Stories That Shape Us

What if you could see the world — without quitting your job? 🌍✈️In this episode of Stories That Shape Us, Ritika Thakkar shares how she’s travelled to over 40 countries while working a full-time 9-to-5. From finding £30 flight deals on Skyscanner to learning confidence through solo travel, Ritika’s story is a masterclass in freedom through intention — proving that time isn’t found, it’s made. Tim...

Are you struggling with perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or feeling invisible in your career? In this inspiring conversation, singer-songwriter and podcaster Unoma Okudo shares her journey of evolving beyond boxes, finding courage to share her story, and creating an authentic personal brand rooted in both faith and creativity. We talk about: How to overcome perfectionism and give yourself permiss...

🎙️ From Curious Kid to Fortune 500 Tech Leader | Career Reinvention & Joy in TechIn this episode, we sit down with Jose, a senior software engineer at a Fortune 500 financial institution, whose technology career journey started in a cyber café in Venezuela. With no formal training at first, Jose taught himself to code through curiosity, community, and pure joy. Today, he leads global teams—sti...

"Think more about how you do things—not just what you do.” — Mark NapierJoin us on this rich, reflective, and fun conversation with Mark, the Chief Technology Officer at JP Morgan’s International Private Bank and site lead of their Glasgow technology hub. We talked about growing up in working-class Glasgow, being the first in his family to attend university, leading through a global pandemic,...

In this episode, Andrew Arere shares his remarkable journey from selling hand-made art at 16 to managing global tech and telecom projects, and how being made redundant in the UK was a transformative moment in his life. Through personal stories of challenges and triumphs, Andrew discusses how mindset, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit have driven his success. Learn how he built his real estate...

🎧 Join us on this fun and deeply reflective conversation with Alex, a creative technologist whose journey spans five jobs, three countries, and one seismic shift in perspective. We talked about what it means to truly live when death becomes real. Alex shares how losing her father redefined her view on time, regret, and what truly matters. We explored how much of who we are is shaped by culture, f...

In this episode of 'Stories that Shape Us,' Michael Bergson shares his journey from the financial struggles of running his first restaurant, Soho, during the 2008 credit crunch, to the successful establishment of his food business, Bucks Bar. Michael discusses his initial challenges, including relying on lunch takings to pay staff and suppliers and the turning point that led to Bucks Bar b...

Dr. Clara Doran spent years helping others as a GP — until a life-altering diagnosis flipped her world from healer to patient. In this powerful conversation, she opens up about living with MS, how invisible illness reshaped her identity, and the hope she found on the other side of fear. We talk about:• Navigating chronic illness as a doctor and mother• The emotional toll of invisible symptoms• Reb...

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life and career of Dave Tate, a former Wing Commander of the UK's Royal Air Force and an esteemed fighter pilot with over 2,000 flying hours. Dave recounts the harrowing close call where two ravens almost took his life, his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the challenges of leading RAF's elite 617 Squadron, famed as the 'Dambusters'. Learn a...

In this episode, we sit down with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela, Flutterwave, and Future Africa. From narrowly missing a tragic plane crash to building some of Africa’s most impactful tech companies, Iyin shares his remarkable journey, driven by faith, service, and an unrelenting desire to create opportunities for others.🔑 Key Topics & Lessons with Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction“I...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we dive deep into the world of Shilpi Roy, Vice President in Technology at JP Morgan, an Indian classical dancer, and a mom to a toddler. Shilpi opens up about combating imposter syndrome and navigating through her multifaceted life and career. From her upbringing in a diverse Indian household to her challenges and triumphs in the tech industry, Shilpi’s story...

I Almost Didn’t Come Back – Life Updates & A New Direction It’s been 8 months… and I almost didn’t return to this microphone. A lot has changed. The biggest change? We had a baby. In this episode, I share how fatherhood has completely reshaped my life, my struggles with perfectionism and procrastination , and why I’ve been hesitant to relaunch this podcast. But here’s the thing—perfectionism h...

In this update, Samuel announces a temporary break to allow the team to recharge, refocus, and plan new content. During this break, please connect with us on social media, revisit our past episodes, and leave reviews on various platforms to help the podcast reach more people. We are grateful for your support! Social Media Handles: LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Tiktok

The podcast episode, hosted by Blessing, features the inspiring stories of three individuals: Susie Mitchell, a singer who conquered her nerves to excel in her music career; Enoch, who battled isolation and intimidation to build a successful career in finance; and Ken, who, along with his wife Mary, built a financial empowerment platform despite initial uncertainties. Susie talks about preparing r...

In this candid episode, host Samuel reflects on the first year of his podcast "Stories That Shape Us" and the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing a passion project alongside a full-time job and family commitments. He shares his struggles with slow growth, self-doubt, and feeling overwhelmed, but also the encouragement he receives from listeners that keeps him motivated. Key Topics: The &...

In this episode of 'Stories that Shape Us', Samuel dives into an in-depth conversation with Peju Abuchi, an educator and poet passionate about using her work to empower marginalized communities and heal through poetry. Peju shares insights into her upbringing filled with love, laughter, and encouragement, emphasizing the profound impact of parental support and instilling confidence from a...

In this episode, Kevin shares his life philosophy of relentless optimism, which some find irritating, and his growth mindset. His journey from being adopted, navigating an adoption identity with positivity, through to achieving career success in technology is shared with openness. Kevin delves into the personal and professional strategies that propelled him forward, including the power of networki...

The Power of Kindness in the Workplace: Lessons from the Isle of Arran In this episode, the speaker shares a personal journey from recently graduating from Glasgow Uni to taking up a temporary job as a Kitchen Porter on the Isle of Arran before starting their career. Initially, the job seemed appealing due to decent pay, free accommodation, and the beautiful location. However, the task proved to b...

In this episode, John Hill shares a deeply personal journey reflecting on the importance of self-care, resilience, and embracing life's unpredictability. From his early life in Glasgow, experiences of familial change, to his career pivots from civil engineering to empowering unemployed individuals and nurturing entrepreneurial potential, John reveals the themes of nurturing human potential and...

In this episode, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer, the first Black Professor in Scotland and Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, shares two pivotal experiences from his life that helped shape his future. Arriving in the UK in 1955 as part of the Windrush generation, he recounts how he was initially deemed uneducable but was later accepted by a secondary school headmaster, Mr. Bullen, which se...

Super-Confidence and the Journey of Aisha Janki This episode of 'Stories That Shape Us' features a vibrant conversation with Aisha Janki, who discusses the power of unapologetic super confidence in the modern world. Aisha shares her upbringing in Sokoto State, Nigeria, her path to authenticity and self-discovery, dreaming big, and her experiences of creating viral content on Instagram. Hig...

In this episode of 'Stories That Shape Us,' host Samuel and co-host Blessing are joined by Unoma Okudo, a multifaceted individual who has made significant strides as a soulful singer-songwriter, a psychiatrist, and a podcaster based in Glasgow. Unoma shares her journey of evolving and putting herself out there despite the fear of rejection. She delves into how failures and rejections are e...

This episode features a rich and engaging conversation with Helen Denny, the CEO of the Melting Pot in Edinburgh, who shares her journey from youth work to entrepreneurship and the lessons she's learned along the way. Helen discusses the importance of connecting with people, the influence of upbringing on her career choices, and the value of stepping out of comfort zones. She provides insights...

Reflections and Wisdom: Ruth's Journey Through Faith and Recovery This episode delves into Ruth's personal journey, highlighting her battle with illness and how her faith played a crucial role in her recovery. Ruth shares intimate advice she would give her younger self, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and resisting peer pressure. She speaks on the value of honesty, inte...

Wisdom Through The Ages: Ruth's Life Stories This episode features an enlightening conversation with Ruth, a charming woman whose life experiences span over seven decades. Ruth discusses her upbringing and the prominence of values instilled by her parents, particularly punctuality, honesty, and respect. She shares her fascinating journey of coping with critical illness, nearly losing her life,...