Success Matters

What happens when the life you built for yourself falls apart? Ken Miller was a Dartmouth graduate and a successful professional when addiction took hold. In this raw and reflective conversation, we discuss his transition from the corporate suit to crack house and prison cell. Ken shares his hard-won wisdom on the true nature of drugs and alcohol, the three emotional triggers that lead to relapse, and why he believes success is ultimately a "state of being" rather than a list of achievements.

ow can we serve others effectively if we haven't first found stillness within ourselves? Leo Young joins us to discuss the vital connection between our internal state and our external impact. This episode moves away from the typical 'hustle' culture, offering instead a coaching-led perspective on how stillness can become your most powerful tool for service.Whether you are leading a team or navigating your own career path, Leo’s insights on presence and purpose provide a grounding framework for holistic success. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on living and working with greater intention.0:00 – The definition of Stillness: More than just the absence of noise.04:12 – Leo’s journey: From corporate pressure to internal quiet.07:45 – The "Action Bias": Why we struggle to sit still in a professional context.12:20 – How stillness acts as a filter for decision-making and clarity.15:50 – Defining Service: Moving beyond ego-driven contribution.19:15 – The intersection: How internal stillness prevents burnout in service-led roles.23:30 – Practical application: Integrating "micro-stillness" into a busy workday.27:10 – The global perspective: How individual quiet contributes to collective peace.31:45 – Final reflections and where to find more of Leo’s work.

"You are the only one that can chart your course."In this episode of Success Matters, I speak with Karen Rands, who shares her transition from high-level corporate management at IBM to becoming a leading voice in the angel investment community. This episode isn't just about money; it’s about the mindset required to bounce back from hardship and the strategy needed to invest in innovation that changes the world.In this episode we discuss:Intrapreneurship: Lessons from the early days of mobile tech.Resilience: Navigating the "perfect storm" of 2008 and starting over.Access: How the JOBS Act allows everyone to invest like the pros.The Academy: A look into Karen's mission to educate new investors.Chapters in this episode: 0:00 - Introduction to Karen Rands & Success Matters 0:39 - Early Career: Navigating the Corporate World at IBM 4:15 - The Birth of Mobile Technology & The 1996 Olympics 10:32 - Discovering the "Secret Society" of Angel Investing 18:45 - The $100,000 Learning Curve: Lessons from Early Investments 25:10 - Surviving the 2008 Financial Crisis & Rebuilding After 50 32:40 - What is Compassionate Capitalism? 38:15 - How the JOBS Act Democratized Investing 44:50 - The Compassionate Capitalist Academy & Future Goals 47:20 - How to Connect with KarenConnect with Karen: http://bit.ly/linkCCS

Are you "living from the neck up"? Sebastian had it all: the house, the family, and the six-figure career. Yet, he felt like a robot. In this episode, we dive into the "Success Paradox" why the things we work hardest for often fail to land in our hearts.We explore three grounded shifts for high-achievers:Radical Honesty: Is your ambition actually a coping strategy to avoid discomfort?Somatic Awareness: Learning to listen to your body’s signals (tension, chest tightness) before they become chronic issues.The End of "DIY" Growth: Why reading books isn't enough and why you need someone to "poke the tender spots."About our guest:  Sebastian is the "Chief Mindsetter," helping leaders move from chasing external proof to living in a "beautiful state" of gratitude and love.Key Moments in this episode:0:00 - The Success Paradox: Why ticking all the boxes feels empty.1:12 - From "Corporate Robot" to Numbness: Sebastian’s background in a high-pressure, six-figure career.3:45 - Shift 1: Ambition vs. Coping Strategies: Are you using work to outrun your feelings?7:20 - Identifying Your Pattern: The Hyper-Achiever, the People Pleaser, and the Perfectionist.11:05 - Shift 2: Living from the Neck Up: Why high achievers ignore their body’s signals.15:30 - Translating Physical Pain: How shoulder tension and chest tightness are actually "data."21:15 - Shift 3: The End of "DIY" Growth: Why reading self-help books won't solve deep-seated patterns.26:40 - Finding Your Person: How to find someone safe enough to "poke the tender spots."32:10 - Defining a "Beautiful State": Moving from chasing external proof to internal gratitude.38:55 - Redefining Success: Final advice for high achievers currently hitting a wall.Connect with Sebastian at chiefmindsetter.com/ Keywords: Success, Burnout, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Career Fulfillment, Mental Health for High Achievers.

Some days you look around your own life and feel like a guest in it, wondering when you stopped being the main character.In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Kelly Salmons, Navy veteran, educator and coach, to talk about what happens when the role of “mum, organiser, doer of everything” suddenly falls quiet, and life no longer feels familiar. Kelly shares how she moved through a season of feeling stuck, overwhelmed and invisible, and how she began rebuilding her identity, confidence and sense of purpose.We explore three powerful ideas for anyone going through a season of transition, not just empty nesters:1. Remember who you were before the world got loud.2. Take small, messy action before you feel ready.3. Make yourself a priority without abandoning the people you love.If you have ever felt lost in a new chapter, this conversation will encourage you to reconnect with your strengths, trust the next step, and start putting yourself back at the centre of your own life, without guilt.Listen in to learn how to:Reconnect with forgotten strengths.Move forward without having the full plan.Rebuild purpose in midlife and beyond.Connect with Kelly at https://thenestevolution.com/

Somewhere inside, you can feel that what the world calls success is not enough, and a quieter voice keeps asking, “But why doesn’t this feel the way it should?”In this episode of Success Matters, I speak with communication expert and author Sandy Gerber about what happens when your life looks impressive on the outside, yet feels misaligned on the inside. Sandy had the big clients, the fancy office and the awards, but her closest relationships were strained, and she felt like she was living a double life. That discomfort sent her on a ten year journey into communication, behaviour and emotional intelligence that transformed both her work and her personal life.We also explore three practical shifts you can use right away:Learn your communication blockers. Notice when you interrupt someone’s story to make it about you, then practise staying curious and present instead.Discover your Emotional Magnets. Sandy’s work distills our core emotional drivers into four “Emotional Magnets”: Safety, Achievement, Value and Experience (SAVE). One or two tend to drive most of your decisions at work and at home, from the roles you choose to the way you spend your time.Redefine success as impact, not image. Success becomes less about revenue and recognition, and more about meaningful change in other people’s lives.If you have ever wondered why achievement alone does not always feel fulfilling, this conversation will help you rethink communication, connection and what success really means.What are your Emotional Magnets?sandygerber.com

Success is not just money or status, it is the freedom to choose how you live, work and contribute. Some days success looks like escape and reinvention. Other days it is having the courage to choose your own path without letting fear drive your decisions.In this Success Matters episode, I speak with change and leadership expert Giorgia Prestento about how to build a life and career on your terms instead of following a script written by family, culture or corporate life. Giorgia grew up shy in a small Italian village, then reshaped her identity through moves to London, Spain, Australia, Cairo and beyond, and now defines success as independence and the freedom to experiment with how and where she lives and works.We explore practical strategies for navigating change, career transitions and purpose driven work, including:Treating your life as an experiment not an exam, running small tests like two week pilots of new ways of working or living, then using the data to refine your next step.Hunting for blind spots and “black swan” style risks so that change is thoughtful not chaotic, and asking where you might be underestimating the impact of change on yourself and others.Doing less with more intention by choosing one key goal per quarter, then aligning your projects and weekly actions to three meaningful outcomes instead of trying to do everything at once.When you frame your choices as experiments and your results as data, you create room to change country, shift career, travel while working or redefine success around freedom, contribution or education rather than titles and appearances. If you are in the middle of change and you want a grounded, honest conversation about purpose, fear and designing a life that actually fits you, tune in to this Success Matters episode with Giorgia Prestento.At the end of the episode I invite you to take a short 2 minute “Change Readiness” assessment to reveal how prepared you are to lead through change rather than chase it. You will receive personalised results, readiness scores and a complimentary digital copy of Giorgia’s book Master the Change Maze. Take the assessment here: https://giorgia-change.scoreapp.com.

Why “success” feels empty, and what to do next, with coach Anita CavragIn this week’s episode of Success Matters I speak with coach and former global executive Anita Cavrag about what happens when the life you fought to create no longer feels like a life you actually want. Anita shares her journey from growing up in post war poverty in Croatia, without running water and in an abusive home, to winning international scholarships, building a global career, then walking away from the corporate path to coach founders and leaders who feel successful on paper but strangely empty inside.​We explore three powerful invitations for high achievers, founders and leaders.Redefine your relationship with success and failure. For years Anita saw only success or failure, where anything less than perfect was unacceptable, which kept her playing not to lose instead of creating the life she truly wanted. Her shift, see lack of results as “not yet” rather than “I have failed” and treat your business as a series of experiments instead of a constant exam.Stop building new prisons that look like freedom. After leaving corporate life Anita noticed that many founders quietly recreate the same toxic relationship with work inside their own business. Hitting the numbers while feeling exhausted, resentful and disconnected is only partial success. The real game is to design a business that is financially healthy and emotionally sustainable, where you experience what Anita calls “good tired” instead of the kind of tired that makes you want to burn everything down.Renegotiate the hidden agreements you have with yourself. Anita unpacks the “secret agreements” that quietly run our lives, like “If I get rejected it means I am not good enough and I should never try this again.” She has consciously rewritten that to “Rejection is feedback that helps me communicate my value better” which has opened up new opportunities, braver conversations and far less suffering.​If you are a founder, entrepreneur or leader who is doing well by external measures yet quietly wondering “Is this it” this conversation will help you make sense of that feeling and start to create a richer definition of success that includes money, meaning, relationships, love, service and a life that actually feels like yours. Listen to the episode and ask yourself, “What agreement have I made with myself that no longer serves the life I want to create?” Then download the free guide to discover the number one reason why founders like you feel miserable in their business even though they are successful, and what it takes to light that spark again so you can keep growing without killing yourself in the process.​https://www.fireflycareer.com/glitch-guideKeywords, founders, entrepreneurs, high achievers, leadership, burnout, success, meaning, purpose, career change, corporate escape, coaching, business growth, emotional sustainability, work life balance, self worth, rejection, perfectionism, trauma, mindset, high performers, scale without burnout, redefine success.

Some days it feels like your life unravelled when you were not looking and you are left wondering how you ended up here, carrying grief, complicated relationships and a quiet fear that you might never really feel whole.In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Dawn Lucht, a woman who has walked through the death of her daughter, an abusive marriage and the slow rebuilding of a self she could finally trust. Her story is not about perfection. It is about choosing, again and again, not to let the darkest moments extinguish her inner spark.In this real, vulnerable conversation about grief, victimhood, growth mindset and the quiet courage it takes to stop lying to yourself at three in the morning Dawn shares how she moved from disempowerment to a life that feels peaceful, connected and genuinely her own.1. Get radically curious about yourself When you are stuck in a suffering loop, you repeat the same patterns and hope for different results. Dawn talks about using self‑reflection as a circuit breaker: notice your patterns, name them and ask, “What am I doing that keeps creating this?” then commit to changing even one small behaviour this week.2. Learn the landscape you are living in Dawn did not just “power through”. She educated herself about attachment, abuse and boundaries, and credits books and resources like Lundy Bancroft’s book “Why Does He Do That” with giving her language for what she was experiencing. Information became a way to reclaim power, to see that she was not “crazy”, just caught in a system she could step out of with the right support.3. Reach out, you cannot do this alone One of the most painful parts of emotionally abusive dynamics is the isolation and shame. Dawn’s third non‑negotiable is to tell someone you trust “I am not all right, can you help me” and let yourself be supported as you make changes you might not yet believe you deserve.​Today, Dawn coaches people through a framework that moves them from disconnection to inner trust, clearer boundaries and relationships that feel peaceful rather than like a war zone. For her, success now looks like sitting on the sofa with her partner and son, feeling deeply content and knowing that she has done the inner work to create a home filled with love, not fear.If Dawn’s  message lands with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that their story is not over yet.dawnlucht.comhttps://www.facebook.com/luchtdawnlinkedin.com/in/dawn-lucht-heartfull-academy

Growing up on a council estate, Felix Riley never expected his life to become a masterclass in courage, curiosity and doing work you actually love.Felix's journey is extraordinary. From council estate kid to BBC comedy writer, City broker who sold his firm in 15 months, running a copper mine in Zambia, best selling author, and now moonshot strategist, he has zigzagged through extremes. Yet his real pivot came from questioning every narrative, sparked by a communist mentor who demanded intellectual rigour.Felix cuts through hustle culture with brutal clarity. Success is not riches or fame; it is waking up excited to do what lights you up daily, whether as a strategist or a happy dustman. As a result of a divorce, he walked from a dream home to a bare studio flat and felt freer, proving belongings chain us while people and experiences liberate us.Here are Felix’s top three actions to find purpose:Embrace failure as lessons. View every setback as fuel that forges character, like climbing a ladder of losses to wins, and get back up every time life knocks you down.Refuse fear of consequences. Walk from any unfulfilling situation because life is short, do not waste a day in the wrong place, and trust the worst outcome is survivable.Question everything. Reject imposed stories, start with a blank page on what you truly want, and act boldly in this era where imagination unlocks possibilities.Listen now, connect with Felix at felixriley.com, and share what resonates in the comments below.

There are moments in life when you realise that you either stay broken by what happened to you, or you decide to grow from it.In this episode of Success Matters, Frida Siage shares how being forced to leave war torn Syria aged 11, rebuilding a life in Lebanon through revolution and the Beirut explosion, and starting again in London shaped her definition of success, resilience and purpose. Here are Frida’s three core actions for anyone trying to make sense of their life and find purpose:Build resilience that leads to growth. Do not aim just to endure. Use adversity to create hope and to rebuild a future you actually want.Get clear on your genuine purpose, then work backwards. For Frida, it is helping people and making an impact, especially for women in the Arab community, and every career decision now serves that mission.Treat doubt as a signal that you care. Confidence is not the absence of nerves, it is seeing an opportunity and choosing to step towards it anyway.If you are wrestling with change, loss or uncertainty, Frida’s journey is a reminder that you can turn hardship into a guiding light for your life rather than a full stop. Tune in to hear how resilience, purpose and genuine leadership can transform the way you see your own path.

The world can change in an instant. One day you are healthy, strong and moving at full speed, the next, you are searching for answers that don’t come easily.Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee’s story is one of courage, self-discovery and service. In this episode of Success Matters, Amrita shares how her life was turned upside down by an invisible disability and how that journey taught her to rebuild, rethink and reconnect with what matters most.These are the three takeaways she hopes you carry forward:Nurture the relationship with yourself. In the rush of being productive and serving others, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs and feelings. Carve out headspace, reflect and invest in self-awareness. Connection begins within.See success beyond achievement. Amrita reminds us that real success is not found in status or accolades, but in cultivating happiness, safety and love both for yourself and the community around you. Practicing gratitude and offering compassion are markers of a fulfilled life.Don’t be afraid to think differently. Whether it’s changing career paths, or standing up for what is fair and right, challenge fixed mindsets and celebrate your own growth. If you find yourself in a room where no one sees what you do, be willing to stand up and speak.Her journey from mathematics and medicine to advocacy and positive psychology is proof that when life pauses the ‘doing’, the ‘being’ you choose next is what shapes your purpose.Listen in and discover how you, too, can turn adversity into connection and meaning.

Speaking to Susanna Smith on this episode of Success Matters, I was reminded that purpose is found not in sudden breakthroughs but in our everyday choices. Susanna shows real grit from her story of walking 3 miles to school every day despite being in pain to over-coming the challenges she faces today.If you are searching for meaning or trying to make sense of life’s sudden directional changes, Susanna’s insights offer true direction. Here are three actions that stood out and may help you reshape your path:1) Understand and redesign your environment to support your wellbeing. Susanna’s experience shows that our surroundings do more than shelter us. The colours we see, the air we breathe, the light in each room, all of it can influence healing, focus, and even energy. Pay attention to what you’re surrounded by, because your environment can fuel or drain your resilience.2) Stay curious, never stop asking why. Susanna credits her lifelong habit of questioning for her progress. Challenge assumptions, question patterns, and ask yourself whether you’re doing things out of habit or with real intent. It’s this curiosity that brings about change and personal growth.3) Shine a light for others. Success, for Susanna, is measured by the legacy you leave behind. Small acts of kindness add up, whether a friendly smile, a moment of support, or simply sharing what you’ve learned. If something touched you in this episode, consider how you can pass it forward.Susanna’s story reminds us that progress is rarely linear. Purpose comes from understanding, connection, and a willingness to step into the unknown. If you’re seeking practical ideas for finding your direction, start with your environment, nurture curiosity, and remember to brighten someone else’s day.https://www.instagram.com/abodiology/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/p/abodiology-100066697810191/

So many have asked me about my Everest Base Camp Trek and for this Special Edition of Success Matters, the tables are turned!I hand the mic to Steve Payne to interview me about my trek to Everest Base Camp. What started as a bucket list item in a spreadsheet became a real life reminder of why success is about far more than goals, money or milestones. It is about who you become on the way there, and who you serve when you arrive.Some days you only realise how rich your life already is when you are sitting in the cold, tears streaming down your face into a bowl of soup at 5,164 metres above sea level!Here are three lessons I learnt that you can apply to your own journey.1. Turn dreams into dates. Too many people sit on their dreams. I did that for years with Everest, until the moment I booked the flights, paid the deposit and put the trek in the diary. That single commitment shifted it from fantasy to future fact and everything else, the training, the logistics, the research, fell into place around it. If you have a dream that has lived in your head for too long, take that dream and give it a date, a deposit or a public declaration. Until you do, it is not a goal, it is a wish.2. Success is one step at a time.On the trail, all I could think about was the next safe place to put my foot. Not my career, not my to do list, just the rock in front of me. Hour after hour, it became a moving meditation, stripping away noise and creating a rare sense of clarity in a world where our minds are constantly under siege from information and social media. Whatever you want to achieve, build a simple daily practice that connects body and mind, whether it is walking, cycling or any physical activity that clears your head and reminds you that progress is usually small, repetitive and often uncomfortable.3. You never climb alone.I went to Nepal to test myself, but I only reached Base Camp because of others. Guides watching every step. Porters carrying our bags. The support of my son. A horse that appeared when my legs said no and my dream was about to end a ridge too soon. Whatever you do, whatever your goals, teamwork makes the dream work. Stop trying to do it all alone. Ask for help on the goals that matter and look for ways to be that helping hand for someone else, whether through mentoring, volunteering or supporting a cause as I do with BlueBike Foundation.Having listened to my journey climbing a mountain, let me know in the comments what your “Everest” is. And if you'd like to support BlueBike Foundation as I do, head over to bluebikecharity.org.

Some days it feels like you are shining for everyone else while quietly dimming your own light.In this week’s episode of Success Matters, I sit down with actor, spiritual coach and creator of House of Wisdom, Buckso Dhillon, to explore what happens when life rips away the identities you have been clinging to and forces you to ask, “Who am I really, without all of this?”Here are three grounded actions Buckso invites you to take if you want a life that feels successful on the inside, not just impressive on the outside.Choose to wake up: cultivate self‑awarenessStart by noticing where you are living for approval, expectation or old stories, rather than from your own truth.Buckso’s SPARKLE process begins with S for self‑awareness, because until you see your patterns, you cannot change them or discover your deeper purpose.Unearth the diamond within: do the inner workInstead of waiting for a crisis or grief to crack you open, consciously create space to go inward, question who you are beyond roles, culture and family expectations, and allow old identities to fall away.Like a diamond forming under pressure, many versions of you will “disintegrate” so that a more resilient, authentic self can emerge and finally shine.Know your core values and protect themGet radically clear on your true core values and notice which one is currently being compromised in your work, relationships or lifestyle.Use them as your inner compass; it becomes much easier to say “no”, to walk away, or to redefine success when you can simply say, “That does not align with my values.”Listen to the full episode to hear Buckso’s story of “losing” her voice, finding it again in a completely new way and creating Haus of Wisdom as a resource she wishes she had 30 years ago. Then ask yourself: where is your own brilliance waiting to be unearthed?https://hausofwisdom.com/

A heavy weight sits in your chest when you feel invisible at work. That uncertainty about where you fit, who you are becoming, and what impact you can truly have raises many questions for young professionals. The journey becomes a series of questions, setbacks and discoveries, often faced alone and in unfamiliar territory.Speaking with  Anjan Sampath, I was deeply moved by how raw and relatable his journey is. From leaving behind everything that was familiar to him to carve out a place in a new country, to ultimately guiding Gen Z professionals through the same uncertainty he once faced, his story is a testament to resilience and growth.Here are three key actions and takeaways from Anjan for anyone searching for purpose and clarity in their career:1) Ditch instant validation. In an age built on likes and replies, Anjan highlights how the need for immediate feedback leaves many professionals unprepared for the slower, more nuanced pace of the real workplace. Growth comes from sustained effort, not instant feedback.2) Get curious about the problem, not just your role. Anjan encourages us to shift from waiting for instructions to actively understanding the bigger challenge. It’s curiosity about the problem that helps you stand out. Not simply following the brief. See where your skills can truly move the needle.3) Build authentic influence. Titles and credentials open doors, but it’s how you communicate, contribute and connect that creates lasting impact. Rather than anxiously seeking permission, start small; offer ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and focus on tangible outcomes. Authentic Influence, the human kind of AI, is your true currency in the age of Artificial Intelligence.Anjan’s story is proof that finding your purpose is possible, and that sometimes your biggest impact begins in those moments of invisibility. Show up curious. Show up real. That’s where meaning, and momentum, begin.Anjan has a free guide available 10 Habits That Signal Promotion Potential available here: https://leadershiphabits.anjankasispeaks.com/

There are moments when life’s journey feels overwhelming and uncertain. The search for meaning and a sense of belonging can weigh heavily, especially when you carry stories of challenge and hope.In this episode of Success Matters, I sat down with Lee Rogers, whose path from a council estate to becoming a leader and coach is both raw and inspiring. Lee’s resilience shines through every chapter of his story, offering encouragement to those wondering how to move forward and find purpose amid adversity.Here are the top three takeaways and actions from Lee:1. Perspective shapes resilience. Lee’s experience taught him to embrace challenges and see the richness in adversity, believing that where you start does not define where you finish.2. Purpose-driven action. Lee’s approach to life and coaching is centred on uncovering your authentic purpose and then aligning your actions and values in service to that. When your work is purpose-led, it never feels like just a job.3. Five Ps for meaningful success. Lee shares his framework: Purpose, Plan, Prepare, Perform and Pursue. Success happens when you follow a rhythm of introspection, preparation and action, not just chasing big moments, but building sustainable habits for real impact.If you’re ready to redefine success, make more sense of your story and take positive steps toward your purpose, this conversation is essential listening. You will come away inspired to find your own rhythm for success and to create impact, no matter your background.

Have you ever wondered how your relationship with money connects to your search for meaning in life? In the latest episode of Success Matters, I spoke with Tom Shepard, financial adviser, author, and founder of Currency Camp.Here are Tom’s top three takeaways:Your Relationship with Money Reveals How You Trade Time, Energy, and Connection. Having done extensive research, Tom’s approach considers money not only as currency, but as a reflection of how we value and exchange time, energy, and relationships. Understanding your natural tendencies in these areas opens the door to fulfilment and growth, extending well beyond financial literacy.Purpose is Personal, and So is Success. Tom shares that real success is not about traditional benchmarks or someone else’s measures. Instead, it is about aligning your life with your true purpose and following your own path. Sometimes, this means rethinking what you have always been taught.Curiosity is the Engine for Change. From Tom’s perspective, continuous curiosity about yourself and your patterns is what keeps life vibrant. Rather than settling into routine, he urges all of us to keep exploring how we can improve. He sees resistance as an invitation to gain new awareness.If you are ready to explore what truly drives you and redefine your own version of success, you will not want to miss Tom’s story and practical wisdom.Listen to the full episode and discover more at www.currencycamp.com.

Ever wonder where true belonging and self-worth come from? On this Success Matters episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Pam Case, who shared one of the most moving personal journeys I’ve ever heard. Pam grew up hearing words from her mother no child should ever hear: that she was unwanted, that her very existence was a mistake, and that there was “more goodness in a speck of dirt” than in her entire being. For years, those words echoed inside her, shaping how she saw herself and what she believed she deserved.Everything changed when Pam journeyed to a tiny village in India and was embraced by a local family. There, her “Ama”, a mother figure, wrapped her in her sari, fed her with her own hands, and gave Pam, for the first time, the experience of being unconditionally loved by a mother. In that instant, Pam states, “everything inside me changed.” She realised her worth, not because of anything she achieved, but because someone saw her, included her, and gave her a place in their heart.Pam’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary impact of kindness and acceptance.Here are the Top 3 things Pam shared that every professional should hear:You Can Change Your Story: No matter what labels or limiting beliefs others have spoken over you, it’s possible to reshape your neural pathways. Your past doesn’t define your future. There’s a place for everyone in this world, and growth begins when you believe you belong.Kindness Creates Fulfillment: Pam’s transformative experience in India showed that reaching out and helping others opens doors, not just for them, but for ourselves too. Acts of kindness and learning from different cultures enrich our sense of purpose and belonging.Help Others to Help Yourself: Even in times of feeling low, reaching out to help someone else can transform your perspective and bring genuine happiness.Pam’s journey reminds us all: our worth isn’t determined by our circumstances or other people’s judgments. It’s found in relationships, kindness, and the courage to rewrite our own story.If this resonates with you or someone you know, let’s connect and keep the conversation going about purpose, fulfillment, and the power of second chances.#SuccessMatters #PurposeDriven #EmotionalResilience #LinkedInNetwork #PodcastInsights

What does true success look like in your life? Too often, we chase external rewards: titles, luxury, recognition, only to realise that fulfillment remains elusive.In this engaging conversation with Michael Esposito, we dive deep into the journey of making sense of life and discovering real purpose. Michael shares his raw, honest story with these powerful lessons:Success is an inside job. Michael’s path showed that chasing material achievements such as Lamborghinis, awards & status never brought lasting happiness. The real turning point was when he began to seek internal fulfillment, asking, “What makes me truly happy?”Your community and mentors matter. Overcoming self-doubt and setbacks isn’t a solo journey. Michael credits coaching, therapy, and supportive communities and mentors for helping him overcome depression and comparison, and for showing him that he’s not alone.Purpose grows with impact. Discovering purpose is a continuous journey. For Michael, it evolved from entrepreneurship to creating positive impact, founding charity initiatives like Pedal for Purpose, and using his voice to lift up those who lack basic needs.If you’re craving more meaning in your life or career, tune in, embrace the journey, and remember real wealth is in our relationships, personal growth, and the lives we touch.Connect with Michael on linkedin.com/in/michaelespositoinc, or visit michaelespositoinc.com to learn more. #SuccessMatters #Purpose #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast

Ready to make sense of your journey and find true purpose?I had a remarkable conversation with Sara Roccisano, a former Wall Street investment banker turned transformational author and motivational speaker. Her story is a powerful roadmap for anyone feeling stuck in the “rat race.”Here are Sara’s top 3 lessons on reimagining success and living with intention:Resilience and Self-Advocacy: After multiple lay-offs and years out of work, Sara discovered that true strength comes from doubling down on who you are, advocating for yourself, and having unwavering hope even when you feel lost.Redefining Success: Sara’s perspective is clear: Success is not about job title, corner office, or bonus cheques. It’s about agency being the architect of your own life, trusting your intuition, and refusing to let external validation define you.Raising Your Vibration: From transformative travel and working with shamans to embracing gratitude, singing, and dancing, Sara shows that purpose and high energy come from living authentically and connecting to what truly matters, far beyond the confines of the corporate grind.If you’re navigating uncertainty, career changes, or just feeling the need for something deeper, Sara’s journey is proof that you can cultivate courage within and become emboldened.What does “purpose” mean for you?https://sararoccisano.com

Ever felt like you're searching for more meaning in your work or life journey? That’s exactly what my guest Colin Crooks MBE, has spent a lifetime exploring while changing thousands of lives along the way.Here are the top 3 takeaways from our conversation:Purpose Beyond Profit Colin’s story began with a clapped-out van and a dream to recycle paper but it grew into a mission to create a million jobs for people society had written off. His mantra? Your work must serve a deeper purpose than just making money. If your only goal is profit, you’re missing the real rewards.Lift as You Climb From employing people straight out of prison to giving the long-term unemployed a second chance, Colin showed that creating opportunities for others is both good business, and life-changing for the employee. He reminds us that sometimes a simple “yes, you can have this job” can rewrite someone’s story.Redefining Success: It's About People, Not Just Numbers Early on, “success” meant tonnage or profit. But over time, Colin learned that true success is measured by those you help grow, watching people who once lacked hope evolve into confident, thriving members of society. The numbers matter, but human transformation is where the magic happens.Colin shows that work with purpose beyond the paycheque is very fulfilling. Share your thoughts on what you do to bring purpose to your work and let’s start a real conversation.#Purpose #MeaningfulWork #SuccessMatters #CareerGrowth #Podcast

In this episode of Success Matters, I have  a thought-provoking conversation with Rashi Nayar, a seven-figure entrepreneur turned spiritual coach, about the journey from outer achievement to inner fulfillment.Here are the top 3 insights from Rashi that resonated most:True success starts on the inside: Rashi built businesses, but realised that real satisfaction isn’t measured by money or status, it's found in discovering inner peace and self-connection. Living in higher frequency: Rashi breaks down what it means to operate from love, courage, and joy, rather than fear or stress. This shift is intentional, an intentional daily practice to reconnect with your authentic self, especially in moments of challenge. Reject the noise, embrace honesty: In business and life, Rashi rejects the common advice to exaggerate or “fake it” for attention. She advocates for truth and quality by choosing less but meaningful work, and infusing all actions with honesty and real love.If you’re questioning your path and craving deeper meaning, listen in and discover how to shift from chasing “success” to a life that truly fulfills.

There are times when finding your purpose feels challenging. You notice other people’s achievements, enjoy moments of humour online, and still wonder where your own direction is leading. I have experienced this myself, as have many professionals, whether we speak about it openly or not.That is why my recent conversation with Ally Machate on Success Matters struck such a chord. Ally does not sell a quick-fix roadmap. Instead, she offers something much rarer. Three actions to help you make sense of your story and find real meaning where you stand.Ally says to lean into the places you resist most. Those knots of nerves and discomfort are not your enemy; they are signposts. If you pause and listen to what you’re avoiding, you might find the edge of your next breakthrough. Emotion, raw and sometimes uncomfortable, points to what matters most.Ally challenges us to stop chasing other people’s definitions of success. Scale, growth, follower counts but none of it matters if it does not serve your own sense of fulfilment. Ask what would make you proud, rather than just what might make you more money, and others will find clarity in your message.She urges us not to waste energy. If you want your message to connect, choose a story, a book, or a mission that’s authentic. Your voice is most powerful when it is most vulnerable. People are not looking for polish. They are looking for connection, someone willing to share what they really believe.So if you find yourself wishing to disappear or start over somewhere no one knows your name, you are not failing. You are growing. Others will recognise it in you, and they will thank you for sharing what is real.Have a listen for a deeper conversation, and if Ally’s story moves you, share your own below. Sometimes, that is the first step to purpose.Ally is offering a free resource for Success Matters listeners: a webinar on “Don’t Write the Wrong Book” www.thewritersally.com/successmatters

Is your life chaotic, with uncertainty about direction, purpose, and what truly matters? In this episode of Success Matters, I'm joined by Scott Paradis, author, educator, and former military leader, who brings decades of experience and wisdom on living with intention.Here are Scott’s top 3 insights for anyone seeking clarity and meaning:Keep moving in the right direction, even when the path isn’t clear. Scott believes the purpose of life is to explore, experience, learn, and grow. Success isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about participating fully and moving forward, even through uncertainty or setback.Your worldview shapes your reality: choose connection and contribution over fear and competition. We’re at a historic inflection point: will we keep competing in fear, or shift to creativity and collaboration? As Scott puts it, “If you decide life is about connection, peace, and joy, that’s exactly what you’ll experience.”Be the light for others, change starts within. You can’t change those around you directly, but you can inspire and guide by example. “Be the calm in the storm, the joy in the chaos. Become the North Star that others look to while they find their own way.”If you’re grappling with your direction or purpose, Scott’s wisdom will encourage you to move forward, expand your perspective, and, most importantly, lead through authenticity and light.Listen to the full episode for more practical insights, and let me know in the comments what you’re moving towards!Visit Scott's Website at: c-achieve.com

Ever feel stuck, even when you know something needs to shift? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Heanue a former corporate high-flyer who made bold moves to build a more fulfilling, authentic life.If you’re a professional in the “messy middle” of life, searching for purpose, here are Kim’s top lessons on making change:Move first: change happens when YOU take action. “Nothing’s going to move if I don’t.” Kim reveals how real transformation comes when you step forward, even if the path isn’t clear.Design your life like a portfolio. It’s not about having all fulfillment come from work, sometimes your day job pays the bills and you find joy elsewhere. Kim shares her practical strategy: “If the day job is not filling your cup, but it’s filling your bank account…and that is important, great. Now, where else can you fill your cup?... I always look at it as a portfolio.”Stay flexible and reevaluate often. Life isn’t linear and your goals will change. Kim’s advice: “Remaining flexible…I think is another key thing when you’re going through these changes.”We go deeper on:Courage in transitionsDefining (and redefining) successActionable steps to get unstuckHow tech and AI fit into a more human lifeListen in, reflect, and share your own story of change. Let's talk about how Success Matters and what it can mean for you!https://coachingbykim.com/

Ever felt drawn toward something bigger in your life yet unsure how to tune in? In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Aude Firmin, once a successful corporate leader at giants like Microsoft and Gucci, now an acclaimed spiritual life coach and psychic medium.Here are 3 game-changing takeaways Aude shares for professionals searching for purpose:1. We all have intuitive powers.Aude shares how what started as strange, even scary, experiences after a family loss ultimately revealed that intuition and energy are available to everyone. When embraced, these “psychic” abilities can help us tune into our true direction.2. Redefine success on your terms.Having “made it” in the corporate world, Aude found that true success wasn’t status, titles, or wealth but inner peace, harmony, and being connected to a deeper purpose. Money matters, but meaning matters more.3. Have the courage to pivot.Aude’s journey from tech director to purpose-driven entrepreneur wasn’t easy. It meant overcoming fears, societal expectations, and scepticism (from others and herself). The result? A life, and business, built on meaning, authenticity, and service.If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or in transition, this episode is for you. Learn why your answers may already be inside—and how aligning with both logic and intuition can lead to a happier, more impactful life.

What would you do if you were falsely imprisoned for 5 years?In this transformative episode of Success Matters, I’m joined by Jose Angel Pereira who shares his remarkable journey from leading Venezuela’s largest oil company to surviving five years as a political hostage. His experience sheds light on the real meaning of clarity and demonstrates that success is more than just professional titles or outward achievements.Jose’s story is a lesson in resilience. He describes how adversity can transform our perspective, showing that even in the darkest moments, clarity emerges through adaptability, hope, and mental strength. He also reminds us that true success involves balancing ambition with gratitude, nurturing genuine connections, and maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.Faith and purpose run through every part of his recovery. Jose found strength by reconnecting to his beliefs, reinforcing the idea that clarity for professionals is rooted in personal values, adaptability, and an openness to redefine one’s path.If you’re ready to see success, and yourself, in a new light, this episode will inspire and guide your search for meaningful achievement.Tune in to discover how you can build resilience, find balance, and create your own definition of success.

Feeling stuck or searching for greater meaning in your work and life? This week, I sat down with Dr. Andre Walton, TEDx speaker, inventor, and bestselling author, to explore creativity, decision making, and finding success beyond the conventional path.Top 3 Insights from Andre:Embrace Divergent ThinkingAndre reminds us that we’re all born creative but as adults, we often limit ourselves through “convergent” (narrow) thinking. Real growth and innovation happen when we reawaken our innate curiosity and allow ourselves to explore alternative possibilities, just like we did as children.Make Decisions ConsciouslyInstead of falling back on safe, automatic choices, Andre challenges us to pause and consider, “What options do I really have?” Whether navigating a career pivot or organizational change, conscious decision-making opens up new paths and prevents us from getting stuck on someone else’s tracks.Redefine SuccessFor Andre, success isn’t ticking off boxes, it's about accumulating a body of rich experiences and knowledge. He shares how early in life, he resolved never to look back with regret. His advice? Don’t wait to make your change. Live a life you’ll be proud to reflect on.If you’re reevaluating your direction or ready to break free from the “hamster wheel” of life, this conversation is for you.Catch the full episode and discover practical ways to unlock your own purpose!Share in the comments how you break out of convergent thinking in your own journey? 

The line between ambition and burnout is a fine one. In this episode of the Success Matters podcast, I sit down with Angela Hodgson, a corporate high-flyer who experienced a massive burnout that changed her life.Angela shares her raw and honest story about working at luxury car manufacturer Bentley, the pressures of her professional life, and the deeply personal challenges that all converged at once. She opens up about the moment she hit rock bottom and how she found her way back, removing the “mask" and leaving the corporate world to create a new definition of success on her own terms.We talk about:The unexpected role of the pandemic in her recovery.How she healed from her past through counseling and vulnerability.Her transition from corporate life to helping businesses find their "brilliance without burnout."If you've ever felt the weight of professional and personal life pushing you to the edge, this episode is a must-listen. It's a candid conversation about what happens when you take off the mask and embrace your authentic self.Connect with Angela on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelahodgsonAnd take your free Power Framework test here:https://igniteimprovement.co.uk/quiz

Why do I even think this way?We've all had that moment: clinging to a belief or a habit we've had forever, only to stop and wonder, "Why do I even think this way?" In this episode of Success Matters, Ryan Ware shares his story of how he is helping an entire industry, construction, grapple with this very question.Ryan explains that many of us are like his childhood self, holding onto limiting beliefs. For Ryan, he believed he hated beets because he only ever saw them from a can. He didn't dislike the vegetable itself; he disliked that version of it. The same is true for the way we approach change.Ryan shares the messy middle of change: the space where clarity fades and growth happens. It's the space where we challenge assumptions, test new ideas, and sometimes stumble, but always learn.This episode will challenge you to:Question your assumptions: Think about a belief you have that you're no longer sure why you hold.See "failure" as feedback: Instead of viewing setbacks as a dead end, learn to see them as a chance to improve and innovate.Relish the unknown: Discover how to find growth and opportunity in the parts of life and work that feel messy and unclear.

Tie your laces!We all have shoelace moments, those small, untied knots in our lives that can trip us up. But what if the biggest barrier to your success isn't a lack of knowledge but a refusal to tie the knot and double knot the shoelace? In this episode of Success Matters, I talk with the ever energetic and engaging fitness coach Brian Parana, who works with men aged 40 and up. Brian shares his own journey of shedding old identities, likening it to a chrysalis, to become the leader he is today.Brian reveals how simple, actionable steps and a mindset shift can lead to profound transformations not just in fitness, but in your career, relationships, and overall life. We dive deep into why taking control of your health can empower you to make significant, life-changing decisions.Tune in to learn:Why the "Rocky" mentality of pushing through everything isn't always the best path to success.How to leverage the skills that make you successful at work to transform your health.The power of connection and its link to health and success.How creating good habits in life, akin to tying your shoelaces, help avoid potential faceplants later in life.

From PowerPoint to Turning PointIn this week’s Success Matters episode, I’m joined by  Andie Henrich whose story weaves together a rich mix of cultures: an Italian father who grew up in Vietnam and a mother from Argentina with Spanish and Indigenous South American roots.After more than 20 years in global roles at IBM and Infosys, Andie stepped away from the corporate fast lane to build her own coaching practice, Authenticity Ignited. Her journey is marked by bold choices, cultural curiosity, and a redefinition of what success can mean.We covered:Why cultural awareness starts with assuming nothingThe impact of burnout and AI on her decision to leave corporate lifeRedefining success beyond KPIs and promotionsHer reflections on missing her son’s first steps while chasing career milestonesChallenging the story around ageing with her idea of “unfolding”Andie’s story is a powerful reminder that stepping into your own definition of success often means rewriting the rules.

In this episode of Success Matters, I speak with Helene Rennervik, whose life took an unexpected turn in 2004 when her youngest son was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma at the tender age of nine. This profound experience challenged everything she knew, eventually leading her to leave a 15-year corporate career in Dubai without a plan.Helene shares her incredible journey from defining success by "doing" - chasing titles, salaries, and recognition - to embracing a radical new vision of "being". She reveals how this shift allowed her to live in alignment with who she truly is, rather than identifying by her job title, or even roles like mother or wife.In this wide ranging discussion we cover:• Redefining Success: Learn why success for Helene today is about presence, awareness, and gratitude – finding joy in the "here and now," not just tomorrow's goals.• The Power of Your Mind: Discover how cultivating mental tools was crucial for Helene during her son's recovery and why she now focuses on helping others harness their mind's potential.• Uncover Your True Self: Helene advocates for understanding your core strengths and values (like the Gallup StrengthsFinder) to align with your true calling, something she wishes she'd known earlier.• Mastering Boundaries: Helene shares details of her program, "The Power of No, without guilt," and why letting go of perfectionism and people-pleasing is essential for growth and living your life, not someone else's.Helene's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to pivot when life demands it. If you're pondering your next steps and ready to embrace a more authentic, fulfilling life, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Helene: You can find Helene Rennervik on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/helenerennervik or visit her website: helenerennervik.com. She even has a "people pleaser quiz" you can take!#SuccessMatters #Podcast #CareerChange #LifeTransition #RedefineSuccess #PurposeDriven #SelfDiscovery #Wellbeing #Coaching #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Boundaries #EwingsSarcoma #Inspiration

When work defines who you are, what happens if it's suddenly ripped away?In this episode of Success Matters, Brad Henderson, after nearly twenty years in commercial real estate, found himself at the crossroads: a dismissal left him stripped of professional identity, disconnected from his digital world, and, for a moment, uncertain of who he was. His story is a wake-up call: jobs often become a stand-in for self, and without them, many feel unmoored or invisible. That moment isn't reserved for employees, founders, too can lose themselves when stepping away from their companies.Brad shares practical takeaways to help you avoid becoming a “nobody” should you lose your professional identity:Build Success Through Consistency. Real success isn’t the stuff you read about in attention-grabbing headlines. It’s built slowly and consistently. Steady actions matter more than dramatic wins. Brad shares how discipline and routine break through mental and cultural barriers to create lasting results.See Beyond the Job Title. Rather than chasing fragile work-life balance, Brad urges a portfolio mindset: treat each part of life: work, family, community, as investments that need attention and reflection.Leverage Skills, Not Titles. Career pivots become possible when you recognise and promote your strengths across industries. Brad recommends listening to new perspectives and bringing fresh ideas as innovation thrives when outsiders challenge norms.Rethink AI’s Role in Leadership. Brad, now an executive coach, challenges leaders to question their assumptions about AI. He urges them to see AI as an asset, one that can transform teams and drive change, if leaders set the tone. Learn more about Brad’s work and his new book at www.consistency-edge.com.#SuccessMasters #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #Identity #WorkLifeIntegration #AICoaching #TheConsistencyEffect #Podcast #FutureOfWork

My conversation with Tiffany Lauren Potter was a powerful and emotional experience.When Tiffany was on the brink of her 40s, she found herself at a crossroads. She was a professional singer who had spent years performing for governors and in pro sports stadiums, but stress and a lack of alignment in her life eventually caused her to lose her singing voice. She had a vocal cord condition, but she believes the true cause was years of holding tension and living out of alignment with her true self.For years, Tiffany felt she had to adhere to a certain role, a vision of what her life and marriage were "supposed to be," shaped by deeply religious community and societal expectations. She lived in a way that repressed her own emotions and aspirations, believing she was being selfish to want more. This left her feeling adrift, as if her life was a ship with "sails blowing meaninglessly in the wind".This experience made her realise she couldn't continue to live a life that wasn’t authentic to her. The process of reclaiming her voice, both literally and figuratively, was incredibly difficult and led to her losing a lot of people in her life. But it also gave her a newfound sense of resilience and purpose. She now embraces her new identity and is building a new life and business on her own terms.Tiffany’s story is a profound reminder that we all have the agency to reclaim our voices and build a future we are excited about.

Imagine a world where AI is powered not by silicon chips but by Human Neurons.In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys from Final Spark to explore the frontier of bio-inspired computing. Ewelina shares how her path from neuroscience and experimental biology led her to working with living neurons, building computers not from silicon, but from human-derived neural cells. We talk about the science behind turning skin cells into powerful new tools for computation, the differences between digital and biological computers, and the ethical questions that are emerging as technology crosses new boundaries.Ewelina offers a look into her experiences in both academia and industry, reflects on the challenges and opportunities of global scientific collaboration, and unpacks what success truly means on a personal level. Whether you're curious about the future of artificial intelligence, fascinated by the merging worlds of biology and technology, or just looking for fresh perspectives on innovation, this conversation has something for you.Tune in to hear how flexibility, experimentation, and a passion for discovery guide Ewelina’s journey and get inspired to think differently about what's coming next in science and technology.

Are you shuffling chairs on the Titanic? In this episode of Success Matters podcast, we sit down with author and financial expert, Peter Merrick, who poses this provocative question as a wake-up call to understanding our current financial system.Peter, a seasoned veteran of the financial industry, shares his incredible journey, from a "spectacular blow up" early in his career to becoming a TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner), a highly vetted, cross-jurisdictional designation, focused on sophisticated asset and legacy planning for wealthy families.He delves into the insights from his new book, "It Starts With Gold". where he challenges conventional wisdom on money, markets, and stability.This book is a departure from his previous works, revealing deeply researched (and often unsettling) insights about the financial world. Peter explains how the overnight markets failed in 2019, leading to trillion-dollar printing by the Federal Reserve, and discusses the implications of "bail-ins" and the quadrillion-dollar derivative market. He draws on history, like China's Yuan Dynasty and the US gold confiscation in 1933, to illustrate the collapse of financial systems."It Starts With Gold" is not just about problems; it's a guide to "de-risking your assets and re-materializing your life." This means focusing on useful skills, community, and tangible assets like physical gold and silver as a bulwark against systemic collapse. Peter emphasizes that while some might call his views "conspiracy theorist," his book is 580 pages of research backed material.Beyond financial foresight, Peter defines success in simple yet profound terms: "Peace and love, no drama." He advocates for being a "lighthouse" for those seeking guidance, knowing your unique value, and cultivating genuine connections.http://itstartswithgold.com/

What if walking away from “success” was the smartest thing you ever did?This week on Success Matters, my guest flipped the script.  Meet Jenny Qi — executive coach, globe-trotter, former Wall Street lawyer, and living proof that there’s life and happiness beyond prestige and paychecks.Jenny’s journey?  A PhD in neuroscience; JD from Michigan Law;  Nearly a decade surviving the high-pressure, “up-or-out” grind at elite law firms in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing and then: she quit! Not to “job hop,” not to take a break, but to retire from big law for good.Why? Because the job came with too high a price tag: her time, freedom, and autonomy. Instead, she chose a life aligned with her deepest values: spirituality, authenticity, freedom, and true impact.Now based in the mountains of Nepal in the capital Kathmandu, Jenny blends Buddhist wisdom and meditation into her coaching, guiding others to ditch fear, which is her self-confessed kryptonite, and design lives that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.In this episode, we go deep about: * Letting go of the “safe” route * Redefining wealth and success * Making peace with uncertainty * Finding the courage to live on your own termsIf you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to life than climbing the ladder, this conversation will make you rethink everything.Tune in and hear how Jenny turned the ultimate career pivot into her most fulfilling chapter yet.To contact Jenny or to find out more visit jennyqi.com

At just 14, Connor turned a personal health journey battling severe childhood inflammation into a thriving mission! In this episode of Success Matters, discover how he found healing through microgreens, these "tiny baby vegetables" packed with nutrients, and built a business that's now expanding into wholesale and inspiring countless others.Connor shares profound insights on:- The incredible power of microgreens to boost health and reduce inflammation.- Why success means changing one person's life to create a ripple effect across the world.- How he helps picky eaters embrace healthy foods by empowering them to grow their own.- His unique approach to connecting with people, even overcoming personal challenges like being on the autism spectrum.- Finding opportunity in every challenge, as his own health struggles led to his impactful business.Ready to cultivate your own "microgreen thumb"? Listen in!Learn more from Connor at: ameliamicrogreens.com Amelia Island Microgreens on YouTube & social media And for listeners in the US, text "microgreens" to 26786 (US) for a free masterclass!#Microgreens #HealthAndWellness #Entrepreneur #YoungEntrepreneur #FoodAsMedicine #SuccessMindset #Podcast

What happens when a trained chemist becomes a healer?In this episode of Success Matters, I speak with Sandra Lee, a woman who walked away from the lab bench and into the world of energy healing, acupressure, and NLP.Sandra’s journey took her:From her science degree to sensing energy blocks in the bodyFrom logic to intuition and how she bridges both worldsFrom suppressing anger to transforming it into a force for healing and actionSandra shares:Why success isn’t about doing what you “should,” but aligning with who you really areHow she helps business owners move through procrastination, pressure, and stuck beliefsThe emotional root of migraines (and how she helped someone shift it over Zoom)Why connection not credentials or content is the real key to healingThis episode is a must listenIf you’ve ever felt torn between head and heartIf you’ve struggled to give yourself permission to do what feels right If you’re ready to redefine what success truly means

From grief to growth, this is one of the most heartfelt conversations I’ve ever recorded.Janna Willoughby-Lohr is an artist, poet, entrepreneur, rapper, and the creator of Papercraft Miracles, a business that transforms handmade paper into powerful, emotional connections.But her story isn’t about paper.It’s about purpose.In this episode of Success Matters, Janna shares:How the loss of her mother and a devastating dorm fire shaped her life’s missionWhy she believes creativity is a birthright, not a bonusHow handcrafted paper can help us grieve, celebrate, and reconnect in a digital worldWhat it really means to live a successful, soul-aligned lifeJanna shares: “Making this art saved me when I literally had nothing. Sharing it heals other people. That’s the jam.”If you’ve ever felt like your creative spark was buried under the weight of daily life and if you’re looking for a reminder that your story matters.This episode is for you.

Your Dreams Don’t Have an Expiration Date!Today I’m joined by the incredible Judy Wong, an Energy Accelerator Transformation Coach.Judy, who is “pushing 70” and radiating vibrant health, is living proof that "your dreams don't have an expiration date". She shares her deeply moving journey from hitting rock bottom in her mid-50s, facing the challenge of putting three boys through college with no job, no money, and considering giving up on life.Discover:- How Judy found her inner "light" and the "whispers of her soul" during her lowest point, realising the answers were always within her. This pivotal moment transformed her life, bringing about "magic" including unexpected financial help and two job offers after being deemed "too old".- How she redefined success from accumulating "things" to "feeling good," "excited about life," and "lighting the light of another human being".- Her powerful mission as a coach: helping her generation embrace life fully and create a "life list" instead of a "bucket list," rejecting the notion of being "one foot in the grave".- Her secret to sustained energy and vitality, emphasising the importance of mindset and "pushing your happy place". She even shares that despite a sickly past, she hasn't been sick in over 10 years, not even with a cold!Don't miss this conversation about resilience, inner wisdom, and embracing a fulfilling life at any age! Judy also generously offers listeners a special gift: a video meditation designed to help you reset during "divine detours".https://livingoutloudaintoveryet.thrivecart.com/reset-from-divine-detours-meditation/Tune in now to hear her full story and invaluable insights!#SuccessMatters #Podcast #EnergyCoach #Transformation #DreamsDontExpire #LifeList #Inspiration #Resilience #WellnessOver60 #AgingGracefully

When you’re overwhelmed with ideas, struggling with income flow, or unsure if you’re still aligned with your business, it’s time to zoom out and redefine what success really looks like.In this insightful episode, I talk with Mary Gaul, founder of Success Magnified and author of Vitamin C3 for Business about what it means to run a business that aligns with your values especially when the numbers aren’t adding up.In this episode Mary shares her story:Mary’s journey from law firm manager to coach and founderThe three C’s that guide her work: Connect, Contribute, CelebrateHow to stay grounded in your why during the highs and lowsHow celebration (yes, even a thank-you card) can fuel momentumWhat to do when “too much free time” becomes kryptoniteIf you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or disconnected from the reason you started, this conversation will help you recalibrate and move forward with intention.Connect with Mary at: https://www.successmagnified.com

What do you do when you’re a high-performing CE) and you suddenly lose your hearing?In this deeply moving episode of Success Matters, Chris Luxford shares how a life-altering health event became a catalyst for clarity, innovation, and wisdom.We talk about:How deafness made him more present and powerful in businessHis bold shift from CEO to purpose-driven consultantThe rise of applied wisdom in the age of AIWhy unlearning is the real key to growthAnd how he’s turning adversity into legacyThis is not just about hearing loss. It’s about gaining perspective, purpose, and a whole new way of leading. Subscribe for more real, deep conversations about what success really [email protected]/in/chrisluxford

Jan was introduced to me by a friend as "the most intelligent woman she knows", and after our chat, I can certainly see why. With a PhD in material science focused on solar cells for satellites, Jan has transitioned into a powerful force for change in engineering.What struck me most was Jan's passion, which she describes as having an "extra fairness gene" from childhood. Her focus isn't on "fixing women" but on fixing the space – creating an engineering profession where everyone can thrive, where the majority accommodates and welcomes minority groups.We dived into fascinating topics, from her early research 20 years ago looking at the demographics of engineers, to the shifts happening today thanks to increased outreach and diverse role models. Jan highlighted that diversity isn't just about gender or ethnicity; it's crucially about diversity of thinking and life experiences.Jan shared how she uses tools like CliftonStrengths to help engineers build self-awareness, understand different communication styles (especially for those with high IQ but potentially lower EQ), and appreciate neurodiversity within teams. This helps people be their authentic selves rather than trying to fit a stereotype, leading to more dynamic and innovative teams.Her definition of success is truly inspiring: making a difference, seeing something not working and fixing it. She shared a powerful example of how advocating for better-fitting PPE for women in engineering led to real change. She also finds success in empowering individuals and seeing them grow.Jan left me with a thought-provoking question for the next guest: How successful have you been in noticing and raising up other people who needed a bit of a boost? This sparked a discussion on mentorship versus relying solely on AI for guidance, and the importance of teaching people to ask great questions and truly listen.This conversation is packed with insights on creating inclusive environments, the power of diverse thinking, and what it truly means to make a difference.

"You're going to die"How to respond to a message like that?In the latest episode of Success Matters, I had the privilege of sitting down with Debra Stangl, founder of Sedona Soul Adventures and her story is nothing short of extraordinary.Debra began her career as a dancer and actress before becoming a divorce attorney, a job she admits she pretty much hated. But everything changed during a low point in her life, when a powerful vision of the Egyptian Goddess Isis, during a trip to Sedona, set her on a radically different path.That moment sparked the creation of Sedona Soul Adventures ;a globally renowned retreat company helping people compress years of healing into just a few days through custom-designed, private experiences. Backed by a team of 50+ master practitioners, these retreats harness the transformative energy of Sedona’s vortexes and deep healing modalities like breathwork.Debra now defines success not by status or wealth, but by being happy on all levels — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Her insights, shared in her book “The Journey to Happy”, centre on the powerful idea that “nothing is wrong.”In this episode, Debra also opens up about exploring channeling, receiving uplifting messages from a collective of light beings and generously offers listeners a FREE eBook copy of the updated second edition of “The Journey to Happy.”If you’re on a path to purpose, healing, or simply rethinking success, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎧#SuccessMatters #Transformation #SedonaSoulAdventures #DebraStangl #SpiritualGrowth #Leadership #Podcast #LifePurposeFree Book: https://sedonasouladventures.com/free-gift/

"And so literally overnight, I decided to book the flights and five days later I was sitting on the plane."What happens when life pushes you out of your comfort zone and into the jungle?In our latest episode of Success Matters, I reconnect with Ruta Stasiunaite, who went from a remote village in Portugal to 14 months of deep spiritual and personal growth in the Brazilian rainforest.She arrived with just a hand-luggage bag and left with a new definition of success.Living without consistent electricityGuided by nature, presence, and stillnessRediscovering herself beyond external validationAnd redefining success not as a metric but as a frequencyThis conversation is a reminder that real success isn’t just what you achieve, it’s how you feel while you’re achieving it.Tune in to hear how Ruta’s jungle journey rewired her perspective and might just shift yours too.

"Homelessness taught me to see what others miss"Get ready for an inspiring episode of Success Masters! I’m joined today by the incredible Jennifer Gligoric, who shares her powerful journey from an unexpected experience with homelessness as a teenager to becoming a crisis intervention consultant helping businesses thrive.Jennifer reveals the surprising "superpower" of blending in she developed while homeless and how it gives her unique insights into the real issues plaguing businesses – often people-related challenges that owners can't see.In this captivating conversation, you'll learn about:• The stark contrast between Jennifer's large, close-knit family upbringing and her later experience with homelessness• How the need to blend in for survival as a young, homeless girl transformed into a valuable consulting skill• Jennifer's work helping businesses by identifying underlying HR and people issues• The thought-provoking "deathbed exercise" (actually a funeral exercise) she uses with clients to help them define their legacy and purpose• Jennifer's personal definition of success as striving towards one's potential• Her fascinating involvement as the Minister of Equity and Resources for Asgardia, the world's first digital nation with ambitions for space exploration.Jennifer also answers the poignant question: "What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?" Her answer is both heartfelt and insightful.Don't miss this powerful and unique story of resilience, perspective, and the unexpected skills life can teach us.

“Am I dying?” How would you react if your 12 year old son asked you that from his hospital bed?This is a powerful episode of Success Masters Podcast featuring the incredible Dr. Howard Polansky!From dentist of 16 years to financial freedom coach, Howard shares his deeply personal story, including the life-altering moment when his son asked, "Am I dying?"This became his "two by four moment," leading him to "burn the ships" and walk away from a career that made him miserableDiscover:The pivotal realization that led him to quit dentistry: "maybe the person that needs to be fired is me".His journey to creating "the new rules of finance" and helping others achieve financial freedom sooner.The surprising strategy involving your home loan that can help you "make money move" for your benefit, potentially paying off your mortgage much faster... Learn about the concept similar to an offset mortgage where your income attacks debt more efficiently.Why traditional financial advice might be costing you time and money.Howard's advice to his younger self: "the work that you do is not your identity," "take your shot," and "life is better with ice cream".This episode is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to pursue happiness and that unconventional approaches can lead to incredible freedom.