Access to Inspiration

Sue Stockdale
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Access to Inspiration is an award-winning podcast ranked among the top 10% of podcasts globally, featuring conversations with explorers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers from around the world. Hosted by executive coach, author and polar explorer Sue Stockdale, the podcast explores leadership, resilience, personal growth, innovation, exploration and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty.  With guests from more than 30 countries, each episode uncovers the stories behind remarkable achievements, revealing the lessons learned through challenge, adversity and discovery. Topics span leadership, business, adventure, sustainability, creativity, social impact and human potential. Listeners gain practical insights, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to help them build confidence, embrace change and step beyond their comfort zones. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, professional, explorer or lifelong learner, Access to Inspiration offers thought-provoking conversations designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Learn more at Access to Inspiration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

  1. 4d ago

    154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions

    (00:00:00) 154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions (00:01:02) Why Leaders Love Failures (00:04:04) Inspiration needs Friction (00:09:08) From Inspiration to Next Steps (00:12:46) Time and Cooling Off (00:15:18) Efficiency Myth and Multitasking (00:19:28) Isolation from the Coalface (00:21:25) Trust Makes Leaders (00:25:08) Inspiration Fuels Creativity (00:29:28) Questions over Answers (00:31:00) Running Towards Uncertainty (00:33:33) Personal Practices and Listening What if the very thing most leaders try to avoid, friction, is exactly what organisations need most?   Sue Stockdale talks to entrepreneur, leadership thinker and bestselling author Margaret Heffernan who challenges some of the most common assumptions about leadership, innovation and inspiration. Drawing on decades of experience leading organisations and researching business success and failure, Margaret argues that progress rarely comes from certainty, speed or having all the answers. Instead, she makes the case for doubt, dissent, curiosity and collective intelligence.  Sue and Margaret explore why leaders are often more interested in learning from failure than success, how organisations become trapped by an obsession with efficiency, and why inspiration alone is never enough to create meaningful change. They discuss the importance of slowing down, asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating environments where people feel safe to challenge ideas. Margaret also shares practical insights from her own creative process, revealing how she develops ideas, writes books, and navigates uncertainty without rushing to easy answers.   You will learn: Why mistakes are often a leader's greatest source of learningThe difference between inspiration and implementationHow friction, challenge and doubt improve decision-makingWhy leaders should ask better questions instead of providing answersThe dangers of prioritising efficiency over creativityHow collective intelligence outperforms individual brillianceThe importance of embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding itPractical ways leaders can build more creative and resilient organisationsKey Quote "The job of a leader is to create the conditions in which great people can do the best work of their lives."  About Margaret Heffernan Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker and bestselling author whose books include Willful Blindness, Uncharted and Embracing Uncertainty. Her work explores leadership, innovation, organisational culture and the challenges of navigating an increasingly complex world. Connect with Margaret Heffernan via website and LinkedIn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions

  2. Sep 22

    153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing

    (00:00:00) 153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing (00:02:47) Farm Life and Go Karting (00:05:00) Motivation and Parental Support (00:07:37) What Le Mans Means (00:10:39) Focus at 200mph (00:12:46) Stints, Sleep and Preparation (00:16:59) Fitness, Heat and Mindfulness (00:19:55) Team culture and leadership (00:24:17) Resetting after setbacks (00:29:01) Mentoring and Feedback (00:31:05) Le Mans Journey Lesson What does it take to perform at your best when the stakes are high, the pressure never stops, and one small mistake can end months or years of preparation? Sue Stockdale speaks with Le Mans winner David Brabham, whose career spans more than three decades at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula One, Le Mans, and endurance racing. The youngest son of three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, David's path into racing was far from inevitable. In fact, he didn't discover the sport until he was 17 years old. Drawing on his experiences of competing at the sharpest edge of human and machine performance, David shares what racing has taught him about focus, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and making good decisions under pressure. From driving at more than 200 mph through the night at Le Mans to building high-performing teams in business, he reveals the mindset that helped him achieve one of motorsport's greatest prizes. The conversation explores the importance of preparation, managing energy, creating the right team culture, and understanding that success is rarely about individual talent alone. David also reflects on why winning the Le Mans 24 Hours ultimately taught him that the journey matters far more than the trophy itself. You will learn:  What it takes to stay focused during a 24-hour endurance raceThe mental techniques used to maintain concentration under extreme pressureWhy sleep, fitness, nutrition, and mindset all contribute to peak performanceHow creating the right team environment leads to better decisions and resultsWhy mistakes and setbacks often contain the greatest opportunities for growthKey Quote "It wasn't about the trophy. It was about the journey. The people you met, the people you worked with, the people who inspired you. That's what made standing on that podium meaningful."  Find out more about David Brabham on his website or Instagram  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing

  3. Sep 16

    152. Krzysztof Karolczak: AI and the Future of Work

    What if AI could free us from the reactive work that consumes most of our day and create more space for creativity, purpose, and human connection? Sue Stockdale speaks with entrepreneur and AI innovator Krzysztof Karolczak, who has spent more than two decades building companies. After taking a sabbatical to focus on family, Krzysztof returned to work determined not to fall back into the 80-hour work weeks that had previously defined his entrepreneurial life.Instead, he began experimenting with AI as a "delegation layer", creating systems that handle much of the reactive work that traditionally occupies leaders' time. The result has transformed how he works, allowing him to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and what he believes are the uniquely human contributions that technology cannot replace.   The conversation explores his vision for the future of work, offering an alternative perspective on how AI might help people become more fully alive rather than simply more efficient. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Krzysztof no longer sees himself as a "builder" but as a "multiplier"How AI can act as a delegation layer for repetitive and reactive workWhy he believes businesses need a purpose beyond profitThe concept of moving from reactive behaviour to creative actionHow future organisations may resemble living systems rather than traditional hierarchiesWhy curiosity and agency could become the defining skills of the next generationThe importance of inspiration, trust, and deep conversation in an AI-powered worldWhat Krzysztof means by pursuing "aliveness"How a singing AI hackathon generated both innovation and human connectionWhy the "architecture of attention" may become a critical leadership challengeKey Quote "We are all holders of unique wisdom because each of us has a unique set of experiences and unexpressed ideas. We learn about ourselves through the relationships we have in life." About Krzysztof Karolczak Krzysztof Karolczak is an entrepreneur, technologist, and founder who has been building businesses since the age of sixteen. With more than two decades of experience creating and scaling companies, he is now focused on helping founders and organisations harness artificial intelligence to create more human-centred ways of working.  Today he works across multiple ventures, exploring how AI can support leaders, unlock human potential, and enable organisations to evolve into more adaptive, purpose-driven systems. His work centres on the future of work, organisational design, agency, creativity, and what he calls the pursuit of "aliveness" in both business and life. Connect with Krzysztof https://startcreating.ai/  and on Linkedin  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  This episode includes AI-generated content.

    152. Krzysztof Karolczak: AI and the Future of Work

  4. Sep 9

    151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut

    (00:00:00) 151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut (00:00:12) Meet Mike Foreman (00:02:53) Navy Pilot to NASA (00:03:38) Three Applications Later (00:06:35) Life in NASA (00:08:25) How Astronauts Train (00:10:46) First Spacewalk Nerves (00:11:32) Earth View Effect (00:12:22) Spacesuit Fit Scare (00:15:52) Spacewalk Work and Fatigue (00:18:03) Returning to Gravity (00:21:13) Life After Space (00:22:06) Fame and Being Ordinary (00:23:49) How Many Astronauts (00:24:55) Mars and Artemis Future (00:26:44) Why Explore Mars (00:29:57) Closing Stories and Goodbye What does it take to leave Earth behind and step into space? Sue Stockdale speaks with former NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, whose remarkable career took him from flying helicopters in the U.S. Navy to completing two Space Shuttle missions and multiple spacewalks aboard the International Space Station. Mike shares the persistence required to become an astronaut after eight applications to NASA, the realities of astronaut training, and the physical and mental demands of working in space. He reflects on his first spacewalk, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from orbit, and the challenges of returning to gravity after living beyond our planet. The conversation also explores the future of human space exploration, including the Artemis programme and the possibility of missions to Mars, as well as Mike's thoughts on why exploration continues to matter. In this episode: Mike's journey from Navy pilot to NASA astronautThe astronaut selection process and lessons in persistenceTraining for life and work in spaceThe experience of conducting spacewalksViewing Earth from orbitLife after NASAThe future of lunar and Mars explorationWhether you're fascinated by space, leadership, resilience, or human potential, Mike's story offers a compelling insight into what can be achieved through determination, curiosity and a willingness to venture into the unknown. About Mike Foreman Mike Foreman is a former NASA astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and aerospace engineer whose career has taken him from the cockpit of military aircraft and into space. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he accumulated more than 7,500 flight hours across over 50 different aircraft types. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, Mike spent more than 637 hours in space during two Space Shuttle missions, STS-123 and STS-129. He completed five spacewalks, totalling over 32 hours, helping to construct and maintain the International Space Station. Today, he shares lessons from his extraordinary experiences as a speaker and serves as the Mayor of Friendswood, Texas. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  This episode includes AI-generated content.

    151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut

  5. 06/11/2025 ·  Bonus

    Celebrating 150 Episodes: Reflections and Insights from Access to Inspiration

    In this special bonus episode, Pierre Heistein, who was guest in episode 91 takes the host's chair alongside co-founders Sue Stockdale and Clive Steeper. They celebrate reaching 150 episodes by reflecting on the conversations with guests, lessons learned, and the common threads that bind these stories together. Pierre delves into the origins of the podcast, what does it mean to be inspirational,  and how the show has impacted Sue and Clive and their listeners.  Together they discuss how the podcast has influenced their perspectives about life and work, and how they look to the future for taking the next steps of development. Key Reflections "The most inspirational people often have an overriding purpose – something greater than themselves that motivates them to act."“Inspiration is about more than success or achievement. It's about attitude – a willingness to explore, to take risks, and to stay curious.”“Many of our guests had to embrace uncertainty or ambiguity at some point in their journey."“Being an inspiration to others was often something guests had not considered about themselves.”“The podcast is designed to challenge assumptions – by hearing from people outside your own world, you begin to understand different ways of thinking.”“What guests often valued most about the interview was the opportunity to reflect on their life and what shaped them.”“Each episode is a window into someone’s world, and those windows have revealed the many forms that inspiration can take.”“These conversations continue to affirm one thing – that every person has a story worth hearing.” Time Stamps 01:26 Origins of the Podcast 03:41 Defining inspiration 06:06 Personal reflections on inspiration 12:36 The role of curiosity and vulnerability 23:31 Unexpectedly inspiring guests 27:17 The journey of resilience and tenacity 29:45 The power of ordinary acts 32:21 Impactful stories from the podcast 36:17 The Atuel river journey 42:14 Reflections on longevity and success 47:54 The future of the podcast  Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    Celebrating 150 Episodes: Reflections and Insights from Access to Inspiration

  6. 05/28/2025

    150. Kris Tompkins: Conservation, Leadership and Legacy

    In this landmark 150th episode, Sue Stockdale talks to Kris Tompkins, one of the world's most prolific conservation philanthropists.  Kris shares a powerful, personal perspective on what drives her and urges listeners to ditch the myth of individual powerlessness: “The excuse that ‘I’m just one person’ - that’s the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.” In the conversation, Tompkins reflects on how her business experience helped shape a vision for nature conservation at scale, highlighting themes of risk-taking, leadership, and the power of direct engagement. She reminds us that the gritty, uncomfortable days in nature often leave the strongest impressions: “I like people being miserable in the national parks - those are the days we remember.” About Kris Tompkins Kris Tompkins is the president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, and former CEO of Patagonia, Inc. For three decades, she has committed to protecting and restoring wild beauty and biodiversity by creating national parks, inspiring activism, and fostering economic vitality as a result of conservation. Kris and her husband, Doug Tompkins have protected over 15 million acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through Tompkins Conservation and its partners, making them among the most successful national park oriented philanthropists in history. Kris served as Patron for Protected Areas for the UN Environmental Programme from 2018 to 2022. The recipient of numerous honours, she was the first conservationist to be awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. Her 2020 TED talk "Lets make the earth wild again" has over two million views.   Find out more about Kris Tompkins and the work of Tompkins Conservation : Rewilding Argentina : Rewilding Chile :Trailer for National Geographic documentary - Wild Life  Time Stamps 01:57 Developing a passion for nature  04:29 Challenges and Triumphs in Conservation 11:25 Building Teams and Collaborative Efforts 27:34 The Role of Technology in Conservation 31:22 Reflecting on Successes and Lessons Learned 34:24 Inspiration and Call to Action Key Quotes  I'm actually inspired and motivated probably more by grief and a kind of yearning, than I am by something that's fabulous and positive. You can't fall in love with something you don't know. I like people being miserable in the national parks as those are the days we remember- the days you were freezing.The excuse that “I’m just one person”. That's the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.People have to decide that they want to participate in something more than what they currently have in their daily life. They see what's going on in the outside world and they want to do something. And that's a decision. And that's probably the most difficult step of all. There are people working for nature who need what you're good at. It's the wilfulness that people get stuck on.  Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    150. Kris Tompkins: Conservation, Leadership and Legacy

  7. 05/14/2025

    149. Alice Morrison: Exploring Africa and Arabia

    Sue Stockdale talks to Alice Morrison, an adventurer, author, and TV presenter. Alice has journeyed across deserts, trekked through mountains, and immersed herself in diverse cultures from Morocco to Saudi Arabia. Alice shares her experiences of resilience, discovery, and connection, including surviving the Moroccan earthquake, navigating Saudi Arabia on foot, and the joy of storytelling. Alice discusses her passion for adventure, the importance of cultural understanding, and why she believes exploration is about more than just physical endurance. About Alice Morrison Alice Morrison is an adventurer, TV presenter, and writer known for her bold expeditions and compelling storytelling. From racing her bike across Africa in the Tour d’Afrique to running the Everest Trail Race and walking thousands of kilometres across Morocco, she has consistently chosen the path less travelled. Her adventures are driven by a desire to understand our rapidly changing world, celebrate shared humanity, and bear witness to environmental and cultural transformation. Her work is now showcased in documentaries such as From Morocco to Timbuktu, and Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, alongside her acclaimed books Dodging Elephants, Walking with Nomads, and Adventures in Morocco.  Now based in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Alice lives immersed in the landscapes she writes about, walking alongside Amazigh guides and camels, podcasting from remote deserts, and sharing insights through public speaking and media appearances. Connect with Alice Morrison - Website: Instagram : Podcast : YouTube : TikTok Key Quotes "Adventure isn’t about searching for yourself; it’s about experiencing as much of the world as possible.""I treasure my freedom, and I’m grateful every day that I have the opportunity to explore, to learn, and to share stories with others.""The reality of Saudi Arabia was so different from the stereotype—I found warmth, humour, and incredible hospitality at every step.""People are fundamentally good everywhere in the world. The more we meet and understand each other, the more barriers we break down."Time Stamps 01:28 Experiencing Ramadan in Morocco 02:56 Challenges of Adventuring in Saudi Arabia 06:55 Alice's Background and Attraction to the Middle East 09:09 The Importance of Storytelling 10:44 Surviving the Moroccan Earthquake 12:53 Themes of Freedom and Self-Reliance 15:09 Community vs. Individuality 21:06 Packing Tips for Explorers 24:41 Lessons from Nature and Camels 26:08 Future Adventures and Goals Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    149. Alice Morrison: Exploring Africa and Arabia

  8. 04/30/2025

    148. Ed Ley-Wilson: Exploring the mind and the sea

    Sue Stockdale speaks to adventurer, author, and deep thinker Ed Ley-Wilson. Ed shares insights from his life exploring both the outdoors and the mind. From kayaking the rugged west coast of Scotland to reflecting on resilience, solitude, and the power of slowing down, Ed reveals how adventure - whether on land, sea, or within ourselves shapes our engagement with the world.  About Ed Ley-Wilson Ed has over thirty years of working and engaging with business, community, educational, social and environmental issues throughout the Highlands of Scotland. He has undertaken long self-supported kayaking journeys in Norway and Patagonia and has run 1200 miles of the Great Wall of China (1988) and the 2000 mile length of the Himalayas (1990). Ed is no stranger to hardship and during his 2022 kayaking journey up the west coast of Scotland he faced some of the worst weather in that region for years. He also has two books to his name, ‘The Himalayan Shuffle’ and ‘Kayaking the Sea Roads. Key Quotes "Adventure isn’t just about the physical challenge; it’s about how we engage with the world around us and what we learn from it.""Solitude teaches you resilience in a way nothing else can - you have to sit with your thoughts and find your own way through them.""Whether on the sea or in life, you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it.""The lessons I learned from John Ridgway weren’t just about survival; they were about self-reliance, discipline, and understanding your own limits.""Slowing down and disconnecting from the noise of the modern world is one of the greatest gifts adventure can offer.""It's not a weakness to not know stuff. It's a strength actually". Chapters 01:57 Early Adventures and Influences 03:33 Lessons from the Wild 04:31 The Philosophy of Adventure 05:42 Kayaking the Sea Roads 10:07 Reflections on Highland Communities 16:27 The Importance of Time and Space 21:30 Embracing Uncertainty and Curiosity 23:06 The Role of Yoga in Kayaking 25:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery 35:39 Balancing Life and Future Plans Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale  Producer: Sue Stockdale   Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

    148. Ed Ley-Wilson: Exploring the mind and the sea
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out of 5
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About

Access to Inspiration is an award-winning podcast ranked among the top 10% of podcasts globally, featuring conversations with explorers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers from around the world. Hosted by executive coach, author and polar explorer Sue Stockdale, the podcast explores leadership, resilience, personal growth, innovation, exploration and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty.  With guests from more than 30 countries, each episode uncovers the stories behind remarkable achievements, revealing the lessons learned through challenge, adversity and discovery. Topics span leadership, business, adventure, sustainability, creativity, social impact and human potential. Listeners gain practical insights, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to help them build confidence, embrace change and step beyond their comfort zones. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, professional, explorer or lifelong learner, Access to Inspiration offers thought-provoking conversations designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Learn more at Access to Inspiration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Sue Stockdale
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    178
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Access to Inspiration
  • Show Website
    Access to Inspiration

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