Wit + Grit

PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson
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We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media. Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in. That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection. This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google. Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen. We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions. How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet? How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world? What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond? Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook. If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you. Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon. You can connect with us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/ LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson Let’s get into it.

  1. Lewis Matthews: Happiness Is a Choice (Even in Atlantic Storms)

    3D AGO

    Lewis Matthews: Happiness Is a Choice (Even in Atlantic Storms)

    Lewis Matthews has pushed himself to extremes - from international water polo to Ironmans, ultramarathons and rowing the Atlantic for 38 days. But this conversation isn’t just about endurance. It’s about what happens when life pushes back. Lewis opens up about losing his brother and his mom, how grief reshaped his perspective, and why success now looks very different. From “purposeful discomfort” to fatherhood, identity and resilience, this is a raw, honest conversation about what really matters, and how we carry life when it gets heavy. Key Takeaways • Happiness is a choice - even when life isn’t easy • Have a “why” - it gets you through the hardest moments • Purposeful discomfort builds resilience • Endurance teaches control - focus on what you can influence • Grief doesn’t go away - but it changes • Empathy often comes from pain • Have a “thing” - something that grounds you outside work and life stress • Success changes - especially when you become a parent • You don’t need to be the best - just keep learning and growing • Remember tomorrow - most things pass Keywords Lewis Matthews, rowing the Atlantic, endurance mindset, resilience, grief, loss, fatherhood, mental strength, stoicism, ultramarathon, Ironman, water polo, personal growth, emotional resilience, mindset, discipline, adversity, purpose, mental health, perspective, Wit and Grit podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Lewis Matthews' Background 00:55 20 Days into the Atlantic Row: Challenges and Mindset 02:09 Dealing with Storms and Ocean Conditions 03:49 Big Storms and Boat Spinning Crisis 06:01 Building Mental Fortitude and Stoic Principles 08:28 Lewis' Origin Story and Water Polo Journey 09:50 Transition from Water Polo to Endurance Sports 11:52 Lessons from Ultras and Ironmans 14:07 Why Endurance Challenges? The Mindset Behind the Why 20:26 Personal Losses and Grief: The Impact of Family Tragedy 24:56 Grief vs Physical Endurance: Comparing Challenges 30:40 Lessons from Grief and Moving Forward 32:37 Jiu Jitsu and Community as a Source of Resilience 36:36 Redefining Success and Priorities 38:09 Consciously Unlearning and Embracing New Identities 42:21 Rowing Record and Scenario Planning 44:38 Future Goals and Three-Year Vision 45:37 Wit and Grit: The Balance of Intelligence and Grit 47:14 Who Was Lewis Matthews? What Broke and What He Became

    50 min
  2. Every Kid Is a Natural Red Teamer: Marcus Dimbleby on Critical Thinking and Leadership

    APR 13

    Every Kid Is a Natural Red Teamer: Marcus Dimbleby on Critical Thinking and Leadership

    In Episode 32 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Marcus Dimbleby - former Royal Air Force aerospace battle manager turned leadership and critical thinking specialist. From the military to major corporate transformation, Marcus shares what he’s learned about leadership, human behaviour and why so many organisations are still getting it wrong. This is a wide-ranging conversation covering disengaged workforces, the dangers of promoting people without training them, why young talent is leaving organisations so quickly, and how leaders can unlock the capability already sitting inside their teams. Marcus also breaks down critical thinking, red teaming, adaptive leadership, shadow boards, and why AI is only useful when paired with human judgement. There’s loads here for leaders, parents and anyone thinking about how we prepare the next generation for a world that’s moving fast. Key takeaways • Most leaders are promoted without being trained to lead. • Only 21% of the workforce is engaged. • Leaders don’t need to do it all themselves. • Slow down to speed up. • Critical thinking is not automatic — it has to be deliberately applied. • Every kid is a natural red teamer until the system squeezes it out of them. • Diversity of thought is the diversity that unlocks performance. • Young talent leaves when you recruit them for fresh thinking but don’t let them use it. • A group of high performers is not automatically a team. • Shadow boards are one of the smartest ways to bridge generations. • AI is a tool, not the answer. • The real future is AI plus collective intelligence. • What got you here won’t keep you here. Keywords Marcus Dimbleby, leadership, critical thinking, red teaming, adaptive leadership, workforce engagement, Gen Z, parenting, AI, collective intelligence, shadow boards, team dynamics, military leadership, Royal Air Force, aerospace battle manager, business transformation, disengaged employees, innovation, future of work, human skills, opportunity, Wit and Grit podcast Chapters List 00:00 Introduction to Marcus Dimbleby 02:45 Leadership Challenges in the Modern Workplace 05:16 The Importance of Critical Thinking 08:21 Red Teaming and Its Applications 11:33 The Role of Parents in Fostering Critical Thinking 14:24 The Disconnect Between Leadership and Talent 17:14 Navigating Change in Organizations 20:18 The Need for Adaptive Leadership 23:09 Understanding the Real Problems in Organizations 31:59 Unveiling Leadership Challenges 34:20 The Importance of Tailored Solutions 36:31 The Role of Shadow Boards in Leadership 37:21 Navigating Military Insights and Youth Engagement 46:07 The Impact of AI on Leadership 53:44 Advice for the Next Generation 01:01:50 outro1.mp3

    1h 2m
  3. James Cary Says: Pitch It Like You’ve Already Seen It

    MAR 30

    James Cary Says: Pitch It Like You’ve Already Seen It

    In Episode 31 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by BBC comedy writer James Cary - the man behind episodes of Miranda, Citizen Khan, My Family and Bluestone 42. But this conversation goes well beyond sitcoms. James opens up about the constant rejection that comes with writing, even when you’re “successful”, what working in comedy has taught him about teams, why authenticity matters more than trying to be funny, and how character often counts for more than qualifications. There’s also brilliant insight on leadership, AI, creativity, criticism, resilience, and why young people need to get better at looking people in the eye. Funny, thoughtful and surprisingly practical, this is a conversation about writing, work, identity and the grit it takes to keep showing up. Key takeaways Rejection never really stops. Failure is not just possible - it’s essential. You want to find out what doesn’t work early, not when it’s too late. Be interested in the thing, not yourself. Your limitations can become your strengths. Humour is high risk, but authenticity isn’t. Teams work best when people care about different things. Different motivations can be a strength, not a weakness. AI is a tool, not a brain. Character matters more than credentials. Keywords James Cary, BBC comedy writer, Miranda writer, Citizen Khan writer, My Family, Bluestone 42, sitcom writing, rejection, resilience, humour, leadership, teams, authenticity, AI and creativity, storytelling, critical thinking, character, human skills, communication, writing career, comedy writer podcast, Wit and Grit podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to James Carey 00:48 The Journey into Comedy Writing 02:16 Pathways into Comedy and Early Experiences 04:36 The Role of Management Consultants in Comedy 07:10 The Intersection of Theology and Comedy 10:03 The Stand-Up Theologian 10:35 Writing and Team Dynamics in Comedy 13:10 Problem Solving on Set 15:57 Navigating Egos in the Creative Process 19:59 The Importance of Writing in Today's World 21:21 The Impact of Literature on Young Minds 22:48 The Challenges of Writing and Education 25:15 Embracing Failure in Creative Pursuits 28:20 The Role of Humor in Leadership 32:57 Navigating AI in Creative Processes 35:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 38:47 Character Over Qualifications in Success

    43 min
  4. Children need Adults to be their Substitute Prefrontal Cortex, says Natalie Costa.

    MAR 23

    Children need Adults to be their Substitute Prefrontal Cortex, says Natalie Costa.

    What happens when you’re trying to perform at work while also being a present, patient and emotionally available parent at home? In Episode 30, we sit down with Natalie Costa to explore emotional fitness in families, schools and workplaces. Natalie shares her mission to help raise a generation of connected humans by supporting the adults around them - parents, teachers and leaders alike. From childhood anxiety and classroom breakthroughs to parental guilt, emotional regulation and the pressure modern families face, this is a thoughtful, practical and deeply human conversation about what children really need, what parents are carrying, and how workplaces can better support the people raising the next generation. It’s an episode about pressure, repair, resilience and the courage to stay steady when life feels anything but. Key themesEmotional fitness in children and adultsParenting under pressureChildhood anxiety and self-beliefNeuroplasticity and changing old patternsParent guilt and the “mental load”Why connection matters more than everHow leaders can better support working parents Key takeawaysChildren need adults to be their substitute prefrontal cortexThere is only room for one adult in the parent-child relationshipYou can’t parent perfectly, but you can repairEmotional regulation is a skill, not a personality traitNeuroplasticity means we can build new emotional habits at any ageModern parenting is harder because many families are raising children without a villageConnection with children often starts by taking an interest in their worldGreat leadership at work starts with seeing the human behind the behaviourSupporting parents at work is not a perk — it’s a culture and performance issue Pull quotes / soundbites“We are more connected than ever before, but more emotionally disconnected than ever before.”“We need to support the people raising the next generation.”“There’s only space for one adult in the relationship — and it’s not your child.”“You can’t get it wrong if you are repairing and taking ownership.”“Neuroplasticity is the muscle of our mind.”“What are the keys to your kid’s kingdom?”“Connect before you correct.”“We’re all big kids walking around trying to run companies.”“A lot of guilt is really just being pulled between things we value.” Suggested chapter titles00:00 – Welcome to Episode 3000:57 – Natalie’s mission: raising connected humans02:34 – From teaching to emotional fitness06:16 – The classroom moment that changed everything09:16 – Teaching kids what to do with big feelings14:17 – Why the work has to include parents17:25 – Old stories, childhood beliefs and change21:46 – What neuroplasticity actually means25:35 – Is it harder than ever to be a parent?27:52 – Simple ways to reconnect with your kids31:31 – What workplace support for parents should look like35:58 – Does the work start with children or adults?40:22 – Emotional fitness and sitting with discomfort45:14 – What to do at 2am when your mind won’t stop48:06 – Progressive leadership for working parents51:16 – Final takeaways

    54 min
  5. From Live Testing to the Real Thing

    MAR 9

    From Live Testing to the Real Thing

    After 28 episodes, a live event, and a growing Wit + Grit community, we sit down for a proper catch-up. This one is honest, reflective and full of the stuff that sits behind the scenes - what we’ve learned, what’s surprised us, what we’re building, and why Wit + Grit is starting to feel like something much bigger than a podcast. We talk about opportunity, identity, grief, ambition, structure, startup energy, and the importance of creating real conversations in a noisy world. If you’ve ever started something, doubted yourself, or wondered whether to just press go, this one’s for you. Bring it on. Key Takeaways Press go first, learn later. Opportunity changes everything. You don’t need all the answers to start. Identity matters. Human connection is becoming more valuable, not less. Structure matters when things start working. Community compounds. Success looks different now. Keywords Wit and Grit, PJ Ellis, Andy Dawson, Birmingham podcast, business podcast UK, human skills, opportunity, personal growth, startup journey, live testing, podcast alumni, community building, leadership, resilience, identity, grief, ambition, entrepreneurship, confidence, AI and identity, young people, future of work, Birmingham business, talent pipeline, real conversations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Peaky Blinders Premiere 02:44 The Growth of the Podcast and Its Impact 05:21 Personal Journeys and Backgrounds 07:49 Lessons Learned and Insights from the Podcast 10:13 Opportunities and Future Directions 12:51 The Importance of Structure and Discipline 15:31 Looking Ahead: Technology and Growth 18:26 Ambition and Growth in Podcasting 20:32 Creating Opportunities for Young People 22:08 Navigating Challenges in Today's World 24:33 The Impact of Technology on Youth 27:42 Finding Balance in a Chaotic World 31:18 Measuring Success and Impact

    35 min
  6. How and Why Hannah Tyers Built the Platform She Needed

    MAR 2

    How and Why Hannah Tyers Built the Platform She Needed

    Hannah Tyers is one of the world’s youngest female chartered surveyors - but her real story sits under the surface. At 21 years of age, Hannah lost her mum to alcoholism. Her journey has forced Hannah to grow up fast, build resilience early, and learn emotional skills most of us were never taught. In this episode, Hannah shares what grief taught her about life moving on, why “success” can feel complicated, and how those late-night Googles for support became the spark for Soulful Co - a platform designed to help people find the right help faster and feel less alone in the process. We get into confidence vs the “self-confidence mask”, creating spaces where teenagers actually talk, why rest is a non-negotiable (especially for founders), and what it really takes to choose who you want to be - rather than living as a victim of circumstance. Key takeaways • Life moves on after grief - you grow into it. • Success can feel hollow if you’ve got no one to tell. • The feeling of “I’m not alone” is sometimes the first step to healing. • Active listening is simple… and strangely hard. • Teenagers don’t open up on demand - they open up in motion. • Rest is a strategy, not a reward (especially for founders). • You learn most at the edge of the unknown. • If not now, when? If not you, who? Chapters 00:00 – Meet Hannah Tyers (the “iceberg” intro) 02:00 – Youngest chartered surveyor + the story underneath 04:30 – 18-year-old Hannah in a male-dominated industry 07:00 – Losing her mum mid-studies + “life moves on” 09:00 – The chartership moment + “success can feel empty” 11:20 – Alcoholism, childhood, and growing up fast 14:30 – Why most adults don’t talk about feelings 16:00 – How to actually get teenagers to talk 17:30 – What Soulful is and why it exists 20:50 – Redefining success (time, family, purpose) 23:00 – Her brother, men in construction, and opening up 26:00 – Entrepreneurship: “press go, learn on the way” 28:45 – Burnout prevention + rest as a non-negotiable 32:10 – How Soulful works (free platform + events + business offer) 36:20 – Making wellbeing “not embarrassing” for young men 40:00 – If not now, when? If not me, who? 41:35 – One small moment for anyone overwhelmed 42:25 – Choosing who you want to be (not victimhood) 44:30 – Rapid-fire takeaways + close

    46 min
  7. Daniel Wilsher's iOS Update: Shedding Identity + Rebuilding from Within

    FEB 16

    Daniel Wilsher's iOS Update: Shedding Identity + Rebuilding from Within

    In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares what he calls his “iOS update” - a shedding of identity. After years of building his public platform around the suicide of his father and his own mental health journey, Daniel realised something profound: The story that built him, no longer fits him. From losing his dad at 9, battling addiction, therapy, public speaking, Channel 4’s The Piano, and impacting 25,000 students in 20 days, Daniel reflects on identity, reinvention, masculinity, hope, parenting, resilience, and the responsibility we all share for the next generation. This is not an episode about trauma. It’s an episode about evolution. About what happens when the thing that made you, isn’t who you are anymore. Takeaways • Identity can evolve - even when the world expects you to stay the same • Behavioural change is slow - give yourself grace (20% after 6 months is still progress) • We are not designed to do life alone - build and use your support network • Young people don’t need “toughening up” - they need modelling, leadership and challenge • Praise can transform identity faster than punishment • Who you become matters more than what you achieve • Businesses have a role in shaping the next generation • Service without expectation fills the cup • Solitude and reflection are performance tools, not luxuries • Sometimes growth means shedding the skin that once protected you Keywords Daniel Wilsher, mental health, identity shift, personal reinvention, parenting in 2025, resilience, behavioural change, leadership, masculinity, hope for young people, school mental health, social media impact, ADHD, public speaking, trauma recovery, service leadership, solitude, reflection, LifeX program, youth development, corporate social responsibility, mentoring young men Chapters 00:00 – The “iOS Update” 02:00 – Shedding the story that built you 05:30 – Why behavioural change takes longer than you think 09:30 – The power of male support networks 13:00 – 100 talks in 20 days: the school tour 16:30 – The student who couldn’t name one good thing about himself 20:00 – What to tell a 15-year-old finding his way 22:00 – Working with kids vs corporates 24:00 – “Kids need to toughen up” — response to leaders 30:00 – Social media, AI & parenting in 2025 39:00 – Filling your own cup 44:00 – Daniel’s spoken word: Reflections 46:00 – What’s next? LifeX & the HOPE program 50:00 – Final takeaways

    51 min
  8. Joel Blake: It’s Not Who You Know - It’s Who Knows You

    FEB 9

    Joel Blake: It’s Not Who You Know - It’s Who Knows You

    Joel Blake is a private client solicitor at Wilkes, a Future Faces ambassador, and a Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year winner - but his story starts in Dudley, navigating limited role models and plenty of “you’ll never make it” moments. In this episode, Joel shares how rejection shaped his resilience, why confidence is built over time, and the mantra that changed everything: it’s not who you know, it’s who knows you. We also dig into imposter syndrome, bridging generational gaps at work (including “upward mentoring”), and why networking works best when it’s human, not transactional. If you’re a young professional trying to find your way - or a leader who wants to build a stronger team culture - this one’s for you. Key takeaways Rejection is part of the process - consistency beats talent when you keep showing up. “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” Put yourself in rooms and build real relationships. Authenticity wins long-term - pretending to be someone else is exhausting (and unnecessary). Networking isn’t transactional - it’s about genuine conversations and playing the long game. Upward mentoring matters - juniors bring value too; trust is built in the small moments. Working-class background = strength - it can become your edge for empathy, rapport, and connection. Get comfortable being uncomfortable - growth lives on the other side of fear. Keywords Joel Blake, Wilkes, private client solicitor, Future Faces, Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, young professionals, Birmingham, West Midlands, Dudley, Jamaican heritage, social mobility, imposter syndrome, confidence, networking, mentorship, upward mentoring, leadership, trust, resilience, rejection, career development, professional services, law careers, authenticity, workplace culture, generational leadership, community, opportunity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joel Blake 01:57 Joel's Upbringing and Early Aspirations 06:55 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience 12:10 Career Journey at Wilkes 16:32 Navigating Change in the Legal Profession 21:14 Building Confidence and Professional Growth 24:14 Fostering Collaboration Across Generations 25:30 Unveiling Surprising Aspects of Personal Growth 27:00 The Power of Authentic Networking 30:09 Pride in Regional Development 34:13 Vision for the Future: Inspiring the Next Generation 36:00 Empowering Young Professionals through Future Faces 38:31 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Authenticity 40:43 Encouragement for the Underestimated 43:36 Setting Ambitious Goals for 2026

    47 min
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About

We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media. Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in. That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection. This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google. Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen. We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions. How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet? How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world? What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond? Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook. If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you. Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon. You can connect with us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/ LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson Let’s get into it.

Information

  • Creator
    PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson
  • Show Website
    Wit + Grit

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