Life Stories, Life Lessons

“What if struggle is how they got great…?” Friend of the pod, Grace Marshall, returns to talk about her book she released earlier this year called ‘Struggle’. For those of you not familiar with Grace, she was a guest right at the very beginning of the pandemic back in April 2020 [https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/3449581-12-grace-marshall-we-re-all-growing-and-learning-together]. She’s an award-winning author of two books, has been featured in The Guardian, Forbes, Glamour, The Times and Psychologies, and is a qualified coach – working with businesses and individuals to help them become as productive as possible. The idea behind the book is to help us see struggle through a different lens and using the lessons from those small and big struggles to grow and learn, and in some case, unlearn the stories we’ve been telling ourselves. This topic is right up my street; I could’ve quite easily renamed this show The Struggle Podcast because every guest I have on the show has that element of struggle to their story, so it was really fun and educational chatting with Grace again. As a productivity expert, Grace has a really unique take on struggle – and believe it or not, she actually started writing the book pre-pandemic. But with so many of us having gone though our own small and big struggles over the last 18-months, the book feels more topical now than ever. In fact one of the things Grace really doesn’t want a return of, is our reluctance to openly about struggle. She’s a huge advocate of vulnerability – sharing her own stories – the times she’s triumphed and the times she’s made mistakes, her mid-life crisis (which actually took place way before middle age) and much more. Her mix of personal stories and expertise gives her a really authoritative voice, but in a relatable and non-pushy way. It certainly helped me understand that it’s okay to make mistakes at all stages of your life or career – because we’re human and it happens. Grace’s enthusiasm is infectious and she has such a positive spin on all things struggle, so I think you’re going to really love this conversation - huge thanks to her for returning to the show. Other episodes you may like: #12 Grace Marshall: We’re all growing and learning together: https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/3449581-12-grace-marshall-we-re-all-growing-and-learning-together [https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/3449581-12-grace-marshall-we-re-all-growing-and-learning-together] #19 Rachel Noall: Courage beyond words: https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/5089628-19-rachel-noall-courage-beyond-words [https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/5089628-19-rachel-noall-courage-beyond-words] #22 Rochelle Gilburn: Finding your why: https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/7319944-22-rochelle-gilburn-finding-your-why [https://lifestorieslifelessons.buzzsprout.com/556249/7319944-22-rochelle-gilburn-finding-your-why] More about Grace: Buy ‘Struggle’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Struggle-surprising-opportunity-shittier-moments/dp/1788601971 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Struggle-surprising-opportunity-shittier-moments/dp/1788601971] Grace’s website: https://gracemarshall.com/ [https://gracemarshall.com/] Join the community: Instagram @lifestorieslifelessons www.instagram.com/lifestorieslifelessons [www.instagram.com/lifestorieslifelessons] Facebook @lifestorieslifelessons http://www.facebook.com/lifestorieslifelessons [http://www.facebook.com/lifestorieslifelessons]

“Knowing the things that don’t matter, gives you an immense amount of freedom to accept the things that do matter” In this episode, I chat with Sarah Sylvester, an author and community charity worker. Sarah used to work in the automotive industry; she created an armour of aggression and a back-breaking work ethic for herself which helped her become revered as an incredibly hard-working, but formidable, leader. Sarah used work, as well as a gruelling exercise regime, to not only distract, but also punish herself for the pain she felt inside. Working at this lightning speed gradually took its toll over the years, until one morning, she had a very public breakdown, to the point where she didn’t want to live anymore. This life-changing event marked the start of a gradual recovery for Sarah, and through many ups and downs, has led her to start a new career in the charity sector and write a book called Miracle Angel Baby [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Angel-Baby-Sarah-Sylvester-ebook/dp/B08YZ99YJL] (highly recommended!). Sarah has been incredibly brave in shining a light on the issues she faced whilst working – ones that also really resonate with me personally. A big thanks to her for sharing her story. I also hope this conversation helps those who are currently in that negative place right now. There really is another, more balanced, way to lead your life, but you have to make that first step yourself and ask for help. There’s no shame, only bravery, in that action. Other episodes you may like: * #27 Conor Stone: My mental health journey [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/8220940-27-conor-stone-my-mental-health-journey] * #22 Rochelle Gilburn: Finding your why [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/7319944-22-rochelle-gilburn-finding-your-why] * #21 Jordan T. Swift: If your dreams don’t scare you, what are you dreaming about? [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/7128010-21-jordan-t-swift-if-your-dreams-don-t-scare-you-what-are-you-dreaming-about] * #9 Paul Ledger: Building a better relationship with our emotions [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/2735182-9-paul-ledger-building-a-better-relationship-with-our-emotions] * #4 Marion Hart: Our negative experiences don't define us [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/1920578-4-marion-hart-our-negative-experiences-don-t-define-us] Buy Sarah’s book: * Miracle Angel Baby [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Angel-Baby-Sarah-Sylvester-ebook/dp/B08YZ99YJL] Join the Connections Untold community: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/connectionsuntold/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsUntold/]

“There’s nothing more joyful than sharing your blessings and helping others become successful" I speak with Dan Regalado, Vice President of Digital Platforms and Enterprise Technology, at Banfield Pet Hospital. Dan grew up in a small rural town of roughly 1,500 people around 500kms from Manilla, Philippines. Both of his parents were government workers, also owning rice fields as a secondary income and to help their local community. After attending university in Manilla (where his accommodation wasn’t the most pleasant of experiences and he had to survive on $20 per month), Dan fulfilled a lifelong dream to move to the US. Arriving with his wife, a new-born and six bags of luggage, Dan had to work hard to get to where he is today as an accomplished company vice president, managing global teams and huge budgets. We chat about Dan’s journey and touch on how he manages work/life balance through Ironman challenges, as well as why kindness, compassion and diversity should always have a space in the workplace. Dan also places a strong emphasis on staying connected to his roots – never forgetting the small town he grew up in and some of the hardships he faced along the way. I have a huge amount of respect for Dan – having worked with him I can say first-hand just how much of a great leader he is, and listening to his story, I can 100% see why that is. Thanks for sharing your journey Dan! Other episodes you may like: * #23 Robert Cleave: Lessons from cycling around the world [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/7570972-23-robert-cleave-lessons-from-cycling-around-the-world] * #22 Rochelle Gilburn: Finding your why [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/7319944-22-rochelle-gilburn-finding-your-why] * #18 Luke Wigman: Injured veteran turned endurance athlete [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/4818350-18-part-1-luke-wigman-injured-veteran-turned-endurance-athlete] * #10 Ryan Romano: Vulnerability and developing your self-identity [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/2971078-10-ryan-romano-ted-speaker-on-vulnerability-and-developing-your-self-identity-end-of-season-1] Join the Connections Untold community: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/connectionsuntold/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsUntold/]

“It’s so important to learn to forgive…we hold on to things so intently and it doesn’t hurt anyone but ourselves.” Tinu has an incredible story to tell. She’s one of 13 children who’s dad was a prince of Lagos in Nigeria, making her a princess. Born with scoliosis, which is a form of curvature of the spine, Tinu needed to be in UK for her treatment – and because she was in and out of hospital for most of her childhood, she moved permanently to North London, where she ended up growing up. As of about the age of 3-4, Tinu didn’t have any contact with her dad – she had tried to reach out to him, but to no avail. Fast-forward to when she was 16, she entered a writing competition at school that the BBC were running, where they wanted students to write about their life story. Tinu won that completion and it saw her flying back to Lagos with a BBC crew, to confront her dad about why he had abandoned her. We talk about what it felt like as a 16-year-old to confront her dad, and the feelings of disappointment and rejection which plagued her earlier in life and after that incident, as well as how she’s found the strength to forgive and move on. Now as a mother of three children, the conversation inevitably goes into themes of parenthood, and those, sometimes hazy, lines between forgiving someone for their actions, and feeling like we’re compromising on our own values. This is a conversation, not just about forgiveness, but about so many other things. It’s about self-belief and self-conviction, it’s about understanding that all of us, regardless of where we come from or the issues we’ve had to overcome, have the right to feel accepted and loved, and to live a life defined by our own rules and not by our pasts. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tinu – you’re an awesome person and I’m proud to call you my friend. Other episodes you may like: * #26 Theshira Pather: Keeping the legends of Africa alive [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/8132203-26-theshira-pather-keeping-the-legends-of-africa-alive] * #22 Rochelle Gilburn: Finding your why [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/7319944-22-rochelle-gilburn-finding-your-why] * #17 Lex Morningstar: Introversion, sensitivity and being human [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/4339310-17-lex-morningstar-introversion-sensitivity-and-being-human] * #4 Marion Hart: Our negative experiences don't define us [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/1920578-4-marion-hart-our-negative-experiences-don-t-define-us] Find out more about Tinu: * Tinu’s blog [https://tinualikor.com/blog/] * Follow Tinu on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tinualikor/] Join the Connections Untold community: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/connectionsuntold/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsUntold/]

In this episode, I welcome Connor Stone back to the show (nearly a year to the day after his first appearance) to find out a little more about him and what led him to start his wellbeing blog and podcast, AMentalHealthJourney.com. It’s been awesome to see how things have progressed for him over the year since we spoke. Alongside continuing to run AMentalHealthJourney.com, he’s also set up a new business, Work Mindful, he’s started a new podcast, Mindful Minute, and his social following has grown exponentially (see below for more info). The original conversation [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/3203926-11-conor-stone-looking-after-your-mental-health] we had was very functional as it was more around mental health resilience tips, owning to the world as it was when it was recorded. So it was great to have a more personal and open discussion with Conor about his journey with depression and anxiety, which really came to the forefront after getting a sports-injury. This led him down a path of therapy and a discovery of mindfulness and meditation, and when he found himself in a better place, he started to share his experiences…the rest is history. For me this is a conversation about having the bravery to face our demons and shining a light on past trauma in whatever guise that may be. It’s a conversation about being honest with ourselves, following our curiosity and really showing up every day to make those small incremental changes to grow and learn. I really feel  Conor is the embodiment of this and want to say a big thanks to him for being a guest again on the show and all of the work he does to help other people. Other episodes you may like: * #17 Lex Morningstar: Introversion, sensitivity and being human [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/4339310-17-lex-morningstar-introversion-sensitivity-and-being-human] * #12 Grace Marshall: We’re all growing and learning together [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/3449581-12-grace-marshall-we-re-all-growing-and-learning-together] * #11 Conor Stone: Looking after your mental health [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/3203926-11-conor-stone-looking-after-your-mental-health] * #9 Paul Ledger: Building a better relationship with our emotions [https://connectionsuntold.buzzsprout.com/556249/2735182-9-paul-ledger-building-a-better-relationship-with-our-emotions] Find out more about Conor: * Follow Connor on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/amentalhealthjourney_/] * A Mental Health Journey website [https://amentalhealthjourney.com/] * Information about Work Mindful [https://amentalhealthjourney.com/workmindful] Join the Connections Untold community: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/connectionsuntold/] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsUntold/]