What I Wish I Knew At 30

Fran Harper

🌟 What I Wish I Knew at 30 – with Fran HarperReal Stories. Raw Lessons. Timeless Wisdom. What I Wish I Knew at 30 is the podcast that bridges generations — where host Fran Harper, entrepreneur, coach, and storyteller, invites guests from the worlds of food, business, sport, and travel to share the truths, turning points, and lessons they wish they’d known earlier in life. Born from years of heart-to-heart conversations with young people, this show captures the wisdom, resilience, and humour of those who’ve lived, learned, and now want to give back. Each episode is a deep dive into mindset, purpose, growth, and human connection — because the insights of one generation should inspire the next. If you love authentic conversations that make you reflect, laugh, and rethink what really matters at every age, this is your invitation to learn from experience, not just time. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube — and start discovering what you wish you knew at 30.

  1. 12H AGO

    Undiagnosed Autism for 30 Years — Here's What I Missed | Sarah Exton

    What if the struggle you're in right now is actually setting you up for the life you'll be proud of in 10 years? In this powerful episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, host Fran Harper sits down with Sarah Exton, Managing Director of Creative Care Company, to talk about career pivots, burnout, late autism diagnosis, and building a purpose-driven business in the disability support sector. Sarah shares what it was really like to: - Be diagnosed autistic as an adult - Leave a corporate career to enter the NDIS and disability services space - Build a business while working a demanding executive role - Navigate leadership as a neurodivergent woman - Redefine success beyond money and titles If you’re building a business, navigating a career transition, questioning your purpose, or wondering whether it’s too late to change direction — this conversation is for you. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Corporate burnout vs purpose-driven leadershipAutism diagnosis in adulthoodWomen in leadership and self-beliefLeaving a stable job to start a businessBuilding resilience during uncertaintyThe pressure of your 30sNeurodivergence in the workplaceWhy impact matters more than incomeHow to back yourself when no one else does 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper 🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper 💡 Fran Harper empowers leaders, founders, and high performers to design lives aligned with clarity, purpose, and integrity. With decades of experience in communication, leadership, and mindset development, she helps individuals build sustainable success from the inside out. 💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30 🎥 What I Wish I Knew at 30 is where real stories meet honest reflection. Hosted by Fran Harper — Life Architect, entrepreneur, and mindset coach — this channel helps you: Build resilienceNavigate career transitionsStrengthen leadership capacityRedefine successCreate a life with purpose, balance & impact 🌎 Connect with Fran Harper 📸 Instagram: / wiwikat30 📘 Facebook: / fran.harper.79 💼 LinkedIn: / franharper 🔔 Never Miss an Update! 📺 Subscribe here: / @whatiwishiknewat30 💖 Spread the Love 💌 Share this episode with someone navigating career uncertainty or leadership pressure. 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to support the channel. 🙏 Thank you for being part of this community #AdultAutism #autismdiagnosis #NeurodivergentLeadership #womeninleadership #careerchange #corporateburnout #purposedrivenleadership #entrepreneurlife  #disabilitysupportdog #caresector #femalefounders #whatiwishiknewat30 #ADHDandAutism #buildingabusiness #resilience

    57 min
  2. FEB 11

    The Belief That a Sport Commentator Got Totally Wrong

    In this episode, Fran Harper and Greg Clark explore how career uncertainty in your 30s can quietly shape long-term success. From self-doubt and relocation to leadership, discipline, and resilience, this conversation dives deep into the mindset required to build a lasting career in media, sport, and life. Greg shares how preparation, integrity, and surrounding yourself with the right people created opportunities that lasted decades, from calling rugby test matches and Olympic Games to building a 25-year career at Fox Sports. This episode is a powerful reflection on hard work, personal responsibility, reputation, and staying grounded under pressure. If you're navigating career pressure, leadership growth, or wondering whether you're on the right path in your 30s, this conversation will remind you that longevity isn’t accidental, it’s earned. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why preparation builds long-term confidenceHow reputation compounds over decadesWhy never burning bridges protects your futureHow surrounding yourself with high achievers elevates youWhy humility sustains success longer than talent aloneHow to stay resilient during uncertain career phasesWhy “stick to the runway” is powerful life advice 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper:https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper 💡 Fran Harper empowers leaders, founders, and high performers to design lives aligned with clarity, purpose, and integrity. With decades of experience in communication, leadership, and mindset development, she helps individuals build sustainable success from the inside out. 💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30 🎥 What I Wish I Knew at 30 is where real stories meet honest reflection. Hosted by Fran Harper — Life Architect, entrepreneur, and mindset coach — this channel helps you: Build resilienceNavigate career transitionsStrengthen leadership capacityRedefine successCreate a life with purpose, balance & impact 🌎 Connect with Fran Harper📸 Instagram: / wiwikat30📘 Facebook: / fran.harper.79💼 LinkedIn: / franharper 🔔 Never Miss an Update!📺 Subscribe here:/ @whatiwishiknewat30 📜 Important Information ⚠️ Disclaimer: Content is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Please use your own judgment and due diligence. © Copyright Notice: All materials are owned by Fran Harper. Sharing links and embedding videos is permitted with proper attribution. 💖 Spread the Love💌 Share this episode with someone navigating career uncertainty or leadership pressure.👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to support the channel.🙏 Thank you for being part of this community. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU:Are you sticking to the runway or letting distractions pull you off course? 📌 Drop your answer in the comments — let’s grow together. #CareerAdvice #LeadershipLessons #MediaCareer #Resilience #HardWorkPaysOff #IntegrityMatters #LifeAdviceAt30 #GregClark #WhatIWishIKnewAt30

    1h 7m
  3. FEB 9

    5 Years of Struggling Taught Me This - Lessons on Success, Money & Meaning |What I Wish I Knew at 30

    In this episode, Fran Harper and Chip Dolan discuss how today's struggles might be setting the stage for a fulfilling future. They explore valuable "life lessons" and the essence of "personal growth," emphasizing the importance of a "mindset shift" to navigate challenges. This conversation offers insights into achieving "mental wellbeing" and fostering "emotional healing" through connection and embracing change. Chip’s story shows how curiosity, adaptability, and community can quietly shape a life of purpose, even when it doesn’t look “successful” on the surface. If you’re a creative, founder, leader, or someone feeling stuck between comfort and growth, this episode will change how you think about career, connection, and what really matters. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why versatility creates long-term career security How creative dissatisfaction can be a signal, not a failure Why relationships matter more than talent alone How financial pressure shapes life decisions Why staying connected prevents isolation How redefining success brings peace and freedom 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper 🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper: Fran@franharpercoaching.com 💡 Fran Harper empowers leaders, creatives, and high performers to design lives aligned with clarity, purpose, and wellbeing. With decades of experience in communication, leadership, and mindset work, she blends strategic insight with deep personal transformation. 💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30 🎥 What I Wish I Knew at 30 is where real stories meet honest reflection. Hosted by Fran Harper — Life Architect, entrepreneur, and mindset coach — this channel helps you: Build resilience Navigate change Redefine success Create a life with purpose, balance & impact 🌎 Connect with Fran Harper 📸 Instagram: / wiwikat30 📘 Facebook: / fran.harper.79 💼 LinkedIn: / franharper 🎥 Watch More Inspiring Episodes 🎬 The Broken Leg That Built a CEO 🎬 The Question That Keeps Leaders Focused and Optimistic 🎬 Coming Out After Years of Climbing the Corporate Ladder 💖 Spread the Love 💌 Share this episode with someone navigating uncertainty, creativity, or career change. 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to support the channel. 🙏 Thank you for being part of this community. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: What’s one skill, relationship, or part of yourself you know you need to expand right now? 📌 Drop your answer in the comments, let’s grow together. #LifeAdviceAt30#CareerLessons#CreativeLife#MusicianLife#RedefiningSuccess#LifeLessons#PersonalGrowth

    55 min
  4. JAN 21

    Breaking Point: The CEO Chapter Nobody Sees Coming | Samantha Tait

    What if the moment that stopped you… was the moment that changed everything? In this episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, I sit down with Samantha Tait, founder of BRND Group, to unpack how a broken leg, a marriage breakdown, and total uncertainty became the foundation for resilience, leadership, and business success. After breaking her leg playing rugby for England, Samantha was forced to slow down and in that stillness, she spotted an opportunity that would reshape her career. What began as a scrappy social media experiment turned into one of Australia’s leading brand and digital strategy agencies. In this honest, grounded conversation, we explore:• What Samantha wishes she knew at 30• Why fast growth can sabotage long-term success• Letting go of victim stories and drama hooks• Building confidence through discomfort and change• Leadership, accountability, and self-awareness• Why momentum matters more than perfection ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Samantha’s story: from rugby to brand building02:55 – Life, motherhood, and business at 3003:58 – Winging it vs finding purpose05:06 – Risk-taking, fear, and momentum06:38 – Why she didn’t have big goals (and what she learned)08:48 – Values, alignment, and flow11:05 – The myth of “fast = success”12:18 – Divorce, uncertainty, and rebuilding identity14:42 – Loneliness, resilience, and emotional growth16:05 – Advice she’d whisper to her 30-year-old self18:01 – Three life lessons that changed everything22:50 – The mindset shift that redefined success27:18 – Final takeaway: momentum over perfection🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper:https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper:fran@franharpercoaching.com 💡 Fran Harper empowers individuals and teams to live with clarity, purpose, and balance. With decades of experience in sales, marketing, and communication, she blends business strategy with Neuro-Transformation Therapy to help people create lasting mindset shifts for success from the inside out. 💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30🎥 Welcome to What I Wish I Knew at 30, where real stories meet raw truth and remarkable growth. Hosted by Fran Harper – Life Architect, entrepreneur, and mindset coach – this channel helps you: Build resilienceRediscover purposeCreate mindset shifts for successLive a life of freedom, impact & alignment🌎 Connect with Fran Harper📸 Instagram: /wiwikat30📘 Facebook: /fran.harper.79💼 LinkedIn: /franharper 🔔 Never Miss an Update!📺 Subscribe Here: /@whatiwishiknewat30 #WhatIWishIKnewAt30 #SamanthaTait #FranHarper #LeadershipPodcast #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #WomenInBusiness #Resilience #MindsetShift #BrandStrategy #LifeLessons #CareerChange #GrowthMindset #BusinessLeadership

    34 min
  5. JAN 14

    The Mistakes That Almost Destroyed His Family Business

    What does it really take to build a family business that lasts for generations? Mimmo Lubrano, CEO of Sandhurst Fine Foods, shares the raw truth. In this powerful episode of What I Wish I Knew At 30, Fran Harper sits down with Mimmo Lubrano, the CEO behind one of Australia’s most loved food brands. From migrant roots and near-bankruptcy to leading a national food company, Mimmo reveals the real leadership, mindset, and grit required to build a sustainable family business. This is not a highlight-reel success story. Mimmo opens up about trusting the wrong people, losing money, nearly losing the family home, and learning the hardest lessons of entrepreneurship. You’ll hear why persistence beats talent, why gut instinct matters more than spreadsheets, and why strong family values are the backbone of long-term success. If you are a founder, leader, or professional navigating career uncertainty, this conversation will shift how you think about business, risk, and resilience. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – From migrant family to CEO 05:30 – Nearly losing the family home 12:40 – COVID, cash flow & survival 17:30 – Did he have life figured out at 30? 24:40 – Becoming an industry expert 28:30 – The most expensive business mistakes 40:10 – Trust your gut 43:00 – Three rules for success 1:07:00 – His final message to entrepreneurs 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How to grow a family business in a competitive market • Why most entrepreneurs fail in their 30s • How to build trust with staff, suppliers, and customers • Why persistence and education matter more than luck • How to avoid the biggest business mistakes founders make 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper:https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper:fran@franharpercoaching.com 💡 Fran Harper empowers individuals and teams to live with clarity, purpose, and balance. With decades of experience in sales, marketing, and communication, she blends business strategy with Neuro-Transformation Therapy to help people create lasting mindset shifts for success from the inside out. 💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30🎥 Welcome to What I Wish I Knew at 30, where real stories meet raw truth and remarkable growth. Hosted by Fran Harper – Life Architect, entrepreneur, and mindset coach – this channel helps you:Build resilience Rediscover purposeCreate mindset shifts for successLive a life of freedom, impact & alignment🔔 Never Miss an Update!📺 Subscribe Here: /@whatiwishiknewat30📜 Important Information⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any loss or damage from using our content. Use all information at your own risk and perform your own due diligence. 💖 Spread the Love💌 Share this video with friends, family, and anyone who needs daily mindset inspiration.👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for the latest episodes.🙏 Your support means the world to us, thank you for being here.#WhatIWishIKnewAt30#FamilyBusiness#EntrepreneurMindset#BusinessLeadership#FounderStories#SmallBusinessTips#CEOAdvice#StartupLessons#EntrepreneurLife#LeadershipPodcast#BusinessGrowth#SuccessMindset#MigrantSuccess#FoodIndustry#FranHarper

    1h 11m
  6. JAN 6

    Unlock Daily Joy & Optimism with Victor Perton’s Life-Changing Mindset

    In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the mindset habits that help leaders stay optimistic, focused, and purpose-driven every single day. Special guest Victor Perton, global leadership coach, former diplomat, and mindset strategist, shares the mindset practices he’s used to maintain clarity, positivity, and impact throughout his career. From asking the right questions to embracing daily reflection, Victor reveals the simple but powerful habits that helped him navigate challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful leadership. 💡 Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or simply looking to live with more intention, these mindset strategies will help you: Transform your daily perspective for successStay positive and proactive in any situationBuild resilience through reflection and clarityCreate a life filled with purpose, influence, and impactDevelop habits that amplify leadership and personal growthVictor’s story demonstrates how consistent mindset shifts can reshape your life, from high-pressure leadership roles to everyday decision-making. If you’re ready to level up your mindset, productivity, and life purpose, this episode is your guide to daily transformation. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why asking yourself the right question daily can reshape your mindsetHow to maintain clarity and optimism even under pressureThe leadership habits that foster resilience and impactStrategies for creating meaningful personal and professional growthHow reflection and intention fuel success and fulfillment 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper:https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper:fran@franharpercoaching.com 🌎 Connect with Fran Harper📸 Instagram: /wiwikat30📘 Facebook: /fran.harper.79💼 LinkedIn: /franharper 🎥 Watch More Inspiring Episodes🎬 • He Went from Prison at 30 to Multi-Million...🎬 • She Survived Cancer & Built an Empire Vane...🎬 • She Rose from Burnout to Brilliance Chef S... 💖 Spread the Love💌 Share this video with friends, family, and anyone who needs daily mindset inspiration.👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for the latest episodes.🙏 Your support means the world to us, thank you for being here. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU:What’s the one question you could ask yourself every day to transform your mindset?📌 Drop your answer in the comments, let’s grow together. #mindsetcoach #victorperton #positivityhabits #mindsetshifts #leadership growth #daily reflection #successmindset #whatIwishIknewat30 #personal development #lifeadvice

    1h 10m
  7. 12/30/2025

    Identity, Empathy & Success: Paul Horwell’s Life Lessons

    What does success really mean when life doesn’t go to plan? In this powerful and deeply honest episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Fran Harper sits down with Paul Horwell, an international leader, community advocate, and President of JOY Media, to unpack identity, belonging, career pressure, and the mindset shifts that shaped his life. Paul reflects on his 30s,  a period marked by career success, personal upheaval, and the courageous journey of coming out later in life. From navigating identity in the workplace to redefining success beyond approval and material achievement, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, empathy, and authenticity. 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper 💡 Fran Harper empowers individuals and teams to live with clarity, purpose, and balance. With decades of experience in sales, marketing, and communication, she blends business strategy with Neuro-Transformation Therapy to help people unlock success from the inside out. 🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper: fran@franharpercoaching.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franharper/ 🎥 Watch More Inspiring Episodes 🎬 https://youtu.be/FFNm3-4m2SI 🎬 https://youtu.be/vPa2BskxHzI 🎬 https://youtu.be/weRJraw2tLw 🎬 https://youtu.be/ImHBNvNDQZY 🎬 https://youtu.be/u4u6jyD9HYM 🎬 https://youtu.be/QvkYaZRFZtE 🔔 Never Miss an Update! 📺 Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEbsHsykhcW7oGE-RByPSg?sub_confirmation=1 💖 Spread the Love 💌 Share this episode with friends, family, or anyone who needs a dose of inspiration. 💬 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for the latest episodes. 🙏 Your support means the world to us!

    38 min
  8. 30 Years of Silent Struggle: Alan Tompkins on Mental Health & the Burnt Chef Project

    12/18/2025

    30 Years of Silent Struggle: Alan Tompkins on Mental Health & the Burnt Chef Project

    In this powerful episode of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Fran Harper sits down with Alan Tompkins, the first Australian ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project, to talk candidly about mental health, burnout, and breaking the stigma in the hospitality industry. After spending 22 years as a chef and silently battling mental health challenges for over 30 years, Alan shares his deeply personal journey, from high-pressure kitchens and toxic work culture to experiencing breakdowns that ultimately led him to purpose. Now working as a consumer peer worker at Frankston Hospital, Alan uses his lived experience to support others through mental health crises and advocate for change across hospitality. 👇 What was your favorite moment or biggest lesson from Alan Tompkin’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your insight might inspire someone else's journey! 🌟 About the Host – Fran Harper 💡 Fran Harper empowers individuals and teams to live with clarity, purpose, and balance. With decades of experience in sales, marketing, and communication, she blends business strategy with Neuro-Transformation Therapy to help people unlock success from the inside out. 🌐 Learn more about Fran Harper: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/about 📧 Contact Fran Harper: fran@franharpercoaching.com 💫 About the Channel – What I Wish I Knew at 30 🎥 Welcome to What I Wish I Knew at 30, where real stories meet raw truth and remarkable growth. Hosted by Fran Harper — Life Architect, entrepreneur, and mindset coach — this channel helps you build resilience, rediscover purpose, and create a life of freedom, impact, and aligned success at any age.🌎 Connect with Fran Harper 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiwikat30/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fran.harper.79/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franharper/ 🎥 Watch More Inspiring Episodes 🎬 https://youtu.be/FFNm3-4m2SI 🎬 https://youtu.be/vPa2BskxHzI 🎬 https://youtu.be/weRJraw2tLw 🎬 https://youtu.be/ImHBNvNDQZY 🎬 https://youtu.be/u4u6jyD9HYM 🎬 https://youtu.be/QvkYaZRFZtE 🔔 Never Miss an Update! 📺 Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEbsHsykhcW7oGE-RByPSg?sub_confirmation=1 💬 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for the latest episodes. 🙏 Your support means the world to us!

    1h 1m

About

🌟 What I Wish I Knew at 30 – with Fran HarperReal Stories. Raw Lessons. Timeless Wisdom. What I Wish I Knew at 30 is the podcast that bridges generations — where host Fran Harper, entrepreneur, coach, and storyteller, invites guests from the worlds of food, business, sport, and travel to share the truths, turning points, and lessons they wish they’d known earlier in life. Born from years of heart-to-heart conversations with young people, this show captures the wisdom, resilience, and humour of those who’ve lived, learned, and now want to give back. Each episode is a deep dive into mindset, purpose, growth, and human connection — because the insights of one generation should inspire the next. If you love authentic conversations that make you reflect, laugh, and rethink what really matters at every age, this is your invitation to learn from experience, not just time. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube — and start discovering what you wish you knew at 30.