The Phoenix Conversations

Lucy McCarraher
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Life doesn’t always go to plan, but reinvention is where the real magic happens. I’m Lucy McCarraher- author, entrepreneur, and serial reinventor, and in The Phoenix Conversations, I talk to people who’ve turned collapse into courage and setbacks into spectacular comebacks. From rebuilding careers and relationships to rediscovering purpose and passion, these are stories of second chances and powerful new beginnings. Whether you’re craving a fresh start or standing on the edge of change, this podcast reminds you it’s never too late to rise again - because your next chapter could be your best one yet.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Literary Butterfly with Becca Mascull

    In this episode, I’m joined by Becca Mascull for a brilliant conversation about reinvention, creativity and what it means to keep choosing a new path, even when it feels uncertain. We talk about the long road from teaching to becoming a published novelist, the self-belief it takes to keep going, and why the thing quietly waiting in the background of your life might actually be the thing you are meant to follow. We also get into confidence, pseudonyms, publishing, money, and the reality of building a creative career across different seasons of life. Becca shares so much honesty about risk, resilience and trusting your instincts, and this one is such a hopeful reminder that reinvention does not have an expiry date. Highlights: (02:44) - Becca on being a reader, writer and natural storyteller from the start (11:41) - The moment she knew teaching was no longer the right fit (15:38) - When Plan B finally became Plan A (17:15) - Why publication took years, and why she did not give up (22:53) - How writing under different names became its own reinvention (37:33) - Her advice for anyone standing on the edge of change Connect with Becca at: https://linktr.ee/beccamascull Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    45 min

  2. 30 MAR

    Human First with Baiju Solanki

    In this episode, I’m joined by Baiju Solanki, psychologist, entrepreneur and leadership expert, for a rich conversation about reinvention, identity and what it means to stay human in an AI-driven world. As the founder of EnSpirit Global and EnSpirit AI Technologies, and the author of Human First and other influential books, Baiju helps individuals and organisations build human-first cultures rooted in self-leadership, accountability and authentic impact. We talk about the many versions of reinvention across his life, from family expectations and career pivots to divorce, health, authorship and purpose. It is an honest conversation about shame, confidence, leadership and the inner work that shapes how we show up in the world. There is so much here about trusting yourself, taking ownership of your journey and leading with more intention, especially when life asks you to change. Highlights: (02:41) - What childhood taught Baiju about pressure and not feeling good enough (04:19) - The book that sparked his first real reinvention (10:23) - The New York moment that made him question everything (21:00) - How divorce forced a deep identity shift (28:05) - Why humanity matters even more in an AI-driven world (32:24) - Baiju’s advice for anyone standing on the edge of change Contact Baiju at: https://baijusolanki.com/ https://www.instagram.com/baijusolanki/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/baijusolanki-performance-psychologist/ https://leadershipassessement.scoreapp.com/ Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    36 min

  3. 23 MAR

    The MBE Investiture

    In this episode, I’m doing something a little different and taking you behind the scenes of a very special day, receiving my MBE at Windsor Castle. After sharing a little of the story online, so many people wanted to know what the day was actually like, from the build-up and the nerves to the ceremony itself, that I thought I’d sit down and tell the full story properly. I talk about the campaign that led to the award, what it was like walking through Windsor Castle with my family, and the surreal, lovely moment of meeting Prince William. It is personal, reflective and quietly celebratory, with a few funny details along the way too, including armed guards, cobbles, the gift shop and a lunch at The Ivy to round it all off. Highlights: (02:27) - Why I was nominated for the honour in the first place (05:42) - The letter that changed everything (11:56) - Waiting inside Windsor Castle for my moment (16:24) - My conversation with Prince William (20:09) - The gift shop moment was slightly out of hand (21:33) - Why the whole day felt so special in the end https://www.bookmagic.ai LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarrahermbe Substack – https://lucymccarrahermbe.substack.com TikTok, Instagram & Threads - @lucymccarrahermbe Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    24 min

  4. 16 MAR

    The Business Of Stories With Susan Payton

    In this episode, I’m joined by Susan Payton, who discovered the power of storytelling after sharing what she thought was a very ordinary story with 1,500 business owners in 2015. The response changed everything. That one moment reshaped her business and her life, and set her on the path to becoming the founder of The Business of Stories, an international bestselling author, podcast host, and trusted voice on how entrepreneurs can stand out by telling the right story. We talk about reinvention, resilience, and how Susan rebuilt her path through personal change, business pivots, and a growing belief that stories are not fluff, they are one of the clearest ways to connect, build trust, and attract the right people. It is honest, encouraging, and full of reminders that your next chapter does not have to look anything like the last one. Highlights: (02:23) - Susan reflects on the kind of child she was (10:42) - The life shifts that shaped her reinvention (19:48) - How The Business of Mums became The Business of Stories (21:38) - The moment storytelling became the business (24:10) - From nervous pitch to five paying clients (33:13) - Why you can start a new story from today Susan’s links: Susan's book: https://thebusinessofstories.com/freebook/ Susan's podcast: https://thebusinessofstories.com/podcast/ thebusinessofstories.com Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    37 min

  5. 9 MAR

    Lifelong Learning with Safaraz Ali

    When Safaraz Ali MBE failed every one of his GCSEs, he thought the factory floor was his future. What followed was a journey that took him from inner city Birmingham into financial services, then into social care, and ultimately into building businesses that now employ more than 1,300 people across the UK. In this conversation, Saf shares how a calculated commercial move into the care sector became a genuine calling, why apprenticeships deserve far more respect, and how diversity in leadership must be intentional. As CEO and Co Founder of The Pathway Group, founder of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, Entrepreneur in Residence at The Open University and Ambassador for Birmingham City University, his work spans skills, employability, health, foster care and entrepreneurship. His advice on reinvention is honest, grounded and refreshingly practical. Highlights: (02:44) Growing up in Alum Rock with no English spoken at home (06:53) Failing every GCSE and choosing education as a way out (17:02) Leaving a secure financial services career to start again (22:01) Entering social care for business, finding purpose instead (25:44) Championing apprenticeships and driving diversity in leadership (32:16) Receiving an MBE and the real meaning of reinvention Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    39 min

  6. 2 MAR

    Leader By Nature With Jude Jennsion

    In this episode, I’m joined by Jude Jennison, Founder of Leaders by Nature, who empowers leadership teams to drive business growth and navigate change with confidence. After 17 years at IBM, where she managed a $1 billion budget and led UK, European and global teams, Jude stepped into a very different kind of leadership work. Today, she partners with blue chip companies and fast growing entrepreneurial businesses, working alongside her herd of horses to transform nonverbal leadership and team behaviours. A bestselling author of three leadership books and host of the podcast Leading through Uncertainty, Jude shares how fear, courage and presence shape the way we lead. Highlights: (01:27) From Nottingham to IBM, and 17 roles in 17 years (08:22) The women’s conference in Rome that changed everything (10:39) Taking a year off, stripping back identity, and rebuilding from scratch (18:22) Overcoming fear of horses, and the five minute lesson in true leadership (23:48) Buying a horse before knowing what she was doing, and not giving up (34:51) Reinvention advice, trust life, take the step, and build your support Get in touch with Jude at: www.leadersbynature.com https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/judejennison Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    39 min

  7. 23 FEB

    The Authority Advantage with Adam Witty

    In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Witty, founder of Advantage Media, which he launched in 2005 from the spare bedroom of his home. What began as a done for you publishing system for busy business leaders has grown into a global authority building company serving thousands of clients across 50 US states and 13 countries. We explore how Adam’s innovative approach attracted Forbes, leading to the launch of Forbes Books in 2017, followed by partnerships with SXSW and Entrepreneur. From appearing on the Inc. 30 Under 30 list to leading a company recognised multiple times by Inc. 5000, Adam shares the reinventions behind the success. This is a conversation about resilience, authority and embracing change as fuel for growth. Highlights: (03:15) Early lessons in resilience and entrepreneurship (10:20) Launching Advantage Media from a spare bedroom (17:30) Reinventing after losing his first company (23:45) The Forbes partnership and building authority at scale (30:10) Why writing a book changes how the world sees you (34:10) Embracing change in the age of AI If you’re looking to connect with Adam, he welcomes connections at awitty@theauthoritycompany.com, or visit theauthoritycompany.com and adamwitty.com Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    38 min

  8. 16 FEB

    Confidence & Control with Heather Pownall

    In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Pownall, founder of Heather’s Media Hub, a purpose led digital strategy and communications consultancy working across healthcare, research, technology, cybersecurity and membership organisations. After nearly two decades in publishing, including 15 years in senior medical publishing roles, Heather made the bold decision in 2018 to leave corporate security and build her own consultancy from scratch. We talk about coming from a working class, risk averse background, navigating self doubt in the early years of business, and leading major digital transformation projects with measurable impact. Heather shares how loss, burnout and a later diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia reshaped the way she works and leads. This is a powerful conversation about trusting your expertise, walking away when values no longer align, and building something that truly lasts. Highlights: (02:23) Leaving a secure senior role with no safety net (05:19) Early experiences of being dismissed at school (11:38) Thriving, then questioning corporate life (14:24) The leap into entrepreneurship and loss of identity (19:39) Discovering neurodivergence and reclaiming confidence (24:54) Reinventing again and stepping into bigger leadership Connect with Lucy: Website - https://bookmagic.ai TikTok - @lucymccarra  Instagram/Threads - @lucymccarraher  LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucymccarraher/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@lucymccarraherauthor Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LucyMcCarraher/

    33 min
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About

Life doesn’t always go to plan, but reinvention is where the real magic happens. I’m Lucy McCarraher- author, entrepreneur, and serial reinventor, and in The Phoenix Conversations, I talk to people who’ve turned collapse into courage and setbacks into spectacular comebacks. From rebuilding careers and relationships to rediscovering purpose and passion, these are stories of second chances and powerful new beginnings. Whether you’re craving a fresh start or standing on the edge of change, this podcast reminds you it’s never too late to rise again - because your next chapter could be your best one yet.

Information

  • Creator
    Lucy McCarraher
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lucy McCarraher
  • Show Website
    The Phoenix Conversations