Access to Inspiration Sue Stockdale

In this episode, Elise Wortley joins Sue Stockdale to discuss her adventure in the Canadian wilderness for the Channel 4 TV show "Alone". She shares her experience being dropped in the middle of nowhere and having to fend for herself in the wild. Elise reflects on the challenges and rewards of immersing herself in nature, including hunting for food and building shelter for the first time. Elise also talks about how reconnecting with nature can have a positive impact on our wellbeing and why she was inspired to start a project to follow in the footsteps of forgotten women adventurers.

About Elise Wortley
Elise Wortley is an adventurer, writer and presenter, on a mission to redefine what it means to be an explorer. Her on-going project, Woman with Altitude, has received widespread media attention and her writing has featured in outlets such as The Guardian and The Telegraph. Elise has presented on primetime BBC TV, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and recently starred in Channel 4's new adventure series ALONE, becoming runner up in the ultimate test of endurance and ingenuity, in one of the most beautiful but challenging landscapes on earth.

Connect with Elise Wortley on website and Instagram

Key Quotes
“One of the reasons I did Alone was to become fully immersed in nature and to just leave modern day life behind.”“ I decided to take a team of women with me to India because I wanted the trip to show other women that you can go on these adventures.”“ I used to see rain as horrible, but now I realise that it has a place in the ecosystem and I know how it feels to get as wet as the plants.”“ I learned that when I was in nature in the mountains or anywhere, even the park, I felt so much better.”“Nan Shepherd is all about not getting to the top of the mountain and just rushing to summit it, but experiencing it as a whole. The beauty that you can get out of just immersing yourself in nature.”“Sitting, doing nothing, we don't really do that in our normal lives.”“ I've learned to be a lot calmer because in London, everyone's rushing around.”“ I just want to inspire other people to go on adventures and get out there and not necessarily think you have to live by the normal ways.”
Time Stamps
[00:00:22] Alone in the Canadian wilderness.
[00:02:44] Being kind to yourself.
[00:05:02] Managing anxiety.
[00:11:31] Female explorers and empowering women.
[00:14:58] Nan Shepherd and The Living Mountain.
[00:19:18] Mental health and work-life balance.
[00:22:34] Who or what inspires you?
[00:24:04] Women with Altitude.

This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations.

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Host Sue Stockdale interviews Bettina Ovgaard, a versatile professional who has pursued a career by following her curiosity. Bettina shares her experiences working in various industries, including costume design for film, leading tours in the Arctic, and serving as Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation for Joint Arctic Command.

They delve into Bettina's work at the Thule Air Base (now Pituffik Space Base) in Greenland situated near the North Pole, the attraction of the dark season, the challenges and freedoms of remote living, and the unique experiences and personal growth that can come from living in a confined and isolated environment. Finally, Bettina reflects on evolving nature of Greenland, and the importance of networking and building relationships.

About Bettina Ovgaard
Working on and off in Greenland for 25 years, most recently Bettina has been Chief of Civil Military Cooperation at Joint Arctic Command which is the operational branch of the Danish Defense in the Arctic. From Nov 2023 she begins in a new position as Strategic Advisor at the National Defense Technology Center at Aalborg University Campus in Copenhagen.

Connect with Bettina Ovgaard on Facebook and LinkedIn

Key Quotes
"I find it fascinating that nature is this unforgivable force and makes us very small.""The thing about Greenland that I love is the people and nature and how they mix."What I really like to do in my professional life is startups. I love to do something from scratch because I can develop it together with other people.""For me, variation is the spice of life.""Nothing about us, without us, means that Greenland does not want to be exploited. Greenland wants to be a part of what is going on in its future."
Time Stamps
[00:04:05] Fascination with Greenland's culture.
[00:05:07] Choosing a career path.
[00:11:13] Living on Thule Air Base.
[00:13:42] Freedom and confinement in Greenland.
[00:21:44] Civil-military cooperation in Greenland.
[00:28:25] Embracing curiosity and variation.
[00:31:06] Greenland's self-assertion and global role.

This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations.

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Credits:
Sound Editor - Matias de Ezcurra, Producer - Sue Stockdale

Have you ever come up against rules, procedures, or obstacles that make it incredibly difficult to create change? This week's guest shares some brilliant examples of organisations that have successfully overcome these challenges.

Sue Stockdale interviews Paolo Savaget, Associate Professor at Oxford University, about his work in transforming unjust systems through workarounds and entrepreneurship. He shares inspiring examples of organisations in Zambia and the Netherlands that have successfully created change despite rules and obstacles. Paolo's work centres around finding loopholes and roundabouts within existing systems. He explains how piggybacking on other organisations or aspects of the system can help spread ideas and messages more widely.

Paulo Savaget, author of The Four Workarounds, is an associate professor at Oxford University’s Engineering Sciences Department and the Saïd Business School. He holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge as a Gates Scholar and has a background working as a lecturer, consultant, entrepreneur, and researcher finding innovative solutions for a more inclusive world. As a consultant, he worked on projects for large companies, non-profits, government agencies in Latin America, and the OECD. He currently resides in Oxford, UK.

Connect with Paulo Savaget at Oxford University : Website : LinkedIn

Time Stamps
[00:00:37] Transforming unjust systems through workarounds.
[00:03:58] Potential in overlooked places.
[00:08:05] Hackers and their approach.
[00:11:52] Life-saving medicines in remote areas.
[00:17:12] Loopholes in rules.
[00:19:00] Applying Dutch legislation in Poland.
[00:23:08] Workarounds and empowerment.
[00:26:48] Learning from others and serendipity.

Key Quotes
"I started seeing more potentiality in places that people only see scarcity.""I know very little about computer hackers, but they seem to make change so quickly and resourcefully in very complex computer systems."“After studying many cases around the world, addressing different kinds of sustainability problems, I identified the four workarounds that are very unconventional.""Most of my research ideas didn't come out of time that I spent just thinking. It's actually from others.""Complicated solutions are not very good in complex situations - simple solutions are good in complex situations".This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations. Find out more at squadcast.fm

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In episode 110, host Sue Stockdale interviews Dr Poornima Luthra, an associate professor at Copenhagen Business School. They explore the concept of active allyship and discuss ways to overcome the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing when supporting diversity and inclusion within organizations.

Poornima is the founder and CEO of TalentED Consultancy ApS. Poornima’s work in DEI focuses on expanding the dimensions of diversity we address with an emphasis on intersectionality, empowering individuals to be active allies of inclusion and enabling inclusive leadership.She has been recognised as one of the world’s 30 up-and-coming thinkers whose ideas will make an important impact on management thinking in the future by the prestigious Thinkers50.

Her book ‘The Art of Active Allyship’ was named one of the 10 best management books of 2023 by Thinkers50. Poornima is also the recipient of the Professional Women of Colour Denmark 2021 Impact award, and the national winner (Denmark) in the Trailblazer category of the 2023 Nordic Blaze Inclusion Awards Nordic Blaze Inclusion Awards.She is currently co-authoring her third book in the DEI space titled ‘Leading through Bias’ which will be published in November 2023 with the Danish version of the book being published by the Danish publisher Djøf in 2024.

Connect with Poornima Luthra via her website : LinkedIn : Facebook

Time Stamps
[00:01:09] Squiggly career paths.
[00:03:31] Microaggressions and gender biases.
[00:07:32] Inclusion and diversity interests.
[00:10:32] DEI as a zero-sum game.
[00:13:54] Fear in diversity and inclusion.
[00:18:35] Allyship and its definition.
[00:22:19] Progress in active allyship.
[00:25:47] LGBTQ+ community acceptance.
[00:27:45] Addressing fear and inequality.

Key Quotes
"I really liked the idea of understanding human beings and the workplace environment.""I went to the program director and said, I'd really like to be considered for this role. And he looked at me and said, not until you've got a lot more white hair"."Fear is a topic that we really need to put on the table."When we look at diversity as a zero-sum game, that it's one group against another, we actually do more harm.""Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.""Allyship is a lifelong process of building supporting relationships with people who are from underrepresented, marginalised, discriminated groups."This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations. Find out more at squadcast.fm

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Slowing down and engaging in activities that quiet the brain can bring more wonder into our lives. Monica Parker talks to host, Sue Stockdale about how practicing mindfulness and being observant allows us to cultivate a slower thought process, which is essential for experiencing wonder.

Additionally, exposing ourselves to new ideas, new perspectives, and new environments can also stimulate wonder by breaking our routines and allowing our minds to notice novelty. Monica suggests that we don't have to wait for extraordinary moments or visit extraordinary places to experience wonder and awe. Instead, we can find it in the ordinary, in the simple things in our lives.

Appreciating things like sunsets, the beauty of autumn leaves, or small details can bring a smile to our faces and evoke a sense of wonder, and enhance our overall sense of happiness and fulfilment. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of curiosity, both about the world and ourselves, in fostering personal growth and self-acceptance.

About Monica Parker

Monica Parker is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Power of Wonder and a world-renowned speaker, writer, and authority on the future of work. Parker has spent decades helping people discover how to lead and live wonderfully. The founder of global human analytics and change consultancy HATCH, whose clients include blue-chip companies such as LinkedIn, Google, Prudential, and LEGO, Parker challenges corporate systems to advocate for more meaningful work lives. In addition to her extensive advocacy work, Parker has been an opera singer, a museum exhibition designer, a policy director, and a homicide investigator defending death row inmates. A lover of the arts, literature, and Mexican food, Parker and her family split their time between Atlanta, London, and Nice. Her wonderbringers include travel, time spent with friends, and live music.

Connect with Monica Parker on her website : LinkedIn : X : Instagram

TimeStamps
[00:03:07] Finding wonder in prison.
[00:06:09] The benefits of wonder.
[00:07:03] Slowing down for wonder.
[00:13:41] The power of mixed emotions.
[00:15:54] The role of inspiration in wonder.
[00:19:38] Redefining the work environment.
[00:21:00] Silver linings in dark times.
[00:24:28] The Power of Wonder.

This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations. Find out more at squadcast.fm

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In this episode, host Sue Stockdale welcomes Kevin Chapman, co-founder of the Physical Intelligence Institute. Kevin shares his passion for helping people perform at their best by understanding and utilizing the full potential of their bodies. He introduces the concept of physical intelligence and explores how our bodies can impact our confidence and anxiety levels. Through science and practical applications, Kevin empowers listeners to optimise their performance and achieve their desired outcomes.

About Kevin Chapman
Kevin Chapman is a highly experienced coach, consultant, trainer, communication specialist and business leader. As managing director of RADA Business, Kevin built a market-leading performance brand in communication training and leadership impact, growing the business substantially over 5 years. This work included developing pioneering training for women in multiple countries to build confidence and presence at work. Kevin holds a degree in Mathematical Statistics and Operations Research from Exeter University, an MBA and is a qualified coach. He is also a Trustee of the Comedy School and supporter of The Forgiveness Project.

Connect with Kevin Chapman via Website : LinkedIn

Key Quotes"You can release serotonin by twisting at the waist.""Internal chemistry has a direct impact on our mood.""If we create a fist and push that against our hand, we'll actually generate more testosterone in our system and we may feel that we have a higher level of risk tolerance, which may help us to speak up.""Doing something like pace breathing over three months, apart from reducing levels of stress, can improve our cognitive function by 62%."Time Stamps

[00:02:29] Using the body for confidence.
[00:07:39] Embodied training in drama schools.
[00:11:20] Flexibility in adapting communication.
[00:14:06] The world of embodiment.
[00:17:48] Serotonin and gut chemistry.
[00:21:22] Performance practices for virtual meetings.
[00:26:00] Managing stress and burnout.
[00:28:22] Physical Intelligence Institute

This series is kindly supported by Squadcast by Descript –the remote recording platform which empowers podcasters by capturing high-quality audio and video conversations. Find out more at squadcast.fm

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