Shaping Success

What better way to end the series than have a star of stage and screen on the podcast to see us out? In this final episode Fleur’s admiration for today’s guest is mutually shared; as actor, director and producer Zawe Ashton lets slip that she’s a Strictly Come Dancing superfan. Now a Hollywood actor, Zawe opens up about the ups and downs of cementing your place as a well known actor and explores how the life lessons of her childhood shaped her older self. 

In this penultimate episode, Fleur’s joined by a noughties icon. A key member of one of Britain’s most successful girl bands, the Sugababes, Mutya Buena’s music sat front and centre of the 2000s. And now, she’s bringing the band back together. In this revealing episode she opens up about the truth behind her party girl image, what it was like to grow up in the spotlight having been signed at just 13-years-old and why it’s never too late to try something new. This episode does touch on difficult subjects including depression and anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact Samaritans 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

What Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds has achieved in her sporting career is remarkable, but as Fleur discovers in today’s episode, the obstacles she overcame to get there as a disabled woman makes it all the more impressive. In an insightful conversation, she shares why it was the moments out of the water that brought her further success in it. And in discussing how she handled the pressure of her most important races, offers takeaways which will leave you feeling moved and motivated in equal measure. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

As she approaches 30 years in the music industry, today’s guest has maintained icon status throughout, transcending genres and generations in the process. One of Britain’s greatest soul singers and well known musical theatre performers, Beverley Knight chats to Fleur about how she’s stayed on top of her game for so long. And how she continues to reinvent herself. The ultimate story of self-belief, Beverley’s episode acts like a modern history of the British music scene, pin-pointed by a few famous friends who helped her along the way. You can expect a jaw-dropping listen and a whole lot of female inspiration. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

In this episode Fleur is joined by a television presenter who loves to tackle the taboo. Host of Naked Attraction, Sex Education and many more of the most talked about shows on TV, Anna Richardson knows how to make captivating television.In sharing vulnerable insights into her challenging route to the top, Anna touches on the importance of experiencing every side of the industry you work in. And through exploring the relationships and interactions that changed her, highlights the importance of speaking truth to power. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

This week’s episode features a leading figure from the world of fashion and social activism. A globally recognised model, activist, and author, Munroe Bergdorf sits down with Fleur to talk about finding her true self and her work to improve the lives of members of the queer community.The pair chat about the many challenges Munroe has faced throughout her personal and professional life, as well as her biggest champions, her love of fashion, and her desire to inspire the next generation of social disruptors. This episode does touch on difficult subjects including sexual assault, racism, suicide and transphobia. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact Samaritans. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. You can also contact MindLine Trans+ on 0300 330 5468, a confidential support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

What does it feel like to be a female pioneer in a sport which has been largely dominated by men? That’s what today’s guest Emily Scarratt reveals. Having changed the face of rugby and risen to the ranks of its history making players, she knows the power of representation in sport better than most.She tells Fleur why farming and rugby aren’t as far apart as you might think, explores the power of a pair of shorts and shares why the glory of success is just a byproduct of what drives her. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

The effectiveness of a power pose and self-affirmation cannot be underestimated, according to today’s guest. Joined by her close friend, Fleur speaks to one of Britain’s favourite medics, Dr Zoe Williams, about how the worlds of medicine and fame collide. In revealing her unusual journey to becoming a famous doctor, she shares her golden tips for success and explains why getting a no doesn’t always mean what you think it does. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

In episode two Fleur’s joined by one of Britain’s leading body confidence advocates. A best-selling author and journalist, chart-topping podcast host and fashion designer Alex Light shares her unconventional journey to success.Known for her openness and honesty, she offers her perspective on why speaking candidly about our bodies matters and what most fashion brands are missing when it comes to making their customers feel seen. And in exploring the moments that changed her, she reveals why the ones that feel the scariest can open doors you never imagined possible.This episode does touch on difficult subjects including that of eating disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can contact Samaritans 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 (free from any phone) or email jo@samaritans.org.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

In this episode Fleur is joined by a sporting icon and one of the golden girls of British Athletics, Dame Denise Lewis.A former world class athlete and sports broadcaster, her inspirational chat with Fleur gives an insight into the mind of an elite sportsperson, and provides the inside scoop on what it takes to get to the top. They chat through why mental fitness is more important than the physical, what being born competitive looks like… and why Whitney Houston’s music was the soundtrack to Denise’s success.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@simplybe for full video episodes.

Series trailer