

Alex Williams talks about how he made sense of the traumatic experience of his mother’smurder in the next-door bedroom to him as an 8-year-old - and why the self-help andpersonal development industry can be so toxic to a real recovery in which we embrace orperceived flaws and know that we are OK. That none of us is deeply flawed.Bio:Alex is a Speaker and Mental Health Practitioner who helps people to get back up when lifeknocks them down. Supporting them to recover from the trauma, adversity and setbacksthey’ve faced so they can rediscover their strength, their passion and their purpose.Links:https://linkedin.com/in/thealexjwilliamshttps://instagram.com/thealexjwilliamsPlease like and subscribe.

Ailsa and Aidan – the Ai Bots created by Big Tom Mortimer at HeartShaped.AI through Google’s Gemini. They discuss each of the episodes in Season One of Perfectly Flawed in which Deborah Henley interviews ten extraordinary guests and is also interviewed herself by her friend.  The Ai bots discuss how being Perfectly Flawed is the key to Being Human. They offer up some suggestions for the listener to try in order to face, embrace and transform through their perceived flaws, failures and faults.  Specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Change Management, Leadership Development and Message Creation; Tom from HeartShaped.AI has supported numerous companies to get the most from their people while integrating AI into day-to-day operations. He has collaborated with Deborah on designing materials for her REAL Leadership Programme and is valued for his creative and leading edge thinking and execution. Links:www.heartshaped.cowww.deborahhenley.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-henley/ Please like and subscribe.

Deborah is the host of Perfectly Flawed, a podcast celebrating stories of extraordinary success through struggle and imperfection. It is about ‘the Art of Being Human’ and the insights they can share. An inspiring speaker and facilitator, with over 20 years in business and clinical psychology, she helps leaders and speakers transform their life experiences into powerful stories that inspire. From being held at gunpoint in Peru to yacht-racing across the world’s oceans, to facing tragedy, loss and success in equal measure, Deborah has lived the lessons in life that have led to embracing perceived flaws rather than turning from them. Her book, Your Leadership Story, was a Business Book Awards finalist and now fuels a transformational programme and she is now working on her next book Perfectly Flawed. Join her and her amazing guests as she dives deep into the raw, real stories behind remarkable success and life fulfilment.In this opening episode, Deborah shares with her friend Duncan her own flaws and imperfections and how she conceived of the idea for Perfectly Flawed - what it means to her and why it matters.Join Perfectly Flawed podcast host Deborah Henley – a speaker, author, coach and founder of the REAL leadership programme- as the tables are turned and she is interviewed by Duncan Bhaskaran Brown. Duncan is an experienced podcaster having guested on hundreds of podcasts and is also the host of his own show “Flat Pack Sober”. He is an Alcohol Awareness Expert and Speaker - and also the author of Get Over Overindulgence and Real Men Quit. He’s drunk more than his fair share of wine and eaten more than his fair share of the cake. Along the way, he found himself in some interesting places like on stage with S-Club, a stint as Mayor of his hometown, and Morris dancing in Westminster Abbey. After 20 years of overdoing it, he cleaned up his act and trained with the Easyway clinic, the world’s most successful stop-smoking service. Now he spends his time helping people push over-indulgence out of their life.Links:www.deborahhenley.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-henley/ Duncan is available to youhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbhaskaranbrown/https://www.GetOver.ukhttps://www.bhaskaranbrown.com/Please like and subscribe.

As well as being a phenomenal athlete – most capped England blind footballer and also a Paralympian in Judo, Darren Harris is undaunted by anything and any situation that he has to handle in life. He may not have his sight, but he can see what it takes to be a happy, successful human being – and he shows us how to unblind our minds. Diagnosed with cancer in both eyes at age 1, Darren Harris faced the harsh reality of losing his sight, leading to a challenging mental and emotional journey. Meeting a real-life Daredevil at a school for visually impaired children inspired him to believe he could achieve anything. However, re-entering the sighted world, he had to overcome self-doubt to pursue success. Armed with a degree in Mathematics, a master’s in Psychology, and an Honorary Doctorate, he became a Paralympian in judo and football, earning 157 caps and 10 World and European medals. Co-author of an Amazon #1 bestseller, his story empowers and inspires.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenharrisgb/https://www.instagram.com/darrenharrisgb/https://www.facebook.com/DarrenHarrisGB/Please like and subscribe. 

Conversations with amazing individuals who’ve faced up to their own perfectly flawed selves - and transformed their lives because of them.Discover how to be extraordinarily successful through embracing struggles and imperfection. By turning towards, not away from, their greatest fears, failures and flaws our guests have discovered their own path to fulfilment and that it’s sometimes in the darkest places that we find our greatest light. Their stories and insights inspire us in the Art of Being Human. With Deborah Henley.