Balanced Ambition

In this episode, ADHD coach and hypnotherapist Italia Moro shares the real story behind ADHD – and why calling it a “superpower” might be doing more harm than good.We unpack emotional dysregulation, time blindness, the myth of laziness, and how you can actually rewire your brain with tools like journaling, mindfulness and self-talk.Whether you're late-diagnosed, feeling overwhelmed or just trying to make sense of your mind – this one’s full of relatable truth bombs and practical hope.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – What ADHD really is01:34 – The emotional side most people miss03:09 – Why adult ADHD often goes unnoticed05:08 – How Italia realised she had ADHD10:19 – “We all do that” – but do we really?12:58 – Masking, self-protection & shame15:50 – ADHD brains love business… until burnout hits19:23 – Rejection sensitivity & imposter syndrome22:49 – Why planners and systems don’t work (yet)27:16 – Rewiring your brain with neuroplasticity32:10 – Maturing the ADHD brain34:18 – Self-talk: the most underrated ADHD tool35:00 – Journaling, meditation & healthy dopamine hits42:26 – Coffee, cortisol & ADHD45:36 – Impulse spending & time blindness47:12 – It’s not about managing symptoms – it’s about managing you👉 Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments, and hit subscribe for more real conversations.

Is your personal brand holding you back without you even realising?In this episode, personal branding coach Ben Stickland explains why trying to please everyone is one of the biggest mistakes you can make — and how being more you is the ultimate growth strategy.We unpack his “Be More YOU” framework, how to attract the right clients without the sales calls, and why your quirks might just be your biggest superpower.📲 Connect with Ben:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thepersonalbrandingguy/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepersonalbrandingguy/🕒 Timestamps:00:00 - What a personal brand actually is01:23 - Why Ben left employment to build his own thing02:12 - Why pleasing everyone is bad for business05:00 - “You’re not an office kettle” explained06:30 - Avoiding nightmare clients08:30 - Corporate hangovers & being ‘palatable’ online11:00 - People-pleasing and holding back opinions13:45 - Branding and… how you eat your KitKat?17:35 - Using AI to be more human, not less20:00 - Visual cues that make you unforgettable22:00 - Moustaches, mullets, and making a statement23:30 - The dating analogy that says it all27:00 - Authenticity as a sales filter32:00 - “Be More YOU” framework explained34:00 - Redefining success on your terms36:00 - Stop bragging about being busy40:00 - Boundaries, payment terms, and knowing your worth42:00 - The power of collaborations43:15 - Final thoughts on being unfiltered

In this deeply honest and powerful episode, Tash shares her journey from addiction to sobriety. From hiding bottles around the house to smuggling drugs in clubs, and believing she was a “good mum” while passed out drunk — she holds nothing back. Now 7.5 years sober, Tash opens up about what helped her turn her life around, the stigma around addiction, and how she uses her story to help others do the same.If you’ve ever struggled with your relationship to alcohol, or love someone who has — this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 – “I thought I was a good mum… but I was passed out every night”01:50 – Meet Tash: rock bottom at 30, and 7.5 years sober04:08 – What addiction looked like: wine, cocaine, and passing out daily08:30 – Drinking from age 13: “I thought everyone drank every day”14:02 – The moment she knew: “I think I’ve got a problem”21:18 – Conversations with her kids now — and then25:27 – What she really thinks about ‘just one drink’30:08 – Sobriety wins: from the worst place to building a business33:05 – Two trips to Ibiza: one drunk, one sober38:27 – What needs to change in how we educate about alcohol46:49 – What’s next: helping others change their story🔗 Follow Tash: https://www.instagram.com/soberhappytash/🎙 Subscribe for more real, honest conversations.

Liam Anderson | Operations Consultant | Balanced Ambition PodcastIn this episode, we dive into the real reason so many business owners feel overwhelmed, stuck, or just plain burnt out. And no — it's not about working harder.Liam Anderson has seen inside dozens of businesses, and the pattern is clear: the ones that scale all have something in common — solid, boring, reliable operations.We talk:Why documenting anything is better than nothingHow to stop everything living in your headThe surprising connection between operations and client retentionWhy your team onboarding process might be costing you thousandsAnd how to finally build a business that doesn't rely on you being in every meetingWhether you're looking to grow, take a break, or one day sell your business, this is the episode for you.👇 TIMESTAMPS BELOW 👇00:00 – “You’re not playing running a business…”01:05 – Liam’s journey from agency to founder03:00 – Why small businesses need operational support05:02 – Why ops isn’t sexy (but it is essential)07:06 – The danger of founder bottlenecks11:30 – Real examples: onboarding gone wrong14:25 – What makes a business truly scalable?17:45 – Managing client relationships long-term21:40 – Why your business can’t live in your head26:45 – The trust problem: letting go as a founder29:56 – Building your own business (as an ops guy)32:20 – The rise of fractional ops (and why it matters)36:36 – Tools and first steps to start documenting38:48 – SOPs explained simply42:24 – Why processes fail if they don’t make life easier44:22 – Final thoughts + wrap-up🕒 TIMESTAMPS

This one’s a special episode. I sat down with my daughter Serena, just before she started secondary school, to chat through how she’s feeling about the big change — from nerves and new uniforms to favourite teachers and Tiny Tim the turtle. A real coming-of-age moment.👀 If you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who remembers that moment of growing up... this one will hit home.Let us know in the comments what your first day of secondary school was like!Timestamps:00:00 – Starting secondary school soon01:20 – Reflecting on primary school memories02:50 – SATs pressure and support from teachers04:50 – Fun stories from year 5 and 606:00 – The nerves around “big school”07:15 – Summer school and navigating a bigger building08:40 – Making new friends and first impressions10:00 – New uniform, expensive blazers & growing up12:00 – Sports, Hyrox and dodgeball dreams15:30 – What Serena will never forget from primary17:45 – Shoutout to her teachers and first podcast wrap-up!

In this episode I speak with Glynis Sheppard, founder of Swim with Style, who has spent nearly three decades teaching children and adults not just how to swim — but how to stay safe in water.We talk about her journey from teaching her first five-metre swimmers to building a nationwide franchise, why water safety matters more than ever, and the surprising lessons she’s learned along the way (including fainting lifeguards and the “loveliest accident” of franchising).If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, or simply believe swimming is one of the most important life skills we can give our kids, this is one for you.Timestamps:00:00 – Why water safety matters from day one01:30 – Meet Glynis and the story of Swim with Style03:00 – Falling in love with swimming and teaching04:30 – Why swimming should be encouraged for every child06:00 – A real-life story of safety skills saving a child09:30 – Health benefits of swimming for all ages11:15 – Why swimming is a true “switch-off” sport13:00 – The importance of climbing out without steps15:15 – Building a swimming business and franchise19:30 – The challenges and support of growing a franchise21:30 – Who saves the lifeguard? An unexpected story23:30 – Expansion, new venues and future growth26:30 – Advice for anyone starting a business28:20 – Final reflections and inspiration

Would you risk your career, your child’s schooling, and your stability to go live the life you really want?Oli Luck-Baker is doing exactly that. In this episode, he shares how he and his wife made the decision to leave their careers, rent out their home, and take their son on a two-year global adventure.They don’t have a perfectly polished plan. But what they do have is a clear reason for doing it. From rethinking education and social media pressure to managing finances and shaking off the rush-rush Western mindset, this conversation is full of honest reflections and surprising insights.🎧 Whether you’re a dreamer, a parent, a planner or just curious, this one's a must-listen.✈️ Follow Oli and his family’s travels:🌍 Website: jaxfamilytravels.co.uk📸 Instagram: @jax.familytravels00:00 Intro & trailer01:45 Why Oli and his family are travelling for two years03:20 How past travels shaped their decision05:45 The school system push that changed everything08:10 DBS risks and why they had to act10:00 Planning the sabbatical and letting go of ‘normal’12:35 Selling the van, renting the house, sorting logistics14:30 How they budget for full-time travel17:10 Content creation, UGC and new income models20:05 Deregistering their child from school (and how it worked)23:00 Education on the road: apps, journaling, real-world learning26:20 Rethinking what school should teach28:40 Why problem-solving is the new must-have skill30:50 What no one tells you about social media growth33:10 The pressure to become “influencers”35:00 The anger problem in the UK37:20 Leaving to find a better pace of life39:15 Cultural contrasts: how Thailand shifted their mindset42:10 What Western society can learn from Southeast Asia45:00 The true cost of convenience and speed47:15 Why this journey is about more than just travel50:00 Facing uncertainty and building something new52:30 What they hope their son will learn55:10 Resilience, community, and what really matters58:00 Do we actually need everything we have?01:00:45 Final reflections and what’s next

Small business owners get real about money in this episode. We break down profit margins, the true cost to deliver, cash flow forecasting and late-paying clients, plus simple steps to protect your cash.We also cover HMRC basics like “duality of purpose” and the claims that trip people up, in plain English. Ellis shares his journey from almost getting sacked to building a 380–400 client firm, the flexible culture he runs, and the habits that keep him sane.Plus why “keeping up with the Joneses” can quietly drain your bank balance. 00:00 Trailer and intro01:36 The biggest money mistake: misunderstanding margins 03:29 The shock of break-even and take-home reality 06:20 Cash is king and why profit ≠ cash 07:39 Late invoices, contracts and chasing to protect cash flow 10:22 The bad cycle of quick-cash clients 11:27 Getting pricing right as a new business 12:35 Intro offers, then raising rates with proof 13:23 Firing clients and dealing with non-payers 15:38 HMRC basics and “duality of purpose” explained 17:31 Travel, masterminds and what’s actually allowable 19:13 Why an accountant reduces stress and risk 20:04 Ellis’s journey and the early grind 21:51 Young manager, pushback and proving it at 23 26:52 Building a flexible, remote-friendly culture 29:34 Work-life balance as a founder 31:22 The glamorised entrepreneur myth 32:12 Fitness as a pressure release 33:05 What’s next: splitting services and outsourced CFO 35:24 Why most businesses fail: skill, cash flow, lifestyle creep 36:54 Keeping up with the Joneses hurts your bank balance 38:27 Startup advice that actually works 40:33 Ask for feedback, not flattery 41:08 Take criticism to level up delivery 42:38 Wrap-up and thanks

What if confidence wasn’t about faking it until you make it – but building genuine self-belief that keeps you going when life falls apart?In this deeply personal conversation, Charlotte Fowles shares the tools, mindset shifts, and daily choices that have literally kept her alive through depression, cancer, and life’s toughest moments.We talk about breaking the myths around confidence, creating the conditions for growth, and learning to be content with “enough” – without giving up ambition. If you’ve ever struggled with your inner critic or wondered how to rebuild after setbacks, this is the episode you need to hear.Timestamps:00:00 – Why this work has kept Charlotte alive01:44 – The truth about confidence vs self-belief03:39 – How the subconscious drives 90% of your actions05:13 – The “power of the pause” and reprogramming your reactions09:19 – Who’s really driving the bus?12:05 – Why faking it isn’t the answer17:13 – The danger of confidence without integrity20:55 – Using communication skills for good (not manipulation)23:33 – The ABC of unapologetic confidence27:03 – Creating the conditions to thrive31:58 – How your brain’s RAS shapes your reality34:43 – Choosing how you start your day39:38 – Why we don’t need the “top 1%” life to be happy43:38 – Charlotte’s personal journey through depression & cancer

Most people avoid talking about death — until it's too late. Greg Barnsdale has seen the emotional and financial chaos that comes from not being prepared. After a long career in both funeral services and financial planning, Greg published a book to help people take control of end-of-life planning… only to be diagnosed with a brain tumour two months later.In this episode, we explore:Why talking about death isn't morbid — it's responsibleHow families suffer when no plan is in placeWhat Greg wishes more people understood about wills, insurance and legacyHis personal story of facing mortality head-onWhy your legacy isn’t just what you leave behind financially👉 Greg’s book: Do Not Ignore Your Mortality🔗 Resources and free guides: donotignoreyourmortality.com00:00 – Why we need to talk about death01:22 – Who is Greg Barnsdale?02:48 – The painful impact of poor planning04:52 – Why younger people must start the conversation06:54 – End-of-life planning = less stress, more legacy12:36 – Greg’s brain tumour diagnosis two months after publishing15:41 – The power of having things in order17:54 – What insurance most people miss19:54 – Where to find Greg’s book and free tools25:15 – The real legacy: peace of mind for your loved ones26:36 – Final message: Don’t put it off

Ed Lofts is a 7x World Kickboxing Champion, Team GB coach, and tournament organiser, but his mission today goes beyond the ring. In this episode, Ed breaks down what trauma really is, why so many of us misunderstand it, and how it's often hiding in plain sight.We explore the difference between “Big T” and “Small T” trauma, how our childhood conditioning shapes adult behaviour, and why resilience starts with slowing down. He also shares insights from his upcoming book and how martial arts continues to be a tool for healing, not just physically, but emotionally too.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Ed Lofts’ journey from fighter to trauma educator01:30 – What trauma really is (and why most people miss it)06:45 – The damage of subtle neglect and manipulation10:10 – How your “family map” shapes your adult choices15:00 – Why we deal with pain in all the wrong ways21:40 – Ed’s own story and the power of self-awareness26:00 – Can martial arts help emotional healing?30:00 – The framework: attention, focus, discipline & awareness35:00 – What’s next: Ed’s book, new app, and tournament platform

Diagnosed with a rare and severe form of leukaemia at age 11, Ed Jones was told he might not survive. In this powerful episode, he shares how that moment shaped his faith, life purpose, and the work he does today as a Baptist minister. From spiritual wrestling to running marathons and supporting mental health in his community — this is a story of resilience, reflection, and redemption.Timestamps00:00 - Diagnosed with leukaemia at 1104:45 - Coping with a life-threatening illness08:20 - The impact on his family11:00 - Wrestling with faith and asking “Why me?”15:00 - Reframing the experience: Why not me?17:30 - Finding purpose and becoming a minister22:00 - The modern role of the church27:00 - Supporting mental health in the community30:00 - Running the London Marathon 25 years later34:30 - How trauma shaped his life and leadership

Could living neurons make our AI smarter, faster and a million times more energy efficient? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Ewelina Kurtys to explore how biocomputing is about to transform the future of technology—and potentially change everything we know about intelligence.We dive into the science behind biological neural networks, the ethical questions no one has answered yet, and why our brains might be the ultimate model for AI.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & What is Biocomputing?02:08 – Evelina’s Journey from Neuroscience to AI03:11 – Why AI Consumes So Much Energy05:11 – How Living Neurons Process Information08:36 – The Benefits and Controversies of Biocomputing13:04 – Can AI Learn Empathy?16:31 – Predictions for the Future of Computing19:14 – Will Humans Stay the Most Intelligent Species?21:57 – Medical Possibilities of Brain Augmentation26:43 – Advice for the Next Generation of Innovators30:54 – Why We Must Keep Training Our Brains35:23 – Are Our Brains Ready for Modern Life?38:20 – Building Better Habits in a World of Distraction40:56 – Final Thoughts

Join us for an honest and profound conversation with James Gibson, a therapeutic coach, on what it truly means to be human in modern times. We explore how the midlife ‘crisis’ is often a rite of passage, why many men feel lost, and how embracing our hidden selves is the path to real wholeness.If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to life than chasing goals, this episode is for you.0:00 – Introduction & James’s Story2:47 – What is a therapeutic coach?4:00 – The Genius Myth & Finding Your Unique Gift7:00 – Feeling like an outsider and the quest for meaning11:00 – Acceptance in traditional cultures14:00 – The burden of always being ‘good’19:30 – Midlife transitions and why they matter23:00 – Why many men don’t fully grow up27:30 – Heartbrokenness as a doorway to deeper life31:00 – How hardship awakens purpose36:00 – Death, endings, and really living39:00 – Masculinity, aggression, and modern challenges46:00 – Shifting from physical to spiritual potency49:00 – Recommended books and next steps

Steve Pickering is the CEO of Sussex Beds — a family business with 14 stores across Sussex, Kent and Surrey. But he doesn’t run it like most CEOs.In this episode, Steve opens up about the messy, rewarding reality of running a growing family business. From navigating financial turmoil and coaching challenges to installing company-wide KPIs and learning how not to micromanage — Steve shares what makes him truly unorthodox in leadership. If you're building a business and feel like you’re making it up as you go, this one’s for you.00:00 Clip: “Far more knocks than wins”00:13 Intro – Why Steve is an unorthodox CEO02:00 Growing up above the furniture shop04:30 Joining the family business full-time06:00 Restructuring after a rocky period07:40 How working with a business coach changed everything09:10 What makes Steve’s leadership style so different11:25 Performance reviews with his wife12:55 Allowing people to fail (and why that matters)14:40 Hiring people better than you16:15 Building a culture that outlives the founder18:30 Why Sussex Beds turns away low-quality sales22:00 The power of real-time data and KPIs27:00 Becoming visible as a CEO on LinkedIn29:30 Resilience: “Knock, knock, knock… win”33:30 Performance reviews around the dinner table36:00 The struggle to switch off (even on holiday)39:00 Why amateur theatre helps Steve decompress41:30 Final advice for new business owners

How do you build a fitness routine that actually sticks? Glenn Turner has the answer. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to stay healthy while juggling work, stress and real life. From bodyweight workouts in hotel rooms to mastering nutrition without guilt, Glenn’s practical advice is a lifeline for anyone who’s tired of starting over.Whether you’re just getting started or trying again (for the 10th time), this one’s packed with no-BS tips and genuine insight.Timestamps00:00 – Why structure matters more than motivation01:30 – Glenn’s story: from hospitality to fitness coaching07:45 – Losing a job, gaining perspective09:40 – Are you climbing the wrong ladder?12:10 – Chasing success vs. finding purpose18:00 – Creating healthy habits when you’re always travelling21:30 – The calorie “bank account” concept24:20 – Why crash diets always backfire28:50 – High-protein foods to grab on the go33:30 – What to avoid: food marketing myths39:00 – A simple, full-body workout you can do anywhere41:30 – Mobility: your most underrated superpower44:59 – Strength, structure, and staying out of the care home

Episode 100! To mark the occasion, we recorded this one in person — and it’s a big one.Are we trading real relationships for something that just feels easier? In this milestone episode, human behaviour expert Anita Tomecki shares how AI is already reshaping our social lives... and why we might not even realise it's happening.We talk about robot boyfriends, AI coaches, and the uncomfortable truth that being "nice" isn't the answer to your problems.This isn’t about tech vs. humans — it’s about the inner work most of us avoid.00:00 – Episode 100! Filming in person01:36 – Is human connection already being replaced?03:50 – AI as a distraction… or a mirror?05:30 – The dangers of always feeling “safe” with AI07:52 – The illusion of perfection and why it’s so addictive10:30 – Are robot relationships inevitable?14:10 – The real reason we scroll (and what we’re avoiding)17:20 – Social media, AI, and the comparison trap20:05 – Childhood wounds and AI coaching24:45 – The lie we tell ourselves about “shoulds”28:15 – What lockdown taught us about distraction30:30 – Self-responsibility and how AI tests it34:05 – Why some people still haven’t even heard of ChatGPT36:00 – Where AI is still lagging behind (for now)38:00 – The curse of knowledge and how fast AI is evolving40:10 – When AI starts to really know you42:00 – We’re still feeding it — and it’s learning from us43:25 – Can AI really teach emotional growth?45:00 – Will AI ever be able to help us with consciousness?47:00 – The one thing AI can't replicate: deep inner work48:30 – Final thoughts and reflections on what comes nexthttps://youtu.be/97iEG_BRz6g

Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, burnout, and the pressure to have it all together.In this deeply honest conversation, transformative coach Katherine Ashmore shares why so many high-achievers still feel like they’re not good enough, even when the evidence says otherwise.From battling perfectionism and decision fatigue to escaping people-pleasing and learning how to set boundaries, Katherine brings clarity and science-backed mindset shifts to help you step out of your own way.🔑 Topics we dive into:– Why your inner critic won’t shut up– How imposter thoughts sabotage success– Building resilience in uncertain times– Reclaiming energy through mindset and action– The power of reframing, reward systems, and self-talk– Why your purpose is bigger than your fear🎧 For anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, stuck or silently struggling — this one’s for you.https://youtu.be/qDdoCXf1rCU

Why are men still suffering in silence?In this episode, George from The Tin Men unpacks the hidden crisis around male suicide, identity, and the cultural silence that surrounds it. We explore why traditional support systems aren’t working, how boys are falling behind, and what needs to shift, from therapy to education.Whether you're a parent, leader, teacher or just someone who wants to understand what’s really going on — this is a conversation you need to hear.Timestamps00:00 – Why suicide is still the biggest killer of men02:37 – The problem with single-cause narratives05:13 – Why “just talk” doesn’t always help10:05 – Have men been left behind by gender progress?13:13 – We need to value fatherhood more17:02 – Why group-based therapy works for men19:50 – The lack of male teachers and role models25:29 – Is the system now biased against boys?38:44 – What we must do now for the next generation41:00 – Why avoiding this topic helps no onehttps://youtu.be/PcmzNnCZQeg⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health challenges. Please take care while listening, and reach out for support if needed. UK listeners can contact Samaritans 24/7 at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

What if the pain you carry isn’t who you are — it’s just energy that’s stuck?Colin Durrant spent over 40 years feeling powerless, living with depression and PTSD. Then, everything changed when he learned to let go — of blame, of old patterns, of trapped emotion.In this powerful conversation, Colin shares how shifting from victim to creator helped him reclaim his identity, emotional health, and peace of mind.We talk trauma, triggers, validation, mindset, energy, and the deep work it takes to finally feel free.🎯 What you’ll take away:– The difference between blame and self-responsibility– How negative self-talk keeps us stuck– The emotional root of depression– Letting go of old stories and stored pain– Why your triggers aren’t about the present– How to stop chasing validation and live on your terms