Focus on WHY

Amy Rowlinson

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

  1. 1d ago

    Become Part of the Solution with Dunia Shafik

    What does it mean to be part of the solution when life turns upside down? Dunia Shafik shares the heart-wrenching story of her son's journey from victim to perpetrator of knife crime and the hidden sentence carried by families left behind. Reflecting on cultural grooming, systemic failures, belonging and rehabilitation, Dunia reveals the profound moral decision to turn her son in, choosing prison over the grave.   Transforming trauma into purpose, she now works with young men, prisoners and mothers to challenge narratives of punishment and blame, championing empathy, courage and love-based solutions. This episode demonstrates how love over fear breaks cycles of trauma to transform lives and by doing so you choose to become part of the solution.   KEY TAKEAWAY "Love wins. So instead of being stuck in fear, let's choose to be in love."   ABOUT THE GUEST – DUNIA SHAFIK Dunia Shafik is a community leader, coach and trainer specialising in supporting families impacted by the criminal justice system, with a focus on mothers and young men affected by youth violence and incarceration. She is the founder of Manhood from Within™, a Community Interest Company (CIC) delivering a CPD-accredited programme supporting young men and emerging men to develop mature masculinity, and A Life of Choices, a CIC empowering mothers of incarcerated children to reclaim their voices and strengthen their wellbeing.   Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience as a mother of a son serving a life sentence, Dunia brings a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to her work. She holds a master's degree in Youth and Community Work, is a qualified life coach and NLP Master Practitioner, and is committed to driving healing, rehabilitation, and social change.   CONNECT WITH DUNIA  https://www.instagram.com/a_life_of_choices/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dunia-shafik-627a4811b https://www.alifeofchoices.com   https://www.manhoodfromwithin.co.uk     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Become Part of the Solution with Dunia Shafik
  2. Aug 11

    From Warships to Wellbeing with Chris Dodd

    What happens when the structure and identity you've known for nearly two decades suddenly disappears? After almost 19 years in the Royal Navy and a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Chris Dodd shares his honest journey through military transition, cancer recovery and rebuilding his identity beyond the uniform. Exploring leadership, resilience, mental health and purpose, Chris reflects on the challenges of uncertainty and the importance of authenticity, vulnerability and connection. Through his work as an author and leadership consultant, he now helps others navigate change and lead with confidence. Discover how adversity transformed his focus from warships to wellbeing. KEY TAKEAWAY "You can't steer a ship looking at the wakes. Keep looking forward to keep moving forward."   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Navigating Leadership: Essential lessons from a life at sea by Chris Dodd - https://amzn.eu/d/08s7GBHm   ABOUT THE GUEST – CHRIS DODD Chris Dodd is a former Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Marine Engineer with almost 20 years' leadership experience gained in demanding operational environments. After leaving the military, he founded R2AI, helping organisations prepare for leadership in an AI-driven world. Chris is the author of Navigating Leadership: Essential Lessons from Life at Sea, a practical guide for new and aspiring leaders based on real experiences rather than theory. Having faced cancer, mental health challenges, and the transition from military to civilian life, he is passionate about helping others build confidence, resilience, and the leadership skills needed to look after people while delivering results.   CONNECT WITH CHRIS DODD https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-dodd12/      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    From Warships to Wellbeing with Chris Dodd
  3. Aug 4

    Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    Ever felt stuck, craving more purpose in work and life? Amy Rowlinson dives deep into powerful transformations, sharing personal moments and lessons from five inspiring guests – from leaving unfulfilling careers, overcoming trauma, embracing new identities, to building businesses rooted in meaning. Discover the pivotal role that self-reflection and courageous action play in finding clarity, challenging old beliefs, and redefining success. If you're questioning your path or seeking practical steps to live with more intention, don't miss this energising solo episode. Featured Episodes: 521 Midlife Awakening with Nathalie Cordell 522 Making Meaningful Connections with Eleanor Sands 523 Changing Lives from the Inside Out with Marc McNeice 524 Lifting for Life with Natalie Hurdley 525 Establish Better Boundaries with Larissa Astara Gray   KEY TAKEAWAY "Reflection without action changes very little, but action without reflection often leads you in the wrong direction. It's when you intentionally combine the two that purpose becomes something you don't just understand; you live it."   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson
  4. Jul 28

    Establish Better Boundaries with Larissa Astara Gray

    Episode Trigger Warning: Discussion of Rape Have you ever questioned where your boundaries came from and how they shape the way you see yourself and your relationships? Survivor, sex education speaker and founder of Better Boundaries CIC, Larissa Astara Gray speaks about her journey from childhood trauma and teenage rape to reclaiming her voice and purpose. She shares why breaking the silence around sex, consent and healthy relationships is essential, how education can empower the next generation, and why safe connections begin with understanding our own boundaries. On a mission to change the narrative for young people, discover what it truly means to establish better boundaries.   KEY TAKEAWAY "We've been fed this very, very toxic view of what sexuality is, which is objectification, control, dominance, performance. That's so far away from what true intimacy is, which is safety, care, consideration, respect, honesty, and actually what that does is it empowers and it expands both parties. The other stuff is limiting, it's constrictive, it's disempowering, it's everything we don't want it to be."   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Coming of Age on a Porn Set by Jewel Baraka - https://amzn.eu/d/0arNyQCR    RESOURCE Interview with Christopher Zeischegg for Porn Education Awareness Week Day 3 - The Human Cost: https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/b42e26d0105a1202e60a    ABOUT THE GUEST – LARISSA ASTARA GRAY Larissa Astara Gray is an inspirational positive sex education speaker and founder of Better Boundaries CIC, a Community Interest Company dedicated to protecting and educating young people on the dangers of online toxic sexual content. She delivers empowering, shame-free talks on consent, boundaries, pornography awareness, trauma prevention, and healthy sexuality. Drawing from her personal journey overcoming rape, sexual shame, and addiction, Larissa equips young people, educators, and parents with the knowledge and tools for informed choices, safer relationships, and confident sexual communication. She also offers practical resources and workshops to foster respect and long-term positive change.   CONNECT WITH LARISSA ASTARA GRAY https://www.larissaastaragray.co.uk  https://www.betterboundaries.co.uk  https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-astara-gray-a98374202/    https://www.vibe25radio.com  https://www.instagram.com/betterboundariesonline    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Establish Better Boundaries with Larissa Astara Gray
  5. Jul 21

    Lifting for Life with Natalie Hurdley

    Who are you when life changes the roles that once defined you? Team GB powerlifter, personal trainer and mum Natalie Hurdley shares how she has navigated life's many transitions while discovering strength that goes far beyond the barbell. She reflects on how motherhood, running a business and competing at the highest level have shaped her identity, and why empowering women to overcome their fear of the gym has become her mission. Discover why building muscle is vital for long-term health, confidence and independence and what it truly means to keep lifting for life.   KEY TAKEAWAY "When you get a barbell in your hands and you learn how to move it safely and load that weight up, that extra level of confidence is like nothing else. It's incredible, because you realise what your body is actually capable of."   ABOUT THE GUEST – NATALIE HURDLEY Natalie Hurdley is a strength coach, personal trainer, and competitive powerlifter with over 18 years of experience helping women build confidence through strength training. As the founder of NH Personal Training, she specialises in supporting overwhelmed, high-achieving women who feel stuck, inconsistent, or unsure where to start with fitness. Natalie is passionate about simplifying exercise and helping women create sustainable routines that fit around real life, careers, and family commitments. A mum, content creator, and Team GB powerlifter, she believes that strength is about more than physical performance; it's about building confidence, resilience, and trust in yourself both inside and outside the gym.   CONNECT WITH NATALIE HURDLEY https://natalie-hurdley.systeme.io/nhpt-blogs  https://www.youtube.com/@Nataliehurdley  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehurdley
  https://substack.com/@nataliehurdley  https://www.instagram.com/nhpersonaltraining/  https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliehurdley     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Lifting for Life with Natalie Hurdley
  6. Jul 14

    Changing Lives from the Inside Out with Mark McNeice

    Did you know that brain injuries are often undiagnosed in high-risk populations? Marc McNeice is on a mission to change that. Sharing his expertise as both a brain injury specialist and survivor, Marc offers a ground-breaking perspective on how hidden brain injuries impact addiction, mental health and recovery. Discover eye-opening statistics, the importance of proper screening and why awareness alone isn't enough—action matters too. Bringing empathy and education to the forefront, Marc shares stories of survival, advocacy and hope revealing how he's changing lives through brain injury awareness.    KEY TAKEAWAY "I find that the more we understand our brains and the more we understand each other, the more empathy we have from one another. There's always something going on in someone's life, so be kind."   ABOUT THE GUEST – MARK MCNEICE Marc McNeice is a Brain Injury Specialist, neuroeducator and public speaker focused on the intersection of brain injury, addiction, trauma, and high-risk populations. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as a survivor of multiple traumatic brain injuries, Marc works within substance use treatment systems implementing brain injury screening, psychoeducation, and neurologically informed recovery strategies. He has screened over 350 individuals using the NASHIA OBISSS brain injury screening tool and has contributed to training and awareness efforts within substance use, criminal justice, and law enforcement settings. Through speaking, education, and advocacy, Marc is helping advance awareness of the hidden neurological factors underlying addiction, behavioural struggles, homelessness, and justice involvement.   CONNECT WITH MARK  https://linkedin.com/in/marc-mcneice-124606107 https://www.facebook.com/marc.mcneice      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards)* Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Changing Lives from the Inside Out with Mark McNeice
  7. Jul 7

    Making Meaningful Connections with Eleanor Sands

    At 30, Eleanor Sands walked away from an unfulfilling corporate career and chose to break the cycle of unhappiness to build a life aligned with her values. She shares her belief that our past does not define our future, and that anything becomes possible when we learn to draw on our inner strength. In this conversation, Eleanor reflects on the emotional tipping point that led to her resignation, the creation and rapid growth of Wigmore Wednesdays, and how courage and community helped her navigate uncertainty. This episode is a powerful reminder that you can rewrite your story at any age by breaking the cycle, overcoming adversity and making meaningful connections   KEY TAKEAWAY "I have always wanted to change my story. I've never wanted that to be where it ended."    ABOUT THE GUEST – ELEANOR SANDS Eleanor Sands is the founder and CEO of Wigmore Wednesdays. While her life and success may appear effortless from the outside, behind them lies a story of extraordinary pain and resilience. Having survived years of childhood abuse that later led to the conviction of her abuser, Eleanor refused to let her experiences define who she would become. Instead, she discovered an inner strength that fuelled her ambition and shaped her outlook on life.    CONNECT WITH  ELEANOR SANDS https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-sands-96b93739/ eleanor.sands@wigmorewednesdays.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/wigmore-wednesdays/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson     BUY AMY'S BOOK (2025 Business Book Awards Finalist) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Making Meaningful Connections with Eleanor Sands
  8. Jun 30

    Midlife Awakening with Nathalie Cordell

    What happens when you search for purpose, only to discover the answers were inside you all along? Nathalie Cordell, coach and newly published author, shares her journey from corporate burnout to awakening her feminine wisdom and power. From struggling with imposter syndrome and spirituality to writing her transformative book and finding connection through vulnerability, Nathalie's story is one of service, self-discovery and healing. Exploring myths we live by, mental liberation and living authentically, Nathalie peels back the layers to reveal her midlife awakening. KEY TAKEAWAY "Your purpose, my purpose is very individual. As unique as your thumbprint, and if I could sum it up in a nutshell, it's just being more you, whatever that is."   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS* Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – https://amzn.eu/d/084TqBcu  Loving What Is by Byron Katie – https://amzn.eu/d/005H16PL  Man's Search for Meaning  by Viktor E. Frankl –https://amzn.eu/d/0cfhr5OI  Awakening the Sleeping Queen: How to Reclaim Your Feminine Wisdom and Power by Nathalie Cordell - https://amzn.eu/d/01pd1Es3    ABOUT THE GUEST – NATHALIE CORDELL Nathalie Cordell is an accredited psycho-spiritual coach and writer of Soul Seeds on Substack, a space for women navigating the messy middle of life. After 20 years climbing the corporate ladder in pharma, she got tired of climbing and decided to see if she could fly instead. She retrained as a coach, earning an MA in Psychosynthesis Leadership Coaching. Now she helps women discover who they really are and reclaim their authentic power. Passionate about exploring life's mysteries and the depths of the human soul, her new book Awakening the Sleeping Queen guides women on the journey home to themselves.   CONNECT WITH NATHALIE CORDELL https://www.cordellcoaching.com https://nathaliecordell.substack.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-cordell/ https://www.instagram.com/nathalie_cordell_coaching/ https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/self-help/awakening-the-sleeping-queen   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    Midlife Awakening with Nathalie Cordell

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Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.