Life, Business and the Open Water

Fiona Jackson
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

*Life, Business, and the Open Water* is all about navigating the ups and downs of life and work. Join me for real talk, inspiring stories, and tips to help you stay afloat, whether you’re riding the waves of entrepreneurship or just figuring things out.

Episodes

  1. 10/04/2025

    Kindness, Patience and a Tattoo: Reflections from the Open Water

    Host Fi reflects on her 2019 channel swim, the training, teamwork and the life lesson that we are capable of more than we think. She links that resilience to recent business changes and the importance of celebrating achievements. Fi also describes a chaotic delayed flight experience and urges listeners to practice patience, kindness and a smile, finishing with a promise to return with more episodes before year-end.

    16 min

  2. 07/14/2025

    Planes, Trains, and the Art of Saying Yes: My Journey with 'Shine'

    In this episode, Fi reflects on a whirlwind of recent adventures, navigating airports, late night dinners, and meaningful connections while traveling from Bristol to London and Somerset. Each journey was filled with growth, self-reflection, and the occasional imposter syndrome, culminating in a memorable evening with fellow authors to celebrate the success of their co-authored book, 'Shine.' Discover how Fi’s dedication to expanding her business and network has led her to embrace new opportunities, from selecting a new nail range for her salon to setting goals for the Scottish beauty industry. Amidst the hustle, Fi finds inspiration in her network of supportive peers and resilient entrepreneurial spirit, providing listeners with motivation to pursue their own passions and say 'yes' to life's opportunities.

    18 min

  3. 04/28/2025

    Finding Calm Amidst Chaos: The Power of the Reset

    In this episode of "Life, Business, and the Open Water," Fi delves into the overwhelming nature of our busy lives. She reflects on the relentless pursuit of tasks and the stress that comes with trying to balance life's demands. Fi shares her personal journey of discovering cold water and ice immersion as a way to reset, recharge, and find calm amidst chaos. She emphasizes the importance of being present, taking time to breathe, and finding individual paths to peace, whether through nature, music, or other activities that resonate personally. This episode is a reminder to prioritize self-care, allowing time for oneself amidst life's chaos, and finding moments of magic and self-discovery.

    14 min

  4. 03/10/2025

    "Pressing Play: Overcoming the Fear of Starting Again"

    Welcome to this episode of "Life, Business and the Open Water." Join Fiona, a passionate salon owner and business mentor, as she vulnerably shares her experiences about the challenges and fears surrounding starting again. Through her candid storytelling, Fiona sheds light on the unnecessary pressures we often put on ourselves when we've pressed pause on dreams, projects, or goals. She offers a heartfelt reminder that beginning again doesn't require perfection—it only requires action. Fiona encourages you to reflect on something you've been putting off and take a step forward today. If this resonates with you, reach out to her on Instagram at Fiona Jackson Mentor. Embrace the journey of starting anew and reignite your passion.

    10 min

  5. 12/07/2024

    Ep7 - Turning Tides: A 21-Year Voyage in Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of "Life, Business and The Open Water," Fi reflects on her journey as a business owner on her 21st business anniversary. As she turns the pages of time, Fi recounts the challenges and triumphs she faced when she opened her beauty therapy business at the young age of 22. She delves into the learning curve of running a business, from mastering beauty treatments to understanding the intricacies of marketing and management. Fi shares heartfelt moments and the meaningful relationships built with long-standing customers and her committed team, creating a thriving family-like atmosphere. Emphasising adaptability and embracing change, she offers encouraging words for those starting or struggling in their entrepreneurial path, reminding them of the importance of self-belief and seeking support when needed. Join Fi as she explores the intertwining of life and business, expressing gratitude towards her clients and team, while also celebrating fresh beginnings and the sustained growth and success of her beloved business.

    13 min

  6. 10/31/2024

    Ep 6 -Say yes to opportunities…

    In this heartfelt episode of "Life, Business and the Open Water," Fi sits down with her longtime friend Drew in Seattle to reminisce about their serendipitous meeting and the profound friendship that blossomed from it. Set against the backdrop of Halloween, they take listeners on a journey back to 2013, recounting the chance encounters and spontaneous decisions that led to a life-altering bond. From their first meeting on a cruise in Antarctica to sharing countless adventures around the globe, Fi and Drew explore how saying "yes" to opportunities can create meaningful connections and lifelong friendships. They reflect on the significance of family of choice, the joy of shared experiences, and the importance of maintaining deep-rooted relationships despite geographical distances. This episode is a celebration of friendship, the unexpected paths it can take, and the simple power of embracing life's opportunities. Fi and Drew's story is a testament to how taking a leap of faith can enrich your life in unimaginable ways.

    23 min

  7. 10/14/2024

    Ep 5 - Embracing Challenges: Life, Business, and the Open Water

    In this episode of "Life, Business and the Open Water," Fi shares a candid update on how life's demands have momentarily pulled her away from her passions, including her love for swimming. She recounts her recent activities, such as presenting at Professional Beauty in Manchester and mentoring potential new clients, while also navigating personal health challenges. Fi reflects on the fifth anniversary of her remarkable English Channel crossing with friends, a feat that required immense dedication and training. She delves into the importance of setting personal and professional challenges, emphasising how they foster growth, focus, and self-discovery. Fi encourages listeners to identify and pursue their own goals, reminding us all of our untapped potential. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of perseverance and the joy of achieving what once seemed impossible.

    10 min

  8. 09/15/2024

    Episode 4 - From Red Wine to Open Waters: Fi's Swimming Odyssey

    Hi, this is Fi, and welcome to the fourth episode of "Life, Business and the Open Water." In this episode, I share my incredible nine-year journey into open water swimming, which began rather unexpectedly after a night of too much red wine. From struggling with my first two miles in Windermere to conquering the English Channel in a relay, my story is filled with personal challenges, funny mishaps, and triumphant moments. You'll hear about my initial struggles with swimming techniques, the hilarious ordeal of trying on wetsuits, and the sheer determination that kept me going. I also touch on how swimming has become a significant part of my life, providing peace, mental clarity, and a sense of community. Join me as I dive into the transformative power of swimming, the importance of nature, and my newfound passion for cold water ice training. Whether you're an avid swimmer or just curious about the sport, this episode has something for everyone. I'm Fi, and you've been listening to "Life, Business and the Open Water." Stay tuned for more stories and insights from the open water world.

    23 min

  9. 09/04/2024

    Episode 3 - 20 years in & taking a fresh approach to change!!

    Hi, I'm Fi and you're listening to Life, Business and the Open Water. In this episode, we're diving into the fears business owners often face when dealing with change. With over 20 years of running my salon, I've learned a lot about how to handle significant changes without letting fear take over. Recently, we had a major staff change at Diva with Gemma leaving after eight years. Although initially daunting, it offered a chance to reassess and look at the business from a new perspective. Through a positive mindset and a supportive team, I found the strength to embrace change rather than fear it. I also share how personal practices, like my involvement with the Polar Bear Club, have helped me maintain a calm and positive approach to business challenges. Join me as I discuss the importance of mindset in navigating business transitions and turning potential stress into opportunities for growth. Tune in to hear more about how embracing change can lead to positive transformations in both your business and personal life.

    12 min

  10. 08/29/2024

    Ep0 whats it all about?

    A short 60 second birds eye view of why I decided to get behind the mic.

    1 min

  11. 08/26/2024

    Ep 2 - Business Big Sister - where it came from what it means

    Kerry calls me  her "business big sister", in this sit down episode I am delighted to be able to share that she gives us an insight into how we met, her business journey and how I have supported her along the way.  It's a non stop chat about the ups and downs she has faced and how I have helped and mentored her.

    20 min

  12. 08/26/2024

    Ep 1 - Let me introduce myself

    15 Min introduction to me everyone knows me as Fi, and a quick summary of the sort of stuff we will talk about on here.  I want to share a bit about me and my 20 years in business and how I found a love for the open water.

    14 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

*Life, Business, and the Open Water* is all about navigating the ups and downs of life and work. Join me for real talk, inspiring stories, and tips to help you stay afloat, whether you’re riding the waves of entrepreneurship or just figuring things out.

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