Focus on WHY

Amy Rowlinson
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

  1. Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    1d ago

    Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    Are you feeling stuck, searching for deeper meaning or wondering what your next step should be? In this 84th solo episode of Focus on WHY, Amy Rowlinson reflects on the powerful lessons shared by five recent guests and explores how purposeful reflection can become a catalyst for meaningful action. Blending personal milestones, including celebrating 1,000 days of sobriety, family celebrations and a rediscovery of creativity, Amy shares insights on aligning what we learn with how we live.   Drawing on her conversations with Sarah Hoyle, Carolyn Hobdey, Louise Camby, Angie McQuillin and James Ainsworth, Amy examines themes of purpose, legacy, authenticity, self-worth, workplace culture, emotional literacy, leadership, communication, boundaries and personal growth. Through thoughtful reflection and practical takeaways, she encourages listeners to move forward with greater clarity, confidence and intention. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect and take action on what matters most.   Featured Episodes: 515 Beyond the Lens with Sarah Hoyle 516 Championing Men in the Workplace with Carolyn Hobdey 517 The Power of Legacy with Louise Camby 518 Breaking the Silence with Angie McQuillin 519 Opportunities for Alignment with James Ainsworth   KEY TAKEAWAY "Reflect deeply on what words, values, or patterns might need gentle reframing in your life. Choose to act, even in small ways, towards a life of intention shaped by your true purpose. That is where your most fulfilling growth will be found."   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    39 min
  2. Opportunities for Alignment with James Ainsworth

    Jun 16

    Opportunities for Alignment with James Ainsworth

    Are you living your soul purpose or simply running a business by default? James Ainsworth explores the powerful reframe from business to purpose, sharing how a journey of heartbreak and spiritual growth ignited his passion for freedom and self-acceptance. Hear how firefighting, farming and ecstatic dance became metaphors for growth, and why embracing anxiety and fear can help you align with your soul's calling. If you're ready to push the edges of your comfort zone and find inspiration to live more authentically, you'll find opportunities for alignment. KEY TAKEAWAY "As long as I stay with the idea of purpose, or soul purpose, it allows me to not have to do the typical way of running a business. It's this level of being in presence, allowing stuff to come in and then taking inspired action."    ABOUT THE GUEST – JAMES AINSWORTH James is an embodiment guide, retreat facilitator, and podcast host devoted to helping people reconnect with themselves in a deeper, more honest way. For 16 years, James has walked into burning buildings as a firefighter, forging an intimate relationship with fire — its chaos, destruction and rebirth. Through the Dragon archetype, he channels that same elemental force as purification, truth and sovereignty.   Years of personal breakdowns, relationship initiations, and identity shedding led him into deep inner work, including therapy, men's work, embodiment practices, movement, energy healing, shadow integration, and archetypal exploration. At the heart of James' work is a simple truth: "Transformation doesn't come from becoming someone new, but from embodying who you already are."   CONNECT WITH JAMES AINSWORTH https://www.facebook.com/james.ainsworth.50 https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-ainsworth-4a78b2149/ https://www.james-ainsworth.com https://www.instagram.com/james.ainsworth_podcast/     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    36 min
  3. Breaking the Silence with Angie McQuillin

    Jun 9

    Breaking the Silence with Angie McQuillin

    Focus on WHY podcast episode 518 Breaking the Silence with Angie McQuillin How does breaking a decades-old silence change a life? Angie McQuillin opens up about her powerful journey through trauma, justice and personal transformation. Navigating six years in the justice system after reporting historic sexual assault, Angie uncovers the emotional cost of silence, the liberating reward of owning her voice and the unexpected ripple effects for others still suffering quietly. From the pain of containment to the empowering impact of communication and boundary-setting, Angie's experience inspires those ready to reclaim their narrative. Tune in for vulnerability, purpose and healing through the power of breaking the silence.  KEY TAKEAWAY "I just basically got to the stage where if I didn't do it, I was going to implode, like the cost of silence was actually bigger than the cost of speaking out."   ABOUT THE GUEST – ANGIE MCQUILLIN Angie McQuillin was groomed aged 10 by her swimming coach and was violently sexually assaulted at the age of sixteen. She stayed silent about the abuse for twenty-three years until she reached her breaking point and went to the police aged 39. What followed was a six-year criminal justice battle: multiple rearranged court dates, one hung jury, one retrial and an eventual conviction for a crime committed almost thirty years ago. He was sentenced to six years. Angie now speaks openly about the life of being a silent survivor including the cost of silence, what the justice system looks like from the inside and what life on the other side of a verdict really feels like. A professional speaker, workshop facilitator and executive coach and for circa a decade, she brings both lived experience and personally encountered rare insights into why people don't use their voice, and what it takes to finally speak up when it'd be easier to stay silent.   CONNECT WITH ANGIE MCQUILLIN https://www.youtube.com/@AngieMcQuillinUnsilenced https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiemcquillincoaching/   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    42 min
  4. 517 The Power of Legacy with Louise Camby

    Jun 2

    517 The Power of Legacy with Louise Camby

    What would be the soundtrack for your purpose? Louise Camby shares the remarkable story of rediscovering her grandfather Johnny Douglas's original Marvel animation soundtracks from the 1980s, including iconic music from Spider-Man, Dungeons & Dragons and The Incredible Hulk. Bringing these long-lost scores back to life through streaming, vinyl and CD, Louise reflects on the emotional power of music, nostalgia and creative legacy. In this inspiring conversation, she explores purpose, family connection and the ripple effect of honouring the past while creating meaning in the present. Discover how preserving childhood memories through music became Louise's soundtrack to purpose illustrating the power of legacy.   KEY TAKEAWAY "I think the more that we can think of the power of legacy for our family members, our friends, but within the working world, for our businesses, the greater impact that we can have going forward."   ABOUT THE GUEST – LOUISE CAMBY Louise is a professional speaker giving talks on a range of topics that she is knowledgeable and passionate about to high end care homes and organisations like the U3A, WI, Probus, Rotary, townswomen's Guilds etc. Her topics include wildlife, Concorde and her grandfather. Louise is director of the family music business, cultivating her grandfather's legacy and keeping his music alive.  He composed many film scores including the 1970 film The Railway Children. Louise has a great work life balance and enjoys many hobbies including snooker, cycling, photography and amateur dramatics.    CONNECT WITH LOUISE CAMBY https://dulcimarecords.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisecamby/  https://www.facebook.com/johnnydouglastribute   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    39 min
  5. Championing Men in the Workplace with Carolyn Hobdey

    May 27

    Championing Men in the Workplace with Carolyn Hobdey

    Is it time to rethink how we talk about men in the workplace? Carolyn Hobdey draws on her experience in male-dominated boardrooms and complex personal dynamics to challenge the narrative. She shares why meaningful change comes from collaborating with men, not criticising them, and how emotional literacy and more human leadership can transform both work and home life. Exploring purpose, legacy and the 'fire in her belly', Carolyn offers candid insights on bridging divides, improving dialogue around masculinity and creating healthier, more connected workplaces — ultimately making work better for everyone by championing men in the workplace. KEY TAKEAWAY "The reality is men do still hold quite a lot of that control and that power and the decision-making authority. If we didn't work with them and in collaboration with them, then things actually weren't going to go better for women." BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Lost Connections by Johann Hari - https://amzn.eu/d/0e3toFdx Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://amzn.eu/d/0gDCUvjh    ABOUT THE GUEST – CAROLYN HOBDEY Carolyn Hobdey's career was built at the coalface of business - not in theory, but in practice. Less Human Resources and more Human Being, she brings 25 years' corporate experience in the world's largest employers and globally recognised brands as a board-level leader in FMCG, retail, construction and more, where she shaped their futures by tackling messy, complex, human problems head-on.   CONNECT WITH CAROLYN  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynhobdey  https://www.instagram.com/carolynhobdey/      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    44 min
  6. Beyond the Lens with Sarah Hoyle

    May 19

    Beyond the Lens with Sarah Hoyle

    Mindset and confidence coach and photographer Sarah Hoyle shares her powerful journey from childhood bullying, toxic relationships, postnatal depression and years of undiagnosed health struggles to healing, resilience and self-acceptance. Combining 13 years of photography with mindset coaching, Sarah now helps midlife women in business step confidently in front of the camera and embrace who they truly are. In this inspiring conversation, she explores the impact of vulnerability, safe female spaces and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves. If you've ever struggled with confidence or self-image, this episode will inspire you to stop hiding and start shining beyond the lens.   KEY TAKEAWAY "I am here to help women feel way more confident, to change up that narrative in their head, and then be able to step in front of my camera with all of that confidence so they are captured as their most authentic self, as the amazing businesswomen I know they are."   ABOUT THE GUEST – SARAH HOYLE Sarah is a mindset and confidence coach, as well as a personal brand photographer, dedicated to empowering midlife women in business to feel confident, motivated, and joyful in both life and work. Through her unique blend of mindset coaching and empowering photography, she helps women break free from self-doubt, reconnect with their inner power, and show up authentically in their brands. Her mission is to help women feel truly seen and heard, so they can shine, both in front of the camera and within their businesses. With the right mindset, confidence, and energy, Sarah believes everything else begins to flow.   CONNECT WITH SARAH HOYLE https://www.nurtureyoubrandphotography.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/nurtureyou_from_sarahhoyle/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhoyle-nurtureyouphotography-and-coaching/    ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Finalist in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    40 min
  7. Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    May 12

    Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson

    In this solo podcast episode of Focus on WHY, I reflect on the powerful insights shared by five recent guests and explore how intentional reflection can inspire meaningful action. From vulnerability and cultural awareness to justice, sustainable impact, personal growth and visible leadership, each conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating life and work with greater purpose. Drawing on the following episodes with Louise Baxter MBE, Marina Ibrahim, Dr Nancy R. Irwin, Randi Halaway and Sarah Perugia, I share reflections and actionable ideas to help you move forward with renewed clarity, alignment and intention: 509 Living in a World of Vulnerability with Louise Baxter MBE 510 Cultural Dimensions with Marina Ibrahim 511 Justice, Respect and Sustainable Impact with Dr Nancy Irwin 512 Letting Go for Growth with Randi Halaway 513 Turning Invisible Work into Visible Leadership with Sarah Perugia   KEY TAKEAWAY "Reflection only becomes transformative when it leads to action. Perhaps the greatest protection we can offer one another in a world of vulnerability is not perfection or constant vigilance, but humanity."   ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK* (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    45 min
  8. 513 Turning Invisible Work into Visible Leadership with Sarah Perugia

    May 5

    513 Turning Invisible Work into Visible Leadership with Sarah Perugia

    Coach and facilitator Sarah Perugia explores the realities of mid-career and midlife for women, from hormonal shifts and career pauses to the often unseen weight of emotional labour at home and within organisations. Sarah unpacks how bias, internalised beliefs and unequal systems continue to shape women's experiences, and why redefining success on your own terms matters more than ever. Through clarifying values and reconnecting with purpose, Sarah shares how women can move from feeling stretched and overlooked to truly flourishing. Sarah provides an invitation to pause, reflect on what you need and intentionally design a life that honours both your ambitions and your wellbeing. Passionate about supporting women on a mission, Sarah is turning invisible work into visible leadership. KEY TAKEAWAY "The thing that's exhausting them is 'invisible work'. It's the thing that no one else sees: all of the things on our minds, if we were to sit down and write a list and keep writing all the different things that we are thinking about that need doing, that we're planning, that we're organising, that we're worrying about."   ABOUT THE GUEST – SARAH PERUGIA Sarah Perugia is a leadership coach who specialises in helping leaders uncover their purpose and lead with meaning, confidence, and humanity. With a background as a professional actor, she brings a powerful understanding of communication, performance and presence to her work — equipping leaders to connect deeply, communicate authentically, and act with clarity.   CONNECT WITH SARAH https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ https://www.sarahperugia.com      ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you and/or your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call    KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter    CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson    BUY AMY'S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) * Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu    HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.  *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.

    36 min
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About

Seeking fulfilment and purpose in your life? The intention of this podcast is to encourage you to focus on your WHY which will enable and empower you to achieve your desires. Creating positive, global ripple effects, guests from all walks of life and at differing stages in their business, career and life speak with podcast host, Amy Rowlinson, sharing their unique perspectives on purpose in relatable, uplifting and inspiring conversations. Have a Purpose. Have a Plan. Focus on WHY.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Rowlinson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    520
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amy Rowlinson 2026
  • Show Website
    Focus on WHY

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