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The Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 36 2022 ReviewIn this episode, your hosts, Lisa and Islay, are joined by Chris Pollard to reflect on the stories shared by our storytellers throughout the year. We look back on some key themes by playing a hashtag game.
Join us as we revisit stories that left their marks on our listeners and us. Each storyteller makes us feel a roller coaster of emotions as they share their lessons learnt. The twist for this episode is to think about which hashtags best relate to which story.
As we sum up, we decided to share our positive hashtags f...2022-12-0259 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 35 Jemma Fairclough HaynesGifted with persuasion and entrepreneurial skills at a young age, Jemma shares the story of how she transitioned from being an employee to creating a business of her own. With encouragement from the people around her - who motivated and inspired her - she let go of her doubts and created something for herself.
In this month's episode, we meet with Jemma Fairclough-Haynes, CEO of the global award-winning business Orchard Employment Law. With over a decade of experience in Employment Law, Jemma has represented businesses of various sizes in employment tribunals across the UK in many different...2022-11-0144 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 34 Alice Yeates"I was 50, wasn't ready to be old," is how this month’s storyteller Alice Yeates starts her story. From being a nurse to becoming the patient herself, suffering a period of life-threatening illness, and working hard to restore her health, Alice knew that her calling is in Nutritional Therapy, and to help others.
In this month's episode, we meet with Alice Yeates, a diabetes specialist, and nutritional therapist. Her goal is to help people develop healthier lifestyles and overcome chronic illnesses as they age.
In our discussion, Lisa and Islay discuss the importance of focusing on...2022-10-0145 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 33 Amba Kali“It doesn’t matter what people say, what matters is what you believe,” says our storyteller this month. This belief helped her rise above her fears, break free from a toxic relationship and carve out a new life for herself and her daughter. With only a big dream to hold onto, no money, no qualification, and no support - she paved her way to becoming who she is now.
In this month's episode, we meet Amba Kali, a fifth-generation Vedic tantric healer, coach, mentor, and priestess from India. She is a master of energy flow and specializes in cle...2022-09-0140 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 32 Hax“The cream will always rise to the top”, says this month's guest, filmmaker and story consultant, Hax, He shares how being surrounded by amazing stories as a child instilled a deep curiosity, which later turned into a passion for storytelling through photography and filmmaking.
For Hax, purpose is everything. He combines his fondness for motorbikes and telling stories. He looks for interesting people, places and things, and learns their stories. The American flag in Romney Marsh caught his attention and is the moving story Hax shares with us (among others).
In our discussion, co-hosts Lisa and...2022-08-0140 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 31 Martin White“Living your purpose is the first step to creating an impact” believes Martin White, a business entrepreneur and founder of Green Business Hub, and host of the business radio show Biz Connect.
In this episode, Martin described how his early marketing career “ as a suit” helped him grow the Green Business Hub, whose mission is to inform and encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices and choices.
In our discussion, Lisa and Islay discuss the significance and the role of passion, purpose, mindset, and small steps in starting something big like having your own business, or in Ma...2022-07-0148 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 30 Katrina FestorazziLooking back to a terrifying work situation that still haunts her to date, Katrina learned to self-protect and grow up more resilient than her younger self 16 years ago.
In this month's episode, we meet with Katrina Festorazzi, founder of Fast2Foto Commercial Photography based in Medway, Kent, who has a background in law.
In our discussion, Lisa and Islay discuss the importance of evidence and logical thinking in difficult situations. We also discuss navigating the way out of a difficult situation, full of red flags that cause panic and anxiety, especially for young professionals.
2022-06-0141 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 29 Hilary LeesHow a box of old letters and memorabilia opens up a door to unlocking her mum's sorrowful, and plaintive past, and what we resist, persists.
In this month’s episode, we meet Hilary Lees, a Leadership Coach, and Trainer who specializes in helping leaders build their resilience and their soft people skills to create mentally healthy workplace cultures where both people and performance flourish.
In our discussion, Lisa and Islay discuss how saboteurs arise as a child and resilience develops throughout the years. We also discuss mental health, and how issues experienced as a child af...2022-05-0343 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 28 Jay SahotaIn this episode, our storyteller Jay Sahota shares a very personal experience about being bullied in the workplace. He talks candidly about how it affected him at the time, what he learned about himself, and how this experience shapes the values he brings into his own company today.
Jay is the senior partner of Jarmans Solicitors. He read law at Cambridge and trained with Allen & Overy before spending several years at city firms as a commercial litigation lawyer.
Hosts Lisa and Islay, learned that no matter who you are or what you do, bullies will...2022-04-0145 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 27 Linda GarciaHow a single journey outward with one suitcase led to a return journey for four, plus a 40ft container and a car…
In this month’s episode we meet Linda Garcia, an internationally experienced productivity specialist. Linda shares her experiences of working abroad in Chile, as well as Eastern Europe and South Africa.
In our discussion, Lisa and Islay consider how different cultures around the world vary in their working practices and productivity. We also discuss which KPIs should be used to measure productivity, homeworking and office working, and much more.
This episode is pa...2022-03-0148 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 26 Kirsten GibbsSelf-service-checkout or manned checkout – which do you use when you are shopping?
In this month’s episode, we revisit a story shared at one of our live events in Medway, by self-confessed ‘process-geek’ Kirsten Gibbs. Kirsten reminds us of a precious moment of human contact, and an opportunity for kindness shared at a manned supermarket checkout.
In our discussion, Lisa and Islay discuss customer experience vs automation, how smaller businesses may have the edge when it comes to great customer service and, intriguingly, how comparisons can be made between business processes and scores of music.
Th...2022-02-0139 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 25 2021 Review Part TwoIn Part Two of our reviews of 2021, hosts Lisa and Islay, along with Chris Pollard, reflect on the stories shared by our storytellers from August-November and some of the key themes covered in our discussions.
Join us as we look back on what resonated for the three of us. Whilst we each highlighted different aspects, we all agree that our storytellers were inspiring, sometimes sad, always motivating and heart-warming.
Once again, we were reminded that triumph can come out of tragedy, opportunity knocks when you least expect it, and just how resilient and capable we...2022-01-0445 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 24 2021 Review Part OneIn this episode, hosts Lisa and Islay, along with a past storyteller and co-host of some of the Business Diaries Live events, Chris Pollard, reflect on the stories shared by our storytellers from January through to July this year and some of the key themes covered in our discussions.
Join us as we look back on what resonated for the three of us. Whilst we all highlighted different aspects, we all agree that our storytellers were inspiring, sometimes sad, always motivating and heart-warming.
We are consistently reminded that triumph can come out of tragedy, opportunity...2021-12-0156 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 23 Paul CheeseShow notes
Did you know that the sound of Kent is D Major? In this month’s Business Diaries Podcast, Paul Cheese shares his fascination with sounds, particularly the everyday sounds around us. We find out why dropping a skip in a car park made as much of an impression as oystercatchers in Ipswich, fountains in Sheffield and kicking the bar in Aberystwyth.
Paul is a professional musician, sound artist, producer, singer, cyclist, songwriter. His latest project is TheBigREcordUK https://www.thebigrecord.com/ He cycled around 5000 miles to every region of the UK to capture the...2021-11-0143 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 22 Corina GoetzIn this month’s episode, our storyteller Corina Goetz shares how her work changed overnight as a result of the pandemic, and how trying something new, revitalised her life, health and work. This is a fascinating episode, and we don’t want to the give the surprise away – but would you do this?
Corina runs Star-CaT, providing 5-star Middle Eastern training, coaching and sales representation from professional and companies working with the Middle East. She has worked with many clients, particularly from the Gulf region, for over 20 years, establishing many long-standing relationships. She travels the region extensively acts as...2021-10-0440 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 21 Chris PollardIn this episode, we revisit a story shared at the inaugural Business Diaries Live event in 2017, when the theme was “working away”. As buyer and seller in the fashion and textiles industry, Chris Pollard travelled frequently, experiencing different cultures and customs. In this episode, he shares a few of his adventures, including a ‘special meal’ and a particularly terrifying aspect of a seemingly ordinary journey.
In the discussion, we consider the importance of empathy and listening when working and travelling abroad, and the value of “doing a bit of homework” and being open to new experiences.
Chris can...2021-09-0147 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Podcast Episode 20 Benita MatofskaBenita is a renowned speaker and world-leading expert on changemaking, social innovation, the Sharing Economy and author of Generation Share. In this episode, she shares why she is so passionate about changing the way businesses and individuals think and act. This is a jam-packed episode guaranteed to change the way you think, live and do business.
Benita can be found https://www.benitamatofska.com/
Generation Share, is the world's first collection of impactful business models and change-maker stories from around the world, transforming lives and the planet. Each copy is made from 100% waste materials, educates a gi...2021-08-0249 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 19 Hazel AddleyHazel Addley is one of the first 16 Energy Alignment Method Mentors in the world. She has coached hundreds of people to grow their businesses, live powerfully and love life.
However, Hazel’s early years were unstable, filled with uncertainty and change. In this episode, she tells the story of her childhood. She shares how living in different places with different family members affected her growing up and into her early adulthood. Until one sentence at a workshop changed everything!
This is a powerful episode touching on resilience, positivity, digging deep and perspective.
Hazel can...2021-07-0142 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 18 Phil WilsonPhil Wilson is a professional musician and founder of Inspirational Rhythms at the Medway Drum Studio. He has travelled all over the world with a variety of artistes both known and unknown, and more recently as a percussionist, rhythm event facilitator and professional public speaker. However, it hasn't all been plain sailing! In this inspiring episode Phil candidly shares how a traumatic event in early childhood caused him to stammer which continued well into adulthood. He describes how he coped at school, as a musician and building a business. Until a networking event more recently, prompted him to decide...2021-06-0142 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 17 Adelle MartinIn this episode, Adelle shares how a routine flight to Edinburgh was the final straw and the misdiagnosis of her early menopause as anxiety prompted her to take matters into her own hands and learn why her body was changing and how she could manage those changes.
In the discussion, we consider the changing attitudes towards menopause, how women are talking more openly about their experiences and men are becoming more interested in understanding more, questions to ask yourself and your GP and so much more in this packed episode.
Adelle Martin is a Midlife...2021-05-0440 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 16 Neil WilliamsNeil Williams is an experienced business leader and accredited coach, specialising in career, retirement, business and leadership coaching. He is also an accredited coach supervisor (A coach’s coach). In this episode, he takes us though the rollercoaster of his early career in insurance. Be prepared for some highs and lows and join us in considering the importance of values, changing attitudes towards redundancy and the importance of building personal resilience. Neil can be found at https://www.nvwsolutions.co.uk/
2021-04-0135 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 15 Nick IngeNick Inge is a former member of Kent Police, specialising in serious crime and counter-terrorism policing which involved working alongside MI5, MI6 as well as the National Crime Agency. He was responsible for managing informants that were pivotal to high-profile operations tackling terrorism, domestic extremism, serious crime and corruption. Since retiring in 2019, Nick founded and is CEO of specialist whistleblowing consultancy, iTrust Assurance Ltd and is co-founder of WorldlyWise CIC which advises young people as they enter adulthood. Nick has written two books - ‘Exposing the Truth – Whistleblowing Uncovered’ and ‘Jeopardy’. In this episode, Nick shares a story behind his motto...2021-03-0139 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 14 Hasmita ReardonHasmita came to the UK from war-torn Uganda in 1972, with her mother and younger brother, when she was just 11 years old, unable to speak English, with just one suitcase and £20. She is now a multi-award-winning entrepreneur who specialises in buy-to-let properties and mentors anyone who wants to learn the property business. She is a mum to 3 grown-up sons and 1 granddaughter, and in 2012, Hasy founded New Leaf support, a charity to help anyone experiencing domestic abuse. In this podcast, she takes us back to the time when she left Uganda; the trip to the airport, saying goodbye to her father, t...2021-02-0140 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 13 Rosemary WilliamsRosemary Williams is a qualified business coach and mentor. She offers one-to-one coaching, group workshops and hosts regular business discussion groups focused on solving issues for sole traders, owners and managers of businesses from all sectors. But Rosemary has another passion and interest – that is seafood - which comes from her family’s three generations as shellfish merchants in Kent. She is an author of several books for chefs and home cooks detailing how to prepare and cook shellfish and can regularly be found giving talks and masterclasses on this topic. In this podcast, she shares how her passion for s...2021-01-0439 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 12 Andrea BarkerAndrea Barker is a confidence coach, a clinical Hypnotherapist and an NLP Practitioner. She empowers her clients, to feel more confident, to Like and Love themselves and reach their potential. She is a qualified trainer and regularly gives talks and workshops, as well as her one to one sessions one-to-one therapy sessions. In this episode, Andrea shares how a flying clipboard was the last straw. Andrea can be found https://andreabarker.co.uk/
2020-12-0135 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 11 Ann ReadAnn Read is a Virtual Personal Assistant and Founder of The PA Portal.
She supports her clients with so much more than admin, she’s a social media and digital marketing whizz. In fact she’s Digital Women’s Highly Commended VA of the year, a UK wide award for women working in the field of digital marketing. She is also a Mailchimp Partner, an expert in email marketing and communications.
You can reach Ann via ann@thepaportal.co.uk
2020-11-0235 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 10 Chris MurphyChris trained as a physiotherapist, worked in the NHS, was a university lecturer and ran a training consultancy for 18 years. After 2 years spent gutting and renovating his home, becoming a beekeeper and an award-winning public speaker. Chris now mentors people who dislike speaking in front of an audience, helping them become clear, confident and engaging speakers. In this episode, Chris shares some of the key lessons he learned from running his own business and why he does things so differently now.
2020-10-0142 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 9 Deborah TurnerDeborah Turner describes herself as a multipotentialite, running two very different businesses. As a property consultant, she focuses on strategic estate management advice for local authorities and business development/project management for private clients. With You Image Consultancy she specialises in personal branding helping clients ‘dress for success’. Also, Deborah is the Champion for Women in Business for the Federation of Small Businesses, FSB Area-lead for Kent, National Lead for BAME Women in Business and co-founder of Breakthrough Women, a not for profit organisation celebrating women in business and raising the visibility of women succeeding in business. In this epis...2020-09-0245 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 8 Magriet SteynMagriet Steyn (aka the Step family Harmony Coach) is a professional Life Coach and Certified Step Parent Coach. As a step mum to two adult stepchildren, bio-mum to two teens, and co-parent with two ex-husbands, she understands the complexities and challenges surrounding step family life.
In this episode, she shares how two curve balls changed her life forever and how she now uses the lessons she learned to help families all over the UK create step family harmony through having an open mind, sense of humour, open dialogue and compassion. Magriet can be reached at www.stepfamilyharmony...2020-08-0339 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 7 Steve WellsSteve Wells is a global futurist, strategic advisor, writer and founding Director of Informing Choices Ltd. His work helps business leaders and policymakers make informed choices about the emerging future. In this episode, he shares his reaction to being made redundant and why he believes having a growth mindset is more important than having a plan and so much more… Steve can be reached at www.informingchoices.com
2020-07-0138 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 6 Emma RourkeEmma Rourke is the founder of Hephzibah Horses. She is an IFEAL qualified (International Foundation of Equine Assisted Learning), facilitator of Human Development. Emma shares her story based upon the theme A Curve Ball, and tells us how horses are masters of the art of non verbal communication. You can find out more about Emma and her horses here www.hephzibahuk.com
2020-06-0243 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 5 Paul AndrewsKent Entrepreneur, Paul Andrews, has been kind enough to share two stories with us in the past. We continue the discussions here and learn a little more about his life in business. Paul plays a very supportive role in the Kent Business Community and can be found at bizradio.co.uk where he is host of the popular Business Bunker Radio Show.
2020-05-0432 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 4 Jo DoddsJo Dodds talks about her story based upon the theme Embracing Change and how she handled a dramatic change when she was younger. Jo is an employee engagement consultant & speaker and presenter of the POWER to live more podcast. You can contact her at Powertolivemore.com
2020-04-0135 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 3 Beverley WebbBeverley Webb is an award winning coach and speaker specialising in overcoming abuse and trauma. She also runs a positive peer to peer support group in Kent for survivors of sexual abuse. Beverley can be contacted at beverley@stepforwardcoaching.online
2020-03-0929 minThe Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 2 Aly HarroldAly Harrold is a Professional Speaking Coach, she helps you to move past the fear of public speaking and coaches you to tell your story authentically. Aly talks to us about her early life in entertainment. You can find Aly at www.alyharrold.co.uk
2020-02-1724 min
The Business Diaries PodcastThe Business Diaries Episode 1 Amanda FlandersOur very first storytelling event was back in March 2017 and the theme was Working Away. Amanda Flanders was our first storyteller. She told us how she followed her dreams and went off to work in Greece. She managed to find a job but there were a few culture differences. We discuss this in the podcast and learn the ups and downs of working in another country. Amanda now runs a successful events company www.evexio.co.uk
2020-01-2843 min