Island Influencers Sharon Sutton

Welcome back to another captivating episode of Island Influencers. This week, I have the pleasure of introducing you to the one and only John Keggin, Managing Director at Island Escapes Limited. 
 
John's story takes us back to his upbringing within a family deeply woven into the fabric of Manx tourism. Imagine generations warmly welcoming guests to the picturesque The Tower Hotel in Port Erin.
 
From a young age, John had always wanted to own his own business and in 2018, his dreams came reality with Island Escapes. Drawing from a wealth of diverse experiences across marketing and operations, John paints an authentic picture of the highs and lows that come with forging your path as an entrepreneur. He bares his soul, revealing moments of utmost fulfillment and the challenges that tested his mettle.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and the pandemic that swept the globe was a true test of resilience for many. John candidly shares his personal encounter with burnout, a consequence of navigating the storm as both a business owner and an individual. 


John's a driving force propelling the Isle of Man's tourism to new heights. You won't want to miss the pearls of wisdom and stories that John Keggin unveils. So, grab your favourite headphones, find your cherished quiet corner, and join me in episode 96 of Island Influencers. 


https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-john-keggin
 
Useful links:
https://www.islandescapes.im
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-keggin-49081a40/
https://www.visitisleofman.com/
Book: The Treasure House: Discovering Enlightenment Exactly Where You Are by Mike Kewley

This week, I had the privilege of exploring the world of Island Influencer Jessica Le Merle, Director and Co-founder of Afundi, a full-service development and collaborative design agency that empowers brands and businesses to stand out from the crowd.
 
Since moving from Durban, South Africa, to the Isle of Man in 2014, Jessica has made her mark in the local digital landscape. 
 
In our conversation, Jessica takes us through her life story and back to lockdown. With boundless creativity and determination, Jessica and her partner and co-founder Nicolas embarked on a whirlwind project, conceptualising and building the groundbreaking website known as eatout.im. This online food ordering platform was specifically designed to support local catering and hospitality businesses during the challenging times of the coronavirus lockdown. 


Remarkably, Jessica and Nic never sought personal gain from this project. Their motivation came from a deep love for their craft and a strong desire to support their community during difficult times.


But there's more to Jessica than Afundi, when she's not hard at work, she indulges in her passion for coffee, embracing each cup's artistry and complexity. She's also a proud new mum to her son Harrison and Charlie, her adorable Cavapoo, and a dedicated explorer, always seeking new adventures.


Join me in episode 95 as I share the inspiring story of Island Influencer Jessica Le Merle, an influential force on the Isle of Man's digital landscape and a true catalyst for positive change within the community.


https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-jessica-lemerle

Useful links:
 
Afundi Website - https://afundi.im/
Afundi Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/we_are_afundi/
Instagram (personal) - https://instagram.com/jigzlemerle12
Afundi LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/afundi/
LinkedIn (personal) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-le-merle-56313a4a/
Afundi Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WeAreAfundi

This week I have the pleasure of sitting down with an incredible individual who has significantly impacted their career and community. Island Influencer Ciara Sowerby is a Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology graduate striving to affect change professionally and personally. 
 
Ciara admits she has had a deep curiosity and a desire to explore new things. She dabbled in various sports and hobbies from a young age, and that enthusiasm carried over into adulthood.
 
Over the years, she has had the opportunity to do some incredible things. From attending Space School at NASA to travelling to Hong Kong with the Air Cadets, she has always embraced opportunities that come her way. This attitude has played a significant role in shaping who she is today.

As a co-founder of the Isle of Man Student Climate Network, Ciara is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for a sustainable future. It's a cause close to her heart, and she believes it's crucial for us to take action to protect our environment.
 
Additionally, as a Biosphere Youth representative, she represents the youth in the Isle of Man community and contributes to preserving our island's unique natural and cultural heritage. 
 
I'm excited to share our conversation in episode 94 of Island Influencers. Ciara Sowerby’s experiences and insights are 100% worth listening to. The world needs to hear her voice! 


https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-ciara-sowerby
 
Useful links:
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciarasowerby/
Instagram at @ciara_sowerby 
Twitter at @ciarasowerby

My Island Influencer this week is Bettina Roth, Chief Executive, Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.
Bettina has an extensive background in the financial services industry, boasting a wealth of international experience gained from her impressive career in both the regulatory and private sectors. With a strong track record of professional achievement, Bettina has held senior positions in various jurisdictions, including the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market, and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.
With such an impressive background and an array of accolades, Bettina Roth is undoubtedly a leader in the field of financial services. Her appointment as CEO of the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority came at a pivotal stage in its development, as the organisation strives to protect consumers, combat financial crime, and maintain confidence in the financial services sector through robust prudential supervision.
During our conversation, we delve into Bettina's insights and gain a deeper understanding of her vast experience. We explore her remarkable journey, discuss her vision for the future, and uncover valuable insights into the world of financial services regulation. Additionally, Bettina aims to inspire other women to pursue senior roles and continue spearheading innovation within the Isle of Man's regulatory landscape.
So, here is my conversation with Bettina Roth in episode 93 of Island Influencers

This week, my Island Influencer is a true pioneer in nutrition and menopause, Joanne Posey. Hailing from the Isle of Man, Joanne is an expert in her field, dedicated to helping individuals and groups navigate the challenges of menopause and find relief from their symptoms.
But Joanne's influence doesn't stop there. She also works with organisations, empowering them to support their staff during this transformative phase of life, equipping line managers with the tools they need to provide understanding and assistance.
Coming from a lineage of entrepreneurs, Joanne has always been ahead of her time. Her passion for researching, investigating, and understanding well-being, wellness, diet, and lifestyle has positioned her at the forefront of her industry. And now, the rest of the world is catching up to her invaluable insights.
In this episode, you'll get the chance to listen and learn from my conversation with Joanne Posey. Her deep understanding of the menopause journey and compassionate approach make her a trusted source of support and guidance. Joanne just "gets" what is going on, and you won't want to miss the wisdom she shares.
So get ready to be inspired by episode 92 of Island Influencers with the incredible Joanne Posey.

Welcome to another episode of Island Influencers! This week, I have the privilege of featuring Jackie Betteridge, the remarkable CEO of Crossroads, the largest Third Sector organisation on the Isle of Man. When Jackie took the helm at Crossroads, it was a small organisation, but under her leadership, the workforce has grown by an astounding 500%, and the number of volunteers has increased by 100%.
Crossroads is an organisation dedicated to caring for carers, working with families and individuals of all ages. They deliver an impressive 160,000 care hours per year, a testament to their commitment to supporting the community. The work undertaken by Crossroads is both complex and rewarding, addressing the diverse needs of those they serve.
Jackie's passions extend beyond her professional role; her tight-knit family holds a special place in her heart.
Jackie Betteridge and I delve into the services provided by Crossroads in episode 91, sharing insights into their operations and future plans. From what she reveals, it's evident that her dedication to helping the Isle of Man community is unwavering, and her purpose shines through in everything she does.
Join us as we learn from Jackie Betteridge's incredible journey and gain a deeper understanding of Crossroads' invaluable contributions to the Isle of Man community.