Focus on WHY

Can women truly see themselves as leaders? Caroline Lamont challenges traditional ideas of leadership, exploring why so many women struggle to see themselves as leaders and how imbalanced expectations can contribute to burnout. Drawing on her experience in women's health, leadership coaching and her own experience of chronic illness and stress, Caroline explores agency, self-leadership, fairness a...

What does it really take to build a purposeful and prosperous business? Dr Barnsley Brown, the Badass Business Coach, combines a no-nonsense strategy with spiritual and intuitive practices. Dr Barnsley shares how leaving a 75%-happy academic career led her to create a purpose-driven business helping heart-centred entrepreneurs move from financial struggle to consistent income. She explores her TAC...

Are you truly meeting your needs or just telling yourself you're "fine"? Dr. Laura Shallcross challenges the everyday lies we tell ourselves about wellbeing, drawing from her own journey with burnout, perfectionism and the hidden costs of high achievement. Discover why so many of us don't know what we need, how societal and cultural conditioning hold us back, and simple but crucial steps to reconn...

Do you lead with love in your daily life and work? Clare Norman is on a mission to reclaim love—specifically agape—in the world of coaching. From overcoming professional masks to understanding her own constellation of inner voices, Clare shares transformative insights on vulnerability, authenticity and the healing power of unconditional esteem. Whether you're curious about bringing more heart into...

What if transformation begins when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the fear of change? Irene Tananyan shares how a personal crisis shifted her from a world rooted in maths and economics to one embracing energy, spirituality and the unseen dimensions of life. She explores readiness, collaboration, synchronicity, soul purpose and the energetic imprint we carry from birth. Irene see...

Have you ever wondered how to turn life's toughest moments into your greatest strengths? In this solo Reflections with Actions episode, Amy Rowlinson combines wisdom from five diverse guests—covering transformation after major change, responding to adversity, clearing life's mental clutter, claiming radical self-responsibility and fostering genuine connection across generations. Amy guides you thr...

Curious about how generational differences shape the way we work, communicate and connect? Generational communication expert and PSA President Alastair Greener steps out from behind the mic to share his journey from hospitality, entertainment and television into generational thinking and workplace cohesion. Drawing on original research and UK-centric data, Alastair challenges generational stereoty...

Are you ready to rethink wealth, purpose and the power within? Returning to the show, wealth manifestation mentor Lara Waldman speaks about her work with entrepreneurs and leaders to consciously create both financial and inner wealth. Lara shares how balancing feminine flow with masculine action can unlock an inner wealth system and create results that go beyond logic. With raw honesty, she reflec...

How much clutter is holding you back? Ingrid Pope takes decluttering far beyond the messy spare room—into our overloaded minds, tangled emotions and the choices that shape our lives. Reflecting on her journey from corporate life and approaching burnout to coaching and writing, Ingrid shares how questioning the 'ant hill' of busy work led her to create more space, intention and choice. Through pers...

What does it mean to be part of the solution when life turns upside down? Dunia Shafik shares the heart-wrenching story of her son's journey from victim to perpetrator of knife crime and the hidden sentence carried by families left behind. Reflecting on cultural grooming, systemic failures, belonging and rehabilitation, Dunia reveals the profound moral decision to turn her son in, choosing prison...

What happens when the structure and identity you've known for nearly two decades suddenly disappears? After almost 19 years in the Royal Navy and a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Chris Dodd shares his honest journey through military transition, cancer recovery and rebuilding his identity beyond the uniform. Exploring leadership, resilience, mental health and purpose, Chris reflects on the challen...

Ever felt stuck, craving more purpose in work and life? Amy Rowlinson dives deep into powerful transformations, sharing personal moments and lessons from five inspiring guests – from leaving unfulfilling careers, overcoming trauma, embracing new identities, to building businesses rooted in meaning. Discover the pivotal role that self-reflection and courageous action play in finding clarity, challe...

Episode Trigger Warning: Discussion of Rape Have you ever questioned where your boundaries came from and how they shape the way you see yourself and your relationships? Survivor, sex education speaker and founder of Better Boundaries CIC, Larissa Astara Gray speaks about her journey from childhood trauma and teenage rape to reclaiming her voice and purpose. She shares why breaking the silence arou...

Who are you when life changes the roles that once defined you? Team GB powerlifter, personal trainer and mum Natalie Hurdley shares how she has navigated life's many transitions while discovering strength that goes far beyond the barbell. She reflects on how motherhood, running a business and competing at the highest level have shaped her identity, and why empowering women to overcome their fear o...

Did you know that brain injuries are often undiagnosed in high-risk populations? Marc McNeice is on a mission to change that. Sharing his expertise as both a brain injury specialist and survivor, Marc offers a ground-breaking perspective on how hidden brain injuries impact addiction, mental health and recovery. Discover eye-opening statistics, the importance of proper screening and why awareness a...

At 30, Eleanor Sands walked away from an unfulfilling corporate career and chose to break the cycle of unhappiness to build a life aligned with her values. She shares her belief that our past does not define our future, and that anything becomes possible when we learn to draw on our inner strength. In this conversation, Eleanor reflects on the emotional tipping point that led to her resignation, t...

What happens when you search for purpose, only to discover the answers were inside you all along? Nathalie Cordell, coach and newly published author, shares her journey from corporate burnout to awakening her feminine wisdom and power. From struggling with imposter syndrome and spirituality to writing her transformative book and finding connection through vulnerability, Nathalie's story is one of...

Are you feeling stuck, searching for deeper meaning or wondering what your next step should be? In this 84th solo episode of Focus on WHY, Amy Rowlinson reflects on the powerful lessons shared by five recent guests and explores how purposeful reflection can become a catalyst for meaningful action. Blending personal milestones, including celebrating 1,000 days of sobriety, family celebrations and a...

Are you living your soul purpose or simply running a business by default? James Ainsworth explores the powerful reframe from business to purpose, sharing how a journey of heartbreak and spiritual growth ignited his passion for freedom and self-acceptance. Hear how firefighting, farming and ecstatic dance became metaphors for growth, and why embracing anxiety and fear can help you align with your s...

Focus on WHY podcast episode 518 Breaking the Silence with Angie McQuillin How does breaking a decades-old silence change a life? Angie McQuillin opens up about her powerful journey through trauma, justice and personal transformation. Navigating six years in the justice system after reporting historic sexual assault, Angie uncovers the emotional cost of silence, the liberating reward of owning her...

What would be the soundtrack for your purpose? Louise Camby shares the remarkable story of rediscovering her grandfather Johnny Douglas's original Marvel animation soundtracks from the 1980s, including iconic music from Spider-Man, Dungeons & Dragons and The Incredible Hulk. Bringing these long-lost scores back to life through streaming, vinyl and CD, Louise reflects on the emotional power of musi...

Is it time to rethink how we talk about men in the workplace? Carolyn Hobdey draws on her experience in male-dominated boardrooms and complex personal dynamics to challenge the narrative. She shares why meaningful change comes from collaborating with men, not criticising them, and how emotional literacy and more human leadership can transform both work and home life. Exploring purpose, legacy and...

Mindset and confidence coach and photographer Sarah Hoyle shares her powerful journey from childhood bullying, toxic relationships, postnatal depression and years of undiagnosed health struggles to healing, resilience and self-acceptance. Combining 13 years of photography with mindset coaching, Sarah now helps midlife women in business step confidently in front of the camera and embrace who they t...

In this solo podcast episode of Focus on WHY, I reflect on the powerful insights shared by five recent guests and explore how intentional reflection can inspire meaningful action. From vulnerability and cultural awareness to justice, sustainable impact, personal growth and visible leadership, each conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating life and work with greater purpose. Drawing on th...

Coach and facilitator Sarah Perugia explores the realities of mid-career and midlife for women, from hormonal shifts and career pauses to the often unseen weight of emotional labour at home and within organisations. Sarah unpacks how bias, internalised beliefs and unequal systems continue to shape women's experiences, and why redefining success on your own terms matters more than ever. Through cla...