Focus on WHY

Amy Rowlinson
Focus on WHY

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

  1. Why Complex Complicated Conversations Matter with Katie Allen

    1 JUL

    Why Complex Complicated Conversations Matter with Katie Allen

    Ever feel too nervous to speak up about sensitive or uncomfortable topics? DEI professional Katie Allen unpacks the art of navigating difficult conversations around inclusion, privilege and purpose. Drawing on her personal journey and professional work in diversity, equity and inclusion, Katie reveals what holds people back from speaking honestly, why making mistakes is part of the process and how curiosity can become a powerful tool for connection. Learn how to move from fear and silence to growth and authenticity with courage as Katie explores Why Complex, Complicated Conversations Matter.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘I feel like we're going in the wrong direction. So I want to see a more inclusive society for more people and that's my small contribution to it.’   ABOUT THE GUEST KATIE Katie Allen is a Confidence Coach, TEDx speaker and host of the podcast, Speaking of Inclusion. With a background in commercial leadership and HR Katie understands the societal challenges faced by businesses today. She’s now on a mission to use her insight and experience to change the world of work and create psychologically safe spaces where everyone can thrive. Talking with you, not at you, Katie’s goal is to empower forward thinking leaders, allies and accomplices with the confidence to have the complex conversations that matter, without the fear of putting your foot in it. It’s DEI without BS.    CONNECT WITH KATIE https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieallenconsulting/ https://www.katieallenconsulting.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTeWAJjXbtxEijrZlX01Zlw https://open.spotify.com/show/608UrxAPYaKv4cbeehqxQw?si=5bd255f7fdd34662   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan – https://amzn.eu/d/7OnQ1Pm Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr - https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    40 min
  2. Purposeful Partnerships with John Lane and Will Barfield

    24 JUN

    Purposeful Partnerships with John Lane and Will Barfield

    John Lane and Will Barfield share a passion for people-centric approaches in the professional world. Discussing the challenges of modern workplace dynamics, the impact of AI and the importance of genuine human connection, John and Will explore their unique business relationship, emphasising the value of serving others, building meaningful networks and prioritising personal growth over traditional success metrics. This conversation reveals the power of listening, creating value beyond transactional interactions and, ultimately showcases the full potential of purposeful partnerships.    KEY TAKEAWAY ‘When we found one another and we found that unified why, we actually decided to start a business together. So we do work separately but also in concert and it's a very unique relationship.’   ABOUT THE GUESTS - JOHN & WILL John Lane specialises in helping business owners and leaders elevate team performance through a two-step program: a Business Alignment Audit to foster engagement and a Growth and Development Plan to boost team effectiveness. Ideal for leadership retreats or strategy-planning sessions, his approach ensures alignment with business goals and prepares teams for sustained success.   Will is a career Salesperson, Sales Leader, and Business Development professional who currently owns and operates an international recruiting practice.  His firm, Barfield Revenue Consulting, focuses on helping companies hire revenue-impacting talent, entry level through executive.  Additionally, Will consults with companies around employee-related subjects like fit to role, cultural alignment and retention. Will is a licensed Organization Analysis & Design (OAD) personality assessment distributor.  He uses the assessment actively in his recruiting practice.    CONNECT WITH JOHN & WILL https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntlane/   John.Lane@DBAJTL.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/willbarfield/ will@barfieldrevenue.com   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* The Go Giver by Bob Burg - https://amzn.eu/d/7BRWgUB The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Steve Peters – https://amzn.eu/d/4nlhtd7 Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr - https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    42 min
  3. Leading with Integrity with Candice Quartermain

    19 JUN

    Leading with Integrity with Candice Quartermain

    What role does intuition play in your decisions and how do you strengthen trust in it? With 20 years of experience as a business consultant, Candice Quartermain shares her journey from people-pleasing to purposeful leadership and meaningful contribution. She explores how tuning into the body’s wisdom, embracing authenticity and trusting intuition can radically transform how you live and lead. Candice reflects on balancing work and family, the importance of play and experimentation and her commitment to regenerative solutions. Offering powerful insights on aligning with your true nature, redefining success and stepping into your power one intentional choice at a time, Candice is truly leading with integrity.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘We really want to create global change but very few of us are willing to actually create the change that we need to make within ourselves.’   ABOUT THE GUEST - CANDICE Candice Quartermain is a recognised expert in trust and cultural change, with over 20 years’ experience shaping the way leaders and organisations grow. She has led award-winning innovation for brands like Adidas, Unilever and General Motors, and founded Circular Economy Australia, a pioneering global community driving regenerative design. Her work spans business, government and academia, embedding trust as the foundation for resilience, collaboration and high performance. A certified Somatic Intelligence Practitioner and mother of two, Candice brings a grounded, real-world approach built on deep lived experience. With expertise in non-verbal communication and team dynamics, she supports leaders to cut through noise, strengthen relationships and lead with integrity. Her signature course, Leading with Integrity, supports women to rebuild self-trust and lead in a smarter way that honours their intuition, protects their energy, creates more balance, and stays true to who they are.   CONNECT WITH CANDICE https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicequartermain/ https://www.candicequartermain.com/ https://linktr.ee/candicequartermain     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr - https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    47 min
  4. The Architecture of Joy with Raquel Aparicio

    17 JUN

    The Architecture of Joy with Raquel Aparicio

    What makes a space feel like home? Architect Raquel Aparicio, founder of Mara Design, reveals how her childhood journey from Portugal to China sparked a lifelong passion for meaningful design. Creating spaces filled with joy and meaning, Raquel blends creativity, efficiency and purpose, Raquel transforms spaces into havens of joy and belonging. Raquel explores the emotional impact of colour, culture and user experience on wellbeing. From navigating change to designing for connection, discover how architecture can be both profitable and deeply human. Preparation, empathy and personal identity shape the places we love most so tune in to discover the architecture of joy. KEY TAKEAWAY ‘It's all about how people experience spaces and how those spaces make them feel.’   ABOUT RAQUEL Raquel is the founder of Mar Design, a bespoke design and architecture studio for property developers and investors. With 20 years of international experience and a background in major projects like the Four Seasons Hotel and Chelsea Barracks, she combines design expertise with a developer’s mindset to create high-performing, transformational homes. Driven by her own experience of displacement, Raquel’s mission is to design spaces that feel like true homes, places that enrich lives and that people love and can call their own. Through Mar Design, she empowers developers to achieve higher profits, build lasting legacies, and gain the freedom to focus on what matters most.     CONNECT WITH RAQUEL https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-aparicio-mardesignuk/ https://www.instagram.com/mardesignuk/ https://www.mar-design.co.uk/     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Shortlisted in The Business Book Awards 2025 (Work and Life category): Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    34 min
  5. Rubies in the Rubble with Jazz Singh

    10 JUN

    Rubies in the Rubble with Jazz Singh

    Can your darkest moment reveal your greatest purpose? Jazz Singh’s remarkable journey suggests it can. From a childhood marked by trauma and violence to a successful career in banking, Jazz’s trajectory took a sharp turn: a workplace tribunal, homelessness, a tragic accident and eventually imprisonment. It was behind bars that Jazz found meaning through service to others with a deeper calling to fight for justice. Today, Jazz is a passionate advocate for second chances supporting ex-offenders in rebuilding their lives through meaningful work and challenging society to stop defining people by their worst mistake. His work spans the social and criminal justice spaces, where he champions inclusion, systemic change and the power of global voices to solve local issues. In this episode, we dive into: ·      How trauma and incarceration shaped Jazz’s purpose ·      The importance of dignity, work, and second chances ·      Why society must look beyond stigma to see potential ·      What it means to be a changemaker driving justice from the inside out Jazz’s story is a moving reminder that purpose, hope and leadership can rise from the unlikeliest places. He invites us all to search deeper for the talent, the value and the truth often overlooked. This is a conversation about resilience, justice and the hidden potential waiting to be seen. This is about finding the Rubies in the Rubble.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘A prison sentence should come with a full stop but what tends to happen is you come out with a comma.’   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E Frankl - https://amzn.eu/d/apdAsSI Prison Letters by Nelson Mandela - https://amzn.eu/d/dohnOnL   ABOUT JAZZ SINGH Jazz Singh is a purpose led passionate changemaker, speaker and social impact leader, driven by a deep belief in equitable chances and human potential. As Founder of EmpowerAbility and Workforce Development Director at N3Xus, he works at the intersection of justice, leadership and equity. Unlocking pathways for people too often left behind, with a 17-year background in wealth management and the lived experience of prison, Jazz brings heart, authenticity and hard-earned wisdom to every room he enters. A Global Freedom Fellow with Incarceration Nations Network, he champions the idea that everyone is more than their worst mistake. That talent lives everywhere and so should opportunity.   CONNECT WITH JAZZ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-singh%E2%9C%A8-a0b808222/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-ability/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/n3xus-global/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/incarceration-nations-network-inn/     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    38 min
  6. Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    3 JUN

    Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    After every five guest interviews, I take time to reflect on each episode, focusing on specific topics, unravelling different threads and diving deeper into the moments which sparked my curiosity. In this episode, I explore themes such as legacy, transformation, gratitude, meaningful success, work-life balance, adversity, authentic living, motivation, fulfilment, sharing my Reflections with Actions drawn from these five recent podcast conversations: 460 Purpose Over Pace with Holly Rowlinson 461 Human Flourishing in All Seasons of Life with Christian Ray Flores 462 Journey and Adventure Within with Harriet Bratt 463 In Pursuit of Better with Pete Cooper 464 Purposeful Consolidation with Elliot Kay   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Fulfilment isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s the result of consistently living in alignment with what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt off-balance, uninspired or stuck, it might be a signal that your values and behaviours are out of sync.’   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* FINALIST IN 2025 BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    36 min
  7. Purposeful Consolidation with Elliot Kay

    28 MAY

    Purposeful Consolidation with Elliot Kay

    What if chasing more was keeping you from what truly matters? Elliot Kay shares his powerful journey of stepping back from multiple ventures to realign with purpose. With unfiltered honesty, he explores how choosing consolidation over constant hustle brought clarity, joy and deeper presence in both life and work. Elliot redefines success not by income, but by impact, connection and legacy. From being more present as a father to transforming the speaking industry, his story offers inspiration for anyone at a crossroads. Perhaps it’s your turn to embrace a purposeful consolidation.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘What I’m actually focused on is consolidation, on pulling in my life, focusing on becoming a better father on a daily basis so I can be more present and a bit more fun for my kids. Every day I focus on trying to be a better person.’   ABOUT ELLIOT Elliot Kay’s journey is one of resilience, transformation and purpose. Growing up amid addiction, neglect and violence, he faced immense struggles, including dyslexia and a devastating assault at 13. But he refused to be defined by his past. Instead, he built a thriving business and became a powerhouse in leadership communication.   Now an award-winning UK speaker, trainer and author, Elliot helps others harness their voices for impact and success. His mission is clear: to empower individuals to own their stories, rise beyond circumstances and lead with confidence—because your past doesn’t define you. You do.   CONNECT WITH ELLIOT https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-kay/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Shortlisted in The Business Book Awards 2025 (Work and Life category): Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    41 min
  8. In Pursuit of Better with Pete Cooper

    20 MAY

    In Pursuit of Better with Pete Cooper

    What does it truly mean to be a better human? How can you pursue better without falling into the perfectionism trap? Business Book Awards 2025 Finalist, Pete Cooper, challenges the myth of perfection and advocates for the ongoing pursuit of better. Discover his three strands of fulfilment, align your behaviours with your core values and explore the importance of diversity, intention and authentic leadership. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your life’s direction or aiming to make a genuine difference in your career, Pete shares powerful, practical strategies to help you grow with purpose. Begin your journey of conscious transformation today. Be in pursuit of better.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘It’s better, not best. Best, for me, implies a limit, whereas better just is quite a filling objective in that we can always be better, and it steers away from that risk of perfectionism.’   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* The Better Human Blueprint by Pete Cooper - https://amzn.eu/d/by8wY8D Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown - https://amzn.eu/d/aecQ8iB Daring Greatly by Brené Brown - https://amzn.eu/d/aPbq8MW   PODCASTS The Diary of a CEO with Steven Barlett The High Performance Podcast   ABOUT PETE Pete Cooper is a dedicated talent and culture specialist with over a decade of experience in organisational and talent development. Holding an MSc in Occupational Psychology, Pete leverages evidence-based practices to drive meaningful change within organisations. As the chairperson of a sports club, he excels in building high-performance teams and shaping organisational cultures.   Pete has developed early career programmes, created career development frameworks and led strategic talent initiatives with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. His experience spans leading talent and culture transformations and consulting across public, private, and charitable sectors worldwide.   In his debut book, The Better Human Blueprint, he offers practical advice on achieving personal and professional fulfilment, guiding readers on a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement.   CONNECT WITH PETE https://www.instagram.com/mybetterhuman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/petecooper1/ https://mybetterhuman.com/     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Shortlisted in The Business Book Awards 2025 (Work and Life category): Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    41 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
220 Ratings

About

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada