Tales to Inspire Krish Patel

“When you stop using the word can’t and start using the word can, you’ll soon realise that the person you thought you were is no match for the one that you really are.” In this episode of Tales to Inspire, Steve Hill shares his incredible journey from teaching to tackling some of the world's toughest challenges. Born and raised in Oldham, Steve has spent 28 years teaching, believing it to be the greatest privilege to inspire young minds. Steve’s path changed after an unsatisfying stint as a quantity surveyor. His mother’s advice to take action led him to try teaching, where he discovered his passion for guiding students through growth and teamwork. A moment of introspection 15 years ago led Steve to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, showing his students that he lived by the inspirational quotes in his classroom. This adventure was the first of many, including Mount Blanc, the Sahara Desert, the Arctic, and the Amazon jungle ultra-marathon. Each year, his students followed his journeys, learning about resilience and determination. Steve’s challenges also supported various charities, nominated by his students. A memorable experience in Uganda, where a young boy shared his ice cream with Steve during a marathon, inspired him to establish the Team Hill Charitable Trust. The charity supports schools and clinics in Uganda and children and families in northwest England. During the lockdown, Steve wrote a book about his adventures, which captivated his students and further solidified his role as an inspirational figure. As he transitions from teaching, Steve aims to inspire thousands more through his charity, showing children that with hard work and big dreams, they can overcome any obstacle. Tune in to hear Steve Hill’s journey, filled with adventure and the belief that when you start using the word “can,” you’ll discover a new version of yourself. Key Topics: Steve Hill’s career shift to teaching Importance of sports and teamwork in education Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and subsequent adventures Establishment of Team Hill Charitable Trust Steve’s inspirational book and its impact The future of Steve’s mission to inspire through his charity Resources: Steve Hill: https://www.stevehillmbe.com/

In this episode bite size episode of, we delve into the remarkable journey of Steve Hill, a passionate and dedicated teacher whose story exemplifies the power of adaptability. Steve shares his insights and experiences on how being flexible and adaptable can transform not only the classroom but also our approach to life's myriad challenges. Episode Highlights: Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Steve emphasizes the importance of being adaptable, especially in the face of unforeseen challenges. He talks about the necessity of dealing with issues as they arise and maintaining a flexible mindset to navigate the complexities of daily life. Human Nature and Adaptability: Reflecting on human nature, Steve explores whether adaptability is an innate quality. He discusses how individuals can cultivate adaptability to better respond to the ever-changing world around them. The Role of Charisma and Inspiration in Teaching: As an educator, Steve highlights the need for teachers to embody charisma and inspiration. He believes that these qualities are essential for motivating students and creating a dynamic learning environment. Supporting Ourselves and Others: Steve offers practical tips on how we can support ourselves to become more adaptable. He shares his personal strategies for coping with changing circumstances, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support. Adapting During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Steve recounts the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdown and how his community adapted to support each other. He shares inspiring stories of how they focused on charity work, including organizing food shops to help those in need, and how these efforts brought the community closer together. Resources: Steve Hill: Team Hill Charitable trust: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHill7/  

Introduction to Adam Bastock:  Adam Bastock has made sustainability a core part of his life and work. He believes that sustainability is not just about being ethical or environmentally friendly, but also about ensuring financial stability for small businesses. His mission is to help businesses not just survive, but thrive for the next 5, 10, or 15 years by addressing immediate pressures and setting up long-term strategies for sustainable growth. Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings:  Growing up in Rugby, a quiet town in the Midlands, Adam’s upbringing was stable and laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. He has two older sisters who provided a window into adulthood. Unlike them, Adam chose a different path, pursuing a flexible Open University degree while working part-time at Sainsbury’s. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged in his late teens when he launched an Etsy store selling handmade cufflinks and laser-cut jewelry. Moving to Brighton and Professional Growth:  In 2010, Adam moved to Brighton to be with his boyfriend. The vibrant and diverse community there broadened his horizons. In 2014, he took a leap of faith by quitting his job at Sainsbury’s to work for a small business in Brighton, where he gained invaluable experience in web development and e-commerce. Building Expertise in Digital Marketing:  Adam’s journey continued with roles at an industrial shelving company and an art gallery, where he honed his skills in Google advertising, SEO, and e-commerce platforms. By the time he went freelance, Adam had a comprehensive skill set to offer small businesses practical, actionable advice in digital marketing. Networking and Community Engagement:  Networking played a crucial role in Adam's freelance success. Active co-working spaces in Brighton provided ample opportunities to connect with potential clients. One of his biggest clients resulted from a casual conversation over coffee. Advocating for Sustainability:  Adam’s passion for sustainability extends beyond business. He emphasises the interconnectedness of our actions and their environmental impact. He highlights the often-overlooked origins of everyday products and stresses the importance of making informed, eco-friendly choices.   Conclusion and Vision for the Future: Adam’s journey towards sustainability is ongoing and multifaceted. He aims to inspire others to see the value of sustainable practices, emphasising that sustainability is not just an environmental necessity but a viable and profitable business strategy. Together, we can create a sustainable future that benefits everyone. Join us in this insightful episode as Adam Bastock shares his story, experiences, and vision for a sustainable future. Don’t miss it! Resources: https://thebetterbusiness.network/ https://small99.co.uk/  

In this bite size episode with Adam Bastock, we dive into the concept of sustainability in business. Adam shares insights on what sustainability means to him and how it encompasses more than just environmental concerns. It’s about ensuring businesses thrive financially, operationally, and environmentally over the long term. Key Discussion Points: Defining Sustainability: Sustainability is not just about environmental impact but also financial stability. It’s crucial for businesses to operate in a way that ensures their existence in the next 5, 10, or 15 years. Immediate and Long-term Actions: Addressing short-term pressures with quick actions is vital. Setting and achieving marketing goals that ensure profitability and success over the next year and beyond. Public Understanding and Education: Many people are still unclear about terms like “plastic” and the benefits of reducing single-use plastics. Effective storytelling can drive better understanding and adoption of sustainable practices. Making Sustainability Relatable: Relating sustainability to daily life and individual benefits can increase engagement. Marketing missions should highlight the personal benefits of sustainable practices. Challenges in Education: Traditional climate change education methods may not be engaging enough. Inspirational and practical education, like highlighting the impacts of sustainable choices, can be more effective. Responsibility and Action: Individuals and businesses both have a role to play in sustainability. Understanding the scale of the issue is crucial, but action is equally important. Supply Chain Transparency: Visibility into the supply chain can help consumers and businesses make informed decisions. Case study examples, such as a Norwegian supermarket reducing emissions by adjusting their receipts, demonstrate the impact of transparency. Economic Considerations: Economic factors, such as the ability to provide for one’s family, play a significant role in how sustainability is approached. Solutions need to be practical and economically viable for individuals and businesses alike. Call to Action: Reflect on what sustainability means to you and your business. Consider immediate actions you can take to address sustainability challenges. Explore ways to make sustainability relatable and beneficial to your daily life and business operations. Resources: https://thebetterbusiness.network/ https://small99.co.uk/

Welcome back Hannah Cox from the Better Business Network for her second episode on Tales to Inspire. Listen to or read about Hannah’s first episode here. Episode Highlights: Early Passion for Sustainability: Hannah’s eco-conscious journey began in childhood, fundraising for animal rights and continued through university. Transformative Experience: A trip to Bhutan deepened her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Business Sustainability: Hannah explains that true sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns, encompassing employee well-being and societal impact. Misconceptions Addressed: Sustainability is not just a checklist; it must be integrated into the core of a business. It's about more than just environmental efforts. Critique of Capitalism: Highlights the flaws in assuming infinite growth on a finite planet and points out significant issues like food waste and air pollution. Better Not Stop: Inspired by a conversation with her dying father, Hannah started her business in a spare room and grew it through the kickstart scheme. B Corp Certification: Helps companies achieve this rigorous certification, ensuring they operate for the benefit of all stakeholders. Better Business Network: Originated from an accountability group, now a nationwide community driving significant change in sustainability. Join Us: Help fix the broken system. The Better Business Network offers support for businesses focused on social and environmental impact. Together, we can make a difference.  https://betternotstop.com/

In this bite size episode with Tales to Inspire we reconnect with past ambassador Hannah Cox who shares snippets of her journey from a conventional job to a purpose-driven career focused on sustainability. After transformative travels in 2018-2019, Hannah became passionate about making a difference in the world. She discusses the misconceptions about sustainability and how businesses of all sizes can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Episode Highlights: Journey to Purpose: Hannah's shift from a traditional job to sustainability advocacy. The travel experiences that sparked her commitment to making a difference. Misconceptions About Sustainability: Challenging the idea that sustainability is a separate department in business. Emphasising sustainability as a core element in all business operations. Beyond Environmental Impact: Redefining sustainability to include employee well-being and ethical practices. The importance of treating staff well for a truly sustainable business.  Business Approaches to Sustainability: How small, medium, and large companies can implement sustainable practices. Assessing current business knowledge and practices regarding sustainability. Empowering Communities: The intersection of sustainability and economic challenges in communities. Encouraging individuals to contribute to sustainability within their means. Resources: