Fearless Forward

Sally-Anne Airey

At some point in our lives we all get scared – of making the wrong decision, of not being a good parent, or that everyone will figure out we’re just making it up as we go. I’ve spent years helping leaders work through fear, stress, and uncertainty. Now I’m making a podcast about how they face their fears and come out stronger. It’s for founders, leaders, and business owners who feel like they’re constantly fighting uphill and not finding the balance they need to be effective at work and present at home.

  1. DEC 11

    How to be your own source of support in troubling times

    In times of overwhelming challenge and uncertainty, the ability to silence the noise, listen deeply, and connect with something larger than ourselves – whether through faith, values, or inner wisdom – is what carries us through and reveals the path forward, transforming our struggles into purpose and our pain into the power to help others. Ronel Hentschel’s work has been deeply influenced by her personal experience as the mother of a son diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a toddler. This shaped her career path towards supporting other families facing similar challenges, and led her to found Washing Parent, a digital publishing platform serving families in the Washington DC area with resources for education, support, and activities. Ronel’s unshakeable faith has guided her through multiple personal challenges, and it creates for her a deep sense of trust that things will be OK, and the storm will settle. This conversation will help you Quieten the noise during crises so you can hear the guidance that's already thereTransform personal pain into purpose by channelling your hard-won knowledge and experience into meaningful support for othersCreate inner peace during turbulence by stepping back, abiding in what matters most to you, and trusting that clarity will emerge when you stop forcing solutionsHighlights [00:08:52] Silence the storm[00:12:32] The healing power of helping[00:17:40] Living a faith-based life[00:20:16] The conspiracy of improbabilities[00:22:16] How Ronnel sees God[00:29:36] When doors close, there is a reason[00:32:25] What it takes to trust unconditionally[00:38:07] Do you choose to be a victim or a warrior?[00:41:03] Forgiveness[00:45:48] What Fearless Forward means for RonelResources Connect with Ronel via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedInThe Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success, by Deepak Chopra

    49 min

  2. NOV 27

    Saying “yes, and” to fear

    Humans are wired to fear uncertainty and the unknown, and we often avoid potential opportunities because they seem too risky or uncomfortable. We cling to familiar patterns even when they no longer serve us, worried about what might happen if we let go. This week’s guest, Stephen Burt, suggests embracing uncertainty as a path to growth and creativity. By saying "yes, and" to our fears – acknowledging them while still moving forward – we can discover possibilities we might otherwise miss. This approach transforms fear from an obstacle into a doorway to new experiences. Living in constant resistance to uncertainty constrains our potential and prevents us from using all that we have. We risk looking back with regret at opportunities not taken and parts of ourselves left unexplored. So instead of automatically saying "no", you might try saying "yes, and what might be possible here?" This conversation will help you Learn how embracing uncertainty can transform fear into a catalyst for growth and creativity instead of an obstacleDiscover practical techniques for saying "yes, and" to your fears while still moving forwards towards new possibilitiesExplore how improvisational thinking can help you respond authentically without self-censorship in both professional and personal situationsHighlights [00:11:22] How to listen[00:16:32] Self-leadership through curiosity[00:20:20] When to hold on, and when to let go[00:24:40] Being as much as you can[00:29:33] Discovering[00:38:20] When fear meets improv[00:46:27] What Fearless Forwarwd means to Stephen[00:48:17] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with Stephen via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    50 min

  3. NOV 13

    Leadership at ground level, not from the top floor

    Rigid hierarchies can stifle innovation and create environments where employees wait for permission rather than taking initiative. In these cultures, people are afraid to contribute ideas, fearing rejection or overstepping boundaries. Kate Davies demonstrates how transformative leadership comes through relationships, not titles. By breaking down hierarchical barriers and creating genuine connections with her team, she enables people at all levels to contribute meaningful solutions. This means building trust through authentic relationships, being present where the actual work happens, normalising experimentation, and celebrating both successes and instructive failures. This conversation will help you Break down hierarchical barriers by building relationships across organisational levelsCreate an environment where innovation thrives by enabling team members to experiment with ideas without seeking permission firstInvest time in frontline work alongside your team to build authentic relationships, gain valuable insights, and demonstrate that everyone's contribution mattersHihglights [00:04:29] Staying one step ahead[00:06:22] Why being "purely professional" isn't the answer[00:09:24] Empowerment vs enablement[00:12:12] "Don't come to me for permission"[00:17:02] What it means to muck in[00:21:15] What if this doesn't work?[00:23:00] The case for imposter syndrome[00:28:03] The future of the ONS[00:35:29] What's front-of-mind in Kate's leadership[00:36:32] What Fearless Forward means to Kate[00:40:13] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with Kate via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    42 min

  4. OCT 30

    Leading from trust

    In today's corporate world, fear-driven leadership has created environments where bullying and vaguely psychopathic behaviours are normalised. Leaders often believe success requires ruthlessness, breeding cultures where employees feel unsafe to be themselves. John Blakey offers a transformative alternative: trust-based leadership. His approach demonstrates that leaders who prioritise trustworthiness can deliver outstanding results without resorting to intimidation. By balancing results with responsibility and adopting a triple bottom line approach of profit, people, and planet, leaders can become a genuine force for good. Organisations led through fear create self-fulfilling prophecies of decline. When we collectively "feed the bad wolf", we perpetuate cycles of distrust, stifle innovation, and crush employee morale. This leads to the concerning statistic that only 17% of UK adults believe the next generation will have better lives than theirs. This conversation will help you Discover how trust-based leadership can yield exceptional results without resorting to fear or intimidation in corporate environmentsLearn practical strategies for "feeding the good wolf" through compassion, cultivating hope, and showing courage in your authentic selfUnderstand how to overcome the fear of your own power and light, which may be more limiting than the fear of inadequacyHighlights [00:07:33] The "psychopathic" world of corporate life[00:09:47] "But what about Donald Trump?"[00:14:28] The wolf that wins is the wolf you feed[00:16:34] Force for Good[00:20:00] Pace, then lead[00:21:48] Compassion, empathy, and sympathy[00:23:52] When you fear your light more than your darkness[00:30:42] John's latest calling to lead[00:36:19] What Fearless Forward means to John[00:36:59] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with john via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    39 min

  5. OCT 16

    The leader turning a fashion retailer into a beacon of sustainability

    The fashion industry is facing a critical environmental crisis with fast fashion and disposable clothing contributing significantly to global waste. The continued production and disposal of fashion items at current rates will accelerate climate change, deplete natural resources, and harm communities in manufacturing regions. Livelihoods will be threatened as resources become scarcer, affecting the 650,000+ people supported through Primark's supply chain alone. Lynne Walker is leading a transformation of Primark’s business model through its Primark Cares initiative, to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone. This conversation will help you Discover how a traditional retailer transforms its business model to balance profit with environmental responsibilityLearn practical strategies for driving large-scale organisational change in the face of skepticismUnderstand how personal resilience, authentic leadership, and collaborative approaches can help tackle seemingly insurmountable environmental challenges in any industryHighlights [00:07:38] Why is sustainability a big and bold task for the fashion industry?[00:14:48] The biggest challenges Lynne has faced[00:18:52] Leading from your personal values[00:21:58] Putting those values into practice[00:28:15] Taking it all less personally[00:34:06] Conflicts and challenges[00:42:33] Are you in your comfort zone or the next circle?[00:44:39] What Fearless Forward means to Lynne[00:46:14] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with Lynne via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    48 min

  6. OCT 2

    The world doesn’t need you to be quiet and small

    Women are often socialised to believe that confidence will make them unlikeable or threatening. Lauren Currie OBE, founder of Upfront, shares her experience of receiving messages from childhood that "the world prefers me when I am quiet and small". This pressure leads many women to hide their accomplishments and dim their light. But confidence is not something we're born with, but something we can learn and cultivate. Lauren has built an organisation that has upskilled over 11,000 women globally in confidence, leadership, and speaking up in situations where they might otherwise have stayed silent. Women who continue to hide their talents miss opportunities to fulfil their potential and impact the world. This perpetuates systems that depend on women remaining "silent and unquestioning". Meanwhile, younger generations continue inheriting these limiting beliefs about what it means to be a woman. This conversation will help you Learn how to build authentic confidence by making your curiosity "one millimetre bigger than the fear"Discover how to recognise and challenge internalised misogyny that makes us see other confident women as threats rather than inspirationsUnderstand how to align your actions with your values and set boundaries that protect your energy to prevent isolationHighlights [00:05:40] What success means for Lauren[00:08:28] 27 fears[00:10:53] "The world isn't kind to confident women"[00:16:35] How to show up if your presence triggers others[00:20:45] The scarcety narrative of the patriarchy[00:27:25] Lauren's biggest fear[00:30:58] A story of love and potential[00:33:18] What is Lauren's end goal?[00:36:25] What Fearless Forward means to Lauren[00:37:08] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with Lauren via LinkedInUpfrontConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    39 min

  7. SEP 18

    Ultra-endurance trail running – what it takes to go the distance

    By challenging herself to run 330km across mountain terrain – facing extreme physical discomfort, sleep deprivation, and mental exhaustion – Linda Hubbard discovered that pushing boundaries leads to profound personal growth and unexpected calm. To break free from comfort zone paralysis, we must first identify what truly matters to us beyond our immediate comfort, then build a support system of people who believe in our vision. Staying too comfortable for too long means sacrificing our potential and missing the deep satisfaction that comes from conquering difficult challenges. Our leadership abilities stagnate, and we model complacency rather than courage for those around us. But as Linda discovered, our fears become manageable when shared with others. This episode will help you Discover how pushing your boundaries leads to unexpected mental clarity,Learn practical strategies for managing pain and fatigueUnderstand how to balance personal goals with family responsibilitiesHighlights [00:15:44] The first night of the race[00:20:17] What Linda was not prepared for[00:25:06] Linda's next challenge[00:30:04] The incredible power of the mind[00:34:09] What is Linda afraid of?[00:39:00] What Fearless Forward mans to Linda[00:41:08] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with Linda via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    43 min

  8. SEP 4

    What if business truly served people, not profit?

    Many organisations struggle to build structures that balance leadership and equality. Traditional hierarchies often lead to inefficiency, lack of clarity, and a stifling of innovation. Employees can feel disconnected or undervalued, and companies can lose sight of their mission in pursuit of profits. Mark Vletter’s approach offers a different way forwards. By embracing self-management and holacracy, organisations can create a culture where decisions are made collectively, accountability is clear, and everyone has a voice. Steward ownership ensures the company’s mission is safeguarded for the long-term, free from the pressures of maximizing shareholder profit. This conversation will help you Create clarity on accountability without traditional hierarchiesHire people who are strong where you're weak and who can constructively disagree with youTransition to steward ownership, where a company's mission is safeguarded beyond individual interestsHighlights [00:07:11] Mark is given an ultimatum[00:09:48] Mark's first hire[00:14:01] Transitioning to holacracy[00:18:23] On the desire for constant improvement[00:21:35] Moving Voys to a steward ownership model[00:26:12] Does everyone want to be a leader?[00:27:28] Communicating vertically vs listening with curiosity[00:32:40] Fear is a bad advisor[00:37:01] Your organisation is part of a bigger ecosystem[00:41:09] What Fearless Forward means for Mark[00:42:23] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResources Connect with Mark via LinkedInHolacracy: dive into the world of self-management – from the Voys blogConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

    44 min
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Trailer

About

At some point in our lives we all get scared – of making the wrong decision, of not being a good parent, or that everyone will figure out we’re just making it up as we go. I’ve spent years helping leaders work through fear, stress, and uncertainty. Now I’m making a podcast about how they face their fears and come out stronger. It’s for founders, leaders, and business owners who feel like they’re constantly fighting uphill and not finding the balance they need to be effective at work and present at home.

Information

  • Creator
    Sally-Anne Airey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Sally-Anne Airey 2024

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