Care Without Burnout

In this episode, Donna delves into the critical topic of burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights on recognising its signs and symptoms. Drawing from her own journey, she discusses the overwhelming exhaustion and emotional fatigue that led her to a breaking point, prompting her to take a much-needed break from work. Donna explores the importance of self-care, including rest, nutritio...

In this episode, Donna interviews her Auntie Debbie Hibberd, who shares her remarkable journey through various careers, including her time as a teacher and headteacher. Debbie reflects on her early aspirations to become an atomic scientist and later a doctor, before ultimately finding her passion in education. She discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching, the importance of adapting to stud...

In this episode, Donna interviews Mel Kingdom Andrews, a former paramedic turned Bowen practitioner based in Plymouth. Mel shares her inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the NHS to establishing her own holistic therapy business, Bowen Body Remedies. She discusses the challenges she faced in the ambulance service, including the emotional toll of witnessing trauma and the constraints of the h...

Today, Donna is interviewing Dr. Amrita Sen Mukherjee, a GP and researcher who shares her inspiring journey from medicine to focusing on invisible disabilities and post-traumatic growth in doctors. Dr. Mukherjee discusses how her upbringing, influenced by her parents who were both doctors, shaped her career path, and reflects on the challenges she faced after being diagnosed with temporal lobe epi...

In today's episode, Donna interviews Jeff Hill, a former police officer turned CEO of Harrier Global Limited. Jeff shares his journey from a fulfilling 30-year career in the police force to establishing a business that provides strategic security advice to high-net-worth individuals and corporations. He discusses the motivations that led him to join the police, the importance of maintaining a work...

In this episode, Gemma Holden, also known as Mrs. Mindset, shares her inspiring journey from public service to entrepreneurship. Gemma reflects on her challenging school days, her transition from hairdressing to working with children, and the eventual establishment of her childminding business, Little Gems. After experiencing burnout, she took a step back to focus on personal growth and self-disco...

In this episode, Donna interviews Helen Valentino, a former military nurse and NHS professional who has transitioned into the world of business and podcasting with her show, "Thriving Not Surviving." Helen shares her inspiring journey, detailing her early life challenges, including personal trauma and health issues, which ultimately led her to a spiritual awakening.  KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a stron...

In this episode, Donna interviews Claire Jones, who has held various roles in public service, including as a prison officer, arrest referral worker, and part-time firefighter, as well as 20 years as a senior manager in the NHS, showcasing her commitment to helping others in different capacities. Claire shares her unique journey into public service, driven by a desire to help others, and discusses...

Today, Donna is interviewing Hannah Roper, a former police officer turned educator and entrepreneur. Hannah shares her unique journey from a childhood inspired by her family's law enforcement background to her experiences in teaching and policing. She discusses the challenges and rewards of both professions, including the frustrations of bureaucracy in education and the realities of law enforcemen...

In this episode, Donna interviews Catherine Wasley, a former orthoptist who transitioned into childminding and now works as a holistic infant sleep coach. Catherine shares her journey from her early days in the NHS, where she specialised in eye health, to navigating the challenges of balancing work and family life after having children. She discusses the limitations she faced in the NHS, including...

In this episode, Donna interviews Sharon Birch, a former police officer with a rich history in public service. Sharon shares her journey from growing up in Hartlepool to joining the Metropolitan Police in London during the 1980s, where she faced the challenges of being one of the few female officers at the time. She discusses her experiences in various roles, including her work in domestic violenc...

In this episode, Donna interviews Liz Sharpe, a former public servant with extensive experience in mental health and community services. Liz shares her journey from growing up in Essex and studying psychology to becoming a support worker and eventually a counsellor and hypnotherapist. She discusses pivotal moments in her career, including the impact of personal loss on her decision to transition t...

In this episode, Donna interviews Merrisha Gordon, a leadership coach with a rich background in the NHS. Merrisha shares her inspiring journey from growing up in inner-city Birmingham to navigating her way through a challenging career in healthcare management. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her, including her experiences with workplace bullying, the pressures of leadership, and her...

In this episode, Donna interviews Kevin Poneskis, a former military serviceman turned successful property investor and entrepreneur. Kevin shares his journey from a military background, inspired by his father's legacy, to building a thriving property portfolio while serving in the army. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life, the importance of core values...

In this inspiring episode, Donna interviews Kathleen Cameron, a former nurse turned seven-figure mentor and coach. Kathleen shares her transformative journey from a demanding healthcare administration role to a thriving career in coaching and manifestation. She discusses the emotional challenges faced during her nursing career, the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for helping others, and t...

Today, Donna interviews Kathryn Dunn, a former civil servant with 15 years of experience at the Electoral Commission. Kathryn shares her journey from supporting electoral administrators to becoming a cognitive behavioral hypnotherapist after taking on the role of caregiver for her mother. She discusses the challenges she faced in her previous role, including the complexities of electoral legislati...

Donna takes a closer look at the recurring patterns in the experiences of public service workers in this episode. She explores the motivations that draw individuals to public service roles, such as the desire to make a difference and contribute to society, as well as the job security and development opportunities often associated with these positions. However, Donna also addresses the challenges f...

In this episode, Donna interviews Ben Willox, a former police officer with 23 years of service who has recently transitioned to a career as a financial broker at SD Financial Limited. Ben shares his journey from a childhood dream of becoming a police officer, influenced by action films, to his experiences in armed policing and the challenges he faced in the line of duty. He reflects on the emotion...

In this episode, Donna interviews Natasha, a former logistics officer in the RAF who has successfully transitioned into the world of property management and investment. Natasha shares her impressive journey of building a property portfolio from scratch, highlighting the transferable skills she gained from her military background, such as self-discipline, confidence in networking, and project manag...

In this episode, Donna interviews Joe O'Connor, a former military member turned successful entrepreneur and financial advisor. Joe shares his remarkable life story, detailing his journey from a traumatic accident at the age of 14 that left him paralysed, to his military service with the Corps of Royal Engineers, and his subsequent challenges and triumphs in civilian life. He discusses the importan...

In this episode, Donna interviews Ross Worthington, the owner of RAW Adventures, a family-run outdoor adventure business based in North Wales. Ross shares his journey from growing up in a semi-rural area in the southeast of England, where he was influenced by his family's legacy in the police force, to becoming a police officer himself. He discusses his experiences in the police, including the cha...

In this episode, Donna interviews David Jenkins, a retired military veteran and NHS nurse, who shares his remarkable journey from a childhood in Carlisle to a diverse career in public service. David reflects on his upbringing, his decision to join the military at 21, and the challenges he faced during his six years of service, including the loss of close friends. Transitioning to civilian life, he...

In today's episode, Donna sits down with Gary Toward, a former head teacher with a rich background in education. Gary shares his inspiring journey from aspiring RAF pilot to becoming a dedicated teacher, influenced by a pivotal moment with a supportive chemistry teacher. He reflects on his rewarding career, highlighting significant achievements such as transforming his school into a specialist art...

In this episode, Donna interviews Vincent Smith, a dedicated public servant with a diverse background in the military, police, and NHS. Vincent shares his journey from growing up in an army family to serving as a soldier in the Coldstream Guards, and later transitioning to civilian roles in law enforcement and healthcare. He discusses his current position as a manual handling manager in the NHS, h...

In this episode, Donna interviews Di, a retired registered nurse with an impressive 51-year career in nursing. Di shares her journey from her apprenticeship-style training in the 1970s to her role as a nurse practitioner, where she specialised in diabetes care and built lasting relationships with her patients. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by nurses, including the pressures of...