Shows
The Bouncebackability PodcastHow the BRIT School, Rugby, and Retreats Shape Resilient Cultures | Episode 28In this episode Simon and Rusty bring a refreshing, experience-led perspective on how to lead and live with greater intention. Through stories from a mindfulness golf retreat, a visit to the BRIT School, and a rugby camp in the U.S., Simon and Rusty uncover valuable lessons on the power of switching off to gain clarity, the role of storytelling and gratitude in growth, and what effective, purpose-driven leadership looks like in practice. If you’re keen to get practical insights into building more resilient, connected, and human-centred cultures - whether in organisations or everyday lif...2025-07-2947 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastFrom Setback to Strength: Sam Leeming on Resilience, Recovery & Reinvention | Episode 27In this episode, Simon and Rusty talk with former professional rugby player, cancer ‘thriver’, and human-first performance coach, Sam Leeming.Sam’s rugby journey began with Newcastle Falcons and flourished at Hartpury University, where he earned a BSc in Sport Performance, multiple England Students caps, and a professional contract. But at just 23, his career was suddenly put on hold when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After undergoing intensive chemotherapy, Sam made an inspiring return to professional rugby, a testament to his resilience, discipline, and deep self-awareness.Forced to retire at 25 due to concussion-related injuries...2025-06-2453 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastDeep Work & Digital Detox: The Key to Cultivating Bouncebackability | Episode 26In this episode, Simon and Rusty dive into the small behaviour changes and mindset shifts that build resilience and foster what they call “bouncebackability.”Through candid conversation, they reflect on Simon’s recent digital detox experiment and how stepping away from technology—even briefly—can create space for deeper thinking, creativity, and presence. They also explore how journaling and intentional reflection can strengthen focus and support a more grounded deep work practice.Together, they unpack the tension between staying constantly connected and the challenge of truly switching off—especially in a world where digital engagement feels essent...2025-06-0336 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastLetting Go of the Guilt: Strategies for Sustainable Leadership and Personal Growth | Episode 25In today’s episode, podcast founders Simon Ursell and Rusty Earnshaw revisit some of the key themes explored throughout the podcast - examining what they mean in today’s world of leadership, resilience, and bouncebackability.This is an open and honest conversation about the pressures leaders face, and what can happen when we don’t prioritise rest and recovery. Simon shares his personal journey through burnout and how it led him to rethink traditional work culture - including the decision to implement a four-day week in his business.Rusty offers powerful insights from the world of spo...2025-04-2952 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastTyler Grange Unplugged: Building Resilience and Embracing New Organisational Ideas | Episode 24In today’s episode, Rusty and Simon, co-founder of Tyler Grange, sit down with four key members of the TG family to dive deep into what makes this forward-thinking organisation tick. Covering key themes such as embracing change, cultural innovation, and building resilience - including bold moves like implementing the four-day workweek - the discussion highlights each guest's unique values around the organisation's approach to mentoring, personal growth, and creating a supportive, flexible work environment focused on employee wellbeing.[00:50] Julian Arthur — Technical DirectorJulian Arthur joined Tyler Grange in January 2010 from...2025-03-2559 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastThe Critical Role of Values in Resilient Leadership with Elicia Robinson | Episode 23In this episode, we dissect the critical role of values in resilient leadership with high-profile leadership expert, Elicia Robinson. Elicia is on a mission to help leaders strengthen their relationships, think more strategically, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective - whether through coaching, tailored development programs, or guiding high-stakes conversations.She has worked with top leaders across government, healthcare, private equity, and global organisations, including the UK Ministry of Defence, HM Treasury, the NHS, and Canadian diplomats worldwide. With a PhD from Cambridge in the Psychology of Change and top-tier coaching credentials, she helps leaders sharpen...2025-02-2552 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastHighlights of 2024 with Simon and Rusty | Episode 22In today’s episode, Simon and Rusty take a heartfelt look back at the incredible interviews of 2024, highlighting the key takeaways, lightbulb moments, and powerful stories that moved and motivated them and the listeners. Together, they review the 10 transformative conversations that have challenged their perspectives on resilience and redefined what it means to embody bouncebackability in life’s toughest moments.If you have a suggestion for a topic or guest for 2025, we want to hear from you! Message us via https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bouncebackability-podcast/ with your suggestions.The conversations from this series:2025-01-2850 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastMindset Transformation: Karim Rushdy on Overcoming Adversity and Embracing a Beginner's Mindset | Episode 21On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of exploring resilience and mindfulness with our special guest, Karim Rushdy. Our conversation centres around his inspiring journey of transformation through challenges, including years of chronic back pain and a significant financial loss. We talk about the profound impact of cultivating a beginner’s mindset, re-framing life’s obstacles and achieving excellence through the practice of mindfulness has had on his life.Karim is a mindfulness teacher, facilitator, and strategy advisor with extensive experience in Asia and the UK. After leaving university in England, he studied Mandarin in Shanghai and jo...2024-12-171h 22
The Bouncebackability PodcastTriumph Over Trauma: Dave Coleman’s Journey from Marine Commando to Motivational Speaker | Episode 20WARNING: This episode contains strong language and discussions of sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide. These discussions may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to seek help. You can reach out to the Samaritans on 116 123 or https://samaritans.org/. Please listen with care and prioritise your wellbeing. Dave is a former Royal Marines Commando turned successful business owner, public speaker and advocate for mental health. Today we hear his remarkable story of determination to succeed in the military, overcoming his stammer and the grueling stories from t...2024-11-261h 18
The Bouncebackability PodcastInside ESports: Enhancing Longevity and Life Beyond Professional Gaming with Caleb Cousens | Episode 19In today's episode we talk in depth with ESports coach, Caleb Cousens. With 13 years of experience as an organisational leader, Caleb has built a team of world-class coaches dedicated to enhancing the skills of professional gamers and Esports athletes worldwide. Transforming team dynamics, fighting burnout and creating supportive, high-performance environments are just some of the innovations and techniques developed by Caleb and his team to address the unique challenges that come with professional gaming. Under his leadership, Caleb continues to make a significant impact in this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, and today he shares how his p...2024-10-2959 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastThe King of Kent Mike Haynes Discusses Broking, Coaching, and Resilience | Episode 18In today's episode we dive deep into the world of high-pressure careers with our special guest, Mike Haynes. Affectionately known as "the king of Kent", Mike is a former oil market broker who now coaches other brokers on improving their performance and finding resilience within this challenging industry. He shares the ups and downs of his career and his transition out of broking to follow his passion in rugby coaching, and founding his own business as a professional business coach.Throughout the conversation, we explore the pressure of the brokerage industry, the importance of resilience, and the...2024-09-2454 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastThe Creative Shift: Building Communities and Embracing New Educational Settings with Kirsty Hunter | Episode 17In today's episode, we are joined by former BRIT School Deputy Head - turned Entrepreneur and Founder of The Creativity Clinic, Kirsty Hunter. Kirsty’s mission is huge – to destroy social and financial barriers to the arts and education, and to disrupt co-working and leisure spaces through the integration of the arts. Her aim is to provide a much-needed resource whilst creating meaningful and inclusive communities that offer an inter-generational approach to work, leisure and play.Kirsty is currently on the journey to raise investment for her venture and in September 2022 she launched the outpatient’s arm of The...2024-08-271h 07
The Bouncebackability PodcastThe Unseen Effort: Heather Fisher on Resilience, Authenticity, and Finding Purpose | Episode 16In today's episode we are joined by Birmingham-based Olympic rugby player and former GB bobsledder, Heather Fisher. Heather is an accomplished elite athlete, motivational speaker, LGBT advocate and media personality with her own BBC radio podcast.After a difficult start in life, Heather quickly found she excelled in the sports arena. Breaking her back in four places in her late 20s left her in a back brace for 18 months and triggered alopecia which impacted her self-confidence and self-perception. Never to be held down, she learnt to crawl, walk and finally run again before returning to international sport...2024-07-241h 11
The Bouncebackability PodcastLife Lessons from the Special Forces with Leadership and Resilience Coach, Garry Banford | Episode 15In today's episode we are joined by former Special Forces leader Garry Banford. Garry served over two decades in the UK MOD, 16 of those with the UK Special Forces. One of the UK’s most combat-seasoned leaders and serving all of his years with UKSF in the ever-adapting aftermath of the Twin Towers attacks, Garry rose to the senior leadership position of Sergeant Major and has led some of the most high-performing teams in the world. His experience has tested and strengthened his resilience through the busiest years of Special Forces history.He now shares his experience vi...2024-06-251h 06
The Bouncebackability PodcastEmbracing Playfulness: Unlocking the Power of Social Interaction and Connection with Dr Maarten Koeners & Adam Lusby | Episode 14“Play is more than an activity; it is a feeling.” In today's episode we are joined by special guests Adam Lusby and Dr Maarten Koeners. Both experts and advocates of the transformative power of play, the conversation illustrates how playfulness can be used to create ‘prosocial environments’, be that in classrooms, competitive sports or the workplace. We discuss the crucial link between play and social connection, the transformative effects of incorporating play into educational and professional settings, and the importance of embracing a playful approach for resilience and engagement. Adam has spent the past decad...2024-05-2158 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastInside the World of Professional Rugby: Rich Bryan on Transition and Resilience | Episode 13Today we speak to former professional rugby player, Rich Bryan. Having experienced the highs and lows of professional rugby (including having Rusty as a teammate at Bath), Rich’s playing career was ended by a difficult knee injury at the age of 30, resulting in a challenging career change that would test his resilience and mental well-being.In 2011 Rich joined the Rugby Players Association (RPA) - the representative body and trade union for current and former elite male and female rugby players in England, and for the past 10 years he has held the position of Player Welfare Director. As...2024-04-231h 03
The Bouncebackability PodcastRethinking Mindfulness: Strategies for Success in Sports and Business with Luke Doherty of Mindful Peak Performance | Episode 12Today we speak to Luke Doherty, Managing Director at Mindful Peak Performance. Having trained as an elite rugby player and capped for England under-18s, Luke’s passion for marrying elite performance and mindfulness has now developed into the wellness space with mind-blowing results. Achieving advanced-level mindfulness training qualifications from Breathworks and the Oxford University Mindfulness Centre, he’s since been dedicated to creating and delivering bespoke mindfulness programmes for some of the UK's leading athletes and forward-thinking executives. He’s also the creator of a unique youth support network, bringing together boxing and mindfulness to engage and ignite disadv...2024-03-2656 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastNurturing Human Connections: Lessons in Resilience and Community from James Rutter of COOK | Episode 11Today on the Bouncebackability Podcast we speak to James Rutter, Chief Creative Officer at a pioneering frozen food company COOK. James joined COOK in 2010 after 15 years as a financial journalist and editor. He now oversees internal and external branding and communications across the organisation. COOK is a founding UK B Corp, committed to using its business as a force for good in society and has been ranked in the ‘Top 100 Best Companies To Work For’ every year since 2013.Today’s episode explores how they have earned that accolade by shining a light on the sign...2024-02-2054 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastWhat Does Bouncebackability Mean to the Experts? Series 1 Recap | Episode 10Today on the Bouncebackability Podcast, Simon and Rusty reflect on the first series, sharing insights from their conversations with some amazing and truly insightful guests. Learn about defining resilience, the impact of toxic environments, the significance of language in shaping our attitudes towards challenges or setbacks and loads more. Join us as we explore these key themes and how they’ve influenced their own thinking as leaders.On our guest list:Becoming Britain’s first female NFL coach with Phoebe Schecter | Episode 2Thriving as a 4-day week business with Myke Parrott | Episo...2024-01-2343 min
A Case of the Mondays12. The 4-day work week: reflectionsThe 3R team reflect on Rameez's discussion with Simon Ursell about the pros and cons of the 4-day working week. Would all organisations benefit? How would you get employees on board? Tune in and see if your questions are answered!2024-01-1536 minA Case of the Mondays11. Pros and cons of the 4-day work weekSimon Ursell is the founder and director of Tyler Grange—one of the many organisations that took part in the four-day working week trial. Most employers are still extremely sceptical of the idea and even Simon recognises that many think it simply won't work for them.
However, this episode sheds light on the countless benefits a four-day work week has brought to Tyler Grange and hundreds of other organisations across the world. Why not see if Simon can change your mind?2024-01-081h 00
The Bouncebackability PodcastBuilding Resilience and Cultivating Effective Coaching Environments with John Fletcher | Episode 9Today on the Bouncebackability Podcast, we speak to John Fletcher, Head of Pathway and Elite Coach Development at Scottish Rugby. John has not found himself in this position by accident. With 10 years heading up England Rugby’s pathway, experiencing the position of Director and Rugby as well as founding The Magic Academy coaching development organisation, John knows a thing or two about the sport.His passion for rugby stemmed from his experience of playing and coaching younger players, and his 3 sons can vouch for this! When he’s not on the pitch you’ll find him with his wi...2023-12-1947 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastThe Power of Storytelling: Connecting, Healing, and Transforming Lives with Clare Murphy | Episode 8Today on the Bouncebackability Podcast, we speak to the international speaker and storyteller, Clare Murphy. Clare has an impressive CV. Not only is she the Director of Story at the Mission Critical Institute in the USA, she’s also a consultant and trainer for worldwide organisation, such as the National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, BLESMA Limbless Veterans, and University of Bristol. Clare has performed in over 20 countries with the former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory among the notable guests in her audience.In this episode, she shares her experience of stor...2023-11-221h 00
The Bouncebackability PodcastShaping an Environment of Resilience with Prof. Mustafa Sarkar | Episode 7In today’s episode of the Bouncebackability Podcast, we have the pleasure of talking to Associate Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology, Dr Mustafa Sarkar. Join us as we take a deep-dive into the parallels and learning opportunities that come from elite sport, with special focus on how the environment shapes the performance and resilience of team productivity and mindset. Mustafa shares his own experience and some fantastic real-life examples highlighting the importance of defining resilience within organisations; the symbiosis between performance and well-being, and the benefits that come from re-framing the way we view pressure and dev...2023-10-2442 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastOvercoming Setbacks to Achieve Dreams with Military Commander Justin Reuter | Episode 6In this episode of the Bouncebackability Podcast with Simon and Rusty, we welcome an incredible guest – a senior defense consultant and Tornado F3 fighter pilot, Justin Reuter. Drawing on his own personal journey as a military weapons instructor (think the UK’s equivalent of ‘Top Gun’) and Commander of the UK Air Forces in the Middle East, Justin shares his insights on how civilians can adopt military techniques to aid bounce back from setbacks and develop resilience within their organisations and teams.He talks to us about the importance of mentors and how brutal honesty from all ranks in...2023-09-2640 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastInnovation and Creative Problem-Solving with Google’s Kirk Vallis | Episode 5Welcome back to the Bouncebackability Podcast with Simon Ursell and Rusty Earnshaw. Today we are joined by a very special guest, Kirk Vallis, Global Head of creative Capability Development at Google. We delve into some fascinating topics, including - the intersection of AI and creativity; the power of experimentation as a catalyst for safer and more ambitious goals, and the concept of Ten X thinking.Kirk has spent the last 11 years at Google, developing innovation frameworks, but more importantly, helping colleagues navigate the right behaviours, mindset and techniques to unlock fresh thinking.He consults and...2023-08-2251 min
Well WorkplacesEp105 - The Four-Day Work Week with Simon UrsellIn this episode, we sit down with Simon Ursell, co-founder and leader of Tyler Grange, to explore his journey in introducing a four-day work week and its remarkable outcomes. Simon shares the story behind Tyler Grange's inception and the specific strategies that led to increased productivity, higher job applications, and improved employee well-being.
Simon's passion for workplace well-being and employee performance is evident as he emphasises the impact of a strong company culture and a focus on employee happiness on overall business success. He discusses the importance of recruiting with shared values in mind and how it ha...2023-08-1444 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastEmbracing Emotional Fitness in the Workplace with Dr Suzanne Brown | Episode 4In this episode, Simon and Rusty welcome their special guest Suzanne Brown to share her insights and experiences around emotional fitness within the workplace. Suzanne emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety, both within oneself and in relationships with others. Together they discuss the impact of providing emotional fitness classes to employees and the lasting effects they have on individuals, resulting in increased productivity and lower rates of sick leave across organisations. The conversation also delves into topics such as resilience, coping strategies, and the importance of personal growth.Suzanne explores the c...2023-07-2550 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastThriving as a 4-Day Week Business with Myke Parrott | Episode 3Myke Parrott is the Founder of I-Gem Associates – an ambitious and innovative recruitment company with expertise within the gaming and data science & engineering industries. He has over 15 years of recruitment experience and has always been passionate about developing people and creating great opportunities for them. Over 18 months ago, Myke’s company adopted a 4-day working week with positive results on both team performance and their happiness and emotional health. Join us as we discuss ‘why a 4-day week’ and the importance of confronting the boundaries of normality. In this episode:[00:04:21] Implementing a Four-Day Work Week: Lessons L...2023-06-1337 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastBecoming Britain’s First Female NFL Coach with Phoebe Schecter | Episode 2Phoebe Schecter is pioneering the world of American Football, having empowered women in sport by becoming the first British female coach in the NFL. Her bounceback moment was taking a complete 180 away from her comfort zone and moving to the UK. Despite her initial lack of interest in American Football, she seized an opportunity to push her limits and face imposter syndrome head-on. Join us as we discuss the nitty-gritty of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and explore Phoebe’s inspiring journey. In this episode:[00:03:35] Building Confidence as a Coach: From Youth teams to...2023-05-2340 min
The Bouncebackability PodcastPresenting Bouncebackability with Simon and Rusty | Episode 1Welcome to the first episode of the Bouncebackability podcast! Fasten your seat belts, we’re in for a bouncy ride. In this episode, Rusty and Simon share their motivation behind setting up the pod and its aim to provide genuine insight, as well as ideas how we can navigate unknown territories and the potential to use these experiences to thrive, not just survive, during challenging times. Simon and Rusty give a glimpse into the impressive guest list and share some of their own experiences that have formed the work they do now. If you...2023-05-1706 min
The Mind Solution PodcastWhat Really Happens When You Move to a Four-Day Week?
In this episode, I speak with Simon Ursell, Managing Director, and Carly Goodman-Smith, Operations Director of UK-based environmental consultancy Tyler Grange—one of the pioneering organisations that took part in the UK’s four-day week pilot.
Unlike many companies still sitting on the fence, Tyler Grange has fully embraced the change. Following their participation in the national pilot, they made the four-day working week permanent, and the results speak for themselves. One of the most impressive stats? A 70% reduction in absence across the workforce.
But this wasn’t just a case of giving everyone...2023-01-1043 min