Shows
Borrowed WisdomAvoiding Failure is the real FailureFear of failure stops more people than failure itself.In this episode of Borrowed Wisdom — Ten Mentors Tuesday, Dan explores why failure feels so personal, why we’re trained to avoid it from childhood, and why so many people quit too early in business, work, relationships, and personal growth.Most people don’t actually fail, they restart.They mistake early progress for proof they’re not capable.This conversation breaks down what failure really is, how ego and embarrassment sabotage progress, and why the people who succeed are usually the ones who simply s...
2026-02-1709 minBorrowed WisdomHow to Find Your Purpose in LifeWhat is your purpose in life — and how do you actually find it?In this episode of Ten Mentors, Dan breaks down Principle 2 from 15 Principles to Master the Art of Living: Find your obsession and hold it tight.This is a practical, grounded conversation about passion, calling, and how purpose often shows up through obsession, hobbies, pain, or unfairness you cannot ignore.We explore:What purpose really feels like (and why it becomes an obsession)How Quiva, founder of Ten Mentors, discovered her mission to close the mentoring gap in...
2026-02-1010 minBorrowed WisdomHow to Stop Worrying and Start LivingA mind that won’t switch off can make a normal life feel heavy. In this episode of Ten Mentors, Dan shares why he read Dale Carnegie’s How to Stop Worrying and Start Living—and the six practical lessons that changed how he handles stress in real life: defining the worst-case scenario, sealing the day, putting a stop-loss on spirals (especially about people), letting the past stay in the past, using probability instead of panic, and closing the loops that keep anxiety alive. Along the way, Dan connects Carnegie’s tools to thinkers like Eckhart Tolle, the Stoics, Buddhism...
2026-02-0309 minBorrowed WisdomThe “We” Crisis, Anonymity as Freedom, and Why Excellence Comes FirstThis week on Ten Mentors, Dan shares four lessons that hit hard in real life.First: we’re living through a “we” crisis. Trains full of silence. Dinners with phones on the table. Couples side-by-side but miles apart. This is not about blaming anyone, it is about noticing the default and choosing something better. A simple restore: put the phone away, not face down, away. One pint. One dinner. One night. Full attention back.Second: nobody cares about your first podcast, your first book, or your early drafts, and that is freedom. Anonymity gives you room t...
2026-01-2711 minBorrowed WisdomHave You Heard of Normal Marital Hatred?“Hate” is a word many of us used as kids. We blurted it out when we felt controlled, ignored, or blocked from what we wanted, and then an hour later we were fine. Relationship therapist Terrence Real calls the adult version of that flare “normal marital hatred”: not abuse, not contempt, not a sign you married the wrong person, but a temporary spike of anger that can surface when boundaries are crossed, independence is squeezed, hormones and stress are high, or resentment has been left to build. In this episode, we talk about why it happens, how to tell the diff...
2026-01-2007 minBorrowed WisdomStart Here If You Want to Change Your HabitsIf you’re struggling to change your habits, you’re probably not the problem — your environment is. In this episode, we unpack a powerful truth: people imitate their atmosphere. From pub culture to phone scrolling, from what’s in your cupboards to who you spend your time with, your “system” quietly shapes what becomes normal. You’ll learn how to stop blaming yourself, spot the patterns around you, and start changing your habits by changing what surrounds you — one honest choice at a time.
2026-01-1608 minBorrowed WisdomHow Little Could It Take to Make Your DayWe’ve been taught that joy should be big to be real. The kind you earn through milestones, adrenaline, or a life that looks impressive from the outside. But what if that’s backwards?In this episode of Ten Mentors, we talk about the quiet shame of simple pleasures — and why making happiness rare makes life harder than it needs to be. From a friend almost dismissing a weekend of mushroom-picking to the everyday magic of watching whippets sprint wild and free in the forest, this is a reminder that small joy is not small ambition.Beca...
2025-12-0806 minBorrowed WisdomHow Real Happiness Is BuiltWhat if happiness isn’t something you “feel on command,” but something you quietly build over time? In this episode, Caoimhe rethinks our whole idea of happiness — beyond positivity culture, comparison, and the pressure to always be okay.We explore meaning versus pleasure, the science of rhythm and movement, the Sardinian “Hi” effect, the power of warm relationships, and why purpose steadies us when life gets messy. A gentle conversation about joy, aliveness, and the small daily choices that make a life feel like your own.Check out our work https...
2025-12-0513 minBorrowed WisdomThe Courage to Be Disliked: When You Think People Don’t Like You“Maybe I’m just unlikeable.” In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe talks about that quiet fear so many of us carry — that people at work, in our families, or online don’t really like us. Through real mentee stories, the stadium metaphor, and ideas from The Courage to Be Disliked, you’ll learn why others’ reactions aren’t an X-ray of your worth, how to separate your task from theirs, and one small experiment to stop twisting yourself into knots just to be liked.
2025-12-0116 minBorrowed WisdomOne Shift That Can Change Your Life: Honour Your GrowthWhat if you stopped chasing perfection and focused on one promise instead: “I will honour my growth”? In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe explores how tiny choices - a 20 minute workout, speaking once in a meeting, saying no when you are at capacity can reshape your future when you measure your days by growth, not performance.
2025-11-2706 minBorrowed WisdomHow to Become More Visible at WorkFeel like you are doing good work but no one really sees you? In this Ten Mentors episode, Caoimhe shares what she learned from Jeffrey Pfeffer’s work on power, plus real stories from mentees, to show why humility without visibility becomes invisibility – and how to change that without becoming fake or loud. You will leave with three simple questions and one small, uncomfortable action to help you become more visible at work on your own terms.In this episode you’ll learn:• Why “just work hard and be humble” keeps you invisible• How power, networks, and informal influ...
2025-11-2510 minBorrowed WisdomWhy “1% Better Every Day” Isn’t How Progress WorksReal progress and growth isn’t a straight line. There have to be pauses — the plateaus, the storms, the messy human dips where nothing seems to move. In this Ten Mentors episode, we talk about why progress needs stillness, why frustration is part of learning, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is eat the chocolate and chill the flip out.
2025-10-1503 minBorrowed WisdomIs ‘Great Again’ Just an IllusionEvery generation clings to it — the idea that if the right leader comes along, life will get better. But history is messy, slogans fade, and nobody’s coming to save you. So maybe the question isn’t about your country. Maybe it’s about you. This is an episode you don't want to miss.
2025-09-3003 minBorrowed WisdomDo You Own Your Beliefs — or Do They Own YouHistory is full of blood spilled in the name of belief systems — from witch trials and slavery to propaganda and assassinations. At a time when we cannot afford history to repeat itself, C. Duggan reflects on how easily beliefs become cages, shares a personal journey of unlearning, and shows why values — not beliefs — are what truly shape character and growth.
2025-09-2305 minBorrowed WisdomDon't live each day like its your lastWe’ve all heard the phrase: “Live each day like it’s your last.” But is that really the path to meaning? In this episode of Ten Mentors, Caoimhe shares a different perspective shaped by personal loss and everyday life. Discover why self-improvement, ordinary routines, and small daily choices matter more than dramatic “last day” living — and how your future self will thank you for it.
2025-09-1606 minBorrowed WisdomHow Enya mentored meWhat can a reclusive singer teach us about success? In this episode, discover how Enya’s silence, a failed business of mine, and the quiet work of people like Lewis Hamilton, Michael Phelps, and Katie Bouman reveal a powerful truth: real growth happens out of the spotlight.
2025-09-0205 minBorrowed WisdomHow Drive to Survive Mentored MeWhat can a Netflix series about Formula 1 teach you about life, leadership, and resilience?A lot more than you'd think.In this episode of Ten Mentors, I dive into how Drive to Survive became one of my most surprising mentors — revealing powerful lessons about ego, pressure, reinvention, and the hidden politics of high-stakes environments.From ruthless team decisions and explosive crashes to ego-fueled sabotage and behind-the-scenes “bitchness,” the world of F1 is more than fast cars. It’s a masterclass in ambition, power, and human nature under fire.I also share my own c...
2025-08-1906 minBorrowed WisdomThe Legacy of Vicky Phelan: How a Stranger Taught Me to Speak UpHave you ever cried for someone you’ve never met?In this powerful episode, we explore the lasting legacy of Irish activist Vicky Phelan — a woman whose courage exposed a national health scandal, transformed policy, and inspired thousands to stand up for truth. Through her story, we reflect on grief, impact, and how the people we never meet can still shape our lives in profound ways.Host C. Duggan shares a deeply personal journey of learning from changemakers like Vicky Phelan, and Nelson Mandela, and invites listeners to consider what it truly means to leave a le...
2025-07-2908 minBorrowed Wisdom10 Things Jiro Ono Taught Me About Craft Focus and ObsessionWhat does a 99-year-old sushi master know about mastery that most of us miss? In this episode I share 10 powerful lessons from Jiro Ono — the quiet legend behind Jiro Dreams of Sushi — on craft focus and obsession and how they can shape your career your habits and your life.
2025-07-1407 minBorrowed WisdomThe Future You Is WatchingYou’re not lazy — you’re drifting.In this episode, we explore what happens when you stop living on autopilot and start honoring your future self in small, powerful ways.With Lina’s story, three practical mindset shifts, and a gentle challenge, you’ll walk away ready to make one choice today that your tomorrow-self will thank you for.
2025-06-2405 minBorrowed WisdomHow Do You Speak to the People You Love?The way we speak to others—especially our children—shapes how they see themselves for years to come. In this episode, we explore how repeated comments can quietly become someone’s inner critic, why mothers are often harder on daughters, and how women internalize those voices into adulthood.It’s a gentle, honest reminder that our words matter more than we think. And that kindness, spoken out loud, can last a lifetime.
2025-06-1003 minBorrowed WisdomWhat Liverpool & “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Taught MeSometimes, the most powerful mentors don’t speak — they sing.This is the story of how a song echoed through a football stadium and found its way into my life. A reflection on resilience, unity, and why “You’ll Never Walk Alone” still matters — especially this week.
2025-05-3001 minBorrowed WisdomStop Dragging the Couch: Relationships Take TwoIn this episode, we talk about what happens when one person is carrying the weight of a relationship alone. Whether it’s love, friendship, or family—real connection takes two. It’s not about keeping score, it’s about showing up as a team. If you’ve been dragging the couch by yourself, this one’s for you.
2025-05-2602 minBorrowed WisdomBalance Is a Lie: The Wake-Up Call That Changed EverythingYou’ve been sold a lie: work hard now, live later. But what if ‘later’ never comes?In this powerful episode, we dive into the true story of Mary, a high-powered executive whose world was shaken when her boss—just months from retirement—suffered a life-altering stroke. What she did next will challenge everything you think you know about success, balance, and when life is meant to be lived.From Japan to the Amazon, Mary’s life-changing journey through global philosophies reveals the truth: balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about living fully now.If you’re tired...
2025-05-2004 minBorrowed WisdomWhat is the meaning of life - Why are we hereWhy do we exist. It's a question we ask ourselves from time to time especially when a change shifts in our lives. We question life? Why are we here. The simple answer; You Are Here to Experience LivingNot just to survive, endure, or chase approval. Not to cross off goals or achieve stability.You are here to live. To feel time, not just pass it.To breathe deeply, lose, love, rise, fall, laugh until your ribs hurt, cry until you’re emptied, and wake up willing to try again.As an...
2025-05-0604 minBorrowed WisdomAngela Duckworth - Her Work on Grit, Passion and PerseveranceThis week, we're spotlighting someone who completely redefined what it means to be successful — Angela Duckworth. You might know her as the pioneer of “grit,” but she's also a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the most influential thinkers on achievement today.Duckworth has spent years exploring a deceptively simple question: What separates the high performers from the rest? Not just in academics or sports, but across every field — from CEOs to chefs, from artists to athletes.What she found wasn’t raw talent. It wasn’t IQ. It was grit — that...
2025-04-2209 minBorrowed WisdomYour Past Is Not Your Prison: How to Rewrite Your FutureYour Past Does Not Define You.Have you ever paused to ask yourself how much your past truly shapes who you are? Does it dictate where you end up — or is there more to your story?You are not stuck. No matter what your past looks like, you have the power to rewrite your future. You are not bound by the mistakes, hardships, or circumstances that brought you here.Today, we're diving into powerful stories of resilience — of individuals who overcame poverty, defied expectations, and chose a new path when the one they star...
2025-04-0809 minBorrowed WisdomThe Quickest Ways to Get DisciplinedDiscipline isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill you build. In this episode, we break down practical strategies for strengthening self-discipline and taking control of your actions. We explore how the fear of inaction can be a powerful motivator, why overthinking stalls progress, and how taking small, immediate steps can push you forward. We also reframe failure as a crucial learning tool and share insights on persistence. Plus, we dive into Mel Robbins' "Five-Second Rule"—a simple yet powerful technique to help you take action instantly and build discipline fast. Tune in and start mast...
2025-03-1814 minBorrowed WisdomThe Truth About Happiness and The Art of Being Content"Discover the hidden secrets to true happiness! In this episode with Tenmentors, we uncover what no one tells you about contentment, why chasing success won’t make you happy, and the surprising habits that lead to lasting joy. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation!"Follow us on Instagram @tenmentorsWebsite tenmentors
2025-03-0412 minBorrowed WisdomThe Secret to Finding Your Passion (Most People Get This Wrong!)Think you know how to find your passion? Think again! Most people are searching the wrong way—don’t make the same mistake. Discover how entrepreneur Steven Bartlett uncovered his true passion and what you can learn from his journey. Tune in and unlock the secret that could change everything!
2025-02-1819 minBorrowed WisdomPolitics is Killing Your Success - Here's Why
Politics is everywhere—but is fixating on it holding you back in other areas of your life? In this episode, we break down how political distractions, division, and constant debates are draining your focus, energy, and motivation. If you’re tired of letting outside noise derail your personal growth, tune in to reclaim your success.
2025-02-0416 minBorrowed WisdomHow Curiosity boosts your health, work and relationshipsWhat do the Irish, Google, and Steven Kotler have in common.? Being curious. We deep dive into the power of curiosity and how you can apply this tip to your health, relationships, and work. Curiosity is your Queen!
2025-01-2012 minBorrowed WisdomThe Birth of Ten Mentors
TenMentors is changing the approach on how people get a mentor. They are addressing this widespread problem where 70% will go without a mentor in their life.
Having a mentor is the secret weapon every human and business needs, and we’ve got a way to make it happen for everyone.
2025-01-0621 min