The Wise Why: How to Succeed in Business

Kirsty van den Bulk

The Wise Why explores the insights and lessons that have helped business leaders to succeed. Host Kirsty van den Bulk interviews different business leaders in each episode, from entrepreneurs and CEOs to consultants and investors. Learn from the experiences of these successful people and discover the wisdom you need to succeed in your own business. Whether you're a working mother, stay-at-home father, solopreneur, business leader, entrepreneur, thought leader, marketer, public relations professional, videographer, or security installer, there's something for everyone on The Wise Why podcast.

  1. Can You Really Break the Anxious Avoidant Cycle?

    JUL 9

    Can You Really Break the Anxious Avoidant Cycle?

    In this episode, Kirsty van den Bulk interviews Amy Jones, an attachment specialist and certified attachment style coach. Amy helps people with anxious attachment style issues begin their emotional healing journeys and build stronger, healthier relationships using attachment theory.Are you stuck in the anxious avoidant cycle—craving closeness but pulling away when it feels too much? 💔 You’re not alone.In this conversation, Amy reveals:✔ What the anxious avoidant cycle is and why it happens✔ How anxious and avoidant attachment styles trigger each other✔ The role of childhood trauma in adult relationships✔ Steps to break free from unhealthy patterns✔ How to build secure attachment, emotional safety, and lasting loveBy understanding your attachment style, you can develop emotional intelligence, improve communication, and finally move toward secure, loving connections.💡 Topics Covered:Anxious avoidant attachment explainedHow attachment theory impacts love and datingHealing anxious and avoidant attachment woundsBreaking trauma bonds and toxic cyclesBuilding secure, mindful, and emotionally safe relationships👉 Watch now to learn more about Amy’s coaching practice and discover how to break free from the anxious avoidant cycle. 💕Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:45 Understanding the four attachment styles03:20 Why anxious and avoidant types attract08:15 Amy’s personal journey13:40 Attachment trauma and the role of reparenting21:00 Letting go of people-pleasing27:30 Forgiveness, boundaries, and self-love34:00 Starting her YouTube channel “Selfish” to help others heal💬 Quotes to Remember:“Everybody on the planet has an attachment style.”“Forgiveness is for you, not the other person.”🧠 Learn more about the psychology of attachment trauma, healing, and how to build emotional safety in relationships.🎥 Amy’s Channel: Selfishhttps://www.youtube.com/@selfishwithamy📝 Read more about how I coach:https://kvdb.co.uk/blog-confidently-speaking-by-kirsty-van-den-bulk/🎟️ Explore upcoming events and workshops:https://kvdb.newzenler.com/courses/public-speaking-and-presenting-on-camera-masterclass/buy#AttachmentStyles #AnxiousAttachment #HealingJourneyContact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk

    31 min
  2. Brewing Success: The Story of The Friendly Coffee Lady

    MAY 21

    Brewing Success: The Story of The Friendly Coffee Lady

    How do you take your coffee?In this episode of The Wise Why, Kirsty van den Bulk is joined by Jan Revill, better known as The Coffee Lady, for a rich and aromatic conversation about coffee, connection, and confidence in business.With over 35 years in the industry, Jan shares how a nickname at a networking event turned into a powerful personal brand. From her early days in Village Coffee Company to becoming a trusted name in commercial coffee machine consultancy, Jan reveals what it takes to build lasting customer relationships, adapt to changing coffee trends, and thrive as a woman in business.☕ Highlights include:How networking and personality shaped her business journeyThe evolution of coffee machines—from basic brews to bean-to-cup brillianceWhy customer service doesn’t stop after the saleThe surprising connection between drag racing and entrepreneurial spiritInsights into micro-roasters, grinder setup, and ethical sourcingKirsty also shares her caffeine conundrum—finding the perfect ethically sourced Italian or Spanish roast!If you’re a coffee lover, solopreneur, or someone chasing your next big idea, this episode will give you the buzz you need.🔗 Find more on Jan’s recommended micro roasters and Business Buzz networking groups via the links in the show notes.Chapters: 00:00 Meet Jan, The Coffee Lady Joins The Wise Why00:32 How Jan Got Her Name01:18 The Energy of Networking02:18 35+ Years in Coffee: A Journey Begins03:36 Remembering Camp Coffee and Filter Machines04:56 From Filter to Bean to Cup Coffee Evolution06:35 Supporting Clients with Coffee at Events07:04 Why Bad Coffee Still Exists09:02 Jan’s Drag Racing Past Revealed11:28 Family Support and Building a Business13:53 The Power of Community and Business Buzz15:48 The Truth About Solopreneur Burnout18:20 Career Changes and Starting Over Later in Life20:34 Coffee is More Than Taste, It’s Aroma and Impact23:03 How Jan Helps Clients Find the Right Machine25:14 The Importance of After-Sales Support26:04 Kirsty’s Quest for the Perfect Coffee27:55 Ethical Coffee and Micro Roasters29:31 Final Thanks and Episode Wrap-UpContact Jan: https://coffeelady.uk/Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk#coffeelover #coffeetime #business

    30 min
  3. Why This Conversation Will Change How You See People!

    MAY 7

    Why This Conversation Will Change How You See People!

    Why This Conversation Will Change How You See People!In this transformative episode of The Wise Why, Kirsty van den Bulk sits down with Rob Lion, a professor, consultant, and multi-business owner, who shares why putting people first and letting go of control might be the biggest keys to success.Rob’s story spans academia, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, and he brings powerful insights into how curiosity, open-mindedness, and surrender can shift everything—from how you lead to how you live.💬 In this episode:Why control is an illusion—and how surrender unlocks peace and progressHow empathy and grace can change every conversationWhy Rob smiles at strangers (and why you might want to try it too)How can academic theory empower real-world business success?What parenting, leadership, and personal growth have in common🎯 Whether you're building a business or becoming a better human, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your appearance.📚 Book Recommendation:Why We Do What We Do by Edward L. Deci – The science of motivation, self-determination, and what really drives us🎧 Listener Challenge:Pause and reflect: Where are you holding on too tightly? What might happen if you gave grace to yourself or someone else?Chapters: 00:00 Meet Rob Leon: People First Leadership 01:00 From Academia to Entrepreneurship 03:17 The Power of Curiosity and Open Mindedness 05:45 Learning to Let Go of Control 06:46 Emotional Burdens and the Illusion of Control 10:34 People at the Heart of Business 14:07 Parenting with Empathy and Grace 15:18 Silencing the Inner Critic 16:04 Wisdom Through Life Experience 18:31 Connecting Academia with Real World Business 25:28 The Power of Collaboration in Learning 26:24 Kirsty’s Unanswered Question 26:36 What's Next? Letting Go and Retirement 29:03 Parenting, Teens and Trusting the Process 30:09 Understanding Human Behaviour and Motivation Contact Rob: https://blackriverpm.com/Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.uk#Leadership #Inspiration #Podcast

    32 min
  4. The Future of Football Training What it Will Look Like in 2030

    APR 30

    The Future of Football Training What it Will Look Like in 2030

    In this inspiring episode of The Wise Why, Kirsty van den Bulk sits down with serial entrepreneur Tony May to uncover how a boy from London turned his love for football into a thriving business empire.From his early days growing up near Crystal Palace to building high-value connections in the luxury and football worlds, Tony shares his authentic journey—packed with resilience, bold pivots, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.💡 Discover how Tony helps young players, agents, and managers succeed beyond the pitch, and why storytelling and respect are key in today's digital business world.✨ If you're passionate about sports, business, or need motivation, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering stories every week!Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Tony May: From Croydon to the Pitch00:41 – Football in the Blood: A South London Start02:01 – The Crystal Palace Dream and Life’s Early Choices04:21 – Non-League Grit: Trains, Trials, and Tenacity05:58 – The Birth of Play Football 24/707:59 – What Play Football 24/7 Really Does09:00 – From Showcases to Scouts: Growing a Network09:56 – Women in the Game: Opening Doors for Everyone10:46 – More Than Football: Tony the Entrepreneur13:03 – Loss and Purpose: A Personal Turning Point16:24 – Family, Legacy, and the Power of Influence18:04 – Lifting Others: The True Spirit of Leadership22:11 – Balancing Confidence and Humility in Sport25:43 – The Power of Stories and Paying It Forward28:17 – Turning the Tables: Tony’s Question to KirstyContact Tony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-m-6055771b1/Contact Kirsty van den Bulk: www.kvdb.co.uk

    31 min
  5. From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Story of Reinvention

    APR 23

    From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Story of Reinvention

    From Breakdown to Breakthrough: A Story of Reinvention, this powerful episode of The Wise Why, Kirsty van den Bulk explores the raw truth of starting over after life knocks you down.Our guest shares her deeply personal journey—navigating divorce, living as a single parent to two neurodivergent teens, and shifting careers after a back injury ended her time as an intensive care nurse. A courageous reinvention followed: launching a freelance copywriting business grounded in empathy, clarity, and connection.🎙️ Key Topics Covered:Shifting from crisis to clarity through purposeful actionBalancing life, work, and neurodiversity as a single parentEmbracing ADHD and finding tools to thriveThe healing and empowering power of wordsHow writing became a lifeline—and a livelihoodInspirational mentors and the impact of community support💬 Standout Quotes:“Words have such power; empathy is key.”“Divorce was tough, but it led me towards designing my own freedom.”🔗 Resources Mentioned:Autism Central (NHS-funded webinars and support)TechPixies communityMentorship from inspiring coaches like Gemma Salt🙌 Listener Takeaway:This episode is for anyone who’s faced unexpected change and wondered how to begin again. You’ll leave feeling uplifted, empowered, and reminded that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction – Welcome Back & Guest Intro00:30 Discombobulated Moments & Passing the Mic to Tanya01:00 Tanya’s Journey from ICU Nurse to Reinvention02:00 Leading at Prostate Cancer UK & Starting a Childminding Business03:00 From Divorce to Copywriting – A Pivotal Life Shift04:00 Discovering the Power of Words & Empathy in Business05:00 Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Through Storytelling06:00 Reinvention, Outsourcing & Connecting Through Voice07:00 Facing Rock Bottom: Divorce and the Alice Moments08:00 Fight or Flight & Finding Stability One Step at a Time09:00 Overwhelm, Diagnosis, and Finding a Way Forward10:00 The One Thing Strategy & Celebrating Small Wins11:00 Working in Prostate Cancer & Lessons in Simplifying Information12:00 Translating Complex Ideas into Accessible Copy13:00 Writing for The Ocean Project – A Real Challenge14:00 From Coaches to EU Ocean Safety – Wearing Many Hats15:00 ADHD, Neurodivergence & Tanya’s Diagnosis Journey16:00 Reframing Life with ADHD – Diagnosis and Medication17:00 Facing Paralysis, Procrastination & Developing New Habits18:00 Celebrating Wins & Learning Natural Dopamine Hacks19:00 Spotting Procrastination & Self-Kindness Strategies20:00 Supporting Her Children’s Unique Journeys21:00 Neurodivergent Strengths, K-Pop Art & Social Media Skills22:00 Who Inspires Tania? Women in Business & Her Children23:00 Joy from TechPixies & Reframing Problems as Opportunities24:00 Inner Voice, Rejection Sensitivity & Healing Confidence25:00 Humour, Diagnosis & Validating Differences26:00 Tanya’s Daughter’s Art, Validation27:00 Learning from Clients & Building Strength Through Projects28:00 Asking for Help & the Importance of Community29:00 Acknowledging Trauma & Rebuilding After Divorce30:00 The Importance of Belief, Support & Moving Forward31:00 Tanya's Work with Autism Central & Educating Parents32:00 Finding Connection Between Copywriting & Parent Advocacy33:00 Lovely Viewer Comments & ADHD in Perimenopause34:00 The Power of Reaching Out for Help35:00 Kirsty’s Personal Journey Through Divorce & Rediscovery36:00 Final Reflections – Advice to Younger Self37:00 Wrap-Up – Celebrating Resilience & Moving ForwardContact Tania: https://taniarosscopy.co.uk/Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.ukSubscribe to my channel: @kirstyvandenbulk  #ReinventionJourney, #ResilienceInAction, #powerofwords

    34 min
  6. Get Noticed & Get Promoted – Unlock Your Potential

    MAR 13

    Get Noticed & Get Promoted – Unlock Your Potential

    Want to stand out and accelerate your career? It’s time to master the mindset shifts that get you noticed and promoted! Join Kirsty van den Bulk as she talks with Karen Sigalas about ways to unlock confidence, embrace feedback, and shift your mindset for career success.In this game-changing episode, discover:✅ The secret to embracing imperfection and taking bold action ✅ How to turn feedback into your greatest advantage ✅ The "Power of Yet"—a mindset that transforms setbacks into stepping stones 💡 Key Takeaways:🔹 Success happens when you take action, even if you're not 100% ready.🔹 Learn how to use feedback to fuel your career growth.🔹 The "Power of Yet" helps you stay motivated and keep improving.👉 Don't let missed opportunities hold you back! Hit PLAY now and start getting the recognition you deserve! Chapters: 00: 00 - Introduction to The Wise Why, featuring Karen Sigeles. 01:30 - The importance of applying for jobs even if you don’t feel 100% ready. 03:17 - The power of constructive feedback and asking the right questions. 04:20 - Embracing the messy journey and overcoming perfectionism. 07:47 - The dangers of compare and despair, and the power of "yet." 12:23 - The difference between coaching styles and science-backed coaching. 18:47 - The mindset shift: "What if life was rigged for me to win?" 21:38 - Karen’s journey from redundancy to finding her purpose in coaching. 28:11 - Overcoming self-doubt and taking small steps toward success. 32:46 - Final thoughts on learning, growth, and embracing uncertainty.Contact Kirsty: www.kvdb.co.ukContact Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensigalascareercoach/#careersuccess #GrowthMindset #GetPromoted

    33 min

About

The Wise Why explores the insights and lessons that have helped business leaders to succeed. Host Kirsty van den Bulk interviews different business leaders in each episode, from entrepreneurs and CEOs to consultants and investors. Learn from the experiences of these successful people and discover the wisdom you need to succeed in your own business. Whether you're a working mother, stay-at-home father, solopreneur, business leader, entrepreneur, thought leader, marketer, public relations professional, videographer, or security installer, there's something for everyone on The Wise Why podcast.