Island Influencers

Sharon Sutton
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Island Influencers

Welcome to Island Influencers, where we share stories of successful business owners, experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders based or with influence in the Isle of Man. This podcast is brought to you by Thornton.

  1. 28 MAY

    Mother and daughter duo Sarah and Rachel Jarvis

    Our latest Island Influencer episode is a first for us—and a very special one. It’s not often we get the chance to welcome a mother and daughter together, but we felt this was a truly lovely combination. Their intertwined stories deserve to be heard in tandem. You'll meet Sarah Jarvis, who built a successful career in marketing before life threw her a devastating curveball—stage three ovarian cancer, forcing an unexpected and early retirement at age 58. Since then, Sarah has become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of ovarian cancer while navigating life with an incurable illness. You'll also hear from Dr Rachel Jarvis Martin, Sarah’s daughter, whose deep love of nature began in childhood on the Isle of Man. Rachel’s career has taken her from studying chimpanzees and elephants at Chester Zoo, to working on conservation projects in South America, to completing a PhD researching heart disease in great apes. When her mum was diagnosed, Rachel paused her PhD to come home, ultimately rethinking her own future in light of what truly mattered. Now an Education Officer at Manx Wildlife Trust, Rachel is on a mission to connect people of all ages with the natural world. Her return to the Isle of Man represents a growing (yet still rare) movement of young, educated professionals choosing a life and career rooted in community and purpose. This is an open, deeply moving, and humorous conversation about resilience, career change, family, nature, and why it’s never too early (or too late) to live with intention. Here’s episode 131 with Island Influencers Sarah and Rachel Jarvis, enjoy!

    57 min

  2. 14 MAY

    Wendy Ranft-Gerber, Health and Balance

    In this latest episode of Island Influencers, Wendy Ranft-Gerber shares her life story from growing up in South Africa to finding a new home - and a new calling - on the Isle of Man.   Wendy’s story is one of adaptability, courage, and deep compassion, spanning military service, a career in financial services, and eventually following her passion into yoga teaching and cancer wellness coaching.   Along the way, she discusses pivotal life moments, including travelling the world, navigating career pivots after redundancy, and how yoga and health coaching became powerful tools not only for personal healing but for helping others, particularly those affected by cancer.   The conversation also explores the journey of building a values-driven business on the Isle of Man, the power of staying open to unexpected opportunities, and the deep importance of community, self-belief, and purpose.   So here is Wendy Ranft-Gerber in episode 130 of Island Influencers, enjoy.

    1h 5m

  3. 30 APR

    Graham Makepeace-Warne, Experienced wildlife communications and engagement professional. Head of Engagement at the Manx Wildlife Trust

    In this latest episode of Island Influencers, Sharon chats with Graham Makepeace-Warne, Marketing and Engagement Manager at Manx Wildlife Trust. Graham shares his fascinating journey from a corporate marketing career in Manchester to finding a deeper sense of purpose in conservation on the Isle of Man. He reflects on the pivotal moment that made him rethink his career and commit to protecting nature, as well as why the Isle of Man has become the perfect place for him to live and work.  Graham discusses the incredible work being done by the Manx Wildlife Trust, including the Aviva Temperate Rainforest Project and the importance of reforesting the island. He also discusses how business and conservation can work together for a more sustainable future. Beyond his professional life, Graham opens up about his passion for volunteering and motorcycle touring and his experiences as a TT and Manx Grand Prix marshal.  This episode is packed with insights into resilience, personal growth, and the vital role of community in conservation.  Here is Graham Makepeace-Warne in episode 129 of Island Influencers.

    40 min

  4. 16 APR

    Kasia Chudy, founder of the Natural Animal Clinic

    This week Sharon chats with Kasia Chudy, a veterinary surgeon and the founder of the Natural Animal Clinic in Ballasalla, where she and her team bring a fresh and holistic approach to animal care.  Originally from Poland, Kasia studied veterinary medicine at the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław. She moved to the UK before discovering the Isle of Man and making the island her home. The Natural Animal Clinic specialises in alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, helping animals heal in ways that go beyond traditional veterinary care.  In our conversation, she shares her inspiring career path, the challenges of introducing holistic treatments in a conventional field, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. We also dive into entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of taking bold steps—both in business and in life.

    38 min

  5. 2 APR

    Deborah Heather, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Isle of Man

    In this episode of Island Influencers, we welcome Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man to share her story and ambitious plans for the island.  Deborah’s early childhood was in Durham, and at nine, she moved to Hong Kong. Her experiences abroad and back in the UK shaped her perspective and led to a successful career in the hotel industry, ultimately guiding her to her current role.  She discusses the ambitious target of attracting 500,000 visitors by 2032 and the innovative strategies her team is using to achieve this goal. From overcoming challenges like seasonality and connectivity to embracing digital solutions, Deborah offers valuable insights into leading a tourism organisation. Deborah also talks about her personal life, her love of cycling, and the unique charm of the Isle of Man. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom from a leader dedicated to positively impacting the island. So here is Deborah Heather in episode 127 of Island Influencers. https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-deborah-heather

    52 min

  6. 19 MAR

    Vicki Hotchkiss, founder of Compass Strategy and a non-executive director for the Isle of Man Football Association

    This special International Women’s Day episode comes a little later than planned due to illness, but it’s worth the wait! Island Influencer Vicki Hotchkiss comes from a long line of inspirational women and continues to break barriers for future generations. As the Founder of Compass Strategy and a non-executive director for the Isle of Man Football Association, Vicki shares her personal and professional story—from growing up on the Isle of Man and travelling the world to building an extensive career in financial services, project management, and leadership.  We explore her transition to entrepreneurship, what inspired her to launch Compass Strategy and the challenges and opportunities for women in business and sports. She also discusses her role in driving gender diversity in football governance. Vicki offers powerful insights on the impact of mentorship and female role models in shaping careers, while tackling the broader economic and workforce challenges facing the Isle of Man. She shares a fresh perspective on wealth, success, and work-life balance, providing valuable advice for those navigating career transitions and personal growth. Here is Vicki Hotchkiss in episode 126 of Island Influencers. https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-vicki-hotchkiss

    51 min

  7. 5 MAR

    Jason Bissell, Global AI & Data Executive, Strategic Advisor, and Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board

    In this episode of Island Influencers, I sit down with the incredible Jason Bissell, Global AI & Data Executive, Strategic Advisor, and Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board. From a small village in Somerset to leading global AI, tech, and data companies, Jason's career path and life story are nothing short of inspiring. We talk about how his early experiences, including the influence of his stepfather, shaped his work ethic and drive. Jason shares insights from his pioneering work in AI, data analytics, and virtual reality, reflecting on the evolution of these industries and his transition from corporate leadership to strategic advising. Now based on the Isle of Man, Jason serves as Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board. He reveals what drew him to the island, his first impressions, and his vision for balancing economic growth with environmental and community well-being. If you’re curious about career transitions, leadership, and sustainable innovation, this conversation is packed with inspiration. https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-jason-bissell

    1h 4m

  8. 19 FEB

    Anne Harrison co-owner of Wine Down Ltd - Restaurant and Wine Merchant

    This week, Sharon records live from the vibrant and cosy setting of Wine Down, the Isle of Man’s cherished restaurant and wine shop, with Anne Harrison, its co-founder. Years before opening the doors to Wine Down, Anne thought of the name while out on a run—where she does all her best thinking—and dreamed of one day owning her own business. That vision became a reality when she partnered with the talented chef Roy Macfarlane, the other half of Wine Down, to create this unique hybrid concept. From her early start working in German vineyards (with her Dad) as a teenager to navigating the challenges of the hospitality industry during the pandemic, Anne brings a wealth of experiences and insights to the table. We’ll uncover the inspiring story behind Wine Down, discuss the importance of mentoring young talent, and dive into Anne’s personal philosophy on good wine, hard work, and good living. Anne will also reflect on what makes the Isle of Man a special place to call home. Whether you’re a local or simply a lover of good food, wine, and inspiring stories, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the island’s top restaurants—and certainly one of the busiest we've come across. Here is the conversation with Anne Harrison in episode 124 of Island Influencers.

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Welcome to Island Influencers, where we share stories of successful business owners, experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders based or with influence in the Isle of Man. This podcast is brought to you by Thornton.

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Sutton
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sharon Sutton
  • Show Website
    Island Influencers

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