Welcome to The Excitable Soul Podcast, where we dive deep into the journey of finding purpose and meaning in our lives through compelling real-life stories. In today's episode, we're joined by former professional rugby player David Jackson, affectionately known as Jacko, who experienced a significant turning point in his life due to a career-ending brain injury in 2013. Together, we explore the challenges of balancing everyday responsibilities with the quest for a fulfilling life. We dive into the power of historical perspective, and the meaningful connections between past experiences and present purpose. David shares his profound insights on dealing with mortality, overcoming identity crises, and the importance of self-reflection. We'll also delve into David's current work and philosophy, balancing his professional life with an overarching life purpose, and his unique approach to performance enhancement through breathing techniques. Tune in as we uncover the wisdom that emerges from life's unexpected turns and the importance of staying open to new revelations. Whether you're navigating a life transition, seeking personal growth, or simply curious about the deeper questions of existence, this episode is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this introspective and thought-provoking journey on The Excitable Soul Podcast.

Today on The Excitable Soul podcast we have a very special guest, Bex Galligan. As a best-selling author, career strategist, and head of people experience at Wagamama, Bex brings a wealth of knowledge and a truly unique perspective to our conversation. In this episode, Bex delves into how she merges her analytical and creative sides, emphasising the importance of maintaining balance and being open to feedback and challenges. We explore her journey of overcoming stress and anxiety due to bullying, discovering her strengths, and unlocking new levels of confidence.  Bex also opens up about her views on remote and hybrid working, the importance of social interaction, and the complexities of technology in today’s workplace. She reflects on her experience with dyslexia, the significant impact of her past challenges, and how she’s learned to find gratitude even in the face of adversity, including a recent stroke. Together, we discuss the value of intuition over academic validation, the role of personal values in finding meaningful work, and the importance of effort and discipline in personal development. Bex’s mission to transition from corporate life to making well-being at work a priority speaks volumes of her commitment to creating positive change. Join us for a heartfelt, motivational, and thought-provoking conversation as we explore Bex Galligan’s incredible journey, her dedication to helping others, and her unwavering hope and optimism. 

Welcome to The Excitable Soul Podcast! Joining us today is Laurence Halsted, a former British Olympic fencer who has transitioned into influential leadership roles within the sports and nonprofit sectors.   Laurence takes us on a journey through his life, highlighting the critical role luck and external factors played in shaping his remarkable career. He opens up about his experience as a professional fencer during the exciting time of the London Olympics, his shift in mindset towards resilience and mindfulness, and the contentment that helped him navigate the ups and downs of an athletic career.   We dive deep into Laurence’s philosophical views on purpose, touching on his transition from a self-focused mindset to one centered on leadership and meaningful connections. He shares personal anecdotes, including his decision to prohibit his father from watching his competitions at the tender age of 14, and a pivotal moment in 2012 that completely transformed his approach to fencing and life.   Now serving as the performance director for the Danish Fencing Federation and actively mentoring athletes, Laurence reflects on the themes of autonomy, peace, and the uncertainty that comes with making life-changing decisions. As we explore the power of mindful arrival, join us for this enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and provoke thoughtful consideration of your own sources of peace and purpose.   Tune in as we uncover the story of an excitable soul who embarked on a journey from the fencing piste to impactful leadership, guided by luck, resilience, and a deep connection to his true alignment.

Welcome back to The Excitable Soul Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with the mega Scott Allender, our first North American guest, to dive deep into the realms of emotional healing, self-awareness, and purpose. Scott shares his poignant journey of navigating overwhelming emotions and the pivotal moments that led him to seek guidance and support. Together, we explore the interconnectedness of individuals and the profound impact of helping others heal. Listen in as Scott recounts his transformation from an ego-driven approach to a holistic connection with purpose, integrating cognition, emotions, and somatic awareness. Discover how Scott's revelation about his self-worth, separate from his achievements, reshaped his personal and professional life, leading him to help others in their journey of self-discovery. With a special focus on the Enneagram, emotional intelligence, and the importance of authentic living, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and embrace the full spectrum of your emotions. 

Today, we have an exceptional guest with us – Jinty Morgan. Jinty served in the British Army for an impressive 25 years and now dedicates her time to working with a charity that supports service leavers. Her story is one of resilience, immense strength, and the profound impact of honest, loving relationships. In our conversation, Jinty takes us on an incredible journey, exploring how her husband's truth-filled advice has profoundly shaped her sense of identity and self-worth. She opens up about a particularly candid moment when her husband, with the utmost love and support, encouraged her to lose weight to fit into a wedding dress.  Jinty also shares some vivid stories from her early days, inspired by her love for sports and travel, which ultimately led her to join the military. From rigorous basic training to thriving in her various postings, and the beautiful story of meeting her husband through a military badminton competition, her journey is both inspiring and deeply personal. We'll reflect on how significant moments and relationships, both in uniform and beyond, have contributed to her growth and sense of belonging. And, as she transitioned to civilian life in 2016, Jinty faced new challenges in redefining her identity, finding solace and purpose in welfare work, supported every step of the way by her husband. So, sit back, relax, and join us as together we explore the intricacies of identity, connection, and purpose. 

Welcome back to another episode of The Excitable Soul Podcast. Today, we’re diving deep into the concept of purpose with our extraordinary guest, Simon Lamb. Simon is known for his immense ability to help individuals and teams make sense of their stories and spark impactful change through his organisation, Purposeful Change. In this reflective and thought-provoking episode, Simon opens up about the sense of purpose that feels like an external voice guiding him, discovered through the immersive world of theatre and the state of flow. He delves into how this purpose anchors him in a calm, judgment-free space where he now coaches others. Simon shares his deeply personal journey, touching on the challenges of parenting a child with autism, rediscovering his purpose while working at the BBC, and learning to see life through diverse perspectives. He passionately discusses managing the cacophony of voices in his head with positive affirmations and offers valuable insights on how the thoughts we act upon define us. Together, we explore the delicate balance between owning your purpose whilst also letting it evolve, the importance of daily mindfulness practices, and finding moments of flow in the day-to-day. Simon highlights the importance of energetic boundaries and stepping back from life’s busyness to gain greater self-awareness. Join us for a captivating discussion that ventures into the essence of purpose, the power of acceptance versus acknowledgement, and the journey of surrendering to something greater than ourselves. 

Today we're joined by the incredible Yasmin Neves, a coach and speaker whose journey of self-discovery and personal growth is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Yasmin opens up about her transformative path since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, discussing the lifestyle changes she made, from quitting a successful corporate career to embracing a whole food plant-based diet and deepening her meditation and yoga practices. Together, we dive into the importance of balance, the power of intuition, and the significance of starting small when tackling major lifestyle changes. Yasmine's message that "everything's going to be okay" serves as a constant reminder for herself and all of us to trust the process and let go of fears. We also explore her passion for creating judgment-free workplace cultures and the ongoing journey to self-love and self-acceptance. Tune in as we reflect on the impact of energy and emotions, the challenge of navigating societal pressures for instant gratification, and the beauty of embracing uncertainty. Yasmin's wisdom, including insights from her 3-year-old self, offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to lead a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Welcome back to The Excitable Soul Podcast, where we journey through the heart and soul of purpose and connection. In today's episode, we're diving into a profoundly enriching conversation with Sammy Burt—an influential purpose practitioner, founder of two organisational performance consultancies, and a trustee of a modern slavery charity. Sammy and I explore the transformative power of compassion, how understanding and embracing our emotions can lead to a more authentic and joyful life, and the ongoing nature of personal development. We discuss the delicate balance between showing compassion and maintaining self-awareness, the importance of emotional language, and the role of deliberate joy in shaping our purpose. In this enlightening discussion, Sammy also shares her journey of writing her upcoming book, "What's a Grown Up Anyway?", and the importance of staying connected and conscious of our choices. We delve into the impact of upbringing on resilience and optimism, and how small moments and everyday joy can lead us to our deeper purpose. Join us as we uncover the wisdom in life's experiences, challenge traditional notions of adulthood, and inspire you to embrace curiosity, and compassion. Let's get started!

Excited to share another transformative episode from "The Excitable Soul Podcast" featuring the incredible Pierre Verstraeten! In this conversation, we delve deep into the themes of purpose, self-creation, and the power of intentional choices. In a world perpetually in motion, finding a true calling can often appear daunting. Pierre, through his personal and professional journey, illustrates that purpose is not merely about discovery but about deliberate creation and evolution. Here are three key takeaways from our discussion: Creating Yourself Through Choices**: Pierre emphasizes not merely finding oneself but consciously creating oneself through each decision. This process involves a high degree of self-awareness and responsibility. The Role of Continuous Learning and Practice**: Mastery does not arrive as perfection but as progress. Continuous learning and the willingness to adapt are crucial in aligning with one's evolving purpose.  The Power of Humility and Emotional Intelligence**: True growth involves humility and emotional intelligence. It's about owning one's story, learning from every experience, and allowing those lessons to fuel your future decisions and interactions. Whether you're looking to pivot in your career, enhance your personal development, or gain deeper insight into living with intentionality, this episode offers profound wisdom and practical advice. Listen to the full episode to embark on your journey of self-reflection and purpose refinement. And if you’re keen to explore further, check out more information on our Purpose Immersion Programs here. 

This week on The Excitable Soul Podcast we hear about the journey of Mike Jennings, an esteemed Michelin-trained chef turned hospitality consultant, and owner of Hospitality Hut. Mike shares the profound shifts in his life, from the whirlwind of professional kitchens to the comfort and warmth of family life.  Key takeaways from our conversation with Mike: - **Embracing Change**: Mike's story teaches us the power of significant life changes and how altering career paths can lead to a deeper sense of fulfilment and happiness. - **Balancing Priorities**: The fast-paced demands of professional success do not always align with personal well-being. Mike's transition emphasises the importance of reassessing and nurturing personal relationships alongside his own health. - **Learning from Experience**: Life's journey is a great teacher. Mike reflects on how past experiences and challenges, like the immense pressure of a Michelin-starred kitchen, have paved the way for growth and realignment of his values. Listen to the full story of how Mike's upbringing and values led him to make courageous decisions for his well-being and to impact others positively in the hospitality industry.