Ever felt drawn toward something bigger in your life yet unsure how to tune in?
In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Aude Firmin, once a successful corporate leader at giants like Microsoft and Gucci, now an acclaimed spiritual life coach and psychic medium.
Here are 3 game-changing takeaways Aude shares for professionals searching for purpose:
1. We all have intuitive powers.Aude shares how what started as strange, even scary, experiences after a family loss ultimately revealed that intuition and energy are available to everyone. When embraced, these “psychic” abilities can help us tune into our true direction.
2. Redefine success on your terms.Having “made it” in the corporate world, Aude found that true success wasn’t status, titles, or wealth but inner peace, harmony, and being connected to a deeper purpose. Money matters, but meaning matters more.
3. Have the courage to pivot.Aude’s journey from tech director to purpose-driven entrepreneur wasn’t easy. It meant overcoming fears, societal expectations, and scepticism (from others and herself). The result? A life, and business, built on meaning, authenticity, and service.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or in transition, this episode is for you. Learn why your answers may already be inside—and how aligning with both logic and intuition can lead to a happier, more impactful life.
What would you do if you were falsely imprisoned for 5 years?
In this transformative episode of Success Matters, I’m joined by Jose Angel Pereira who shares his remarkable journey from leading Venezuela’s largest oil company to surviving five years as a political hostage.
His experience sheds light on the real meaning of clarity and demonstrates that success is more than just professional titles or outward achievements.
Jose’s story is a lesson in resilience. He describes how adversity can transform our perspective, showing that even in the darkest moments, clarity emerges through adaptability, hope, and mental strength. He also reminds us that true success involves balancing ambition with gratitude, nurturing genuine connections, and maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.
Faith and purpose run through every part of his recovery. Jose found strength by reconnecting to his beliefs, reinforcing the idea that clarity for professionals is rooted in personal values, adaptability, and an openness to redefine one’s path.
If you’re ready to see success, and yourself, in a new light, this episode will inspire and guide your search for meaningful achievement.
Tune in to discover how you can build resilience, find balance, and create your own definition of success.
Feeling stuck or searching for greater meaning in your work and life?
This week, I sat down with Dr. Andre Walton, TEDx speaker, inventor, and bestselling author, to explore creativity, decision making, and finding success beyond the conventional path.
Top 3 Insights from Andre:
Embrace Divergent ThinkingAndre reminds us that we’re all born creative but as adults, we often limit ourselves through “convergent” (narrow) thinking. Real growth and innovation happen when we reawaken our innate curiosity and allow ourselves to explore alternative possibilities, just like we did as children.
Make Decisions ConsciouslyInstead of falling back on safe, automatic choices, Andre challenges us to pause and consider, “What options do I really have?” Whether navigating a career pivot or organizational change, conscious decision-making opens up new paths and prevents us from getting stuck on someone else’s tracks.
Redefine SuccessFor Andre, success isn’t ticking off boxes, it's about accumulating a body of rich experiences and knowledge. He shares how early in life, he resolved never to look back with regret. His advice? Don’t wait to make your change. Live a life you’ll be proud to reflect on.
If you’re reevaluating your direction or ready to break free from the “hamster wheel” of life, this conversation is for you.
Catch the full episode and discover practical ways to unlock your own purpose!
Share in the comments how you break out of convergent thinking in your own journey?
The line between ambition and burnout is a fine one.
In this episode of the Success Matters podcast, I sit down with Angela Hodgson, a corporate high-flyer who experienced a massive burnout that changed her life.
Angela shares her raw and honest story about working at luxury car manufacturer Bentley, the pressures of her professional life, and the deeply personal challenges that all converged at once. She opens up about the moment she hit rock bottom and how she found her way back, removing the “mask" and leaving the corporate world to create a new definition of success on her own terms.
We talk about:
The unexpected role of the pandemic in her recovery.
How she healed from her past through counseling and vulnerability.
Her transition from corporate life to helping businesses find their "brilliance without burnout."
If you've ever felt the weight of professional and personal life pushing you to the edge, this episode is a must-listen. It's a candid conversation about what happens when you take off the mask and embrace your authentic self.
Connect with Angela on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelahodgson
And take your free Power Framework test here:https://igniteimprovement.co.uk/quiz
Why do I even think this way?
We've all had that moment: clinging to a belief or a habit we've had forever, only to stop and wonder, "Why do I even think this way?"
In this episode of Success Matters, Ryan Ware shares his story of how he is helping an entire industry, construction, grapple with this very question.
Ryan explains that many of us are like his childhood self, holding onto limiting beliefs.
For Ryan, he believed he hated beets because he only ever saw them from a can. He didn't dislike the vegetable itself; he disliked that version of it. The same is true for the way we approach change.
Ryan shares the messy middle of change: the space where clarity fades and growth happens. It's the space where we challenge assumptions, test new ideas, and sometimes stumble, but always learn.
This episode will challenge you to:
Question your assumptions: Think about a belief you have that you're no longer sure why you hold.
See "failure" as feedback: Instead of viewing setbacks as a dead end, learn to see them as a chance to improve and innovate.
Relish the unknown: Discover how to find growth and opportunity in the parts of life and work that feel messy and unclear.
Tie your laces!We all have shoelace moments, those small, untied knots in our lives that can trip us up. But what if the biggest barrier to your success isn't a lack of knowledge but a refusal to tie the knot and double knot the shoelace? In this episode of Success Matters, I talk with the ever energetic and engaging fitness coach Brian Parana, who works with men aged 40 and up. Brian shares his own journey of shedding old identities, likening it to a chrysalis, to become the leader he is today.Brian reveals how simple, actionable steps and a mindset shift can lead to profound transformations not just in fitness, but in your career, relationships, and overall life. We dive deep into why taking control of your health can empower you to make significant, life-changing decisions.Tune in to learn:Why the "Rocky" mentality of pushing through everything isn't always the best path to success.How to leverage the skills that make you successful at work to transform your health.The power of connection and its link to health and success.How creating good habits in life, akin to tying your shoelaces, help avoid potential faceplants later in life.
From PowerPoint to Turning Point
In this week’s Success Matters episode, I’m joined by Andie Henrich whose story weaves together a rich mix of cultures: an Italian father who grew up in Vietnam and a mother from Argentina with Spanish and Indigenous South American roots.
After more than 20 years in global roles at IBM and Infosys, Andie stepped away from the corporate fast lane to build her own coaching practice, Authenticity Ignited. Her journey is marked by bold choices, cultural curiosity, and a redefinition of what success can mean.
We covered:
Why cultural awareness starts with assuming nothing
The impact of burnout and AI on her decision to leave corporate life
Redefining success beyond KPIs and promotions
Her reflections on missing her son’s first steps while chasing career milestones
Challenging the story around ageing with her idea of “unfolding”
Andie’s story is a powerful reminder that stepping into your own definition of success often means rewriting the rules.
In this episode of Success Matters, I speak with Helene Rennervik, whose life took an unexpected turn in 2004 when her youngest son was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma at the tender age of nine. This profound experience challenged everything she knew, eventually leading her to leave a 15-year corporate career in Dubai without a plan.
Helene shares her incredible journey from defining success by "doing" - chasing titles, salaries, and recognition - to embracing a radical new vision of "being".
She reveals how this shift allowed her to live in alignment with who she truly is, rather than identifying by her job title, or even roles like mother or wife.
In this wide ranging discussion we cover:
• Redefining Success: Learn why success for Helene today is about presence, awareness, and gratitude – finding joy in the "here and now," not just tomorrow's goals.
• The Power of Your Mind: Discover how cultivating mental tools was crucial for Helene during her son's recovery and why she now focuses on helping others harness their mind's potential.
• Uncover Your True Self: Helene advocates for understanding your core strengths and values (like the Gallup StrengthsFinder) to align with your true calling, something she wishes she'd known earlier.
• Mastering Boundaries: Helene shares details of her program, "The Power of No, without guilt," and why letting go of perfectionism and people-pleasing is essential for growth and living your life, not someone else's.
Helene's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to pivot when life demands it. If you're pondering your next steps and ready to embrace a more authentic, fulfilling life, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Helene: You can find Helene Rennervik on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/helenerennervik or visit her website: helenerennervik.com. She even has a "people pleaser quiz" you can take!
#SuccessMatters #Podcast #CareerChange #LifeTransition #RedefineSuccess #PurposeDriven #SelfDiscovery #Wellbeing #Coaching #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #Boundaries #EwingsSarcoma #Inspiration
When work defines who you are, what happens if it's suddenly ripped away?
In this episode of Success Matters, Brad Henderson, after nearly twenty years in commercial real estate, found himself at the crossroads: a dismissal left him stripped of professional identity, disconnected from his digital world, and, for a moment, uncertain of who he was.
His story is a wake-up call: jobs often become a stand-in for self, and without them, many feel unmoored or invisible. That moment isn't reserved for employees, founders, too can lose themselves when stepping away from their companies.
Brad shares practical takeaways to help you avoid becoming a “nobody” should you lose your professional identity:
Build Success Through Consistency. Real success isn’t the stuff you read about in attention-grabbing headlines. It’s built slowly and consistently. Steady actions matter more than dramatic wins. Brad shares how discipline and routine break through mental and cultural barriers to create lasting results.
See Beyond the Job Title. Rather than chasing fragile work-life balance, Brad urges a portfolio mindset: treat each part of life: work, family, community, as investments that need attention and reflection.
Leverage Skills, Not Titles. Career pivots become possible when you recognise and promote your strengths across industries. Brad recommends listening to new perspectives and bringing fresh ideas as innovation thrives when outsiders challenge norms.
Rethink AI’s Role in Leadership. Brad, now an executive coach, challenges leaders to question their assumptions about AI. He urges them to see AI as an asset, one that can transform teams and drive change, if leaders set the tone.
Learn more about Brad’s work and his new book at www.consistency-edge.com.
#SuccessMasters #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #Identity #WorkLifeIntegration #AICoaching #TheConsistencyEffect #Podcast #FutureOfWork
My conversation with Tiffany Lauren Potter was a powerful and emotional experience.
When Tiffany was on the brink of her 40s, she found herself at a crossroads. She was a professional singer who had spent years performing for governors and in pro sports stadiums, but stress and a lack of alignment in her life eventually caused her to lose her singing voice. She had a vocal cord condition, but she believes the true cause was years of holding tension and living out of alignment with her true self.
For years, Tiffany felt she had to adhere to a certain role, a vision of what her life and marriage were "supposed to be," shaped by deeply religious community and societal expectations. She lived in a way that repressed her own emotions and aspirations, believing she was being selfish to want more. This left her feeling adrift, as if her life was a ship with "sails blowing meaninglessly in the wind".
This experience made her realise she couldn't continue to live a life that wasn’t authentic to her. The process of reclaiming her voice, both literally and figuratively, was incredibly difficult and led to her losing a lot of people in her life. But it also gave her a newfound sense of resilience and purpose. She now embraces her new identity and is building a new life and business on her own terms.
Tiffany’s story is a profound reminder that we all have the agency to reclaim our voices and build a future we are excited about.
Imagine a world where AI is powered not by silicon chips but by Human Neurons.
In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Dr. Ewelina Kurtys from Final Spark to explore the frontier of bio-inspired computing.
Ewelina shares how her path from neuroscience and experimental biology led her to working with living neurons, building computers not from silicon, but from human-derived neural cells.
We talk about the science behind turning skin cells into powerful new tools for computation, the differences between digital and biological computers, and the ethical questions that are emerging as technology crosses new boundaries.
Ewelina offers a look into her experiences in both academia and industry, reflects on the challenges and opportunities of global scientific collaboration, and unpacks what success truly means on a personal level.
Whether you're curious about the future of artificial intelligence, fascinated by the merging worlds of biology and technology, or just looking for fresh perspectives on innovation, this conversation has something for you.
Tune in to hear how flexibility, experimentation, and a passion for discovery guide Ewelina’s journey and get inspired to think differently about what's coming next in science and technology.
Are you shuffling chairs on the Titanic?
In this episode of Success Matters podcast, we sit down with author and financial expert, Peter Merrick, who poses this provocative question as a wake-up call to understanding our current financial system.
Peter, a seasoned veteran of the financial industry, shares his incredible journey, from a "spectacular blow up" early in his career to becoming a TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner), a highly vetted, cross-jurisdictional designation, focused on sophisticated asset and legacy planning for wealthy families.
He delves into the insights from his new book, "It Starts With Gold". where he challenges conventional wisdom on money, markets, and stability.
This book is a departure from his previous works, revealing deeply researched (and often unsettling) insights about the financial world.
Peter explains how the overnight markets failed in 2019, leading to trillion-dollar printing by the Federal Reserve, and discusses the implications of "bail-ins" and the quadrillion-dollar derivative market. He draws on history, like China's Yuan Dynasty and the US gold confiscation in 1933, to illustrate the collapse of financial systems.
"It Starts With Gold" is not just about problems; it's a guide to "de-risking your assets and re-materializing your life."
This means focusing on useful skills, community, and tangible assets like physical gold and silver as a bulwark against systemic collapse.
Peter emphasizes that while some might call his views "conspiracy theorist," his book is 580 pages of research backed material.
Beyond financial foresight, Peter defines success in simple yet profound terms: "Peace and love, no drama." He advocates for being a "lighthouse" for those seeking guidance, knowing your unique value, and cultivating genuine connections.
http://itstartswithgold.com/
What if walking away from “success” was the smartest thing you ever did?
This week on Success Matters, my guest flipped the script.
Meet Jenny Qi — executive coach, globe-trotter, former Wall Street lawyer, and living proof that there’s life and happiness beyond prestige and paychecks.
Jenny’s journey? A PhD in neuroscience; JD from Michigan Law; Nearly a decade surviving the high-pressure, “up-or-out” grind at elite law firms in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing and then: she quit!
Not to “job hop,” not to take a break, but to retire from big law for good.
Why? Because the job came with too high a price tag: her time, freedom, and autonomy. Instead, she chose a life aligned with her deepest values: spirituality, authenticity, freedom, and true impact.
Now based in the mountains of Nepal in the capital Kathmandu, Jenny blends Buddhist wisdom and meditation into her coaching, guiding others to ditch fear, which is her self-confessed kryptonite, and design lives that feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.
In this episode, we go deep about: * Letting go of the “safe” route * Redefining wealth and success * Making peace with uncertainty * Finding the courage to live on your own terms
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to life than climbing the ladder, this conversation will make you rethink everything.
Tune in and hear how Jenny turned the ultimate career pivot into her most fulfilling chapter yet.
To contact Jenny or to find out more visit jennyqi.com
At just 14, Connor turned a personal health journey battling severe childhood inflammation into a thriving mission!
In this episode of Success Matters, discover how he found healing through microgreens, these "tiny baby vegetables" packed with nutrients, and built a business that's now expanding into wholesale and inspiring countless others.
Connor shares profound insights on:
- The incredible power of microgreens to boost health and reduce inflammation.
- Why success means changing one person's life to create a ripple effect across the world.
- How he helps picky eaters embrace healthy foods by empowering them to grow their own.
- His unique approach to connecting with people, even overcoming personal challenges like being on the autism spectrum.
- Finding opportunity in every challenge, as his own health struggles led to his impactful business.
Ready to cultivate your own "microgreen thumb"? Listen in!
Learn more from Connor at:
ameliamicrogreens.com
Amelia Island Microgreens on YouTube & social media
And for listeners in the US, text "microgreens" to 26786 (US) for a free masterclass!
#Microgreens #HealthAndWellness #Entrepreneur #YoungEntrepreneur #FoodAsMedicine #SuccessMindset #Podcast
What happens when a trained chemist becomes a healer?
In this episode of Success Matters, I speak with Sandra Lee, a woman who walked away from the lab bench and into the world of energy healing, acupressure, and NLP.
Sandra’s journey took her:
From her science degree to sensing energy blocks in the body
From logic to intuition and how she bridges both worlds
From suppressing anger to transforming it into a force for healing and action
Sandra shares:
Why success isn’t about doing what you “should,” but aligning with who you really are
How she helps business owners move through procrastination, pressure, and stuck beliefs
The emotional root of migraines (and how she helped someone shift it over Zoom)
Why connection not credentials or content is the real key to healing
This episode is a must listen
If you’ve ever felt torn between head and heart
If you’ve struggled to give yourself permission to do what feels right
If you’re ready to redefine what success truly means
From grief to growth, this is one of the most heartfelt conversations I’ve ever recorded.
Janna Willoughby-Lohr is an artist, poet, entrepreneur, rapper, and the creator of Papercraft Miracles, a business that transforms handmade paper into powerful, emotional connections.
But her story isn’t about paper.
It’s about purpose.
In this episode of Success Matters, Janna shares:
How the loss of her mother and a devastating dorm fire shaped her life’s mission
Why she believes creativity is a birthright, not a bonus
How handcrafted paper can help us grieve, celebrate, and reconnect in a digital world
What it really means to live a successful, soul-aligned life
Janna shares: “Making this art saved me when I literally had nothing. Sharing it heals other people. That’s the jam.”
If you’ve ever felt like your creative spark was buried under the weight of daily life and if you’re looking for a reminder that your story matters.
This episode is for you.
Your Dreams Don’t Have an Expiration Date!
Today I’m joined by the incredible Judy Wong, an Energy Accelerator Transformation Coach.
Judy, who is “pushing 70” and radiating vibrant health, is living proof that "your dreams don't have an expiration date".
She shares her deeply moving journey from hitting rock bottom in her mid-50s, facing the challenge of putting three boys through college with no job, no money, and considering giving up on life.
Discover:-
How Judy found her inner "light" and the "whispers of her soul" during her lowest point, realising the answers were always within her. This pivotal moment transformed her life, bringing about "magic" including unexpected financial help and two job offers after being deemed "too old".
- How she redefined success from accumulating "things" to "feeling good," "excited about life," and "lighting the light of another human being".
- Her powerful mission as a coach: helping her generation embrace life fully and create a "life list" instead of a "bucket list," rejecting the notion of being "one foot in the grave".
- Her secret to sustained energy and vitality, emphasising the importance of mindset and "pushing your happy place".
She even shares that despite a sickly past, she hasn't been sick in over 10 years, not even with a cold!
Don't miss this conversation about resilience, inner wisdom, and embracing a fulfilling life at any age!
Judy also generously offers listeners a special gift: a video meditation designed to help you reset during "divine detours".
https://livingoutloudaintoveryet.thrivecart.com/reset-from-divine-detours-meditation/
Tune in now to hear her full story and invaluable insights!#SuccessMatters #Podcast #EnergyCoach #Transformation #DreamsDontExpire #LifeList #Inspiration #Resilience #WellnessOver60 #AgingGracefully
When you’re overwhelmed with ideas, struggling with income flow, or unsure if you’re still aligned with your business, it’s time to zoom out and redefine what success really looks like.
In this insightful episode, I talk with Mary Gaul, founder of Success Magnified and author of Vitamin C3 for Business about what it means to run a business that aligns with your values especially when the numbers aren’t adding up.
In this episode Mary shares her story:
Mary’s journey from law firm manager to coach and founder
The three C’s that guide her work: Connect, Contribute, Celebrate
How to stay grounded in your why during the highs and lows
How celebration (yes, even a thank-you card) can fuel momentum
What to do when “too much free time” becomes kryptonite
If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or disconnected from the reason you started, this conversation will help you recalibrate and move forward with intention.
Connect with Mary at: https://www.successmagnified.com
What do you do when you’re a high-performing CE) and you suddenly lose your hearing?
In this deeply moving episode of Success Matters, Chris Luxford shares how a life-altering health event became a catalyst for clarity, innovation, and wisdom.
We talk about:
How deafness made him more present and powerful in business
His bold shift from CEO to purpose-driven consultant
The rise of applied wisdom in the age of AI
Why unlearning is the real key to growth
And how he’s turning adversity into legacy
This is not just about hearing loss. It’s about gaining perspective, purpose, and a whole new way of leading.
Subscribe for more real, deep conversations about what success really means.
chris.luxford@aspiregroup.com
Jan was introduced to me by a friend as "the most intelligent woman she knows", and after our chat, I can certainly see why.
With a PhD in material science focused on solar cells for satellites, Jan has transitioned into a powerful force for change in engineering.
What struck me most was Jan's passion, which she describes as having an "extra fairness gene" from childhood. Her focus isn't on "fixing women" but on fixing the space – creating an engineering profession where everyone can thrive, where the majority accommodates and welcomes minority groups.
We dived into fascinating topics, from her early research 20 years ago looking at the demographics of engineers, to the shifts happening today thanks to increased outreach and diverse role models. Jan highlighted that diversity isn't just about gender or ethnicity; it's crucially about diversity of thinking and life experiences.
Jan shared how she uses tools like CliftonStrengths to help engineers build self-awareness, understand different communication styles (especially for those with high IQ but potentially lower EQ), and appreciate neurodiversity within teams. This helps people be their authentic selves rather than trying to fit a stereotype, leading to more dynamic and innovative teams.
Her definition of success is truly inspiring: making a difference, seeing something not working and fixing it. She shared a powerful example of how advocating for better-fitting PPE for women in engineering led to real change. She also finds success in empowering individuals and seeing them grow.
Jan left me with a thought-provoking question for the next guest: How successful have you been in noticing and raising up other people who needed a bit of a boost? This sparked a discussion on mentorship versus relying solely on AI for guidance, and the importance of teaching people to ask great questions and truly listen.
This conversation is packed with insights on creating inclusive environments, the power of diverse thinking, and what it truly means to make a difference.