Life Passion And Business

After eight years of life, Passion and business, the time has come to end this podcast and move on.  This is my final conversation and a reflection on the journey. In this show, I pull together the big things I’ve learned over the last eight years.  What is the secret to living a good life with passion and purpose, the importance of defining success on your own terms, the quiet power of daily routines, and the difference contribution (to others and yourself) makes. It’s simple stuff, really: choose what fits, enjoy the journey more than the outcome, be kind to yourself and others, and keep showing up.   If there was an overriding message, it is about choice and finding the path that works, because there is no right path, just the path that works for you. Change is Coming.    Why this matters is that change is coming, and we need to be ready to do our part. I think we have a duty to know ourselves, understand who we are and what we stand for.  The world stands on the edge of a precipice. The rise of popul

Hey — have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to do nothing anymore? Lately I’ve been thinking about how my time is filled up with constant doing, and how the second boredom appears we reach for our phones to fill it. What if there’s a different answer: simply being present, without an agenda? I want to tell you about a time when I did nothing and it mattered. I remember being sick years ago, walking to a hillside with a pad, paints and water, and sitting there for an hour and a half just taking in the view and painting. I wasn’t thinking about anything, and for the first time in ages, I felt genuinely connected to that moment. I even framed that little piece and stuck the story on the back so my son will have it one day — little reminders like that matter. These days the challenge is our devices. We’re so used to constant input that silence feels strange — maybe even a bit scary. But I don’t think we’re meant to be constantly engaged. There’s a gentle kind of flow where nothing is taxing: just notic

Hey — thanks for listening to this penultimate episode of Life, Passion, and Business. I wanted to share why I began this whole project and what kept pulling me back to the mic: a very personal nudge after my dad died in 2017, and the uneasy realisation that I could end up living a small, unexamined life like his if I didn’t do something about it. I started this podcast because I was asking the big, messy questions: What is the meaning of life? What are you passionate about and how does that passion show up? How do we define success beyond the platitudes of business culture? What does contribution look like — the legacy we leave — and, crucially, how do we actually look after ourselves on the way? The show grew from those questions into conversations with people from my business world and beyond. I wanted to explore how people live, what drives them, and what they’re doing it all for. Along the way I learned the importance of self-care, the messy truth behind ambition, and the ways grief can shape a life.

This episode is like a quiet chat over coffee about how friendships change as we get older, why we lose people along the way, and what it really takes to keep making meaningful connections. I walk through my own story: moving around, losing touch with school friends, finding a local community in Scotland, and the awkward, emotional stuff that comes with staying connected — especially when life and illnesses (like my partner’s Parkinson’s) make us smaller and more isolated. We talk about what actually holds friendships together (hint: time together and frequency), why loneliness is becoming so common, and how being willing to put ourselves out there — to be vulnerable and take risks — is the real key. I mention Brené Brown and the idea of “feel the fear and do it anyway,” and share small, practical ways to meet people: join groups around things you love (like my running club), invite people in, say yes when you're asked to join, and accept that it takes courage. If you’re feeling alone, this is a gentle nudg

How do we deal with expectations? As a coach, I see expectation play out both in my life and the lives of my clients and in truth, until we can learn to deal with our expectations, life and the universe will tend to rub them in our faces.   Of course, we are taught to plot life on a timeline — degrees, jobs, houses, relationships — and when our path doesn’t match the map, we feel behind, angry, or like we’ve failed. That feeling? Totally normal, but also changeable. Here’s the thing: life is wildly unpredictable. Goals and timelines can help us focus, but they also create pressure and disappointment when the universe throws a curveball. The only thing you control is how you respond. You can let frustration run the show, or you can accept the reality in front of you and choose a calmer, kinder response. Try swapping rigid goals for intentions — aim in a direction rather than locking onto a single finish line. Build resilience by practising acceptance, try journaling, and asking useful questions: What happens

Our show today is looking at how happiness is best shared with those who love us, and how striving for success can lead to a life alone.   Catching up on LinkedIn this morning, I discovered a couple of posts that jumped out at me. One was particularly poignant; a tale of a man pouring his life into his business for over 30 years, only to find that his most cherished relationship had dissolved in the process. It's shocking how our relentless pursuit of success can blindside us, leading to an empty seat in life's treasured events. In the entrepreneurial sphere, there is a lot of pressure to succeed, and it can become an incessant drive to create the monumental, something that might bring wealth and recognition. But at what cost? Do you see the point of chasing a six-figure dream if it means losing sight of the people who matter most? The notion of happiness being somewhere 'out there' is all too familiar. Yet, real contentment often blooms from within us, nurtured by gratitude and cherished moments with love

Do you ever feel like there’s just too much to do and not enough time? Let's chat about the 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, and how it can actually become your secret weapon in conquering life's endless to-do lists. You may have heard about the 80-20 rule in a business setting—like how 80% of your revenue might come from 20% of your customers. However, did you know that it can also significantly impact how you manage your daily tasks? By identifying the 20% of tasks that bring you 80% of the results, you can finally take control and declutter your life. Here’s a sad twist: while the principle itself is golden, it’s often misused. Think of the exaggerations like claiming 80% of life happens to only 20% of people! Ridiculous, right? The truth is, the rule can’t be boxed into rigid statistics, but it serves as a useful mental model for prioritizing what truly matters. What’s important is figuring out what tasks are your mission-critical ones each day. As you pare down the non-essential, focus int

 This week was pretty special for me; I had the absolute joy and delight of attending my son's graduation ceremony. Watching him receive his BA honours in computer games development was not just a proud parent moment, but a celebration of dedication and achievement. You could feel the excitement and emotions in the air, alongside the bittersweet farewells, as all these budding talents prepare to embrace new beginnings. This episode delves deeply into the theme of choice and how it shapes our lives at every turn. Just like my son, who's stepping into the unpredictable yet thrilling world of the games industry—where networking and perseverance are key—we all reach points where the path ahead requires us to make choices. Whether transitioning from university or facing midlife changes, the necessity of deciding our own directions becomes crucial. I’ve been there too, shifting from marketing into something completely different during COVID, embracing new choices that align more with my passions. It got me ponderin

Today, I want to dive into something that's been close to my heart—community and connection. We live in a time where social media connects us globally, yet many of us feel more alone than ever. I know you get what I mean. But here’s the kicker, genuine face-to-face interactions have never been more crucial, don't you agree? Recently, I got to spend a fabulous weekend with my running club in Ballater, nestled in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. There's something magical about sharing physical activities—be it running through the royal estates or hiking up steep hills. The shared struggle, the victory over nature, the picturesque landscapes—all add up to a bonding experience that's hard to describe. It’s like, “Hey, we did that, together!” Have you ever felt that rush? On a different note, I found myself drawn back to the Findhorn community for some soulful Tazie singing. It's a beautiful practice that brings together sacred songs from various traditions. The harmony and shared spiritual quest filled the room

Have you ever wondered why making changes in life can be so darn tough?  Talking with friends over the last week got me thinking about the hurdles we face when trying to change our lives for the better. Reality check: change only happens when we take action, but sometimes, even the thought of making a change feels daunting, right? In this episode, we examine the reality of change, exploring why we often resist it, even when we know it's necessary.  Sitting on the edge of turning 62, I reflected on the changes I had wanted to make over the past year, the ones I had achieved, and the ones that had slipped by. It's all about boosting the desire to meet the goal and understanding the emotions, needs, fears, and inspirations that empower us to take action.. Join me as we explore how emotions, needs, and even fears can propel us into action. Sometimes, sharing our goals with someone else can ignite our commitment because we don't want to back down from our own promises. Have you considered the importance of making

There can be no success without some failure, so why are we so resistant to or even shamed by failure. On this podcast, we are exploring our failiure feelings.  For example, when exactly does something become a failure, and when is it time to give up? It's such a tricky question, isn't it? Society often paints failure as a badge of shame, something to be hidden away. But honestly, isn't life without failure a myth? Our journeys are filled with plans that go awry, yet they shape and define us in ways we never expect. In this episode, we delve into the concept of failure and its role in our broader life goals. We've all been there - striving for something just out of reach, and feeling crushed when it slips away. But here's a different take: failure is simply a part of the process, not the end of it. Goals are just signposts on our path, guiding us toward our greater intentions. Have you ever considered that the timeframe of achieving something often dictates the notion of failure? Whether it's in the busine

No, it was not mine, but this did happen to another Paul. In a whirlwind twist of fate back in 2006, this renowned songwriter stumbled upon an unexpected moment of perplexity: his own obituary echoing through the airwaves. It turns out, a man named Paul Van Valkenburg had spun a crafty tale decades prior, claiming the catchy tune "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" as his youthful triumph. Fast forward to his actual passing, and an honest blunder led the newspapers to mistakenly bid farewell to Paul Vance, the still-living original composer. But wait! This story doesn’t just wander down a path of misunderstanding. Instead, it blossoms into a tale of connections rekindled and love realised. From a barrage of concerned queries to heartfelt messages, this twist of events showered Paul with an unexpected gift—an outpouring of love and appreciation from those he hadn't heard from in years. While embarrassing for Van Valkenburg’s family, it granted Paul’s family a beautiful realisation of just how be

Have you ever paused to think about the areas of your life that might be slipping through the cracks? It's a common journey we all go through as we navigate this world, reprioritising and adjusting as things evolve.   In the sphere of life coaching, it's often emphasised that we need to pay attention to various parts of our lives to truly thrive. From finances and relationships to health, joy, and family, each aspect contributes to crafting a well-rounded existence.      Let's face it, it's all too easy to become hyper-focused on one area, sacrificing others along the way. Decisions about what we prioritise sculpt our life journey and outcomes. But how do we achieve balance, ensuring no part of our life is left neglected? That's the personal expedition each of us must embark on, deciding where to channel our life force and energy, understanding fully that every component impacts our future success and happiness. One insightful analogy, inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, is a

Have you ever stopped to really celebrate your achievements and reflect on what recognition truly means? In this podcast, we're diving into the crucial role of acknowledgement and celebration in our lives. You know, all too often, we hit a goal or reach a milestone but then just move on without soaking in the joy of what we've accomplished. Last weekend, I got to experience a truly inspiring event—a degree show at Abertay University. It was beautiful to watch students, including my own son, share their journey with family, friends, and industry insiders. The evening show was all about creative awards in fields like development, design, art, game art, and coding. It really hit me then, how rare those opportunities are to be publicly celebrated for our achievements. Our modern lives seem to lack those moments of appreciation, yet historically, festivals and celebrations have always brought communities together. Today, in our fast-paced world, we often miss out on true efforts to celebrate and recognize not just

Is there a place for ancient traditions like pilgrimage in our fast-paced modern world? This episode dives right into that fascinating question! We'll explore how these sacred journeys can still profoundly impact us today despite their roots in a long-gone era. This weekend, I had the chance to witness something truly special as my wife and her interfaith minister friends embarked on the final stretch of St. Cuthbert's Way to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. It was a walk not just through the shifting sands but through time itself, retracing the footsteps of monks from Melrose Abbey. Their journey involved rich rituals around water, passage, and renewal, sparking insightful shifts within participants. Just goes to show, there's always something deeply transformative waiting at the heart of a pilgrimage. But the magic of pilgrimages isn't confined to religious paths alone. Whether it's the renowned Camino de Santiago or a gruelling endurance race, these experiences challenge us, pushing us toward proving our wo

Have you ever paused to think about what you truly believe in? Is it the wonders of science, the beauty of nature, or perhaps a higher power guiding you along life's path? Whatever it is, belief and faith are intricately woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the building blocks of society.  Join us on this journey as we delve deep into the realms of belief and faith, those invisible forces that shape our world and influence our actions. In this episode, we explore how belief has been at the core of human societies for centuries, from religious convictions that move mountains to the shifting sands of political ideologies. We'll even take a playful jab at those quirky Jedi beliefs some choose to tick on census forms! While this is a personal reflection, there is no doubt we are living at a time of cultural shifts, and faith is part of that story. We'll ponder over poignant questions like when a mere thought morphs into a belief and how faith bridges the gap between these ideas. With a sprinkle of humour

Habits or Ritual? Have you ever wondered how much of your life is built on habits versus rituals, or vice versa? Well, you're in the right place! In this episode, I'm diving deep into the fascinating world of rituals and habits and how they play a role in our everyday lives. Do you remember Easter egg hunts as a kid? Even if Easter isn't your holiday, indulging in chocolate eggs is a shared ritual many of us cherish. It's these little traditions that give our lives a sprinkle of meaning. But why are rituals so crucial to us, and how can we harness their power to craft a better life? From ancient fertility rites to modern-day birthdays and weddings, rituals have always been about connecting people and creating memorable moments. They aren't just habits we mindlessly check off our to-do lists; they're meaningful ceremonies imbued with significance and emotion. Consider a wedding, filled with flowers, vows, and toasts or a birthday bash with cake and candles. These moments are ritualised to create depth and conn

How does love fit into your life? Are you aware of your love or being loved? Love is fundamental to human existence; expressing love and feeling loved are key to a healthy and productive life. In reality, love is essential but is often forgotten. This episode explores how one small word—love—encompasses a vast spectrum of human experiences. While English limits us to a single term, ancient Greeks and Romans recognized nine distinct types of love that shape our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. Join us as we unpack these nine "colors" of love: from passionate Eros to playful Ludus, from the selfless Agape to the practical Pragma. Learn how these different expressions of love influence your daily life, your relationships, and your personal development. Through a simple yet powerful exercise called "The Love List," you'll discover which types of love dominate your life and which might be missing. This exploration isn't just theoretical—it's a pathway to deeper self-understanding and more meaningfu

Where does trust sit in your life? Who do you trust, friends, family or your spouse? Do you trust yourself?   Do you know that trust is the foundation of everything? It's the secret sauce to success, the kind of thing that holds your world together even when things get tough. Have you ever stopped to think about where trust sits in your life? Remember that gutting feeling when your trust was broken or those moments of triumph when trusting yourself led to unexpected victories? We've all been there. Personally.  In today's episode, we dive deep into this invisible force that quietly shapes every relationship. Trust. It's the foundation of everything meaningful. From the early days of human history, as detailed in the book 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari, sharing stories built trust among strangers, leading to trade, alliances, and genetic diversity. Our modern society—our cities, economies, and institutions—all rest on these principles of shared trust. Think about it. Even if you're in a completely different fi

Today, we're diving into something I've been observing with growing concern—what I can only describe as a compassion crisis in our world. Have you noticed it, too? Is that increasing harshness in our media, our politics, and our everyday interactions? That subtle shift where showing toughness is valued over showing kindness? Where vulnerability is seen not as courage but as a weakness to be exploited? Last week, we explored how negative news travels faster than positive stories, creating a distorted view of reality. But today's topic goes deeper—beyond perception to a genuine shift in how we treat one another and ourselves. While researching this episode, I came across a fascinating historical example from ancient Rome demonstrating how radical compassion once changed the course of an entire civilisation. I'll share that story with you today, along with its powerful implications for our current moment. But this isn't just about society at large—it's about us, about you and me. How does living in a world that