Wit + Grit

Ameesha Green: Everybody Should Name Their Teddies After Philosophers

Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur. In this episode, we explore ADHD, business, creativity, AI, education, philosophy, children’s futures, writing, and why one-size-fits-all thinking simply does not work. From naming her childhood teddies after philosophers to building a publishing business, Ameesha shares a refreshingly honest view on how different minds work, why books still matter, and whether AI is helping us think better — or helping us avoid thinking altogether. Key takeaways * ADHD can be both a creative advantage and a practical challenge. * Self-awareness matters more than forcing yourself into broken systems. * One-size-fits-all education does not serve every child. * AI can be a sparring partner, not a replacement for thinking. * Books still have the power to pass wisdom between generations. * Entrepreneurship is rarely linear — sometimes you build by saying yes. * Writing can help turn ideas into impact. Keywords Ameesha Green, ADHD, neurodivergence, AI, creativity, philosophy, books, publishing, entrepreneurship, The Book Shelf, book shepherd, education, children’s future, critical thinking, Stoicism, business ownership, self-awareness, Wit + Grit. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Neurodivergence in Business 02:46 The Role of Stoicism in Entrepreneurship 05:03 Philosophy and Its Impact on Decision Making 07:35 The Importance of Open Conversations with Kids 10:33 Political Engagement and Community Involvement 13:18 The Power of Books to Change Lives 16:17 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Children's Books 25:33 A Meandering Journey to Business 28:56 Transitioning to Hybrid Publishing 30:49 Learning from Authors and Their Stories 33:03 Navigating Challenges as a Business Owner 36:03 The Importance of Side Hustles 38:10 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch 39:31 The Role of AI in Publishing 42:00 The Benefits of Writing 45:05 Reflections on Personal Growth 46:21 Wit and Grit in Business

Hannah Bailey: The Cost of Always Saying “I’m Fine”

Former police officer Hannah Bailey spent years working in high-pressure frontline roles, telling everyone she was fine while quietly carrying trauma, stress and undiagnosed PTSD. In this powerful episode, Hannah shares how a cancer diagnosis brought unexpected relief because it meant she no longer had to go back to work, why real resilience is not the same as silence, and how she rebuilt her life through treatment, therapy, humour and a completely new understanding of wellbeing. This is a conversation about trauma, workplace culture, cancer, PTSD, leadership, laughter, and what it really means to be well long term. Key takeaways * Looking “fine” on paper can hide deep emotional and mental exhaustion. * High-pressure cultures can train people to stay silent until they break. * Real resilience is not invincibility; it is knowing when to ask for help. * Leaders need to notice changes in people, not just performance. * Humour and connection can help the brain feel safe again. * Wellbeing support must be proactive, genuine and led from the top. Keywords Mental health, PTSD, trauma, policing, cancer survivor, resilience, workplace wellbeing, burnout, leadership, psychological safety, therapy, BWRT, Blue Light Wellbeing, stress, high-pressure work, police officer, emotional health, workplace culture. Chapters List 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey 00:20 The Relief of a Cancer Diagnosis 01:52 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health 04:21 The Struggles of a Police Officer 06:33 The Identity Crisis of a Police Officer 09:22 The Journey Through Cancer Treatment 11:47 The Role of Support Systems 14:06 Finding Hope in Alternative Treatments 16:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience 19:00 The Importance of Long-term Wellbeing 24:39 Healing Through BWRT: A Personal Journey 29:14 Understanding Trauma: The Role of the Amygdala and Hippocampus 34:10 The State of Mental Health in Organisations 36:19 Recognising Symptoms of Mental Health Issues 42:12 Addressing Concerns: How to Approach Colleagues 45:23 Wit and Grit: The Power of Humour and Resilience

Potential and Power Skills with Kristie Brookes & Olivia Roden

The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared. In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Brookes and Liv Roden from Aston University to unpack what it’s really like to be a student right now, and what employers might be getting wrong. We explore the growing gap between education and employment, why “entry-level” roles now expect experience, and how students can stand out in a world of AI-generated CVs and identical applications. From “power skills” and emotional intelligence to hiring for potential over perfection, this is a practical, honest conversation about the future of work - and how both students and employers need to adapt. If you’ve got kids heading into the world of work, or you’re hiring the next generation, this one matters. Key Takeaways The graduate market is tougher than ever — but opportunity still exists Differentiation is everything (and it’s not just about grades) Employers should hire for potential, not just experience AI is changing entry-level work, but human skills matter more than ever “Power skills” (leadership, AI, innovation, emotional intelligence) are the real advantage Students aren’t lazy - they’re navigating a completely different world Your personality, passion, and story are what set you apart Themes • Future of work • Early careers / graduate market • AI & employability • Emotional intelligence • Identity & confidence • Social mobility • Hiring & leadership Keywords graduate jobs, early careers, Aston University, employability, Gen Z workforce, hiring graduates, AI in recruitment, power skills, soft skills, student careers, internships UK, graduate market UK, career advice, emotional intelligence at work, leadership skills, entry level jobs UK Chapters 00:00 Meet the Employer Engagement Officers 01:40 Current Student Experience and Market Challenges 05:44 Understanding the Role of Employer Engagement Officers 08:56 Career Journeys of Kristie and Olivia 13:48 Aston University: Opportunities and Offerings 16:45 Power Skills and Student Preparedness 20:02 Perceptions of Young People in the Workforce 21:50 Emotional Intelligence in the Job Market 24:57 Demonstrating Passion and Personality 28:55 The Value of University Experience 33:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Paths

Lewis Matthews: Happiness Is a Choice (Even in Atlantic Storms)

Lewis Matthews has pushed himself to extremes - from international water polo to Ironmans, ultramarathons and rowing the Atlantic for 38 days. But this conversation isn’t just about endurance. It’s about what happens when life pushes back. Lewis opens up about losing his brother and his mom, how grief reshaped his perspective, and why success now looks very different. From “purposeful discomfort” to fatherhood, identity and resilience, this is a raw, honest conversation about what really matters, and how we carry life when it gets heavy. Key Takeaways • Happiness is a choice - even when life isn’t easy • Have a “why” - it gets you through the hardest moments • Purposeful discomfort builds resilience • Endurance teaches control - focus on what you can influence • Grief doesn’t go away - but it changes • Empathy often comes from pain • Have a “thing” - something that grounds you outside work and life stress • Success changes - especially when you become a parent • You don’t need to be the best - just keep learning and growing • Remember tomorrow - most things pass Keywords Lewis Matthews, rowing the Atlantic, endurance mindset, resilience, grief, loss, fatherhood, mental strength, stoicism, ultramarathon, Ironman, water polo, personal growth, emotional resilience, mindset, discipline, adversity, purpose, mental health, perspective, Wit and Grit podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Lewis Matthews' Background 00:55 20 Days into the Atlantic Row: Challenges and Mindset 02:09 Dealing with Storms and Ocean Conditions 03:49 Big Storms and Boat Spinning Crisis 06:01 Building Mental Fortitude and Stoic Principles 08:28 Lewis' Origin Story and Water Polo Journey 09:50 Transition from Water Polo to Endurance Sports 11:52 Lessons from Ultras and Ironmans 14:07 Why Endurance Challenges? The Mindset Behind the Why 20:26 Personal Losses and Grief: The Impact of Family Tragedy 24:56 Grief vs Physical Endurance: Comparing Challenges 30:40 Lessons from Grief and Moving Forward 32:37 Jiu Jitsu and Community as a Source of Resilience 36:36 Redefining Success and Priorities 38:09 Consciously Unlearning and Embracing New Identities 42:21 Rowing Record and Scenario Planning 44:38 Future Goals and Three-Year Vision 45:37 Wit and Grit: The Balance of Intelligence and Grit 47:14 Who Was Lewis Matthews? What Broke and What He Became

Every Kid Is a Natural Red Teamer: Marcus Dimbleby on Critical Thinking and Leadership

In Episode 32 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Marcus Dimbleby - former Royal Air Force aerospace battle manager turned leadership and critical thinking specialist. From the military to major corporate transformation, Marcus shares what he’s learned about leadership, human behaviour and why so many organisations are still getting it wrong. This is a wide-ranging conversation covering disengaged workforces, the dangers of promoting people without training them, why young talent is leaving organisations so quickly, and how leaders can unlock the capability already sitting inside their teams. Marcus also breaks down critical thinking, red teaming, adaptive leadership, shadow boards, and why AI is only useful when paired with human judgement. There’s loads here for leaders, parents and anyone thinking about how we prepare the next generation for a world that’s moving fast. Key takeaways • Most leaders are promoted without being trained to lead. • Only 21% of the workforce is engaged. • Leaders don’t need to do it all themselves. • Slow down to speed up. • Critical thinking is not automatic — it has to be deliberately applied. • Every kid is a natural red teamer until the system squeezes it out of them. • Diversity of thought is the diversity that unlocks performance. • Young talent leaves when you recruit them for fresh thinking but don’t let them use it. • A group of high performers is not automatically a team. • Shadow boards are one of the smartest ways to bridge generations. • AI is a tool, not the answer. • The real future is AI plus collective intelligence. • What got you here won’t keep you here. Keywords Marcus Dimbleby, leadership, critical thinking, red teaming, adaptive leadership, workforce engagement, Gen Z, parenting, AI, collective intelligence, shadow boards, team dynamics, military leadership, Royal Air Force, aerospace battle manager, business transformation, disengaged employees, innovation, future of work, human skills, opportunity, Wit and Grit podcast Chapters List 00:00 Introduction to Marcus Dimbleby 02:45 Leadership Challenges in the Modern Workplace 05:16 The Importance of Critical Thinking 08:21 Red Teaming and Its Applications 11:33 The Role of Parents in Fostering Critical Thinking 14:24 The Disconnect Between Leadership and Talent 17:14 Navigating Change in Organizations 20:18 The Need for Adaptive Leadership 23:09 Understanding the Real Problems in Organizations 31:59 Unveiling Leadership Challenges 34:20 The Importance of Tailored Solutions 36:31 The Role of Shadow Boards in Leadership 37:21 Navigating Military Insights and Youth Engagement 46:07 The Impact of AI on Leadership 53:44 Advice for the Next Generation 01:01:50 outro1.mp3