Balanced Ambition

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 p...

AI is changing everything — but schools are stuck in the past. In this urgent conversation, former teacher George Stekelis delivers a wake-up call for educators, parents, and policy makers. Are we preparing kids for a future that no longer exists? From the crumbling education system to the skills gap widening every year, this is the truth no one wants to say out loud: We're teaching students t...

Lisa Jones went from chasing West End dreams to battling a chronic illness that left her unable to walk. In this eye-opening episode, she shares how applied neuroscience helped her rebuild her life – and how your stress, sleep, and self-talk might be the silent saboteurs of your brain and body. Discover the real science behind burnout, why “pushing through” is breaking you down, and the small chan...

What if your emotions weren’t problems to fix, but messages to decode? In this eye-opening episode, emotional wellbeing facilitator Silvia Freeman shares how emotions are messengers — and how most of us were never taught to listen, let alone respond. From anxiety and burnout to brain chemistry and breathwork, Silvia explains how to regulate your nervous system, shift your thoughts, and take back c...

⚠️ Please note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health challenges. What happens when the woman everyone leans on breaks? In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Sinead Mackay shares the moment her body, mind and spirit unravelled in a car park and how that breakdown became the beginning of a breakthrough. From hormone chaos, PMDD and undiagnosed ADHD to the power of neurod...

What does it really take to build a product from scratch and bring it to life? Josh Cohen, co-founder of New Lane, shares the full story — from obsession and failure to the six-year grind that almost broke him. With only £30k left from £1.2m raised and a product that kept failing safety tests, Josh reveals how one email flipped everything. This is a raw, honest conversation about what it's rea...

What happens when you build the career you always wanted — and still feel burnt out? In this powerful episode, consultant and coach Alex Coward shares her journey from high-flying operations leader to helping founders and teams build healthier businesses and lives. We unpack why “working hard” isn’t the same as “working well,” and how most people are still chasing freedom by chaining themselves to...

In today’s episode of Balanced Ambition , therapist and coach Simon Bostock shares how his own career shift from corporate life to counselling helped him understand something deep and universal: We are not built for the way we live now. Simon unpacks: The crisis of loneliness among young men. Why modern convenience has quietly robbed us of resilience How our brains are wired for tribes, movement,...

Are you stuck in the cycle of quick fixes and crash diets that never seem to stick? In this episode, we sit down with Alex Hall , a DNA-based fat loss coach, who left a corporate health company behind to take a stand against unsustainable weight loss methods. From engineering to epigenetics, Alex shares his inspiring journey and unpacks why personalised nutrition and habit-building beat fad diets...

Grief is something we all experience, yet society often struggles to talk about it. In this episode, Lou Hynes shares her deeply personal journey through loss, offering insights into the impact of grief, cultural differences, and the importance of open conversations. From healthy coping mechanisms to supporting loved ones through their pain, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating...

Undiagnosed ADHD can have serious risks , including substance abuse, depression, and even reduced lifespan. In this eye-opening interview, Aggie Zbieranska breaks down what ADHD really is, the challenges of late diagnosis, and why masking symptoms can be harmful. We also explore ADHD’s connection to entrepreneurship , dopamine regulation , and the role of social media in awareness and misinformati...

Most entrepreneurs start their business for freedom, but too many end up overworked, burnt out, and miserable. Mike Jones knows this first-hand. From serving in the Army to running a successful gym, he thought resilience would carry him through—until he realised he was trapped in a cycle of stress and exhaustion. In this episode, Mike shares how he turned business failure into a fresh start , why...

Success doesn’t always equal happiness. In this powerful episode, Adam Mayhew shares his journey from a seemingly perfect life—moving to Dubai, financial stability, and a debt-free lifestyle—to realising he was deeply unfulfilled. Now a life coach and nutritionist, Adam opens up about redefining success, overcoming burnout, and discovering what truly brings contentment. What you'll learn in th...

Burnout is more than just exhaustion—it can deeply affect your health, motivation, and quality of life. In this eye-opening conversation, Bex Spiller explains the science behind stress and burnout, shares real-life experiences, and offers practical strategies to prevent and manage burnout before it takes over. From the impact of chronic stress to workplace burnout and the role of connection in rec...

What if the way we think about fitness is completely wrong—especially for neurodivergent people? At 30, Rhiannon Cooper was diagnosed with autism and ADHD , completely changing how they understood their body, mind, and relationship with health. In this episode, they share their powerful journey from struggling with exercise, mental health, and eating disorders to becoming a personal trainer on a m...

If you want to perform at your best, alcohol is one of the biggest things holding you back. Adam Smith, a peak performance expert, breaks down how even “moderate” drinking damages your sleep, skin, productivity, and mindset. With over 14 years in the hospitality industry, Adam has seen firsthand how alcohol affects people’s lives and careers. In this episode, he shares the science behind it, the s...

Tired of the endless weight loss confusion? In this episode, Gav Gillibrand cuts through the noise and reveals what actually works for fat loss—no gimmicks, no fads, just science-backed strategies. We break down the biggest myths about metabolism, hormones, and weight gain, showing why calories are king when it comes to losing fat. Plus, we uncover why most diets fail and how you can achieve long-...

In this powerful episode, Ross Tomkins shares his personal health journey, from struggling with brain fog and fatigue to being diagnosed with low testosterone. Discover how this experience inspired him to launch Alpha Gen X, a business dedicated to men’s health. Ross dives deep into the challenges of modern masculinity, the stigma surrounding men’s health discussions, and practical, natural ways t...

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Jonathan Dolding. From his early days in Kent and international studies in Germany to his career pivot from finance to marketing, Jonathan’s journey is filled with lessons of resilience, authenticity, and purpose. Learn how his battle with cancer reshaped his outlook on life, why balancing commercial ambition with social impact matt...

Discover Heidi Dunford’s transformative journey from a shy, anxious individual to a confident achiever, entrepreneur, and mindset coach. In this heartfelt conversation, Heidi shares how personal struggles, like her sister’s terminal illness, sparked profound growth and a quest for self-discovery. Learn how she embraced challenges, from running marathons to fitness competitions, and the pivotal rol...

In this episode of Balanced Ambition, we dive into the captivating journey of Iain Scott, an entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, connection, and authenticity. Iain shares his experiences—from selling sweets as a child in Germany to navigating the challenges of building a digital marketing agency during the dot-com boom. We explore the role of purpose, the evolution of marketing, and the ba...

In this powerful episode, Darren Clark shares his transformative journey from an 11-year career in the Royal Marines to becoming a mindset and fitness coach. Darren opens up about his struggles with mental health, his transition to civilian life, and how he channels military principles to inspire resilience and self-belief in others. 🎯 What You’ll Discover : How mental resilience drives success,...

Join us as award-winning style coach Sarah Gray dives into her incredible journey of overcoming personal challenges to help women embrace their confidence. From navigating self-perception to transforming your appearance as a powerful tool for self-expression, Sarah shares heartfelt advice on balancing life, business, and self-care. Whether you're looking to boost your authenticity or feel more at...

n this episode, Paul McCleery shares his inspiring journey of self-discovery, from unfulfilling corporate jobs to finding passion and purpose through fitness, coaching, and a new career path. Throughout the wide-ranging conversation, Paul offers valuable insights on the power of self-care, the dangers of comparison, and the courage required to pursue your true passions. This episode is a must-watc...

In this eye-opening conversation, Kimberley Evans shares a powerful message: you are the most important person in your life, and prioritising your own well-being is not selfish - it's essential. Learn Kimberley's practical strategies to make time for self-care, even for busy professionals and parents. Discover how to shift your mindset, schedule, and habits to put your needs first, so you can show...