The Natural Resilience Podcast

Natural Resilience

Welcome to Natural Resilience, the podcast where stories inspire transformation. Hosted by Ciaran, a leader in the field of human behavior and performance, this show brings together extraordinary individuals to share their journeys of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. With over a decade of experience in Emotional Intelligence, Effective Communication, and holistic self-improvement, Ciaran combines his expertise with a passion for exploring the human spirit. Each episode dives deep into the lives of remarkable guests, from elite athletes and world-class performers to trailblazers in business and community leaders. Through candid conversations, Natural Resilience uncovers the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments that shape these inspiring figures. The show offers powerful insights on what it takes to rise above adversity, unlock natural potential, and thrive in all aspects of life.Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical wisdom, or a fresh perspective, this podcast will empower you to embrace your resilience and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

  1. 5d ago

    Grow Your Business Without Breaking Yourself | A Year of Founder First

    Founder First is Northern Ireland’s founder development programme. Ciaran May looks back on year one and explains why to join in 2027.In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Sean from 1620 Audio, the studio where the podcast is recorded, sits down with Ciaran May a year after the programme was first discussed on the show. Ciarán set out to build a founder operating system around health, wealth and freedom, and it started with a cohort of business owners in January 2026.Ciarán explains the thinking behind it: why athletes have an operating system, with data, recovery and a plan, and business owners often do not. He describes how the programme measures growth beyond revenue, including stress, relationships and physical and mental health, and why he would rather grow a business sustainably than fast at the founder’s expense.He talks about the community that formed, with founders in engineering, construction, consultancy, recruitment and software introducing each other, supporting each other’s events and doing business together. He explains the year ahead for new members: a diagnostic in January, a first day in person, a clear vision and quarterly rocks, systems, protecting capacity, and outside experts in areas such as finance, pensions and tax.IN THIS CONVERSATIONGoing from an idea in Ciarán’s head to a year of Founder FirstGrowing a business without breaking the founderWhat business can learn from elite sport: warm up, perform, recoverWhy data matters, and measuring more than revenueThe co-pilot model and accountabilityThe simple things founders remember most, and the community that formedPutting the plates down: capacity, systems and AIWhat the year looks like if you join Founder First 2027Founder First 2027 is capped at twenty founders. Want a clearer read on where you are as a founder? Take the Founder Scorecard: https://founder-first.scoreapp.comMORE FROM NATURAL RESILIENCEWebsite: https://natural-resilience.co.ukGet new interviews by email: http://eepurl.com/hhiFzrSubscribe to The Natural Resilience Podcast. The Natural Resilience Podcast explores how founders, leaders, elite performers and remarkable people build the capacity to perform, endure and live well.#FounderFirst #FounderDevelopment #NorthernIreland #BusinessOwners #FounderBurnout #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Belfast #NaturalResilienceCHAPTERS0:00 A year on: from an idea to Founder First8:03 Growing a business without breaking the founder15:06 What business can learn from elite sport20:01 Every athlete has an operating system25:03 Why data matters30:06 Success beyond revenue36:46 The co-pilot model and accountability41:40 The simple things founders remember most43:44 A community that supports each other50:06 Putting the plates down53:23 A mixed room that does business together58:23 Staying open to new ideas1:01:40 Using AI to save time1:05:55 What joining looks like: the diagnostic1:07:12 Day one in the room1:08:32 Clarity, vision and quarterly rocks1:09:57 Systems1:11:01 Bringing in the experts

  2. Oct 20

    From a Larne Council Estate to a £60m Family Office | Ross Lazaroo-Hood

    Ross Lazaroo-Hood went from Larne's Seacourt estate to Lloyd's of London and a global family investment office. In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciarán May sits down with Ross Lazaroo-Hood, Northern Irish entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, and Founder and CEO of the Lazaroo-Hood Group, an international single-family investment office and Foundation. Originally from Larne, Ross built a career in the London insurance market before founding his own global insurance company in 2016. After its exit, he moved into global investing. By his own account, his family office funds grew from a £15m personal investment to over £60m in 18 months, with a target of more than £100m in 2027. Ross has dyslexia and is a vocal advocate for #dyslexiathinking, pushing for diversity, equity, inclusion and neurodiversity in business. IN THIS CONVERSATION - Growing up on the Seacourt estate in Larne - Working up through the London insurance market to a Lloyd's syndicate - Starting a business, and the months before it earned anything - Selling the company and what changed afterwards - Dyslexia, neurodiversity and business - Investing in founders, and what makes someone backable Want a clearer read on where you are as a founder? Take the Founder Scorecard: https://founder-first.scoreapp.com MORE FROM NATURAL RESILIENCE Website: https://natural-resilience.co.uk Get new interviews by email: http://eepurl.com/hhiFzr Subscribe to The Natural Resilience Podcast. The Natural Resilience Podcast explores how founders, leaders, elite performers and remarkable people build the capacity to perform, endure and live well. #RossLazarooHood #FamilyOffice #AngelInvesting #NorthernIreland #Larne #LloydsOfLondon #Dyslexia #dyslexiathinking #Entrepreneurship #NaturalResilience CHAPTERS 0:00 Northern Ireland's moment and why we need to shout about it 12:08 Growing up on a council estate in Larne 14:39 From Queen's to a business degree in Norwich 16:08 Knocking on doors for a job in the Lloyd's market 17:53 Becoming a class underwriter at a Lloyd's syndicate 20:05 Leaving the hamster wheel to start his own business 21:26 Eighteen months with no income, and the first binder 23:37 Giving away two thirds of the business and building the team 26:48 Lessons from scaling: people management 29:06 Getting ready to sell: the data room and due diligence 32:11 The late American offer and the exit 35:24 Life after the exit: emptiness and what to do with the money 37:38 Buying Clearer Water and the social enterprise 41:39 Dyslexia and neurodiversity as a superpower 43:11 Taking risks as an investor 46:04 Sport, athletes and money 49:55 Helping young talent get a break 53:02 What makes a founder backable 55:00 Adding value beyond the money 59:02 Why he loves what he does now

  3. Oct 1

    From Anxiety Attacks to the Olympic Stage | Gerry Hussey | The Natural Resilience Podcast

    Performance psychologist Gerry Hussey works with Olympians and the Cork hurlers. As a boy, anxiety attacks crippled him. How do you navigate change, find a purpose that is your own, and perform in line with your own values when the pressure is on? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciarán May sits down with Gerry Hussey in a conversation recorded live in front of an audience in Belfast. Gerry has spent close to twenty years working in health and performance, preparing athletes and teams for Olympic Games, World Cups, Heineken Cups and All-Ireland finals, and working with leaders and organisations on how people perform under pressure. He is the author of Awaken Your Power Within, The Freedom Within and I Am, I Can, I Will, and a speaker in high demand with organisations and teams. His story starts somewhere very different. As a young boy, Gerry was crippled by anxiety attacks. He talks openly about what that was like, how he found his way through it, and how it shaped the work he does today. Gerry and Ciarán talk about why change feels so threatening, how to find a sense of purpose that belongs to you rather than one you were handed, and what happens to performance when the way you live and work lines up with what you value. IN THIS CONVERSATION - Gerry's childhood with anxiety attacks, and how he found his way through - Why we resist change, and how to move through it - Finding a purpose that is your own - Living and performing in alignment with your values - What Olympic and elite sport has taught him about pressure - Building a life as a speaker, consultant and author from that starting point TAKE THE FOUNDER SCORECARD Gerry's point is that performance starts with knowing where you actually are. The Founder Scorecard is a good place to start. It takes a few minutes and shows you where you are performing well, and where you need more clarity, structure or support. https://founder-first.scoreapp.com GET THE LESSONS FROM EVERY EPISODE We pull the most useful thinking out of these conversations and send it to our mailing list, so the ideas stay with you after the episode ends. http://eepurl.com/hhiFzr FIND GERRY Soul Space: https://soulspace.ie Books: https://www.gerryhussey.ie/books MORE FROM NATURAL RESILIENCE Website: https://natural-resilience.co.uk Subscribe to The Natural Resilience Podcast for more conversations about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship and the realities of building a meaningful life and business. New episodes twice a month, recorded in Belfast. The Natural Resilience Podcast explores how founders, leaders, elite performers and remarkable people build the capacity to perform, endure and live well. THANK YOU This evening was co-organised with Jessica Higginson and the team at Podiem, and sponsored by Sam Shephard and The Juice Jar. Thank you both for making it happen. Podiem: https://www.podiem.com The Juice Jar: https://juicejar.com #GerryHussey #PerformancePsychology #Anxiety #Purpose #Resilience #Change #Leadership #CorkHurling #Belfast #NaturalResiliencePodcast

  4. Sep 18

    The Inner World of Leadership | Dr Stephen McCabe, Momentum One Zero | Natural Resilience Podcast

    Dr Stephen McCabe leads Momentum One Zero, the £70 million innovation centre built under the Belfast Region City Deal. What does it actually take to build psychological safety into a workplace, and can a whole city region learn to do the same thing? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciarán May sits down with Dr Stephen McCabe, Executive Director of Momentum One Zero, to talk about identity, performance and psychological safety in high-pressure leadership, and how a £70 million innovation centre is helping bring the Belfast Region City Deal to life. Momentum One Zero sits inside Queen's University Belfast and exists to turn research and industry collaboration into real economic activity for the city region, backed by the Belfast Region City Deal. Stephen talks through what building an institution like that actually involves, and what it will mean for Belfast's technology and innovation sector over the next several years. The conversation turns personal. Stephen has spoken publicly before about his own experience of anxiety and depression, and why psychological safety in a workplace has to start with a leader who is honest about their own inner world before they can build it for anyone else. Ciarán and Stephen talk through identity under pressure, what a leadership persona costs, and what it takes to build a genuinely safe environment around you rather than just saying you have one. IN THIS CONVERSATION - What Momentum One Zero is, and its role inside the Belfast Region City Deal - Building psychological safety into high-pressure tech and innovation environments - Stephen's own experience of anxiety and depression, and why he chose to speak about it - Identity and the leadership persona: what has to change, and what has to stay constant - What it takes to build a £70 million innovation centre, and what it means for the region - Practical advice for leaders trying to build real psychological safety in their own teams TAKE THE FOUNDER SCORECARD Stephen is direct about needing to know your own state before you can lead anyone else's. The Founder Scorecard is where that starts. It takes a few minutes and shows you where you are performing well, and where you need more clarity, structure or support. https://founder-first.scoreapp.com GET THE LESSONS FROM EVERY EPISODE We pull the most useful thinking out of these conversations and send it to our mailing list, so the ideas outlast the episode. http://eepurl.com/hhiFzr MORE FROM NATURAL RESILIENCE Website: https://natural-resilience.co.uk Subscribe to The Natural Resilience Podcast for more honest conversations about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship and the realities of building a meaningful life and business. New episodes twice a month, recorded in Belfast. The Natural Resilience Podcast explores how founders, leaders, elite performers and remarkable people build the capacity to perform, endure and live well. #StephenMcCabe #MomentumOneZero #BelfastRegionCityDeal #QueensUniversityBelfast #PsychologicalSafety #Leadership #BelfastTech #NorthernIreland #Innovation #NaturalResiliencePodcast

  5. Sep 3

    From the Family Butchers to Blockchain | Kieran Kelly, Ubloquity | The Natural Resilience Podcast

    Kieran Kelly went from the family butcher's to CEO of Ubloquity, the Belfast firm securing global supply chains. What does it actually take to build a technology company from an unorthodox start, and who do you need around you to do it? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciarán May sits down with Kieran Kelly, founder and CEO of Ubloquity, to trace a route into tech that went through a family butcher's shop and a bedroom building PCs before it arrived anywhere near a boardroom. Kieran describes Ubloquity as the trust protocol in the supply chain. It uses blockchain to let goods move across borders without friction, and to prove where something came from, what it is made of and who made it. He talks through the company's work with Amazon Web Services, and a project with Lowden Guitars in County Down that gave individual instruments a verifiable record of their own provenance. The conversation turns to what scaling actually costs. Kieran is direct about the cognitive load, the pressure, the stakes and the risk of building a start-up, and about why none of it is survivable alone. His line for it is that it takes a village to raise a start-up. Finding a tribe of founders who understand the work gives you a support system, and people who will show you your own blind spots. He closes on Northern Ireland's technology sector, and why the grit, the determination and the genuine willingness to collaborate here amount to a competitive advantage rather than a consolation. IN THIS CONVERSATION - From the family butchers, to building PCs, to founding a technology company - What Ubloquity does, and what a trust protocol in the supply chain means - Blockchain, frictionless borders, and proving provenance - The work with AWS and the Lowden Guitars project - Why scaling is high load, high pressure, high stakes and high risk - Finding your tribe, and the blind spots only other founders can show you - Collaboration as Northern Ireland's competitive advantage TAKE THE FOUNDER SCORECARD Kieran is clear that no founder gets there alone. The Founder Scorecard is where that starts. It takes a few minutes and shows you where you are performing well, and where you need more clarity, structure or support. https://founder-first.scoreapp.com GET THE LESSONS FROM EVERY EPISODE We pull the most useful thinking out of these conversations and send it to our mailing list, so the ideas outlast the episode. http://eepurl.com/hhiFzr MORE FROM NATURAL RESILIENCE Website: https://natural-resilience.co.uk Subscribe to The Natural Resilience Podcast for more honest conversations about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship and the realities of building a meaningful life and business. New episodes twice a month, recorded in Belfast. The Natural Resilience Podcast explores how founders, leaders, elite performers and remarkable people build the capacity to perform, endure and live well. #KieranKelly #Ubloquity #SupplyChain #Blockchain #BelfastTech #NorthernIreland #TechFounder #Startup #LowdenGuitars #NaturalResiliencePodcast CHAPTERS [To follow. Auto-captions exist on the video, so these can be built from the real transcript. First timestamp at 0:00, minimum three, each at least ten seconds.]

  6. Aug 20

    From Sandy Row to City Hall | Tracy Kelly | The Natural Resilience Podcast

    Tracy Kelly grew up on Sandy Row and went on to become Lord Mayor of Belfast. What does authentic leadership look like when it is rooted in community, shaped by working-class values and driven by a determination to make sure nobody feels left behind? In this episode of The Natural Resilience Podcast, Ciarán May sits down with Tracy Kelly, former Lord Mayor of Belfast, to explore her journey from Sandy Row to Belfast City Hall and the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership. Tracy speaks openly about growing up in a proud working-class community, the importance of representation, and why people from areas like Sandy Row should be encouraged to believe that their background does not limit their future. The conversation explores grassroots leadership, staying connected to the people you represent, and the responsibility leaders have to make sure communities do not feel forgotten. Tracy also reflects on the realities of public leadership, remaining true to herself, and using her position to help others see what might be possible for their own lives. This conversation was recorded during Tracy's term as Lord Mayor. Her term has sinceended. IN THIS CONVERSATION - Growing up on Sandy Row and what that community gave her - The road from grassroots work to Belfast City Hall - Representation, and why it matters who is in the room - Staying connected to the people you represent - The realities of public leadership - Leadership as impact rather than title TAKE THE FOUNDER SCORECARD If you are a founder or business leader who wants to lead yourself and your organisation in the right direction, the Founder Scorecard will help you identify where you are performing strongly and where greater clarity, structure or support may be needed. https://founder-first.scoreapp.com ABOUT BREAKING BREAD This episode was recorded live at Breaking Bread, our quarterly leadership and business breakfast in Belfast. Every three months we bring together 50 of the city's top entrepreneurs and business leaders for three live fireside interviews and the conversations that follow. Join the waiting list: https://businessnetwork.scoreapp.com MORE FROM NATURAL RESILIENCE Website: https://natural-resilience.co.uk Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hhiFzr Subscribe to The Natural Resilience Podcast for more honest conversations about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship and the realities of building a meaningful life and business. New episodes twice a month, recorded in Belfast. #TracyKelly #LordMayorOfBelfast #SandyRow #Belfast #NorthernIreland #Leadership#CommunityLeadership #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBread #NaturalResiliencePodcast

  7. Aug 6

    From Loss to Legacy | Why Mark Hanna raised £1 Million for Marie Curie

    Sometimes the greatest purpose is forged through life's greatest loss.After losing his father to a heart attack and later his father-in-law, Mark Hanna found purpose through supporting Marie Curie. What began as a way of giving back has become a lifelong mission. Since then, he has: Raised over £1 million for Marie Curie. Completed 22 marathons (with the Dublin Marathon 2026 next on the horizon). Taken on multiple Ironman competitions. Reached Everest Base Camp. Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Cycled the length of Ireland. Trekked Machu Picchu. Organised Northern Ireland's Time Ball, raising significant funds for Marie Curie every two years. But this conversation isn't really about endurance sport. It's about grief, purpose, service, and the extraordinary impact one person can make when they dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves. Mark also shares his remarkable personal transformation, losing five stone, and reflects on why purpose—not motivation—is what keeps him moving forward. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people achieve extraordinary things, this episode is for you. If Mark's story resonates with you and you'd like to support this year's Time Ball in aid of Marie Curie, you can make a donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/timeball7-11-26?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Every conversation has the power to change a life.

  8. Jul 23

    From Antrim Captain to Founder: Neil McManus on Leadership, Pressure & Purpose

    Neil McManus is widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers ever to represent Antrim. Over a remarkable 17-year inter-county career, he captained his county, competed at the highest level of Gaelic Games and became one of the most respected figures in Irish sport.But this conversation goes far beyond hurling.In this episode of the Natural Resilience Podcast, Neil joins Ciarán May to explore the leadership lessons learned from elite sport, the importance of community, and the transition from athlete to entrepreneur.Growing up in Cushendall, Neil developed a deep connection to place, identity and service. Today, alongside his sporting legacy, he is helping create opportunities for future generations and has embarked on a new journey as a founder, building solutions designed to solve real-world problems.Together they discuss:✅ Leadership under pressure✅ Captaining teams and managing expectations✅ High performance and resilience✅ Lessons from elite sport that apply to business✅ Entrepreneurship and start-up life✅ Community, connection and belonging✅ The future of work and the impact of AI✅ Why human skills matter more than everWhether you're a founder, leader, entrepreneur, athlete or simply someone looking to perform at a higher level, this conversation is packed with practical insights and timeless lessons.---🎙 About the Natural Resilience PodcastHosted by Ciarán May, founder of Natural Resilience, this podcast explores leadership, resilience, wellbeing and sustainable high performance through conversations with exceptional people from business, sport, public service and beyond.New episodes released every two weeks.Connect with Ciaran May on LinkedinWebsite - www.natural-resilience.co.uk-If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who would benefit from the conversation.#NeilMcManus #Leadership #Hurling #AntrimGAA #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #BusinessLeadership #HighPerformance #Resilience #NaturalResilience #Podcast #NorthernIreland #CiaranMay #SportAndBusiness #LeadershipLessons

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About

Welcome to Natural Resilience, the podcast where stories inspire transformation. Hosted by Ciaran, a leader in the field of human behavior and performance, this show brings together extraordinary individuals to share their journeys of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. With over a decade of experience in Emotional Intelligence, Effective Communication, and holistic self-improvement, Ciaran combines his expertise with a passion for exploring the human spirit. Each episode dives deep into the lives of remarkable guests, from elite athletes and world-class performers to trailblazers in business and community leaders. Through candid conversations, Natural Resilience uncovers the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments that shape these inspiring figures. The show offers powerful insights on what it takes to rise above adversity, unlock natural potential, and thrive in all aspects of life.Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical wisdom, or a fresh perspective, this podcast will empower you to embrace your resilience and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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