Access to Inspiration Podcast

01/08/2024

We are thrilled to announce the latest episode of our podcast featuring an insightful conversation with Urs Koenig. In this episode, Urs shares his expertise on leadership, humility, and the importance of building meaningful relationships within a team.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Humble leadership is not about being weak but about empowering others to achieve their best.

2. Be intentional about setting aside time for relationship-building meetings and being open to vulnerability. By fostering trust and meaningful connections, leaders can create a supportive environment for their team members.

3. Gain inspiration from personal experiences: Urs draws inspiration from his father, who exemplified humble leadership and provided psychological safety. He encourages leaders to see their team members as whole human beings and to be courageous in charting their own course, rather than conforming to others' expectations.

Enjoy listening! 🌟
https://accesstoinspiration.org/.../130-urs-koenig.../

25/07/2024

Our latest episode features Dana Frank, General Managing Partner of TD Frank Family Properties sharing her inspiring journey of taking over the family business and creating a legacy of wealth and success.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

Legacy and Perseverance: Dana's family history is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of creating a lasting legacy. From her father's humble beginnings in Detroit to her own journey of overcoming challenges in the real estate business, Dana's story highlights the value of hard work and determination in building a successful family business.

Community Engagement and Philanthropy: Dana is committed to giving back to the community - from coaching homeless kids in tennis to hosting annual holiday drives for foster kids, her dedication to philanthropy serves as a reminder that true success is not just about financial wealth but also about making a positive impact on those around us.

Business Tips and Strategies: Dana shares valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs including the REAL approach (Research, Expand your network, Amplify injustice, Leverage)

You can listen to the full episode or read the transcription
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/129-dana-frank-building-legacy-through-real-estate/

18/07/2024

Series 18 kicks off with an episode featuring Ricardo Brito, where we discuss how burnout led to a career transformation.

https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/128-ricardo-brito-from-burnout-to-breakthrough-reinventing-your-career/

Tune in for some insightful reflections and valuable advice!

10/07/2024

Excited that Series 18 of Access to Inspiration Podcast kicks off next week.

The Preview is out today and we are excited to bring you more inspiring guests. We are often asked to describe what type of guests we have on the show, which you can find out about on the preview.

Looking forward to bringing you conversations with Ricardo Brito, Dana Frank, Urs Koenig, Cobe Williams, Shoko Doherty, Mark Fletcher during Series 18, plus an episode hosted by previous guest Manuela Gil de Tober who talks to eco-entrepreneur Maritza Lopez.

Have a listen - it's only 3 mins long, or read the transcription.
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/preview-of-series-18/

Welcome to the Access to Inspiration podcast. I'm Sue Stockdale, your host for this series. Now we're launching Series 18 next week. And I thought before

17/06/2024

I am thrilled to announce the release of a bonus episode of the Access to Inspiration podcast, where we delve into the findings from our Impact Report published today.

Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode:

1️⃣ Diverse and Impactful Guests: Our listeners have resonated with the diverse range of guests featured on the podcast. From musicians like Simeon Wood to interdisciplinary thinkers like Paolo Savaget, each guest brings a unique perspective that inspires and uplifts our audience.

2️⃣ Empowering Guests to Share Their Stories: The impact report reveals that 40% of our guests are first-time podcasters, with 80% feeling inspired to do more podcasting after appearing on our show. This highlights the power of storytelling and how sharing our experiences can inspire others to do the same.

3️⃣ Building a Community of Change-makers: Guests like Pierre Heistein have expressed feeling part of a movement for positive change through Access to Inspiration. The podcast has created a sense of community where like-minded individuals come together to make the world a better place, one story at a time.

Listen to discover more insights from our impact report and learn how we are making a difference in the world.
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/bonus-episode-launch-of-2024-impact-report/

12/06/2024

In this week's episode 127 we delve into the world of recycling plastic waste into textiles. Dutch entrepreneur Monique Maissan CEO of Waste2Wear talks to Sue Stockdale about her entrepreneurial journey to manufacture textiles from recycled plastic bottles.

In 2007 Monique saw an opportunity to make a positive impact in the textile industry, one of the most polluting industries in the world, and pivoted her business to focus on this.

Three highlights are:

- Innovation and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand
By innovating and focusing on recycled textiles, Monique found a way to merge her love for textiles with her commitment to sustainability, to make a positive impact on the planet.

- Transparency and Traceability are Crucial
By implementing a unique blockchain system with QR codes, she ensures that every step of the process is documented and verified, providing consumers with the confidence that they are supporting a truly sustainable product.

- Education and Collaboration Drive Change
By inspiring and educating consumers, especially the younger generation, about the importance of using recycled materials, Monique is driving a shift towards more conscious fashion consumers.

Listen to the full episode here or read the transciption
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/127-monique-maissan-recycling-plastic-waste-into-textiles/

05/06/2024

🌿 Excited to share our latest podcast episode 126 featuring Sofia Heinonen executive director at Fundación Rewilding Argentina.

🦜 Sofia's passion for biodiversity and conservation started at a young age in Argentina. Hear how she went from birdwatching to leading efforts to save endangered species and restore ecosystems.

🐆 Learn how Sofia and her team at Rewilding Argentina successfully brought back the apex predator species, the jaguar, to the Iberá wetland in . A true conservation success story!

🔥 Despite facing challenges like wildfires, Sofia and her team continue their mission to protect and restore ecosystems in Argentina. Discover how they overcome obstacles and work towards a sustainable future.

🌎 Sofia's vision extends beyond Argentina as she aims to rewild South America by collaborating with other countries. This is a fascinating conversation where host Sue Stockdale discovers Sofia's inspiring journey and the impact of her work on a continental scale.

Listen to the full episode or read the transcription
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/126-sofia-heinonen-rewilding-argentina-and-beyond/

01/06/2024

Delighted we have partnered with Altitude Esports to help us amplify the information about the podcast.

We're delighted to announce we have partnered with Access to Inspiration.

Access to Inspiration is a podcast dedicated to inspiration. Featuring over 100 guests from 30 countries, listen to the experiences of a wide range of people including musicians, astronauts, explorers, entrepreneurs & environmentalists. Join us in discovering the extraordinary within the ordinary, that can inspire your journey of possibility.

Team boss Mark Fletcher had this to say:
"We all need inspiration and determination in our lives if we want to reach our goals, partnering with Access to Inspiration brings us closer to amazing people from many backgrounds who have experienced some amazing feats in their lifetimes. We're delighted to be in a position to help shine a spotlight on these people in the hope it encourages the next generation of extraordinary people"

You can check out Access to Inspiration via their links here:

https://accesstoinspiration.org/
https://x.com/accessinspirat1
https://www.facebook.com/accesstoinspiration
https://www.instagram.com/accesstoinspiration
https://www.linkedin.com/company/access-to-inspiration/

29/05/2024

When you reflect back on your life and career, what have been some of the significant moments or experiences that have shaped your path?

For our host Sue Stockdale one of them was participating in a Raleigh International expedition to Kenya in 1988.

Therefore it's no surprise that she was curious to discover more about the impact that Raleigh International continues to have given that 55,000 people have participated since it began. Hence today's podcast episode 125.

Managing Director Lucy Constable Fernandez and UK Alumni Society co-chair Jeremy Fish talk about the transformative power of Raleigh expeditions, sharing personal experiences and insights into the organisation’s evolution from past to present.

Lucy explains about expedition life today including the no-mobile phone policy, creating a space where people can be away from social media, and other pressures to just be themselves.

Jeremy reflect on how Raleigh experience influences him as a business leader, and employer, and how it contributes to developing valuable hashtag skills in young people.

Listen now or read the transcription
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/125-jeremy-fish-and-lucy-constable-fernandez-the-enduring-impact-of-raleigh-international/

28/05/2024

Outdoor Education is a must have...
https://accesstoinspiration.org/2024/05/23/outdoor-education-is-a-must-have/

22/05/2024

“The solutions and the challenges of today and tomorrow aren’t going to be solved by students who have learned how to regurgitate information in a test.”

For some young people today, traditional classroom learning doesn't work for them, so helping them to learn in a different environment is vital.

This week's Access to Inspiration Podcast guest on episode 124 is Neil Wightwick a trailblazer in the realm of outdoor education based in Glasgow.

He shares the transformative power of outdoor education and the impact it has on individuals, especially young people, particularly when they have become disengaged from traditional learning.

Neil emphasised that adventure is what you make it. It doesn't have to be a grand expedition; it can start with small, achievable steps. He explains how anyone can embark on their own adventure, no matter their age or background.

Listen to the episode or read the transcription
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/124-neil-wightwick-transforming-lives-through-natures-classroom/

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

13/05/2024

28 years ago today I stood at the Magnetic North Pole as the first British woman to do so, 165 years after the first man did - who was James Clark Ross.

Success is not just about getting to a destination, it’s enjoying the journey to get there.

So take a moment today to stop and reflect as you strive to achieve your goals. You don't get the time back in your life.

08/05/2024

We are excited to announce the latest episode of Access to Inspiration featuring Roderick Aitken, running a fifth-generation family business in the forestry industry. In this episode, we delved deep into the fascinating world of forestry and sustainability, exploring the delicate balance between commerce and conservation.

Listen to the full episode or read the transcription
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/122-roderick-aitken-sourcing-sustainable-timber/

Here are three key takeaways from my conversation with Roddy:

1. Balancing Demand and Conservation: Roddy highlighted the importance of sustainable forestry practices in tropical regions. He emphasized the value of well-managed tropical forests, not just for commerce but also for biodiversity, environmental services, and the local community.

2. The Value of Relationships: Roddy shared insights on the significance of building strong relationships with suppliers in the timber industry. Trust and mutual success are key factors in maintaining a sustainable supply chain. By fostering trust and personal connections with suppliers, businesses can ensure stability and reliability in their operations.

3. Changing Perceptions: Roddy's passion for supporting the tropical timber industry and promoting sustainability serves as an inspiration. He encourages us to challenge preconceived notions about tropical forest products and consider the environmental impact of the materials we use in construction projects. By researching and making informed choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Gilmour and Aitken Ltd

01/05/2024

I've been asked - how do you find interesting guests for the Access to Inspiration Podcast? And the simple answer is listening and observing.

This week's episode 121 is a wonderful example of this. Earlier this year I was visiting Øvre-Eide Gård farm in Norway and I was asking the guide who took us around some questions.

"Have you always worked on a farm?" I asked...

"No I used to be a hairdresser", she replied.

Now thats quite a career change, so I was intrigued. And continued on the visit, storing that piece of detail in my memory.

Later inside the farmhouse we were given some refreshments including small cakes and biscuits, which tasted amazing, and looked top quality.

The guide told us, "Arild, the owner of the farm is not here today, but he made these before he went off to his other job. Twice a week he teaches inmates in the local prison how to bake bread and cakes".

Now that really got me interested. Here were two ordinary people with stories to tell. The perfect guests for our podcast.

And thats how the conversation started.

There are so many inspiring people around, who have stories to share, that give others hope, ideas and encouragement. But we have to be open enough to want to listen, present enough to truly hear what they have to say, and willing enough to find a way to share what you have learned with others.

Thats how our Access to Inspiration Podcast began in 2020. And today we launch Series 17 with Episode 121, Arild Nydegger Øvre-Eide and Gyrid Dahl, talking about embracing change and tradition in Norwegian farming.

Listen to the full episode or read the transcription
https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/121-arild-nydegger-ovre-eide-and-gyrid-dahl-embracing-change-and-tradition-in-norwegian-farming/

29/04/2024

Look out for Series 17 kick off on Wednesday where Sue Stockdale talks to Arild Nydegger Øvre-Eide a fifth generation owner of a small farm in Norway, and Gyrid Dahl, one of his employees, about embracing change and tradition in Norwegian farming. Most Norwegian farms have to diversify their income streams in order to survive. https://www.facebook.com/ovreeidefarm

Twice a week, Arild teaches inmates at Bjorgvin Prison how to cook, specifically focusing on bread and cake making. Arild believes that education is crucial for inmates' rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. By providing them with practical skills and a sense of purpose, he gives them hope for a better future.

Gyrid, who changed career from being a hairdresser to learning the ropes of running a farm from Arild, emphasises the importance of sharing the farm with others. The farm is open to visitors, hosting weddings, Christmas dinners, and even school classes. People not only learn about the farm, and engage with the horses, sheep and chickens, but it creates a sense of community and connection.

22/04/2024

On it's worth reflecting on the effects of climate change and environmental degradation in the world around us.

Bertrand Piccard, a renowned explorer and environmentalist, has dedicated a significant portion of his time and energy to promoting climate solutions through his Solar Impulse Foundation.

Piccard's efforts remind us that we all have the power to shape our future and make a positive impact on the world. And by embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and stepping outside our comfort zones, we can embark on our own adventures in promoting environmental change.

Listen to his podcast episode that was part of a series on Climate Solutions we recorded in partnership with Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

Renowned explorer and environmentalist, Bertrand Piccard explains why focusing on ecology is not only profitable but also exciting.

15/04/2024

“To keep pushing boundaries, I had to stop proving myself to other people that I could already do something. I had to challenge myself in new ways.”
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- Jamie Ramsay, ep. 65

https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/65-jamie-ramsay-human-powered-adventuring/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'
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12/04/2024

Nothing worth having comes easy and achieving your purpose requires having trust in yourself.

It requires a leap of faith, and sometimes it requires surrendering the kind of control we're used to.

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'

10/04/2024

There is a transformative power of giving young people the tools and support they need to succeed, and the ripple effect that this can have on their communities.

Here's how you can empower those around you 👇
https://accesstoinspiration.org/2024/03/13/impact-through-empowerment-and-action/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'

08/04/2024

"No man is an island. No person is an island. I think it’s important that we do work as collaboratively as possible."
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- Christopher Phin, ep. 13

https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/christopher-phin-becoming-a-podcasting-hero/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'
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05/04/2024

Memories are not simply cerebral, episodic moments from your past.

What we’ve learned about the world gets stored rationally and emotionally. Our past encounters will determine how we bodily and emotionally respond to re-encountering them in the future.

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'

03/04/2024

Many of us walk around feeling unhappy without realising that we can significantly influence how happy we feel.

We have control of our happiness because we can manage the levels of certain chemicals in our brains and bodies.

Here's how you can live life more happily 👇
https://accesstoinspiration.org/2024/04/01/how-to-live-more-happily/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'

01/04/2024

"I realized how big the planet is and how little I knew. I knew nothing. I knew nothing about the world and about humanity and about how young people can really come together and do something."
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- Hong Hoang, ep. 45

https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/45-hong-hoang-the-vietnamese-changemaker/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'
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29/03/2024

We’ve all been there.

You’re faced with something new—a new way of working, a new teammate, a new manager—and just aren’t feeling it. While you may be able to avoid some life changes, many are unstoppable, especially at work.

The good news is that you can take active steps to work through any such block and become more open to embracing change. The way forward has to do with identifying and addressing different kinds of “friction” that are causing you to feel resistance.

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'.⁠

27/03/2024

"If you have not got a seat at the table, you need to bring your own chair."
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- Racheal Wanjiku Kigame, ep. 12

https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/racheal-wanjiku-kigame-leading-a-non-profit-in-kenya/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'.⁠
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25/03/2024

"I wake up every morning and I made as if I was just starting the journey all over again.”⁠

- Riaan Manser, episode 6

https://accesstoinspiration.org/podcast/rican-manser-first-person-to-circumnavigate-africa-by-bicycle/

🌱 Be inspired by people who may be 'unalike you'.⁠
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