Breakthrough Moments with Heads Up & Freer

Mark Freer
Breakthrough Moments with Heads Up & Freer

Breakthrough Moments with Heads Up & Freer is a Podcast hosted by Mark Freer. Mark Freer is a Performance & Executive Coach, a Leadership Consultant, and a Communication expert, who works with individuals, teams and organisations to help them perform at their best and thrive. In each episode Mark interviews people who have had different "Breakthrough" Moments in their lives. Each one has a unique story to tell and a different pivotal moment from their life, where they have embraced the moment, pushed on through, and experienced some kind of transformation in their life. These stories are powerful in their own right, and I hope by listening to them you can take inspiration from them and make your own breakthroughs. The aim of this show is to: >>> Help people better understand the potential within all of us and our teams. >>> Learn from those who have been through it - the good, the bad and the ugly. >>> Inspire people to explore and grow their knowledge about leadership, teams and change. If you've had a breakthrough moment which you believe others could learn from or you want to share, please get in touch with me at: mark@headsupandfreer.com. If you enjoy the episodes, please rate them and add your comments. For more insights about performance, leadership or communication please visit www.headsupandfreer.com

  1. 20 FEB

    Leah Hodder - Marketing and Social Leader

    Welcome to Breakthrough Moments, where we delve into the pivotal experiences that shape remarkable individuals. In this episode, Mark engages in a captivating conversation with Leah Hodder, a trailblazing figure in the realms of marketing and social leadership. Leah stands as the visionary founder and director of The Goldie Collective, a venture established in 2023 that specializes in creative marketing and events management. Her remarkable journey is punctuated with accolades, including the prestigious Social Leader of the Year title at the 2023 Scottish Women Awards. With an illustrious background, Leah's professional trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having served as the Marketing Director for Aberdeen Performing Arts from 2018 to 2023, she orchestrated the operations of three iconic city venues, solidifying her status as a luminary within Scotland's performing arts landscape. Prior to this, she wielded her expertise at Zero Waste Scotland, where she managed renowned national brands, leaving an indelible mark in the sustainability sphere. A graduate of the esteemed Glasgow School of Arts and adorned with fellowships from esteemed institutions, Leah's influence extends beyond her professional realm. She assumes key roles as Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director of Visit Aberdeenshire, and as a Non-Executive Director of Culture & Business Scotland, advocating for the convergence of culture and commerce. In this insightful episode, Leah shares her wisdom on an array of topics, including navigating parenthood amidst the surreal backdrop of a global pandemic, the trials of steering the entertainment industry through unprecedented shutdowns, and the delicate art of balancing personal and professional spheres while prioritizing self-care and recovery. Through her own journey of entrepreneurship, Leah candidly discusses grappling with self-doubt and the critical role of confidence and mindset in achieving success. Drawing from her experiences, she underscores the importance of fostering wellbeing within teams and seizing opportunities for growth and reinvention. Listeners are treated to Leah's reflections on her involvement in the Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival, offering a glimpse into her multifaceted interests and endeavours. As the conversation draws to a close, Leah leaves us with invaluable takeaways: a reminder to embrace experimentation and resilience in the face of failure, and an encouragement to continuously push the boundaries of comfort and possibility. If Leah's story resonated with you, we invite you to share this podcast with your network, as we collectively seek personal and professional growth. For more insights on leadership development, performance, and impact, connect with Mark via email or LinkedIn, or visit his website. To learn more about Leah and The Goldie Collective, explore their website and discover the transformative power of innovation and creativity. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and inspiration. Stay tuned for more breakthrough moments ahead. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast please share this it with your network who are seeking personal and professional growth. For more information on leadership development, performance and impact reach out to Mark: Email: mark@headsupandfreer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwfreer Website: https://www.headsupandfreer.com/ To find out more about Leah and the Goldie Collective: https://goldiecollective.com/

    38 min
  2. 12/06/2023

    Valeria Karusinova - Empowering ambitious & busy women.

    In my latest episode of the Breakthrough Moments Podcast I have a powerful conversation with Valeria Karusinova, a renowned life and business coach specializing in empowering ambitious and busy women. - Prepare to be inspired as Valeria shares her profound insights and personal experiences that have shaped her remarkable journey: - Discover the transformative power of making a pivotal decision within just two days - Valeria's courageous choice to resign from her job and invest in her own personal growth and development. - Feel the intensity of emotions as she takes you through the rollercoaster ride of starting a professional coaching program - experiencing both panic and relief, and ultimately embarking on a path of immense self-discovery. - Uncover the secrets behind Valeria's incredible year of professional development, where she embraced consciousness, intentionality, and generosity on a daily basis, elevating her impact on both herself and those around her. - Explore the profound influence of social pressures and expectations on Valeria's journey, and how she navigated through them with resilience and authenticity. - Be inspired by Valeria's dedication to personal growth as she shares her experience of participating in the Brussels National 20km run for charity - a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the world. Throughout the episode, Valeria imparts two invaluable lessons that have guided her own transformation: - "Self-Care - Do something for yourself": Learn the importance of recharging your batteries and prioritizing your own well-being. Valeria reminds us that when we take care of ourselves, we become better equipped to support and uplift others. - "Ask for help - You are not alone": Discover the power of reaching out and leaning on your support network during challenging times. Valeria's own journey exemplifies the profound impact that seeking help can have on our personal and professional growth. As you listen to this episode, be prepared to be moved, motivated, and empowered to take your own journey of self-discovery and transformation. Don't forget to engage with us by commenting, rating, and sharing this thought-provoking podcast with others who are seeking personal and professional growth. For more information on leadership development, performance, and maximizing your impact, connect with Mark: Email: mark@headsupandfreer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwfreer Website: https://headsupandfreer.com/feed

    29 min
  3. 01/06/2023

    Breakthrough Moments with Duncan Kerr - Promoting Sustainability

    In this latest episode of Breakthrough Moments, host Mark engages in a captivating conversation with Duncan Kerr, the CEO of Aeristech, a British research and design company dedicated to supporting the decarbonisation of energy production. Duncan is a passionate advocate for sustainability and climate justice, and his story is one you won't want to miss. Join us as Duncan shares his remarkable insights and learnings from an unexpected turn of events that led him to accidentally become CEO of two companies in two different countries, replacing two leaders simultaneously. In this episode, Duncan takes us on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of his unique experience. You'll hear Duncan talk about diving in at the deep end, the significance of clear communication, building trust with your team, and the power of being a good listener. Discover why asking questions to truly understand is a skill that can lead to transformative outcomes. Duncan opens up about the importance of acknowledging what you don't know and refraining from pretending otherwise. Responsibility, accountability, and managing pressure are key themes discussed, along with the value of exercise, quality time with family, and embracing the outdoors for personal well-being and growth. The conversation also delves into pressing topics such as green hydrogen production, sustainability challenges, and the current imbalance of renewable energy supply and demand in the UK. As a final message, Duncan leaves us with inspiring words of wisdom. He encourages listeners to take risks, learn from failures, and discover their own boundaries. Always be open to listening and never pretend to know things you don't. And, of course, keep asking questions to uncover the root cause of challenges. Don't forget to comment, rate, and share this podcast with others who seek personal and professional growth. For more information on leadership performance, impact and wellbeing reach out to Mark: Email: mark@headsupandfreer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwfreer Website: https://headsupandfreer.com/feed

    22 min
  4. 21/05/2023

    Breakthrough Moments with Neil Denning - Adventurer

    Welcome back to another exciting episode of Breakthrough Moments Podcast! Today’s very special guest is the incredible Neil Denning. Neil is not just a business owner and a family man, but he's also someone who lives for thrilling adventures. Get ready to be inspired as we dive into his extraordinary journey! Neil takes us on a captivating ride through the challenges and adventures that have shaped his life. Imagine traveling the world for several years in your mid-twenties, seeking the unknown and pushing your limits. Neil did just that, and he shares his incredible awakening moment while conquering a daunting mountain in beautiful New Zealand. Neil's story is filled with powerful lessons and insights that we can all learn from. He discovered what he was truly capable of by pushing himself to the very edge. Join us as Neil shares his secrets for quashing those negative voices that constantly whisper, "You can't do this." You'll be amazed at how he built his confidence by fearlessly facing challenges that he would have once avoided. As a business owner Neil has also built a thriving company culture centered around the core values of Team, Care, Humility, Growth, and, of course, having some fun! At the end of this incredible episode, Neil leaves us with a powerful message: "Don't be afraid." He urges us to take risks, embrace the unknown, and let the spirit of adventure guide us on our own breakthrough journeys. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to comment, rate, and share it with your friends. And if you're eager for more insights into performance, leadership, coaching, or communication, don't hesitate to reach out to me! Until next time, keep seeking those life-changing moments and never stop chasing your dreams! Contact Mark: Email: mark@headsupandfreer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwfreer Website: https://headsupandfreer.com/feed

    27 min
  5. 13/04/2023

    Breakthrough Moments with Darren Buttrick - Sales Leader, Donor & Volunteer

    In this episode Mark talks to Darren Buttrick. Darren is an experienced and successful Sales Leader in the Telco. & Tech industry currently working as a Sales Director for BT in the Midlands region. Just over 3 years ago in early 2020 Darren was one of the first two thousand confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK. On one of the darkest days of his life he was rushed to hospital, given 15 minutes to call his loved ones potentially for the last time, and told to "fight for his life". After 10 days of being in an induced coma he became the first person in England to leave an ICU unit alive, giving hope to so many other patients at the time. He was also able to donate his blood plasma to help others recover and is now a volunteer with St. Johns Ambulance. In late 2021 Darren was once again fighting for his life against Prostate Cancer for 12 months. Fortunately the treatment worked. Following these experiences Darren wrote a book "Fifteen Minutes and Counting: Never Stop Fighting". You can buy the book here on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/341VwUL All profits from the book go to the NHS. Listen to Darren talk candidly about how the care and support from all the doctors and nurses coupled with his own resilience helped him survive. Darren also shares his own personal insights about the power of resilience, support networks, trust and authenticity. Please comment on, rate and share this Podcast if you took something positive from listening. If you want to learn more about performance, leadership, coaching or communication please: Contact Mark: Email: mark@headsupandfreer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwfreer Website: https://headsupandfreer.com/feed

    38 min
  6. 02/01/2023

    Breakthrough Moments with Roger Cruickshank - Fighter Pilot & Olympian

    In this episode Mark talks to Roger Cruickshank. Roger spent 21 years in the Royal Air Force as a Typhoon Fighter Pilot deployed all around the world and has received the Distinguished Flying Cross for an acts of bravery. In 2006 Roger competed in the Winter Olympics downhill and Super G Alpine skiing events despite having his leg reconstructed with 9 titanium pins and plates from a big ski crash 10 months before the Olympics. Roger is now a jet aircraft flying instructor and performance coach, working with businesses on positive mental fitness. Listen to Roger share some very personal insights and talk candidly about his breakthrough moments and experiences including: "Getting the most out of people, whether coaching & instructing new pilots or educating people on mental wellbeing" "Having the mental willpower to not give up" "Doubting himself and being petrified of failure at the Ski Racing World Cup, where he managed to qualify for the Olympics in his last run....at 146km per hour." "Overcoming major surgery from a bad ski crash 10 months before the Olympics, despite all the specialists saying he would never ski again." "The power of personal belief and being at peace and happy with your own decisions." "What he thinks of the Hollywood movie 'Maverick - Top Gun' (You'll have to listen to the Podcast to find out)." "Coping during tough times when he lost a close family member to suicide." "As a result campaigning for mental health awareness" including writing a book - "Speed of Sound, Sound of Mind" and working with multiple charities. Roger finishes with his own personal messages for our listeners: "Recognising the importance of Psychological Fitness gave him a new lease of life helping others and becoming a better pilot." "The Philosophy of Stoicism - focusing on what you can control and what is right". "Forget about the noise, believe in yourself, become free, and don't fear failure" "Storytelling - the ability to share experiences and wider perspectives that can help others cope, recover and thrive." Please comment on, rate and share this Podcast if you took something positive from listening. If you want to learn more about performance, leadership, coaching or communication please: Contact Mark: Email: mark@headsupandfreer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwfreer Website: https://headsupandfreer.com/feed Contact Roger: LinkedIn: @Roger Cruickshank Instagram: @sos_coaching_ltd Email: info@soscoaching.co.uk "Speed of Sound, Sound of Mind" book: https://amzn.eu/d/d8Sr1W5

    38 min

About

Breakthrough Moments with Heads Up & Freer is a Podcast hosted by Mark Freer. Mark Freer is a Performance & Executive Coach, a Leadership Consultant, and a Communication expert, who works with individuals, teams and organisations to help them perform at their best and thrive. In each episode Mark interviews people who have had different "Breakthrough" Moments in their lives. Each one has a unique story to tell and a different pivotal moment from their life, where they have embraced the moment, pushed on through, and experienced some kind of transformation in their life. These stories are powerful in their own right, and I hope by listening to them you can take inspiration from them and make your own breakthroughs. The aim of this show is to: >>> Help people better understand the potential within all of us and our teams. >>> Learn from those who have been through it - the good, the bad and the ugly. >>> Inspire people to explore and grow their knowledge about leadership, teams and change. If you've had a breakthrough moment which you believe others could learn from or you want to share, please get in touch with me at: mark@headsupandfreer.com. If you enjoy the episodes, please rate them and add your comments. For more insights about performance, leadership or communication please visit www.headsupandfreer.com

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