If Anne Can

Today’s podcast episode features the indomitable Ann Carney. Ann was trapped in a cycle of overwork and bad health habits when at the age of forty-five, knowing she had to make changes, she decided to try to run. Like many beginners, she started too fast and would have given up if it wasn’t for a serendipitous meeting with a cousin she hadn’t seen in years. He guided her through a couch to 5k, and gaining confidence; she took out an advert in the local paper. She co-founded Chorlton Runners, a club which started with a couple of members and has grown to a membership of over six hundred, and the club is one of the most successful in Manchester. Ann knows that as well as having the courage to make the first step, novice runners also need a helping hand and a supportive structured programme to build momentum step by step. That’s why the Couch to 5K programme is still an integral part of the Chorlton Runner’s ethos and one Ann actively supports. Having found her passion and identity, Ann could have been happy to reap the personal rewards, but she is a person who uses their grit, drive, and boundless energy to make things happen for others. Please listen to Ann’s inspiring story, and for anyone out there who thinks I could never do that, look for a guide because once you have someone at your side, the following steps are so much easier. Reference You can find out more about Chorlton Runners here https://www.chorltonrunners.co.uk/

My guest today is Chloe Richards, a brave and strong breast cancer survivor emerging from a period of loss and change. She is refocusing her business to deliver her mission to help women succeed in the workplace. We talk about The book I gave to Chloe is H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald

Want to be a waser reather than a wisher? Listen to this episode and I promise you will get some inspiration to get up, get out and keep going! My guest today is Steve Pullen, a judo 7th Dan and holder of the MBE for his service to blind and disabled judo. He is a coach and has guided judokas to the Olympics, Paralympics, World and European Championships. Steve heads up a group of coaches whose prime objective is to increase and expand judo teaching facilities in North West England to integrate able-bodied and disabled judo. Outside of judo, Steve was in charge of physical education at the acclaimed Chethams School of Music in Manchester. Steve's reputation, passion and commitment are recognised throughout the world. We talk about

Do you know what having the power of your convictions means? Not sure, then listen to today's episode My guest this week is Jane Lockwood; Jane is an activist who lived in Greenham Common to protest the horror of war and nuclear weapons. She has spoken at the UN and the Royal Albert Hall. She subsequently relocated to Australia, became a Head Teacher and led a national training programme. Jane is reigniting her passion for writing and talking and has contributed to two books on healing from childhood abuse. In this fascinating discussion, Jane talks about The Importance of Education The drive to escape a complex background and being determined to work hard and take the opportunity to go to university. Becoming an Activist The influence of her father's political stance and his support nurtured Jane's instinct to do something about bad things. Greenham Common Experience Jane answered the call and was deeply affected and horrified by the sight of nuclear weapons. She felt there was no other option but to become physically involved. This has led to a life-long need to take action. Defying Expectations Being different - Jane found her rebellious nature supported and encouraged by others. She believes fear is the driver of stopping people from doing things. By sticking with others, you gain strength. Not having family or career responsibilities at the time of Greenham made Jane's activism easier. She braved the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence or even being shot on sight. She was prepared to take the risk because other people were unable to. Strong self-knowledge MI is moving to a remote part of Australia. Becoming a teacher gave Jane a ready-made family. Being in the Outback gave Jane great happiness. She was living in connection to the land and being outdoors. An unlimited horizon and space give Jane a spiritual connection. Ending her teaching career with the Aboriginal people was a revelation and inspiration to fight inequality and patriarchy. Looking forward with hope Across the world people are still struggling, and the situation for women remains complicated. National movements lead to inspiration. Focus on the Spiritual Jane continues the daily journey of looking at herself, taking steps to a better life, and feeling comfortable in her skin. Nature and seeking her path was more fulfilling than established religions. References You can find out more bout Jane Lockwood here: https://greenhamwomeneverywhere.co.uk/jane/ This a project to document the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, recorded testimonies, oral and written, included from over a hundred women who were part of the camp; there is a visual and music archive and information about current and future events by the project. Jane has some artwork on these sites Contemporary Markmakers Totnes https://www.instagram.com › contemporarymarkmakers and the blog https://markmakers.avenda.uk/ Etsy shop name handmaderosarybeads The book I chose for Jane: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

My guest today is Rowena Birch, an Olympic and European judo champion. Rowena is also the current president of the British Judo Association. Outside of judo, Rowena has coached at elite levels across many sporting disciplines and corporate leadership. She has retrained as a financial advisor and now runs her own business. Rowena talks about how she coped with not being selected for the Barcelona Olympic games by prioritising her training and reorganising her life to maximise her focus. Self Belief and reflective self-discovery. Being in the right place and loving the sport is vitally important, as is knowing that just because you don't get instant results doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong. The mindset of enjoying the journey. The danger of over-focusing on results instead of the process. Keeping going relies on finding ways to enjoy what you are doing. After Competition. Using the skills learned from the experience of competitive sport and applying them to coaching and revelling in an environment of learning - creating and developing new skills. Letting go of an elite sporting persona and finding a new place in the world of judo after the elite competitions. - Adjusting techniques to a new reality and accepting that your body and circumstances have changed. Core Identity - The importance of being part of the judo community, how the core values of honesty, integrity, courage and respect have shaped Rowena's identity embuing a passion for learning and self-development. Starting new challenges Using the tools of being an athlete to embrace new challenges and learn new skills. Breaking new tasks into logical, systematic pieces. References You can find out about Rowena's business here: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/goldenbirchesfinancialplanning. I chose Rowena's book: How Much is Enough: Money and the Good Life by Edward Skidelsky and Robert Skidelsky.

In this episode, I change our standard interview format and reflect upon the concept of bravery. Not being a brave person myself, I've been inspired by the bravery of my guests, and this episode features two astonishingly courageous women. The first is Angela Bently, a certified Wim Hof instructor who channels her passion for the cold to support people with their physical, mental and emotional health. Angela works tirelessly to overcome her anxiety to become a beacon and guide to those who want to be brave but need a helping hand. Bravery can manifest itself in many ways. One of my bravest guests was the artist Kate Hughes, who talked fearlessly of her battle with the depression she suffered after she was prescribed the mini pill after the birth of her second child. Her reflections on her debilitating depression and her incredible creative drive reveal her to be a true warrior. References Reach Angela Bentley at: https://theicewarrior.com/ Reach Kate Hughes at: https://outsidethelines.org/ Reach me at my website: https://www.ifannecan.com/

My guest today is Oonagh McDonnell, the founder of It's Her, a social enterprise based in Manchester that researches, develops and delivers collaborative and engaging activities, courses and workshops that support women and help them change their narrative. Oonagh's story is rooted in adapting to adversity and overcoming loss, beginning with her mother's death when she was eight years old, which left her feeling responsible for three younger siblings. After studying at Manchester University, she developed a love for the city and the diverse voices of the women who call Manchester home. The devastating loss of her sister necessitated Oonagh to completely change her career, shifting her focus and seeking opportunities in the Middle East that would not have been available in the UK. Her experience observing women in Saudi Arabia who forged their life, despite their obstacles sharpened her focus on the still considerable barriers to equity in the UK. Oonagh founded It's Her, a social enterprise aiming to enable all women to achieve equity. Oonagh believes that when women put themself in a position to thrive, the whole family and society, in general, reap the benefit. Reference You can find out more about Oonagh's enterprise It'sHer: www.itsher.uk The Book I chose for Oonagh is Three Women by Lisa Taddeo.

In this episode, we celebrate the importance of accessing green space and consider the historical actions of others and how these actions made it possible for us to enjoy the ability to ramble in the countryside. These conversations were recorded over the Kinder Mass Trespass 90th anniversary weekend in the High Peaks of Derbyshire in Hayfield village hall. I want to thank Joss Underwood from the Tent People, who organised a fantastic pop-up event on the village green in Hayfield and generously introduced me to today’s guests, Helen Darby, Dorothy Collins and Kate Ashbrook. Ninety years ago, members of the young communist league gathered at Kinder Scout here in Derbyshire, to highlight the fact that walkers were denied access to areas of open country. When the group reached the plateau of Kinder Scout, there were violent scuffles with gamekeepers. As a result, six ramblers were arrested. They received jail sentences ranging from two to six months for offences relating to violence involving the keepers. According to the Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group website, this act of civil disobedience was one of the most successful in British history. It arguably led to the passage of the National Parks legislation in 1949[8] and helped pave the way for establishing the Pennine Way and other long-distance footpaths. Walkers' rights to travel through common land and uncultivated upland were eventually protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW Act) of 2000. Reference Reach Helen Darby on Instagram @helenlouisedarby or at their website www.helendarbypoetry.com Follow Kate Ashbrook's blog here: https://campaignerkate.wordpress.com/ Castlefield viaduct: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castlefield-viaduct Find out more about the Tent People: www.thetentpeople.co.uk Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group: https://kindertrespass.org.uk/

Sue France helps women in business make the best connections and is the founder of sue France Creative Connecting in Cheshire. She says, " I instinctively know who to match with who, and every day there is a new success story within my group." She has lovingly built a tribe of interconnected women who joyously build relationships. I joined Sue at one of her networking events held at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre and chatted with her to learn more about her thoughts about networking, and how she injects so much joy into the process. I also spoke to those attending the event to find out what they thought about networking, and we even gave the dreaded elevator pitch a go! Here are the highlights of our conversations Sue France Web: https://suefranceccc.com/ Why there is no joy in old-style networking What does Sue do to encourage people to enjoy networking Voices from Sue's networking event Fiona Drake coach Instagram: Fiona_Drake_Coaching Web: www.fionadrake.com #The Adventure Chronicles Fiona Drake is the 'adventure mentor' on a quest to awaken your spirit of adventure, so you fall madly in love with midlife. Fiona's thoughts on networking Claire Lucas Instagram: Claire_Lucas_hypnotherapy Web: www.clairelucastherapies.com Claire is a clinical hypnotherapist who specialises in weight reduction, stress, anxiety, fears, phobias and business confidence. Claire's thoughts on networking Sarah Osborne Instagram: @sonutrition LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-Osborne-52b37677 Sarah was inspired to study and founded her business, So Nutrition, following personal experiences in her family. Sarah's thoughts on networking Helen Greenwood Instagram: helengreenwoodcreative Helen is a Canva training and creative content coach, helping women in business attract more clients by creating scroll-stopping visual content in Canva. Helen's tip for networking Sarah Pickles www.sarahepickles.uk Sarah is an inspirational speaker, author and beauty school founder. Her mission is to help and empower women giving hope and celebration through education and transformation. Sarah's thoughts on networking

Making an event Special My guest today is Toni Dudsak, a business leader currently working as the Executive Director of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in New York. Toni is a force of nature with tremendous energy, and this, combined with her strategic insight, ensures any organisation she is associated with is propelled to new heights. Toni also has the gift of organising elegant, fun events that flow beautifully without a hint of stress or sloppiness. Here are some of the highlights of our conversation. One hand washes the other. Bringing people together to make an event a success Cookie Baking Appreciation Developing community Creating an event at home Developing the confidence to host an event. The details of an event. Reference You can learn more about Toni here: linkedin.com/in/toni-dudsak-1132a34

Alka Chandiramni is a global mobility specialist who provides deeply trusted assistance to companies and individuals, helping to ensure that a move to another country is successful for everyone. In Alka's professional life, she is the one who offers advice and has the answers. This podcast explores how we can all deal with the inevitable times when we face adversity. Creating a roadmap to visualise the road ahead Changing your story Personal adversity- Alka's accident in Bali Reaching out to others when you are the one who usually has the answers Dealing with loss through a creative practice The fallacy of perfectionism References The book I bought for Alka's son, Vihan: A Portrait of The University of Manchester You can find out more about Alka here: linkedin.com/in/alkachandiramanisingapore

My guest today is Kate Pollitt, a business coach gifted at helping others to get out of their jars to see what is written on their labels. We talk about how time is finite and how important it is to recognise what makes you unique and connect with what lights you up. Once you do this, especially if you have a light touch and have faith in yourself, you make better choices in all aspects of your life. Recognising what makes people and businesses different - using this as the bedrock of the creative and strategic process Why can't people see their qualities? Being in a jar and not seeing the label Negativity bias Anxiety and perception Keeping hold of the joy of life and living life lightly Tackling difficult things What is it that lights you up? References The book I bought Kate: Who Moved My Cheese? Dr Spencer Johnson You can find Kate here: www.desirebranding.uk

My guest today, Tina Kirwin-McGinley, is a teacher of the deaf and has worked in schools in Manchester for over thirty years. She is also a swimmer, cyclist and dear friend to many. We could talk about all of the above attributes, but I want to focus on Tina's gift for making life better for everybody by always leaving a place better than how she found it. We talk about - Taking responsibility for things that are broken in the local neighbourhood; The Planters Project Being the person who notices and puts things right Planning the steps to take and overcoming resistance; Playing Field Project. The satisfaction of taking action with others; - Wombling Civic responsibility and pride in where people live, work, and travel Directing energy into something that might make a positive difference for everybody References: The book I gave to Tina was Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life: Hector Garcia and Francesc Mirales

My guest today is Sandra Phinney, and she has lived many lives, from teaching to social work to owning a music store and farming. Now in her 70s, Sandra is earning her living as a writer and has no intention of retiring. She lives off-grid with her husband on the Tusket River outside the town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, in a place called Caanan, population eleven. They built their own home twenty years ago, the roof still stands, and their marriage survived. One of Sandra's greatest joys is to paddle her canoe in the wilderness. We talk about her incredible sense of home and her love for her environment and community. How to find the heavenly invisibles in the heavenly visibles Community Finding Interest in your local community. Concern for the environment The Building of Bella References Mary Oliver: Poet The Book I bought for Sandra: Derek Jarman: Modern Nature You can find out more about Sandra's work here: www.sandraphinney.com Sandra Phinney Bio Sandra’s byline has appeared in over 70 publications from regional magazines and newspapers such as The Chronicle Herald and Saltcapes Magazine, to national publications including The Toronto Star, Subaru’s Six Star, The United Church Observer, Canadian Geographic, AAA Living, and The Conservator (Nature Conservancy of Canada.) Sandra started her freelance career at age 54—twenty-three years ago. She didn’t have a clue; she just knew she had to figure out how to earn a living as a writer. (Her former lives included teaching, social work, owning a music store, and farming.) Now, a septuagenarian, she’s still earning her living as a writer, with no intention of retiring, although she’s also dabbling in the realm of writing personal essays and trying to find markets for those along with her mainstream stories. She’s penned four non-fiction books: · Risk Takers and Innovators: Great Canadian Business Ventures since 1950 (Altitude Publishing, 2004) · Pierre Elliott Trudeau: the prankster who never flinched (Jackfruit Press, 2006) · Maud Lewis and the “Maudified” House Project (Hawthorne Lane Publishing, 2014) · Waking Up in My Own Backyard: Explorations in Southwest Nova Scotia (Pottersfield Press, 2018) To satisfy her craving to teach, Sandra gives writing workshops on various topics such as memoir and travel writing. She lives off the grid with her husband, Barrie MacGregor, on the Tusket River outside of the town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in a place called Canaan (population 11). They built their own home 20 years ago; the roof is still standing, and their marriage survived. Sandra is a member of The Writer’s Union of Canada (TWUC), Travel Media Association of Canada (

Tina Devine is a traveller, free spirit and coach. She has lived in ten different countries and has learned to be comfortable with change and making a home in other places. We are exploring the concept of home, especially if we deal with change. We discuss what home means and how gaining a better understanding of yourself will lead to better choices when dealing with the upheaval of finding or being in a new home. Making a home Take time to notice what is in front of you Signs and synchronicity Choices Being open to invitation and possibility The Book I gave Tina was: A Fortune Teller Told Me: Earthbound Travels in the Far East: Tiziano Terzani. You can find out more about Tina at: www.devineintentions.com. Tina Devine's Bio Tina Devine is of Irish heritage, born in Germany and currently residing in Mexico where she continues with her global adventure to explore her creative spirit and find the perfect night of salsa dancing! Tina is an Award winning Creatrix, Artist, Published Author, Entrepreneur and energy practitioner. She is a self taught artist, who co-creates art with her clients to energetically activate fast, deep and transformative healing. Artistically, Tina combines energy and intentions with abstract acrylic pouring and brushwork to create and channel her art in a flow state. As a living example of her work, Tina supports those ready to raise their energetic vibration to step into the life they most desire. Her magic lies in seeing you, your potential and your dreams not yet imagined.

My guest today is Mindy Cowap, founder of the M Project and a finalist of the 2022 Enterprise Vision Awards Inspirational Woman of the Year. Seven years ago, after her mother's devastating subarachnoid haemorrhage, Mindy felt lost and decided to improve her health and vitality. The experience was transformational and Mindy felt compelled to share her rejuvenation with others. We talk about Finding who we are supposed to be Not asking others to do what you wouldn't do yourself Midlife loss of confidence The Expectation Effect The importance of movement You can find out more about the M Project here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/themprojectmovement The book I bought for Mindy was: The Expectation Effect: by David Robson Mindy Cowap Biography Mindy Cowap is the founder of The M Project and The M Project Movement. "I am on a mission to show women that as we reach midlife and beyond, we can breathe life into life! Often feeling lost, restricted or trapped by hormone shifts, roles & responsibilities and more, we can lose our identity and our joy for life. The M Project is a toolkit to flourish with all the experts with the added value of opportunity to experience alongside that. This isn't a pain-point-chasing menopause group, this is a movement, a sisterhood for enrichment and empowerment. We have one life and we can breathe life into that life! The M Project has a Movement, it is a private Facebook group. A free, safe space for women to connect, to be inspired, to be educated and to have fun!”

Hold On Pain Ends: Naomi Gilmour: Motivational Speaker, Business Woman and Suicide Prevention Advocate If you are lucky enough to live into mid-life and beyond, you will likely have experienced some profound loss. My guest this week, Naomi Gilmour, has taken the brave step of facing the debilitating grief of loss and, in the process, rebuilt her sense of self and now shares her learnings with others. Before we recorded this week’s episode Naomi and I went for an early morning dip in a lake. It was pouring with rain, but a beautiful rainbow lit the sky when the clouds parted. Rainbows are especially symbolic for Naomi, and we both believed that the spirit of her beloved brother, Nick was there with us at that moment. Please put your hand on your heart and allow yourself a slither of happiness as you listen to Naomi’s story. Naomi and I discuss How diversity and loss have shaped Naomi’s understanding of her purpose The Importance of being alone and cultivating inner peace Slithers of Happiness Anchoring The Significance of Your Hands References Naomi’s Book: Love You Love Your Life https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-You-Your-Life-Discover-ebook/dp/B09YKWHV6W You can find Naomi here: https://www.happyhearthq.com/about/ https://iamnaomivictoria.com/ The book I gave to Naomi: is Extreme You Step Up. Stand Out. Kick-Ass. Repeat. Sarah Robb O’Hagan Naomi victoria Gilmour Biography. Naomi inspires and entertains audiences with her keynote talks about life lessons, resilience and reframing. Her life has been far from plain sailing, and she uses her first-hand experience to help others.

Some podcasts are transformational, and this is one of them for me. In today’s episode of the If Anne Can podcast, I’m talking to Kim Gowland, and she explains the difference between change and transition. A process that can be bewildering and confusing for many of us. Kim and I discuss The difference between change and transition The Process of Transition Letting go:Neutral zone:New beginning:Looking for Meaning Taking Action References The Book Kim mentioned: Transitions; Making Sense of Life's Changes: William Bridges. The book I gave to Kim: Range: how Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World: David Epstein Kim Gowland's Bio Executive and Leadership Coach. Brilliant Transitions Coach. I coach senior leaders in the cultural and public sectors, to help them navigate change and transition and be more confident and inspired in their careers. Alongside my own work under Kim Gowland Coaching, I am an Associate Coach for North West Employers, coaching senior leaders working in the local authorities across Greater Manchester and the North West region. I am also an Associate Coach for Lois Burton Ltd and People Make it Work, coaching clients in the cultural sector including at Tate and Coventry City of Culture. 1-1 Brilliant Transitions Coaching My 1-1 Brilliant Transitions coaching programme helps clients navigate personal or professional change and transition and build new confidence, meaning and inspiration in their careers and wider lives. I have helped clients leave jobs or careers that no longer serve them and find delight in a new professional path, to create a better work-life balance for themselves and their families, to rediscover their confidence, creativity or sense of adventure. My job is to help my clients to feel more in control and empowered, and to work with them so they move from a place where they feel stuck, confused, unhappy or helpless to feeling clearer, happier, more confident, more authentic and more able to fulfil their potential. I also run occasional Brilliant Transitions workshops, the next one will most likely be in January 2023. · You can find out more about me on my website https://kimgowlandcoaching.com · Join my facebook group Brilliant Transitions www.facebook.com/groups/brilliantransitions · Email me on kim@kimgowlandcoaching.com Tel: 077252 69069

At this time of year many expat families are moving back to their home countries, and some will find repatriation harder than expatriation. In today’s episode of the If Anne Can podcast , I’m talking to Amanda Jaffe about the challenges of repatriation. Amanda and I were expats in Singapore, and we repatriated to our home countries during the pandemic, me to the UK and Amanda to the USA. We returned home with new identities, which meant we had to change our lives. This is a great listen for anyone who is facing repatriation or who has repatriated in the last few years. Amanda and I discuss Home · The difficulties of re-engaging with home after a period away where your role and identity have entirely changed. · Overcoming feelings of dislocation. · Walking as a way of grounding yourself and rediscovering your surroundings. · The need to discover new activities. Identity · Preserving a hard-won new identity. · Making what you experienced as an expat relevant to your return. · The importance of enjoying each day and not being too focused on the future. · Giving yourself time to reacclimatise but at the same time being open to new experiences and opportunities. · Overcoming the physical shock of returning to a new climate. Community · The joy of finding one friend. · Activating networks. · Looking for ways to engage and reach out. · The impact of turning up. · Finding someone who would miss you if you didn’t show up, even if that takes some time. · Remember to have fun! References You can find out more about Amanda at: www.amandajaffewrites.com The book I gave to Amanda: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times: Katherine May Amanda’s biography My guest today is Amanda Jaffe. Amanda spent thirty years working as a lawyer in Washington DC and New Jersey, but in 2018, she moved with her husband to Singapore and got the opportunity to ‘finally begin writing.’ First, a blog for friends and family, and then, with the encouragement of the American Women’s Association of Singapore Writers’ Group, she began to publish articles. Just as she was cementing her new identity, she had to move back to her home in New Jersey and then to California. She has maintained a creative writing practice and has taken the opportunity to combine writing with work and volunteering in the non-profit sector. Amanda’s writing focuses on narratives that convey a strong sense of location and dislocation, and as a returning expat, she says ‘finding my cadence has been unexpectedly challenging.’

An early memory of a cruel teacher left me dreading the thought of ever trying to create an artwork. Meeting Kate Hughes and attending one of her art classes changed my mind, so I was delighted when she agreed to be a guest on this podcast. I thought our conversation would revolve around how she escaped the restraints of school teaching and smoothly moved to create her art studio, but it proved to be so much more. Kate talks movingly about how being prescribed the mini pill after the birth of her second child led her to suffer debilitating depression and anxiety. She had to leave her teaching job and relocate to Manchester. Throughout her suffering, she trusted her innate bravery and focused on creating art. Kate happened to see a Facebook post where she learned that one of the side effects of the mini-pill was depression. Within days of coming off the medication, Kate regained her health. She uses her energy to share her love of art with others. Her classes are both energizing and cathartic, and if you can get to her Manchester studio, I urge you to sign up. After all, if Anne Can …….. References Reach Kate Hughes at Outside The Lines Art Group Outside The Lines Art Group | Facebook | | Outside The Lines Art Group | FacebookThis is a safe space for you to explore your creativity. A group to enjoy and celebrate processes, techniques an... The book I chose for Kate is: Keep Going; 10 Ways To Stay Creative In Good Times And Bad: Austin Kleon The Book Kate chose for me is: Bloody Brilliant People: The Couples and Partnerships That History Forgot: Cathy Newman #art #mentalhealth #artclass #Outsidethelines #IfAnneCan