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North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose
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North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose

Author: Will Polston | Business Strategist & Performance Coach

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Join Will Polston, Business Strategist & Performance Coach, on North Star Conversations the go-to podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to unlock their potential, elevate their performance, and align their business and life with true purpose.

Hosted by Will Polston bestselling author, entrepreneur, award winning business strategist and performance coach this weekly show blends solo episodes and in-depth conversations with world-class thinkers, founders, and change-makers from around the globe.

Whether you're scaling a business, shifting your mindset, or seeking more clarity and fulfilment, each episode delivers actionable insights.

Rooted in Will's North Star mission to help you move from excuses to results and live a life you love, this podcast is designed to help you create lasting impact not just for yourself, but for your family, your team, your community, and the world.

Tune in and discover what's possible when you align with your North Star.
343 Episodes
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Originally aired: July 2022 Episode Number: 133 Sometimes the turning point in life comes from a moment of anger, frustration, and brutal honesty. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, co-founder of Kiddicare and author of 'The Answer Is Yes. Now, What Is The Question' Neville Wright recounts the day a humiliating encounter at a welfare office forced a life-changing realisation: no one else was responsible for his future. Discover how a shift in mindset can transform adversity into opportunity, why refusing to accept a "ceiling" on your potential changes everything, and how personal responsibility can become the driving force behind building something far bigger than where you started. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/nevillewright
Originally aired: July 2022 Episode Number: 132 High performance isn't built on a single habit—it's built on a system. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, High Performance Coach Lee Evans explores a practical framework for sustainable performance: the Seven Pillars of High-Performance Growth. Learn how these interconnected practices act like structural supports for your life, why small changes across multiple areas compound powerfully, and how building the right habits can create the energy, focus, and resilience needed to thrive. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/leeevans
Originally aired: June 2022 Episode Number: 131 Behind every growing business is a reality most people never see: the constant pressure of cash flow, risk, and responsibility. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, founder and CEO of the Partyman Group of Companies James Sinclair opens up about one of the toughest challenges in entrepreneurship—managing cash flow while relentlessly pushing for growth. Discover the trade-offs between independence and outside investment, why some founders choose control over faster growth, and the hidden anxiety that often drives ambitious people to keep building, expanding, and chasing what's next. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/jamessinclair
Originally aired: June 2022 Episode Number: 130 What if the key to following your passion isn't having the perfect plan, but simply deciding who you want to become? In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Mindset & Brain Rewire Expert Bob Doyle explores how identity shapes behaviour, results, and ultimately the direction of your life. Learn why visions are meant to guide your journey—not trap you in a rigid outcome—and how focusing on who you are becoming, rather than what you must achieve, opens the door to real progress, adaptability, and a richer experience of life. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/bobdoyle
Originally aired: May 2022 Episode Number: 129 Success doesn't start with what you do—it starts with why you're doing it. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, serial entrepreneur, author, master trainer, international educator, philosopher, and public speaker Peter Sage dives deep into the hidden drivers behind achievement, exposing how unconscious insecurities can masquerade as ambition. Learn how to identify the real reasons behind your actions, why comfort breeds mediocrity, and how stretching beyond your comfort zone—by design—is the only path to lasting fulfilment. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/petersage
Originally aired: May 2022 Episode Number: 128 Sometimes the label that's meant to limit you becomes the moment you feel free. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, commercial property owner and ambassador for Dyslexia in business James Martin shares the raw truth of struggling through a school system that didn't understand him—being disruptive, misunderstood, and eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. Discover how frustration turned into fuel, how a diagnosis became both a shield and a catalyst, and why rethinking how we educate and support dyslexic thinkers isn't just being compassionate, but a necessity. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/jamesmartin-128
Originally aired: April 2022 Episode Number: 127 Relentless ambition sounds glamorous—until you hear what it actually costs. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, global entrepreneur and CEO of Vimana Private Jets and Naran Automotive Ameerh Naran shares the unfiltered reality of building a business from nothing: months without traction, 5 a.m. starts and 3 a.m. finishes, handwritten outreach to the world's most powerful decision-makers, and operating as a "team" of one behind the scenes. Discover what extreme ownership really looks like, why responsiveness can be a competitive advantage, and how uncompromising standards—combined with sheer endurance—can turn persistence into breakthrough results. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/ameerhnaran  
Originally aired: April 2022 Episode Number: 126 High performance isn't about choosing between working harder or working smarter. It's about mastering both. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Property Entrepreneur Patrick Henry breaks down how elite negotiators consistently outperform by studying what actually works, borrowing the best behaviours from top performers, and deliberately closing every conversation with clarity and intent. Discover how structured communication, clear next steps, and disciplined execution turn average effort into exceptional results, and why the smartest negotiators win by never wasting a conversation. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/patrickhenry  
Originally aired: March 2022 Episode Number: 125 Peak performance doesn't come from switching off. It comes from learning how to reset while staying fully present. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Stress & Resilience Training Specialist Paula Ruane guides us through the Quick Coherence technique, a simple, practical method for shifting out of stress and back into calm, focused readiness in real time. Discover how to use this technique before difficult conversations, during high-pressure moments, or at the start and end of your day to restore balance, clarity, and a sense of grounded control—anywhere, anytime. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/paularuane  
Originally aired: March 2022 Episode Number: 124 Real confidence isn't about pretending life is fair. It's about refusing to see yourself as powerless when it isn't. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, UK's top life coach for high achievers Michael Serwa shares a raw, uncompromising perspective on why self-pity keeps people stuck, how personal responsibility creates real power, and what it actually means to be confident without tipping into arrogance. Learn the critical difference between confidence and arrogance, and why the strongest mindset is built by choosing ownership, not victimhood, no matter the circumstances. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/michaelserwa  
Originally aired: March 2022 Episode Number: 122 Affirmations can be a powerful starting point—but for many people, they fall flat.  In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, internationally renowned Accredited Advanced Law of Attraction Teacher, Trainer, Coach, Author and Spiritual Mentor Carolyne Bennett dives into what it really means to do the deeper inner work. She also unpacks why emotional triggers—whether frustration, jealousy, or even admiration—are not obstacles to avoid, but signposts pointing to the next level of growth. Discover how recognising triggers as feedback can unlock lasting change, why awareness precedes transformation, and how healing internal blocks creates external breakthroughs in business, relationships, and life. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/carolynebennett
Originally aired: March 2022 Episode Number: 121 Growth rarely comes from knowing more; it comes from thinking differently, getting the right support, and being willing to move before you feel ready. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, professional bass guitar and double bass player James Eager explores why mindset is often the real constraint in business and life, the value of having an experienced coach in your corner, and why taking action—despite uncertainty—is non-negotiable. Learn why most progress comes from experiments that don't work, how failure becomes feedback, and why the breakthroughs that change everything are only found after you've been willing to try, learn, and keep moving forward. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/jameseager
Originally aired: January 2022 Episode Number: 119 Many people focus on fixing symptoms—poor sleep, stubborn weight gain, low energy—without ever asking what's actually causing them. What feels "normal" is often just common, and that misunderstanding keeps people stuck. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, author, functional medicine practitioner, and speaker Ollie Jordan Matthews explores how to move beyond surface-level fixes by learning to read the body's signals properly. Discover why treating the cause makes the symptoms disappear, how simple tracking can create clarity without obsession, and why tools like blood glucose testing and food measurement are most powerful when used to build awareness rather than control. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/olliejordanmatthews-transform
Originally aired: January 2022 Episode Number: 118 Most people don't realise how far below their potential they're operating—because feeling tired, foggy, and run-down has become their normal. Only when something changes do they recognise how good they could feel. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, executive wellness and longevity coach Hari Kalymnios speaks about what it really takes to feel "superhuman" in everyday life. Drawing on real-world experience, tracking data, and practical examples, he also breaks down how small, intentional choices—made with awareness—can dramatically elevate focus, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/harikalymnios
Originally aired: December 2021 Episode Number: 115 Most people assume that success automatically brings clarity, balance, and peace of mind. Yet for many high performers, the opposite is true—the higher they climb, the more clearly they see the habits quietly holding them back. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer Daniel O'Reilly, aka Dapper Laughs, speaks about the pivotal decision to remove alcohol and drugs—and the profound impact that choice had on his performance, mental health, and family life. Discover the hidden cost of self-destructive patterns, why fear of loss can become a powerful catalyst for change, and how sobriety unlocks extraordinary focus, discipline, and momentum. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/danoreilly
Originally aired: December 2021 Episode Number: 114 Most people have taken a personality test at some point—Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, or one of the many models that promise to explain who we are. But for many, those systems feel overly complex or hard to relate to in everyday life. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, seasoned therapist, clinical hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and life and business coach Suzanne Davison shares a refreshingly simple way of understanding personality through four core shapes: heart, square, diamond, and circle. Discover how different processing speeds shape our behaviour, why people-pleasing and control often sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, and how recognising your dominant shape can improve communication, relationships, and self-awareness.  Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/suzannedavison
Episode Notes AI Entrepreneur Reveals How To 10x Your Business: Why Most Startups Fail, How To Build Software That Sells & The Secrets To Learning Fast - Lee Russell | EP265 In this episode, I sit down with Lee Russel, a dynamic entrepreneur who has embraced a nomadic lifestyle while pioneering advancements in software, user experience, and AI for business. Together, we explore Lee's journey from a troubled teenager to an award-winning designer and tech leader, his philosophy on learning, and his innovative approach to solving problems through agentic AI and context engines. Discover practical insights into exponential growth, curiosity-driven learning, and how reimagining technology can unlock new value for customers and organizations. Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / Video Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:01 - Lee Russell's Nomadic Life & Global Working 01:07 - Sacrifices and Realities of Nomadic Living 02:32 - Managing Challenges Abroad 03:33 - Escaping Danger: Fires & Falling Builders in Albania and London 05:04 - Teenage Aspirations: From Troubled Youth to Animator 06:58 - Obsessive Learning and Creativity 08:06 - Why Drawing Is Learning to Think 09:42 - Learning to Learn: Art, Science & Curiosity 13:14 - Following Curiosity and Gaining Unexpected Value 15:37 - Sliding Door Opportunities & Living in Alignment 16:23 - The Science and Magic of Exponential Learning 17:28 - North Star Thinking: Following Inspiration 18:05 - Operating in Your Zone of Genius—Growth Through Challenge 19:39 - Overcoming Boredom and Embracing Continuous Learning 20:50 - Transitioning from Art to Tech and Software 22:51 - Learning User Experience Design by Building Networks 24:46 - The Power of Being in the Right Room 25:43 - Paying for Proximity and Accelerated Learning 27:13 - Breaking Into EdTech & High-Stakes Software 29:36 - Designing Safety Technology for Children and Schools 31:57 - Moral Dilemmas and Leaving Corporate Leadership 33:52 - The Business of SaaS, AI, and Writing "Minimal Viable Launch" 36:22 - Building Products People Want: Fall in Love with the Problem 38:41 - Insights from Iconic Tech Brands: Basecamp & HubSpot 40:13 - Innovation, Disruption, and Simplification in Product Design 42:02 - Simplicity as Genius: Life Lessons from Art and Business 44:27 - The Rise of Agentic AI and Problem Scouting 46:17 - Cost Savers, Money Makers & Second Order Consequences in AI 50:54 - The Space Scientist Mindset: Big Picture Meets Detail 53:19 - Agents vs. Automations—Demystifying AI Micro-Employees 55:28 - Learning Languages: The Teletubbies in Italian Method 58:15 - How to Learn: Applying the Pareto Principle and Curiosity 61:13 - Goal Setting, Vision, and Stories We Tell Ourselves 67:12 - Lessons from Working Together: Speed of Decision and Action 71:46 - The Future: Context Engines and Personalized Business Growth 75:02 - One Question Lee Wishes More People Would Ask 77:42 - Where to Find Lee Russel and Get Involved 79:20 - Final Reflections and Call to Action \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations Website - https://www.willpolston.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston Check out Lee's AI Masterclass by clicking here: https://www.minimalviablelaunch.io/ About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!
Originally aired: November 2021 Episode Number: 113 Many people think transformation starts by fixing their body—cutting foods, adding workouts, and chasing a number on the scale. But lasting change usually begins much higher up. In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Coach, Author and Guinness World Record holder Jamie Alderton unpacks why real transformation starts with mindset, not meal plans. Learn why understanding your emotional drivers matters more than restriction, how moderation outperforms extremes, and why sustainable progress comes from clarity, self-worth, and patience rather than quick fixes. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/jamiealderton
Originally aired: November 2021 Episode Number: 111 When your identity is built around performance, what happens when the spotlight disappears? In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, former musical theatre artist and creator of Wisdom From North Jannecke Øinæs shares about losing her voice, losing her sense of self, and the emotional unraveling that followed. Discover how self-love, curiosity, and meaning emerged from a dark period, why purpose can't be built on performance alone, and how an unexpected breakdown became the foundation for a life of deeper alignment and impact. Listen to the full episode here: https://kite.link/janneckeoinaes
Episode Notes Relationship Psychologist: Dysfunctional Leadership Is Killing Your Company! How Emotional Intelligence, Trust & Communication Fix Teams & Save Marriages - Dr. Patty Ann | EP264 In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patty Ann, an internationally recognized expert in emotional intelligence, relationships, and communication. We discuss why every business is fundamentally a relationship business, how trust and psychological safety impact leadership teams, and practical strategies to improve workplace dynamics and personal relationships. Tune in to discover actionable tips for nurturing healthy relationships and achieving success both in business and at home. Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / Video Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:01 - Welcome Dr. Patty Ann 00:09 - Emotional intelligence, relationships, and communication: Why they matter 00:39 - Dr. Patty Ann's journey to international expertise 01:11 - Academic and professional background 02:29 - Transition from therapy to executive coaching 03:33 - The difference between coaching and therapy 04:40 - Are all businesses relationship businesses? 05:31 - Why relationships are key for business success 06:21 - Identifying relationship breakdowns in leadership teams 07:15 - Trust issues and team performance 08:22 - Importance of conflict and speaking truth in teams 09:39 - How to spot trust issues in business relationships 10:40 - Cultivating a culture of permission to fail 12:33 - Linking trust and psychological safety 13:22 - Respecting colleagues even if you don't love them 14:02 - How leaders can support dissenting team members 15:01 - Lincoln's Team of Rivals example in business 16:07 - How leaders should communicate decisions 17:51 - Practical advice for maintaining engagement 18:36 - The importance of nurturing relationships in leadership 19:48 - Thoughts on AI and leadership 20:34 - Discussion of Dr. Patty Ann's books 22:48 - Money as a tool for opportunities and experiences 24:00 - How relationship challenges show up in both business and personal life 25:41 - Top tip for entrepreneurs to safeguard relationships 27:12 - Emotional intelligence in handling negative energy 28:37 - The reality of compartmentalizing stress 29:37 - Listening to feedback and being open to correction 30:06 - Navigating money conflicts in relationships 31:22 - Avatars and emotional relationship with money 33:08 - Telltale signs of emotional intelligence in founders 34:52 - How to connect with Dr. Patty Ann 35:17 - The most important thing in the world: Relationships 35:54 - Closing remarks and how to submit listener questions \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations Website - https://www.willpolston.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/ Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston Check out Dr. Patty Ann's website here: https://drpattyann.com/ About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!
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