Off the Court

A beautiful chat with Rachel Jones, who works for the NHS as a physiotherapist specialising in supporting stroke victims recover.  She is a big part of our NBC family too - making an impact wherever she wanders.  Our chat went into the idea of internal and external validation, impact of social media and tools to improve one's self-esteem.

A refreshing insight into a young man with a strong faith in God who sees the world through a lens of curiosity.  Josiah is a 20 year old University student from Halifax who aspires to coach basketball and sport as a tool to help young people as well as spread the word of the 'Gospel'

A thought provoking conversation on the power of words.  Whether this be at home in our relationships, at work in teams or even to ourselves... we hold the power to transform how we feel with language

An elegant conversation with Violet Nhamo - a Family Therapist from the West Midlands who makes a difference on a daily basis.  Violet attended NBC as a camper many years ago and is now giving back each summer as an inspirational coach and mentor where it all began for her - at NBC Camps.  This is a beautiful discourse on the value of therapy and impact it can have on you.

A great Off the Court conversation with Zakeus Blue on empathy and the importance of it on our society.  Zak lives in East London and is on a personal mission to develop more empathy in the world!

A beautiful and yet challenging conversation on the idea of forgiveness.  A concept that seems logical and easy to understand but so difficult to put into practice when it applies to us!   A link to the story of Mrs Walker's loss can be found here - I would encourage you to take the time to watch it:https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z76ykqt/watch/zjt2fg8  

A thought provoking meander into the idea of our search for purpose.  The reasons why we should look for our purpose, some tools to do that and what may come of it!  Happy listening

A wonderful conversation about the differences and similarities of the UK and USA education systems and then onto an incredibly aspiring principle of Mudita - taking joy in others' joy.  Buddhist by origin, selfless and compassionate in its idea.

A wonderful conversation with a great friend on Leadership - is it natural or nurtured? How can we all look for moments to lead?  What happens when we fail?

An elegant conversation with teacher, coach and friend Becky Dunne on the hot-topic of gratitude.  It's a long over-due discussion on transforming an attitude of gratitude into a daily practice that has an impact on your life.  Becky makes it real and brings the practice to life by making her own daily routine and reflects on how this has transformed her thinking and relationships with others

A real pleasure to chat with Stephen Tierney who I would describe as an education thinker and innovator.  Super active on Twitter under his handle @Leading Learner and a prolific writer and contributor to the education world. Stephen was a Headteacher of a Blackpool secondary school for many years and then became CEO of a multi-academy trust.  Now in retirement Stephen is continues to affect posit...

A real pleasure to chat with Stephen Tierney who I would describe as an education thinker and innovator.  Super active on Twitter under his handle @Leading Learner and a prolific writer and contributor to the education world. Stephen was a Headteacher of a Blackpool secondary school for many years and then became CEO of a multi-academy trust.  Now in retirement Stephen is continues to affect posit...

A reflection on the times in our life where we are presented with decisions - being at a crossroads.  However not just the bigger, more impactful decisions but those everyday opportunities to shape our future that we maybe miss.  You will see more crossroads after this...

How do you see time?  A reflection on how different people perceive time slightly differently that may help explain why some people are always late to the frustration of others!  And also why some people are far more able to live in the moment rather than wish time away... enjoy!

In Part 2, Mark tells us about his basketball experiences in life including playing in the USA and meeting Lebron James!  Mark reflects on his 'obsessive' tendencies and feels it's an essential part of the drive to being successful.  He acknowledges though there are some downsides to this... Mark has some fascinating views - especially for one of his age (I hope he doesn't mind me saying). A true...

Mark was born in 1990 - making him a 33 year old, 6'6" giant of a man!  Mark's life has been defined by sport and the lessons he has learnt through his experiences and encounters of sport.  He has played professional basketball in the UK having perfected his craft in USA - but Mark is also a serial entrepreneur and you can hear that in his spirit and zest for life. I have known Mark since he was a...

What is potential?  What determines your potential?  Are you seeing this as being affected by external factors like your environment, job market, parents, where you live? Consider the derivation of the word - 'potent' coming from the latin word meaning 'power'... do YOU actually have the power to a achieve your potential without any external factors?

"The thing you are holding on to is the thing that is holding you back" Zen Proverb What do we hold on that prevents us from going in the direction we want?  Are we even aware of these things that are inhibiting our progress?

Seema takes us deeper into her journey, exploring spirituality and faith and explaining how here recent struggles have re-energised her interest in this area.  Seema speaks frankly about race and the role of women and challenges us all to have higher expectations for girls and women in society. Seema's story is a fascinating one that resonates with so  many of us too - she is warm, honest and pass...

I first came to now Seema Dalvi when we taught together in a Blackpool school – Seema taught maths to teenage children but it was clear to see she had so much more to give them in terms of cultural education and so I was delighted when she agreed to come with me taking a group fo school children to Nepal – it’s a trip I have done many times before and I knew that she would be fantastic with our ow...

Do you believe that truth is complete and singular.  Do you believe that we should see things as black or white, right or wrong, guilty or innocent?  It's hardly surprising then that might bring about conflict in our world...

We are measured and judged each and every moment it seems... forgotten is the notion that meaningful change and success comes as a sum of many parts that also include the journey.  Are we living in a world that has forgotten the joy from the pleasure of the journey rather than the single pursuit of a goal? 

A reflection on chance encounters and the power and responsibility we have in ensuring they are positive for others.  I touch upon the incredible story of Fatima Whitbread who grew from significant adversity into one of the most beautiful human beings in the world - I would encourage you to find out more

Ian is an amazing man who has dedicated his professional life to teaching children - along the way, Ian has collected stories and experiences that we can all learn from. Part Two of this wonderful chat where Ian delves into his own views on Faith, Success and secrets to a happy and fulfilling 'second half of life.'

Ian Rhodes taught children for over 40 years and what an impact he had.  With a straightforward set of unwavering values, Ian was able to inspire children and teachers to be the best human beings they can be and make use of their 'gifts'. St Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, use words only if necessary" - I cannot think of a person who epitomised this more than Ian. Part One...