Alan Clark: From Hong Kong to Holistic Education – An Entrepreneur's Journey Through Mental Health and Resilience
Guest ideas? Questions? Topics? Message us!Discover the tumultuous yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship with our guest Alan Clark, a trailblazer in the training and development industry. From a life-altering stint in Hong Kong to co-founding a successful business after a spontaneous idea over drinks, Alan's journey is nothing short of inspiring. You’ll hear about his struggles transitioning from a stable job to the unpredictable world of startups and how leveraging his network helped him secure his first clients. Alan’s candid recounting of early missteps, like pricing and market research errors, and the eventual breakthrough of utilizing relatable, younger individuals for their brain breaks content, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.Immerse yourself in Alan’s transformative experiences, from nearly securing a banking internship in Hong Kong to finding his passion in education and mental health back in Scotland. Learn about the fulfilling aspects of his career, where he inspires others to learn and facilitates meaningful conversations. Alan’s commitment to holistic wellbeing for children, combined with his background in sports coaching and a role with Scottish Rugby, adds a rich layer of depth to his story. This episode also tackles broader themes like the impact of mobile phone addiction on social connections and the critical importance of face-to-face interactions.Gain insights into the complexities of men’s mental health as Alan discusses the emotional toll of career setbacks and the resilience needed to overcome them. Hear about the significant influences in his life, from his competitive upbringing to inspirational teachers who shaped his journey. Alan’s reflections on defining success beyond material achievements and the joy of disconnecting from technology to spend quality time with family provide a poignant conclusion to this captivating episode. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, or someone interested in mental health, Alan’s story offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Mid-epsiode Message Letting Our Listeners Know About our Subscription Option New Outro asking our Listeners for Reviews, Episode Guests and QuestionsSupport the showSubscribe now and embark on this journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Let's navigate our life journey together, one buzzword at a time.
Matthew Todd: Navigating the Creative Odyssey – From Scottish Highlands to Global Film Festivals and Musical Mastery
Guest ideas? Questions? Topics? Message us!What if your creative journey could take you from the highlands of Scotland to international film festivals and beyond? Join us as we explore the fascinating life and career of Matthew Todd, a multitalented artist whose work spans music, filmmaking, and classical performance. Growing up in a large, musically inclined family, Matthew's childhood was filled with the magic of music and homemade films. Learn how early influences, including classic Disney films and a move to the isolated yet enriching environment of Caithness, helped shape his artistic vision.Discover the challenges and triumphs of bringing "Jesse and the Elf Boy" to the big screen and securing distribution deals with airlines. Matthew opens up about the complexities of film distribution, the importance of keeping production costs low, and the critical role of a sales agent. Aspiring filmmakers will find valuable advice on navigating the business side of creativity while maintaining the integrity and joy of the artistic process. Matthew also shares insights into his other creative projects, such as "Nelson the Giant" and his music videos, revealing the importance of wearing multiple creative hats.Balancing a demanding career with personal life is no small feat, especially when supporting a family and working with individuals with additional needs. Matthew's journey through formal music education at Edinburgh College and the conservatoire is both inspiring and instructive. Hear about the significance of empathy, intuition, and resilience in both professional and personal spheres. Finally, gain a deeper understanding of the rewarding nature of music therapy and the delicate balance required to sustain a career while nurturing family bonds and personal well-being. This episode is a rich tapestry of experiences and lessons for anyone passionate about the creative arts. Mid-epsiode Message Letting Our Listeners Know About our Subscription Option New Outro asking our Listeners for Reviews, Episode Guests and QuestionsSupport the showSubscribe now and embark on this journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Let's navigate our life journey together, one buzzword at a time.
Bruce Aitchison: Navigating Social Media, Family Life, and Public Speaking with Heart
Guest ideas? Questions? Topics? Message us!Ever wondered how a small-town lad from the Borders could become a beloved social media personality and a charitable force? Meet Bruce Aitchison, who takes us through his incredible journey from Galashiels Academy to the bustling streets of Hong Kong and back to Scotland. Bruce’s career is as multifaceted as they come—teacher, business developer, and a passionate advocate for the My Name's Doddie Foundation. Join us as Bruce opens up about his family life, his wife's hockey achievements, and the early influences that ignited his love for comedy and performance.From playing a panto dame to hosting prominent rugby club events, Bruce shares his experiences in performing and public speaking. He delves into the lessons learned from mentors and the joy of connecting with people through award ceremonies and spontaneous interactions. Listen as Bruce discusses his approach to social media, turning his Facebook page into a heartfelt tribute for his kids, and the delicate balance of sharing family life online while maintaining privacy.Parenting in the digital age, the transformative power of sports, and building a legacy through small, meaningful actions are just a few of the themes we touch on. Bruce reflects on his time in Hong Kong, the impact of sports on personal growth, and the importance of empathy and kindness in shaping future generations. With stories that are both entertaining and insightful, Bruce Aitchison's episode is a treasure trove of life lessons, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a good laugh. Mid-epsiode Message Letting Our Listeners Know About our Subscription Option New Outro asking our Listeners for Reviews, Episode Guests and QuestionsSupport the showSubscribe now and embark on this journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Let's navigate our life journey together, one buzzword at a time.
Bryan MacMillan: Pioneering the Future of Tyre Shopping – From Musical Roots to a Digital Revolution in Automotive Safety
Guest ideas? Questions? Topics? Message us!What if the tyre buying process could be as seamless as ordering a pizza? Join us as we sit down with Bryan MacMillan, the brilliant mind behind Tyre Runner, a game-changing tyre comparison service. Bryan takes us through his captivating journey from being a software developer for music companies to leading a software team at Kwik Fit, which sparked the idea for Tyre Runner. Discover how this platform is set to revolutionize an industry notoriously bogged down by confusing jargon and a lack of digitization, making it easier than ever for consumers to find the perfect tires for their vehicles.Bryan's entrepreneurial journey is as fascinating as it is inspiring. He shares pivotal moments that shaped his career, including a last-minute university switch and navigating the challenges of fundraising in a conservative investment climate. Gain insights into how Tyre Runner connects users with both local and national retailers by simply entering their tire size or vehicle registration. We also touch on Brya's early aspirations in music, the discipline it instilled in him, and how those lessons have translated into his tech ventures.Safety on the road is paramount, and Brian doesn’t shy away from addressing the serious issues plaguing the tire industry. From the alarming statistics of illegal tires on UK roads to the rise of electric vehicles and their impact on traditional servicing, we cover it all. Learn about the growing trend of mobile tire fitment services and the critical importance of regular tire checks. This episode promises to be a comprehensive look at how technology is transforming the tire industry and improving safety for everyone. Tune in and stay informed! Mid-epsiode Message Letting Our Listeners Know About our Subscription Option New Outro asking our Listeners for Reviews, Episode Guests and QuestionsSupport the showSubscribe now and embark on this journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Let's navigate our life journey together, one buzzword at a time.
Kessar Salimi: Building Freedom Financial a Journey of Growth
Guest ideas? Questions? Topics? Message us!Ever wondered how someone can rebuild a life and career after losing everything? On today's episode, we promise you'll uncover the secrets to resilience and strategic planning with Kessar Salimi, a veteran mortgage broker and property investor. Kesar's journey from the hospitality industry to forming his own firm, Freedom Financial, amid the turmoil of the 2008 financial crash offers a treasure trove of insights for aspiring investors and seasoned landlords alike. Learn how his experiences have shaped his approach to navigating the current property market's increased regulations and taxes, and gain invaluable advice on sustaining success through turbulent times.Kessar takes us through his strategic shift from residential buy-to-lets to commercial investments, sharing his playbook for maximizing returns and managing a growing portfolio. From leveraging family trusts and pensions to save on taxes, to the nitty-gritty of marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kesar provides a masterclass on building a resilient business team. We also delve into the heart of the rental market, exploring the trends and challenges faced by landlords today, and the geographical opportunities in cities like Aberdeen and Glasgow. Whether it’s the impact of foreign students on rental prices or the dynamics of short-term rentals, Kessar's expertise sheds light on the ever-evolving property landscape.To conclude, Kessar underscores the importance of personal development and continuous learning, from podcasts and audiobooks to hands-on experiences. Discover how effective outsourcing and a structured marketing strategy can help your business avoid feast-or-famine cycles. Be inspired by Kessar's plans for expanding Freedom Financial, and learn from his journey of balancing work with personal life, supported by a dedicated team and family. Join us for this compelling episode and equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in property investment. Mid-epsiode Message Letting Our Listeners Know About our Subscription Option New Outro asking our Listeners for Reviews, Episode Guests and QuestionsSupport the showSubscribe now and embark on this journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Let's navigate our life journey together, one buzzword at a time.