4 episodes

Leaders in Disguise is a ground-breaking podcast dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing, for business leaders. Each fortnightly episode delves into the hidden struggles of successful leaders who, on the surface, appear to have it all together but have battled mental health challenges behind the scenes. The podcast serves as a platform for leaders to share their personal journeys, uncovering the realities of what it takes to succeed while managing mental health issues. Visit https://garyparsons.uk for more information.

Leaders in Disguise Gary Parsons UK

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

Leaders in Disguise is a ground-breaking podcast dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing, for business leaders. Each fortnightly episode delves into the hidden struggles of successful leaders who, on the surface, appear to have it all together but have battled mental health challenges behind the scenes. The podcast serves as a platform for leaders to share their personal journeys, uncovering the realities of what it takes to succeed while managing mental health issues. Visit https://garyparsons.uk for more information.

    Episode 3: Gambling, Business & Relationships with Trent Peek

    Episode 3: Gambling, Business & Relationships with Trent Peek

    In this episode, a highly successful and serial entrepreneur Trent Peek, currently at the helm of We are Fulfilment, a 3rd Party Logistics Provider (.. A bit like Amazon, but I’ll let him explain how it works) shares his challenge with gambling, celebrates business growth and how he could have lost him everything.

    Trent has been very open about his history with gambling, lifting his mask and explaining the reaction of his now-wife when it all got out of control. Most importantly, we chat about raising money for business growth, and how Trent uses his story to position himself with potential investors uniquely.

    Important Note - One Rule Only:

    Please be kind to our guests. As they share their brave and vulnerable stories in a world where stigma persists, listen carefully and join us in celebrating their achievements!



    *** Please contact GamCare, the leading provider of information, advice and support if you or anyone you know is affected by gambling harms - Available 24/7 via 0808 8020 133 or visit their website at https://www.gamcare.org.uk/



    Episode Highlights:

    Where his gambling habit got real and how we got past it

    The support he needed, including his now-wife Sarah

    Raising investment for a growing and highly successful business



    Important Credits:

    - Guest: Trent Peek, We Are Fulfillment

    - Host: Gary Parsons, Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker

    - Production: Darren Dunn, Audio/Visual/Editor



    Visit Gary Parsons' Official Website for information on upcoming episodes and guest participation.


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    • 51 min
    Episode 2: Overcoming Health Challenges & Facing Adversity with Lee Marples

    Episode 2: Overcoming Health Challenges & Facing Adversity with Lee Marples

    In this episode, co-founder and entrepreneur, Lee Marples of Think3 Marketing & Creative Agency joins host Gary Parsons to share his journey through personal and professional upheaval. His experiences offer profound lessons on the resilience required to navigate life's unpredictability.

    Important Note - One Rule Only:

    Please be kind to our guests. As they share their brave and vulnerable stories in a world where stigma persists, listen carefully and join us in celebrating their achievements!

    Episode Highlights:

    Insights into the competitive nature of leadership and its impacts.

    The crucial balance between professional dedication and personal wellbeing.

    Important Credits:


    Host: Gary Parsons, Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker
    Guest: Lee Marples, Owner & Co-Founder of Think3
    Production: Darren Dunn, Audio/Visual/Editor

    Visit Gary Parsons' Official Website for information on upcoming episodes and guest participation.


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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leadersdisguise/message

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Episode 1: Courage, Vulnerability, and Change with Gary Parsons

    Episode 1: Courage, Vulnerability, and Change with Gary Parsons

    In this debut episode, Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker, Gary Parsons, steps into the guest seat. Sarah Gatford, The Positivity Pathfinder, takes on hosting duties, exploring the themes of resilience and mental health management for leaders.
    Important Note - One Rule Only:
    Please be kind to our guests. As they share their brave and vulnerable stories in a world where stigma persists, listen carefully and join us in celebrating their achievements!
    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Trailer: Introduction of special host Sarah Gatford and guest Gary Parsons.
    01:40 Behind the Name: Delving into 'Leaders in Disguise', the concept of 'The Mirror', and the importance of reflection.
    05:50 In Memory of Farah Khaleck: Discussing self-care and the inspiration to unmask in 2021.
    06:57 "Vulnerability": Challenging societal expectations and the stigma associated with 'weakness' by embracing authenticity.
    09:30 Discussing the journey of recovery from Bell's Palsy: The roles of masks, armour, and the path to self-esteem and confidence.
    12:05 Gary’s leadership journey: Balancing life and work while navigating the challenges of business hyper-growth.
    14:42 Revisiting self-care strategies and prioritising 'Gary the Person' over 'Gary the Leader'.
    17:22 Lifting the mask: The pressures of business, seeking professional support, and entrepreneurial traits.
    23:34 The Moment of Change: Reflecting on the transformation in Gary's life and embracing freedom.
    24:45 Redefining failure and changing mindsets, featuring Sarah's "Plot Twist" approach and Gary’s early business experiences.
    32:20 Addressing mental health and wellbeing challenges in the SME business community: Breaking barriers and normalising conversations.
    40:55 Culture shift: Encouraging open conversations and self-reflection.
    49:15 Self-care tips and lessons learned, including battling the "stupid voice" and embracing affirmations.
    53:45 Pinch Yourself Moments: Reflecting on gratitude and wrapping up the episode.
    56:30 How to be a guest on the Leaders in Disguise podcast.

    Useful Resources:

    Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill.
    Book Recommendation: The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k by Sarah Knight.
    Watch on Netflix: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%! by Mark Manson.
    Research Highlight: 72% of founders report that their role has impacted their mental health, according to Startup Snapshot (April 2023).

    Show Credits:

    Special Guest: Gary Parsons, Leadership Mental Health Advocate and Inspirational Speaker
    Special Host: Sarah Gatford, The Positivity Pathfinder
    Production: Darren Dunn, Audio/Visual/Editor

    Visit Gary Parsons' Official Website for information on upcoming episodes and guest participation.

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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leadersdisguise/message

    • 58 min
    Trailer: Leaders in Disguise with Gary Parsons

    Trailer: Leaders in Disguise with Gary Parsons

    Leaders in Disguise is a ground-breaking podcast dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing, particularly within the entrepreneurial and SME leadership community. Each fortnightly episode delves into the hidden struggles of successful leaders who, on the surface, appear to have it all together but have battled mental health challenges behind the scenes.

    The podcast serves as a platform for leaders to share their personal journeys, uncovering the realities of what it takes to succeed while managing mental health issues. By sharing these untold stories, the aim is to normalise the conversation around mental health, encourage others to seek support, and offer solace and inspiration to those facing similar challenges.


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    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leadersdisguise/message

    • 2 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

HannahP_23 ,

A refreshing and meaningful podcast

Gary Parsons offers a very personal and refreshingly honest take on mental health challenges facing leaders (and anyone, really!)

He uses his own personal experiences to relate to his audience, gives meaningful advice and takes the onus away from the individual to ‘fix themselves’, emphasising the power of community in looking after our mental health.

A poignant and entertaining listen - highly recommended for anyone who is a people leader, wants to be a people leader, knows a people leader, or who just wants to hear inspiring stories told from the heart.

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