'Fear Less, Do More'

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Alison Gwynn, the Chief Executive of North East Screen. Alison shares the transformative impact of North East Screen and their dedication to develop, upskill and grow the film, television and digital industries of the North East. Alison also opens up about her fearless approach to leadership and her passi...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with John Holmes, Chairman of Bernicia, who shares stories from his extensive career which has stemmed from his passion and love for the North East. John discusses the challenges and successes of North East regeneration projects, his involvement in tourism and other initiatives and why he values a holistic approach to community de...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter talks with scientist Dr Fozia Saleem about how her real-life research led to pursuing entrepreneurship and business. Fozia has experienced unique challenges in her corporate journey and has succeeded by leading her industry in a different way, and creating opportunities both for herself and the next generation of leaders. Highlights Include...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter chats to multi-talented entertainer, Alfie Joey. Alfie’s story is an inspiring tale of reinvention and a passion for connection. From training as a priest to thriving in comedy, television, radio and even public speaking, Alfie’s career journey offers valuable insights into the power of adaptability, resilience and chasing your true passion...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Rhiannon Hiles, the Chief Executive of Beamish Open Air Museum. Rhiannon shares her journey, from volunteer to her current role, reflecting on her 30 year career at Beamish. She also discusses the museum's unique role in preserving the Social History of the North East and the importance of handling people...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Lily Guinn, a software developer at Newcastle Building Society, who openly shares her inspiring journey as a trans woman in tech. This conversation explores Lily’s personal experiences of transitioning, self discovery and the complex, difficult and often lengthy process of medically and socially transitioning in the UK. Throu...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Patrick Melia, the Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council. Patrick candidly shares his journey from starting out as an accountant to becoming a leader within local government, highlighting the bold decisions he’s made and continues to make within his role. Patrick shares the transformative journey Sunderland has taken to...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Jamilah Hassan, the Community Relations Manager at Banks Group. Jamilah’s story highlights a life driven by a passion for music, resilience and a deep commitment to community work. Her positive attitude and her commitment to her life motto of ‘why not’ shines through as she candidly shares the joys and challenges of managing...

In this exciting debut episode of our fourth season, host Gill Hunter chats with former athletes, Steve Cram and Alison Curbishley about their inspiring journey from professional athletes to presenting on radio/TV and running a business and a charity. They dive into their personal stories, the challenges of moving on from sports, and finding new purpose through their businesses, commentating, broa...

Introducing Season 4 of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, hosted by Gill Hunter, Managing Partner at Square One Law. This season promises to inspire and feature fearless guests from all walks of life - comedians, professional athletes, tech innovators, business leaders and entrepreneurs, to name a few. Each guest will share their own unique stories on how they broke through barriers to truly make a difference...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Drew Dalton, a charity chief executive, lecturer, activist and author. Drew researches the impact of climate change on marginalised communities, particularly the LGBTQI+ community. He is also the founder of Report OUT, a global human rights organisation for sexual and gender minorities. In this episode, Gill a...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill Hunter chats to Simon Cataldo, founder of Cataldo Training and Rescue. Simon shares his multifaceted career journey, spanning from the fire service to the navy, as well as running his own business. He discusses the importance of seizing opportunities and not being afraid to fail, as well his approach to delivering first aid and fire safety training, em...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill Hunter chats to Claire Parry, the director and owner of Week2Week, a serviced accommodation business that has been in operation for 24 years. Unlike Airbnb, Week2Week focuses on quality over quantity, providing a person centric alternative to the serviced accommodation industry. Claire has been involved in the business for over 11 years, taking over fr...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill Hunter chats to Sophia Gowland, founder of Petite Agency, a marketing agency with a focus on personal branding. Sophia started her business during the pandemic, and shares her journey of how she felt it was the right time, despite the challenges. She discusses the importance of personal branding, and shares guidance and advice to other aspiring entrepr...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill Hunter chats to Charlotte Windebank, co-founder and MD of FIRST, a learning development agency that empowers enterprise and entrepreneurship for underrepresented communities. Charlotte is passionate about supporting, encouraging and providing opportunities to disadvantaged individuals to enter the world of entrepreneurship. She shares how she values cu...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill Hunter interviews Hamish Rutherford, Founder and CEO of Floe, an innovative co-working space in the North East. Hamish shares his interesting journey, from starting out as  a commercial diver to becoming a successful businessman. Hamish values collaboration and community, and also shares his vision for the future of work, including his belief in nurtur...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill chats with Simon Rushworth about his fearless approach to journalism and his new venture, the QT. Simon shares fascinating stories from his career journey, including his time as a sports reporter and his transition to writing about music. Simon also opens up about personal experiences, including his battle with skin cancer and his love for music and fa...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Chloë Clover and Lou Tonner, founders of Wander Films, a multi award winning content agency in Middlesbrough. The couple share their journey, from buying a one-way ticket to Australia, to establishing Wander Films back in the North East. Throughout the conversation, they stress the significance of authent...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, your host Gill Hunter speaks with Nicolina Andall, a Solicitor and Non-Executive Director who holds multiple positions (and wears just as many hats!) in her daily working life. Throughout this episode, Nicolina emphasises the importance of networking, mentorship, and pursuing passions, urging individuals to embrace opportunities across various fields. Nicol...

In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, Gill interviews Ian Brown, the Founder, Director and Chairman of ChestnutBio. His company has developed a technology to turn sugar into a material that can replace oil-based plastic, and has potential applications in a variety of industries. Ian discusses Chestnut Bio’s journey, his future aspirations for the business, and his personal experiences of being...

In this episode of 'Fear Less, Do More', Gill engages in an enlightening conversation with Sarah Green, Chief Executive at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI). Sarah shares her colourful career journey, from her beginnings as a lawyer to her current role leading NGI. She passionately discusses her vision for the future of the North East, and emphasises the importance of regional branding...

In this debut episode of our third season of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter engages in an insightful conversation with Kim McGuinness, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and Labour candidate for North East Mayor. Through anecdotes and insightful reflections, Kim shares the challenges she has overcome and the milestones she has achieved so far. As a woman in politics, Kim values...

Welcome to Season 3 of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, the podcast where we delve into the minds of extraordinary and fearless businesses and individuals. At Square One Law, we encounter an array of fascinating people, and this podcast is an opportunity for us to share the stories of those people with you. In this season, Gill Hunter, Managing Partner at Square One Law, returns as host to share with you ins...

Join our host, Gill Hunter, as she engages in a compelling conversation with Mike Bedford, Managing Director at Bee-Brilliant People Development. Mike, a proud neurodivergent individual, shares his experiences of the corporate world and his mission to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves. He discusses the significance of neurodiversity in fostering innovation and creativity in the...

Join our host, Gill Hunter as she engages in an insightful conversation with Sharon Starkey, Managing Director at Resolution, a strategic marketing design agency. After a serious illness reshaped her perspective on life, she founded her business in 2014, leveraging her expertise to empower smaller enterprises. Starkey's leadership ethos emphasises camaraderie over hierarchy, fostering a collab...