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Creating space for authentic communication is Ben Nathan's superpower. From his early days as an Actor to his current role as Founder of Luft Coaching, Ben has dedicated himself to helping others find clarity, confidence, and purpose in how they express themselves.

Ben's journey is deeply personal. Growing up as the only Jewish child in his Primary School gave him a unique perspective on identity and belonging – experiencing what it means to feel different in ways others couldn't immediately see. This understanding fuels his approach to diversity and inclusion, bringing genuine empathy to his coaching practice. When he shares the story of his company name – Luft, meaning "space" or "air" in German – we understand it's more than clever branding; it's a reflection of his life philosophy.

The conversation takes us through pivotal moments that shaped Ben's worldview, from the profound influence of his Russian-Jewish grandparents to the devastating loss of his brother to suicide. Rather than allowing tragedy to defeat him, Ben discovered that "out of hardship, good things can come" – a perspective that transformed his relationships with his brother's children and informs how he helps clients navigate their own challenges.

What sets Ben apart is his commitment to "meeting people where they're at." Whether working with corporate teams or guiding his own children, he begins by accepting people as they are, not where he wishes they would be. This philosophy creates the psychological safety essential for genuine growth. Drawing from his teaching background, Ben ensures everyone feels included by incorporating diverse learning styles into his workshops, making them accessible to visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learners.

Ben closes with a powerful metaphor about elephants who remain tethered to small posts because they've been conditioned from infancy to believe they cannot break free. It perfectly encapsulates his mission: helping people recognize and break through self-imposed limitations to discover their true potential.

Ready to find your voice and communicate with greater impact? Connect with Ben Nathan on LinkedIn or visit luftcoaching.com to discover how creating space for authentic communication can transform your personal and professional life.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
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Everything you need with a daily walk! Could something as simple as walking transform your health, mood, and fitness all at once? In this enlightening conversation with Mike Rollason and Gill Stewart, Co-Founders of Walx.co.uk, we discover how they've revolutionised the concept of walking with their innovative 'Total Body Walking' approach and patented ergonomic Walking Pole design.

From their earliest days working in the Fitness Industry (Gill with her 1980s leg warmers, Mike with his outdoor adventure background) through to developing a unique walking method that engages 90% of your muscles with every step, this remarkable husband-and-wife dream team share the journey that's helped over half a million people improve their health and wellbeing. Their story weaves together entrepreneurial innovation, environmental consciousness, and a genuine passion for helping others experience the transformative power of moving outdoors.

What sets Mike and Gill apart is how they've taken Nordic Walking – traditionally technique-heavy and sometimes intimidating – and reimagined it into something accessible for everyone. Their breakthrough came in creating their ergonomically designed and patented Walx poles, manufactured sustainably in Italy, enabling users to enhance natural movement patterns while strengthening their core with every stride. This innovation has spawned a community of 60,000 UK members and expanded internationally across Europe and into Asia. As they explain, the benefits extend beyond individual health to potentially saving the NHS billions through preventative wellness.

Gill's newly released book "Walk This Way" distils their decades of knowledge, showing how a daily walk can incorporate cardiovascular training, strength work, balance exercises and mindfulness. Their approach proves you don't need complex equipment or intimidating gym environments to transform your health – just step outside, grab your poles, and discover how walking can become your complete fitness solution. Ready to revolutionise your relationship with exercise and the outdoors?

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Welcome to T.A.C.E! From nurturing talent across a Global Banking Giant to launching her own Leadership Coaching practice, Tace Heuston's journey epitomizes the courage to embrace change and follow your passion. After 33 remarkable years at JP Morgan Chase, where she rose to become Global Head of Talent Development impacting over 30,000 employees, Tace has stepped into entrepreneurship with Training and Coaching Enterprises (T.A.C.E - see what she's doing there?!)

The essence of Tace's approach to Leadership Development is beautifully simple: "The only thing holding you back is you." Throughout her career, she's been driven by an authentic desire to help others succeed, particularly women navigating workplace challenges. As the architect of JP Morgan's Re-entry Program, she created pathways for women returning to careers after family breaks, addressing the often-overlooked talent pool of experienced professionals eager to contribute again.

What makes Tace's coaching distinctive is her rare combination of corporate wisdom and genuine empathy. She recognizes that senior leaders often lack safe spaces to be vulnerable about their challenges – everyone expects them to have all the answers. Through executive coaching, team development, and her signature "Thrive" program for women leaders, she creates that crucial space where authentic growth happens.

Tace's personal philosophy of "be brave, do the things that frighten you most" guided her own leap into entrepreneurship. Drawing from her father's example as a business owner and her lifelong passion for nurturing others (which began when teaching Sunday school in her twenties), she's created a coaching practice that embodies her values of kindness, courage, and saying "yes" to opportunity.

Ready to discover your leadership advantage? Connect with Tace at tacehouston.com or find her on LinkedIn to learn how her coaching can transform your professional journey.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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When Alex Troncoso speaks about brewing beer, his voice carries the weight of 32 years spent perfecting his craft across continents. As co-founder of Lost and Grounded Brewers in Bristol, his journey from Guatemala to Australia, Belgium, London, and finally Bristol reveals more than just a quest for the perfect pint—it's a story about finding home.

"Eventually you don't want to be different anymore," Alex recalls his late father saying, words whose wisdom only became clear after launching a brewery far from his Australian roots. This intimate revelation anchors a conversation that weaves through personal growth, craftsmanship, and the philosophy behind building something authentic in an increasingly homogenized world.

Lost and Grounded isn't just a brewery—it's a manifestation of Alex and partner Annie Clements' values. Their flagship Keller Pils, an unfiltered lager inspired by Germany's hop fields, represents their commitment to simplicity and quality. "Brewing is where art meets science and has a beer," Alex explains, comparing their approach to the difference between mass-produced bread and artisanal sourdough—both bread, but worlds apart in character and soul.

Perhaps most compelling is Alex's candid reflection on the mental toll of relentless achievement. After spending years defining himself through accomplishments, he discovered a liberating truth: "If you define yourself by achievements, what happens if you don't achieve? You feel terrible." This hard-won wisdom has led him to a place of unprecedented optimism, where the brewery's success is measured not just in sales but in balance and purpose.

With their flying hippo logo representing humility and inclusion, Lost and Grounded has grown from seven people to thirty-five, weathering COVID and emerging stronger. As Alex puts it, "Without the people, this is just a shed full of stainless steel." It's this human-centered approach that makes their story resonate far beyond the world of craft beer.

Discover how patience, passion and purpose combine to create something truly special in this thoughtful exploration of craft, community and finding your place in the world.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Meet Christine Marsh, a force of nature who at 84 became a model and is now trailblazing on a path to becoming the key Global Influencer on "Living Life to the Full" for the over-50s and beyond by age 90! Wrapped in sunflower yellow and radiating unstoppable energy, Christine shares her extraordinary journey from being born in India during wartime, to International Business Change Facilitator, Speaker, and Author.

Christine's story is one of perpetual reinvention and refusal to accept limitations. Born to a military father who had "ordered a son," she grew up being called "Bill"—yet rather than breaking her spirit, this fueled her determination. Unable to read conventionally until a teacher recognized she saw patterns rather than letters, Christine developed unique problem-solving abilities that would later define her career. At 50, when corporate life deemed her past her "sell-by date," she pivoted. At 81, following her husband's death, she faced a blank canvas and chose to "mature disgracefully" rather than retire quietly.

Throughout our conversation, Christine shares wisdom that feels both timeless and urgently relevant: "Change is inevitable. Stress is manageable. Misery is optional." She illuminates her approach to facilitation with the metaphor of an orange negotiation exercise, showing how collaboration trumps competition. With the eye of a detective, she spots patterns others miss, embodying Leonardo da Vinci's principle that "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

What emerges is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Christine's philosophy—"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent"—has carried her through decades of breaking barriers. Her book "Flashpoint Transformation: Life's Choices" poses a question we all face: "Are you ready to jump or waiting to be pushed?" As she puts it with characteristic directness: "You only have the moment. You can't change the past, you can't determine the future. Please savour every single moment."

Ready to rethink what's possible at any age? Christine's story might just be the spark that ignites your own transformation. Visit thechristinemarsh.com to connect with this remarkable woman who doesn't know the meaning of "can't."

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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What does it take to revolutionize a childcare system that hasn't changed in decades? In this candid conversation, Susan McGhee – the vibrant, self-described "thrawn" (delightfully stubborn) founder & CEO of Flexible Child Care Services Scotland – reveals how her innovative pay-by-the-hour childcare model is transforming family lives across Scotland.

With 25% of Scottish children growing up in poverty, Susan recognized that traditional childcare structures were failing families with irregular work hours or financial constraints. Her solution? A genuinely flexible model allowing parents to book and pay for only the hours they need – saving families between £2,000-£5,000 annually while creating pathways back to employment, education, and economic independence.

But this isn't just about childcare. Susan shares powerful stories of how small innovations – like a "take what you need, give what you can" coat rail – create dignity-centered support for families facing multiple challenges. As she puts it: "We don't want people to just get by. We want people to flourish." The impact is measurable: nearly £2 million kept in the pockets of Scotland's most vulnerable families last year alone.

Through personal reflections on loss, resilience, and her own journey overcoming insecurities, Susan demonstrates the authentic leadership driving her organization's success. From surviving the pandemic weeks after launch to now employing nearly 200 people and supporting approximately 1,000 families, the five-year journey of FCSS reveals what's possible when we challenge outdated systems with bold, practical solutions.

Ready to rethink how childcare could work in your community? Connect with Susan on social media or visit fcss.org.uk to learn more about implementing flexible childcare models that truly meet families' needs.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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From the moment you meet Julia Duthie, you're struck by her natural optimism and what she calls her "champion hustler" spirit. Behind her success as a bestselling Author, Podcast Host, and Trusted Advisor lies an extraordinary journey that began on "Dogbone Street" - a road nicknamed for its distinctive shape with two roundabouts resembling a dog bone.

Growing up in challenging circumstances, Julia essentially raised herself, developing remarkable resourcefulness at a young age. "What do you do when you're 7 with a broken toe and no parents around? How do you handle nits when there's no one to help?" These experiences, chronicled in her memoir "The House on Dogbone Street," taught her to connect with people, find creative solutions, and maintain an unshakeable positive outlook.

Music became Julia's escape. Like many children of the 70s and 80s, she'd record the Top 40 charts, carefully editing out advertisements. Her passion evolved into a ten-year musical career, beginning when a kind music shop owner named Guy allowed her to borrow a bass guitar. Julia progressed through bands including The Innocent Bystanders and The Colour Red before being signed as a solo artist.

Physical challenges have also shaped Julia's path. After suffering two prolapsed discs in her 20's, doctors told her she'd never play sports again. Working with her physiotherapist Dean, she's defied those limitations and now enjoys pickleball and kayaking, with tennis remaining her ultimate goal. This physical journey mirrors her broader life philosophy of refusing to be defined by limitations.

Perhaps most remarkable is Julia's journey toward authentic self-expression. At age 50, through therapy, she embraced her true identity. Despite having a wonderful relationship with her ex-husband (who remains important in her life), Julia had always known at a fundamental level that she was gay. Finding the courage to live authentically led to her current relationship and deep personal fulfillment.

Julia's guiding philosophy comes from Carl Jung: "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." Her advice? "Seek out people that you energetically chime with and that make you feel good. There's 8 billion of us to play with."

Discover Julia's podcast "People Are Everything" wherever you get your podcasts, where she explores the 5 people who made her guests who they are today - a perfect reflection of her belief in the transformative power of human connection.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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What happens when a corporate executive decides to break free from conformity at age 41 and build something meaningful? Pete Starr's journey from Manchester Council Estate to founding the Chilli Group reveals how purpose can transform both career and impact.

Growing up in a conservative household where his father wore a shirt and tie on beach holidays, Pete learned early to observe rather than disrupt. This quiet attentiveness would later become his entrepreneurial superpower, though he wouldn't recognize it for decades. After years at companies like Tesco, Coca-Cola, and the National Lottery, Pete took the leap into self-employment when a friend reframed the concept of risk: "If you have one employer and they drop you, you're left with zero. If you're freelance with multiple clients and one drops, you still have several."

The Pandemic brought both crisis and opportunity. As cancellations flooded in during March 2020, Pete faced uncertainty but emerged stronger, with a renewed commitment to environmental impact. Inspired by his children's concerns about plastic pollution and the collective power of small actions, he launched Wavy – dedicated to developing people skills within green organizations to accelerate positive environmental impact.

Pete's approach centers on emotional intelligence and presence. "You can have brilliant training design and an average trainer and you'll have an average training experience. You can have average training design and a brilliant trainer and you're more likely to have a brilliant training experience." This philosophy drives his work across both Chilli Group and Wavy, where he helps environmental organizations balance purpose with the profitability needed to sustain their mission.

For those considering their own entrepreneurial path, Pete offers refreshingly honest advice: "Just do it sooner" and remember that everyone's polished online presence is merely a shop window – "Every shop has got a back storeroom that's an absolute tip." His legacy isn't about business accolades but passing positive values through generations, creating ripples of impact that continue long after we're gone.

Discover how small changes and emotional intelligence can drive massive environmental impact. Connect with Pete and explore training opportunities at gochilli.co.uk and wayvie.co.uk.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :)

Thanks for listening!