Beautiful Mess

Isabel Pollen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Biweekly

Welcome to ”Beautiful Mess,” a unique podcast that serves as a junction where entrepreneurship, personal development, and mental health and well-being conversations converge. This show is a celebration of the transformative power of life’s beautiful chaos, hosted by the astute Isabel Pollen. With a rich background in Theatre/Film and as a seasoned coach, Isabel brings a wealth of insights to the table. ”Beautiful Mess” is more than just a podcast; it’s a journey through the complex tapestry of personal and professional growth. Isabel masterfully intertwines her myriad talents into the show, guiding you through awe-inspiring tales with entrepreneurs, personal development coaches, mental health and wellness advocates, and parents who’ve spun their chaotic moments into beautiful narratives of resilience. The focus here isn’t merely on success stories but on the principles of kindness, integrity, gratitude, and curiosity. It’s about honoring the pursuit of purpose and meaning in every facet of life, from business to parenting. Whether you’re an entrepreneur carving your path, a parent navigating family life, or a solopreneur seeking balance, ”Beautiful Mess” is your steadfast companion. This show invites you to engage in profound conversations that honor the journey of creating, leading, thriving, and evolving as individuals and professionals. By subscribing to ”Beautiful Mess,” you gain access to inspiring narratives, expert insights, and practical tips that embody the values of kindness, boundaries, integrity, gratitude, and curiosity. Dive into this beautiful mess with us, and discover the profound beauty that unfolds when we navigate life’s challenges with intention and authenticity.

  1. Oct 27

    EP36 Josh Bersin ..."...great companies are really high performing teams of very imperfect human beings..."

    Josh Bersin is an analyst, author, educator, and thought leader focusing on the global talent market and the challenges and trends impacting business workforces around the world. He studies the world of work, HR and leadership practices, and the broad talent technology market. He is often cited as one of the leading HR and workplace industry analysts in the world. He founded Bersin & Associates in 2001 to provide research and advisory services focused on corporate learning. Over the next ten years, he expanded the company’s coverage to encompass HR, talent management, talent acquisition, and leadership and became a recognized expert in the talent market. He sold the company to Deloitte in 2012, when it became known as Bersin™ by Deloitte. He currently sits on the board of UC Berkeley Executive Education. Most recently, Bersin launched the Josh Bersin Academy, the world’s first global development academy for HR and talent professionals at all levels and across all industries. Serving as the Academy’s dean, Bersin guides its program offerings, interacts with members, and shares relevant research and insights to help HR and talent professionals stay current on the trends and practices needed to drive success in the modern world of work. Bersin is frequently featured in talent and business publications such as Forbes, Harvard Business Review, HR Executive, FastCompany, The Wall Street Journal, and CLO Magazine. He is a regular keynote speaker at industry events and a popular blogger with more than 860,000 followers on LinkedIn. Prior to founding Bersin & Associates, Josh spent 25 years in product development, product management, marketing, and sales of database, e-learning and other enterprise technologies. His education includes a BS in engineering from Cornell University, an MS in engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of three books, The Blended Learning Handbook and The Training Measurement Book, along with dozens of studies on corporate HR, learning, and talent technologies. His latest book, Irresistible: The Seven Secrets Of The World’s Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations, is a best-seller on Amazon and The Best Indie Book Award (BIBA).  (More details on Irresistible here.) Josh’s eminence as an analyst and thought leader has been globally recognized. During his time at Deloitte, Josh was the principal author and architect of the Deloitte Human Capital Trends, the world’s largest global study of HR, talent, and workplace trends. This report, which covers all major HR issues around the world, became one of Deloitte’s most widely read research studies and formed the basis for Deloitte’s global human capital consulting. His model for employee engagement, “Simply Irresistible,” was the most widely read research in the Deloitte Insights website. His research on employee engagement, new models of performance management, and the ever-changing nature of HR and workplace technology is widely respected. He is often credited with the concepts of “high-impact corporate training,” “learning in the flow of work,” and hundreds of articles on the evolution of people analytics and the use of AI in the workplace. Throughout his career in HR and HR technology, Josh has continued to focus on the needs of HR executives, HR teams, and the careers of HR professionals. He believes in the “craft” of human resources and is one of the profession’s most vocal advocates for the importance of HR in the ever-changing world of work. I have looked forward to this conversation for two years...and loved every moment of it.  Josh Bersin site: https://joshbersin.com/ Superpowered Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HMG8KD82?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/bersin Galileo ai: getgalileo.ai Blog: https://joshbersin.com/

  2. Jun 9

    EP35 Vanesa Pazos "...we're backing businesses that are doing things differently...I'm very ambitious, but I'm ambitious for the things I don't know..."

    I've known Vanesa for just over a year...and I'm so grateful for every day we've shared since.  I'm also very proud to be a founding voice of her community "EmpowerHer" and I'm also now partnering with her incredible organisation NoBa Capital. Co-founded with Kevin Fuller. I LOVED our conversation!! Vanesa is the Founding Partner of NoBa Capital, an early-stage venture firm backing founders who are reshaping how we live and work. From AI-driven workforce platforms to tools for wellbeing and inclusion, NoBa invest in ideas that are global from day one — and support founders hands-on as operators who’ve built, scaled, and learned themselves. What defines Vanesa professionally: 💡 Entrepreneurial drive - having founded and grown businesses, I know the grit it takes. 🤝 Community building - whether through NoBa Connect, Elevate, or EmpowerHER, Vanesa believes in creating platforms where people can collaborate, learn, and belong. 📈 Backing women and underrepresented founders - ensuring capital, networks, and opportunities reach those too often overlooked. 🌍 Long-term vision - building ventures and communities that outlast us, leaving real impact. Vanesa's values:freedom and trust - they guide every decision she makes.    Linkedin

  3. Apr 21

    EP34 Kelly Swingler "...it was the death of my replacement after my second burnout that really began to include burnout as part of my work..."

    Loved this conversation with Kelly!! Although a few months have passed since we recoreded (I hold myself completley accountable for the gap!)...this topic is live and kicking throughout generations of work places and the people within them...Kelly is in demand! Kelly Swingler   has an amazing story to share and I was so excited to have her share it on "Beautiful Mess"... As Kelly herself says, "I'm daring to imagine a world of work where Burnout is no longer a badge of honour. Where leaders actually lead - without sacrificing themselves.  Where coaches are Burnout Aware and Trauma Informed. And where success is measured by impact, not exhaustion. My work in the field of Burnout and Burnoutology isn’t a trend. This is the future". Linkedin

  4. Apr 6

    EP33: Ruth Tuthill "...I think it's probably the permission to be human...the permission that we're not all polished, that we're not all perfect...that yes I am dyslexic..."

    This conversation with Ruth is such an inspirational insight into what can happen when we build our work out of our intrinsic sense of purpose whilst giving others that very "human permission" to change too. (we're also both passionate marathon runneres!) With over a decade of dedicated experience in education and wellbeing, Ruth has honed her expertise in crafting and leading initiatives that promote holistic health. As the Founder and Director of Looking After Me, Ruth's mission resonates with the organisation's ethos of nurturing individual wellness. Ruth's work is driven by a commitment to innovation in health education, ensuring her strategies align with her culture of care and empowerment. At Looking After Me, Ruth has been pioneering wellness programs since January 2022, leveraging her background in nutrition and sports science. Her role encompasses designing and implementing comprehensive wellbeing curricula, drawing on her previous experience.  Her team's approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, aiming to transform lives through personalised support and education. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed creating it! Linkedin  Looking After Me

  5. Apr 3

    EP32 Peter Markey ”...so I think the story is about new models of marketing, with the right technology...but all built on the same foundations”.

    Pete Markey's stats are extremely impressive!! Pete is a results driven commercial leader responsible for driving 17 quarters of consecutive market share growth, a +3m increase in the loyalty base and a 10 fold profit increase in retail media. Drove a 30% improvement in profit ROI to over £2.50 for every pound spent. Winner of five Marketer of the Year awards, two marketing team of the year awards, three diversity champion awards, an Honorary Doctorate from Solent University and a Fellow of The Marketing Academy, CIM and The Marketing Society. Pete is also an amazing leader and class A human! Having the opportunity to share a "Beautiful Mess" conversation with Pete was such a highlight for me...I hope you enjoy tuning in. 
So many gems here... 

Linkedin

  6. Mar 29

    EP31 James Gamble ”...and I love story, and I love narrative...and those types of things have always captivated me...”

    This conversation was such a privelege to host. Most moments are a mic drop!

James is an exceptional leader and there is so much incredible insight in all he shares.
Namely the "51%" belief...this alone is AMAZING!

I'm very grateful to the team at Campfire for introducing me to Digistream, and so... to James Gamble and his legacy as a leader. 

Tune in and enjoy!
(ps. Please invite James to more podcasts ...he is a dream guest!!)

James Gamble

  7. 12/24/2025

    EP30 Robert Paylor "...and I can't breathe and I can't eat and it's 3am and a doctor is asking to come and slam me on my chest ..."

    I cannot think of a better episode to release to the world for Christmas 2025...not only has Robert just become a dad!! ...he is one of the most inspriring, real and courageous humans I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with. This beautiful mess conversation speaks for itself ... catasrophic injury, faith, recovery, the power of mindset, the relationships in our lives that lift us up and day by day relentless dertermination and beyond incredible spirit to move forsward. Robert's website Robert's book Linkedin

  8. 12/22/2025

    EP28 Michelle Hartley "...essentially I feel like 'beautiful mess' is just my life..."

    Michelle is on a mission to be the HR person she never had and use her experience to transform HR teams from beige to brilliant. She believes in HR with a passion, and wants to share that passion with the world in the form of coaching and mentoring, and human resources training. I loved our conversation, and learnt so much about her passion for HR, her experience of how critical it is to have fun at work, her deep learning from her experience of burn out ...and her drive to make a difference. Enjoy!!  Website Linkedin

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Trailer

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to ”Beautiful Mess,” a unique podcast that serves as a junction where entrepreneurship, personal development, and mental health and well-being conversations converge. This show is a celebration of the transformative power of life’s beautiful chaos, hosted by the astute Isabel Pollen. With a rich background in Theatre/Film and as a seasoned coach, Isabel brings a wealth of insights to the table. ”Beautiful Mess” is more than just a podcast; it’s a journey through the complex tapestry of personal and professional growth. Isabel masterfully intertwines her myriad talents into the show, guiding you through awe-inspiring tales with entrepreneurs, personal development coaches, mental health and wellness advocates, and parents who’ve spun their chaotic moments into beautiful narratives of resilience. The focus here isn’t merely on success stories but on the principles of kindness, integrity, gratitude, and curiosity. It’s about honoring the pursuit of purpose and meaning in every facet of life, from business to parenting. Whether you’re an entrepreneur carving your path, a parent navigating family life, or a solopreneur seeking balance, ”Beautiful Mess” is your steadfast companion. This show invites you to engage in profound conversations that honor the journey of creating, leading, thriving, and evolving as individuals and professionals. By subscribing to ”Beautiful Mess,” you gain access to inspiring narratives, expert insights, and practical tips that embody the values of kindness, boundaries, integrity, gratitude, and curiosity. Dive into this beautiful mess with us, and discover the profound beauty that unfolds when we navigate life’s challenges with intention and authenticity.

Information

  • Creator
    Isabel Pollen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beautiful Mess