Flourishing Education Podcast

Today, I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Heema Shah who researches and talks about practical applied neuroscience for people, performance, and purpose.Heema and I discussed our personal journeysthe importance of embracing imperfection, and the concept of personal growth through conversations and connections. They also explored the need for a more holistic approach to mental health, the connection between neuroscience and spiritual worlds, and the nature of the spirit and soul. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the balance between trusting science and surrendering to the spiritual world, and the importance of spiritual health.You can find Heema on LinkedIn, Instagram and her podcast can be found here: Neuroscience Unplugged I invite you to take a listen, I have no doubt that you will enjoy every minute of it all. I know I did!Thanks again so much Heema for this WONDER-full episode.

I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect and perfectly imperfect conversation with Wakanyi Hoffman, who is an International Speaker, Indigenous African Thinker, Head of Sustainable AI Africa Research at Inclusive AI Lab (Utrecht Uni). Wakanyi is a Cross-Cultural Peace-Weaver who Talks about Ubuntu, Art of Being Human and is an African Folklorist.Together we discussed Wakanyi's journey and work on the philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizing its importance in understanding collective relational ways of being and its extension to the natural world. The conversation also touched on the potential of AI to reflect and challenge human understanding and biases, and the importance of intercultural interactions and storytelling in fostering meaningful connections. Lastly, we explored the need for diverse voices in academia and philosophy, the significance of the feminine perspective, and the potential of AI in facilitating more considerate communication.

Today, I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Katharine Burke, an IB Educator, Author of Earthwards: Transformative Ecological Education, Founder of The Small Earth Institute, M.Ed: Nature, Ecology and Sustainability.In this episode, we discuss Katharine's journey The meaning of 'deep ecology' The importance of starting where we are Katharine's book: Earthwards: Transformational Ecological Education (TREED) What is TREED? Shifting Mindset Developing deeper belonging with young people What's the point? Talking with rather than TO young peoople Supporting at primary and secondary levels The 12 main principles shared in the bookKatharine finished by sharing the essay from Bayo Akomolafe about doors and cracks:https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/post/on-doors-and-cracksThis reminded me of Cohen's song that says "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in,"To contact Katharine: dennelillejord@gmail.com Linked In: Katharine Burke To join the Earthwards Community: https://earthwards.mn.co/ 

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Professor Melissa Walls, an Indigenous researcher who works with American Indian and First Nations communities to promote health equity through culturally centered projects.Melissa Walls, PhD (Bois Forte and Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe) is Director of the Great Lakes Hub for the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian HealthDr. Walls is an Indigenous social scientist committed to collaborative research with Indigenous communities to promote health equity. Her involvement in community-based participatory research (CBPR) projects to date includes mental health epidemiology; culturally-relevant, family-based substance use prevention and mental health promotion programming and evaluation; and examining the impact of stress and mental health on diabetes. Dr. Walls's collaborative work has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada.In this episode, we explore her amazing work, her journey and how when any one encounters indigenous thought, the invitation is maybe not to interrogate it and, maybe just support it. An invitation to be curious and be open.Melissa's request is also: 'please stop making us justify who we are, because a lot has been taken already, and this is taking a lot of energy away from us."And so much more...I invite you to take a listen. I am sure you will love every minute of this. I know I did!

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Ginie Servant-Mikloswho is Assistant Professor , Climate Psychology, Education Director, Bildung Climate School in Rotherdam Netherlands. In this episode I explore with Ginie: Her own journey thus far. Why she wrote her book Pedagogies of Collapse which you can also access through open access here We discussed why people said "Don't talk about collapse, you're going to scare people off" and so much more... I invite you to listen to the whole conversation. You won't be disappointed!

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Didileia Worth. Didi is a Mother, Self-Awareness Teacher, and Holistic Well-Being Mentor. In this conversation we talk about - Didi's journey and her work at Blue Sparrow Ayurveda - specialising in behavioural practice, Jyotish, and Dharma for purpose & well-being. - We went deeper into our exploration of Jyotish which are Yoga Sciences. and how they help us understand ourselves and help us as parents nourish diversity within wholeness. And so much more... I invite you to listen to the whole conversation. I learned so much and truly enjoyed it. I hope you do too!

I am delighted to share this new imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect episode with Malaury Kuhorn who is an Advocate, Weaver and Storyteller, founder of the Institute of Relational Being (IRB). In this beautiful dance together we explore Malaury's experience in the French educational system and how painful it was a a neurodivergent learner. We discuss the difference between embodied knowledge and living from the heart. We unpack what it means to live from one's heart and soul with more ethics of care and compassion. We explore how to make friends with ourselves, with everything and everyone and how even when we feel lonely, we can re-member that our relationships are not exclusive to friendship with other humans and go much deeper and beyond. The invitation is also to make friends with the chaos, the 'I don't knows' and the mess. To recognise that we are also also friend with the soil, the fungi, the trees, the bees, our pets. With that in mind as Malaury beautifully says: "we are never never alone!" I invite you to come and dance with us!

I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect/perfectly imperfect conversation with Professor Signe Kastberg. Signe Kastberg is a mathematics teacher educator at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA where she is a full professor (2017- present) and is the Mary Endres Endowed Chair of Elementary Education (2022 – present). At Purdue University she teaches courses in mathematics education at the graduate and undergraduate levels.  In addition, she supervises graduate students in mathematics education and serves as a faculty mentor. In this conversation, Signe and I explore relationships and how foundational they are to our lives. Yet, what i smeant by relationship is often left to individuals to imagine and define. Together we explore the importance of authenticiy, how the environment impacts our ability to connect to one another and so much more. I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Today I am delighted to start sharing a new imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Dr Shreya Jha and Dr Sarah White who are both co-founders of the Relational wellbeing Collaborative. I came across Sarah and Shreya's relational approach to wellbeing through my PhD and whilst doing my literature review. I have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with them and found their work transformational. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of relationships and how they power wellbeing and we explore in details their framework. If you are interested in wellbeing, this conversation is definitely for you.

I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Dr Alison Raby who is Senior Lecturer in Business Communication/College Senior Tutor/Programme Leader at the University of Lincoln. I reached out to Alison after reading her article about international students and how best to support them when they first arrive in the UK. Why do we want international students to assimilate and to fit in? How do we ensure international students thrive and flourish in our UK Universities? We cover so much in this episode and if you are interested in the internationalisation of universities, I think this episode is for you.

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Caroline Hudson, who is helping educators achieve a culture of talk – where learners use excellent oracy to embed understanding - through tailored CPD and self led courses. She is the Founder of The Kitchen Table Teacher CIC and is a highly experienced primary school teacher and senior leader based in Leeds. In this episode we talk about: Caroline's leap of faith: leaving the classroom The challenges of transitioning Understanding the education profession The Kitchen Table Teacher: engaging parents The power of oracy in education If you are interested in any of these topics, I am sure you will love to listen to Caroline.

In this imperfectly perfect conversation, I shine the light on Alex Fish who is Founder of 99p Films, Photographer & Documentary maker. Alex shares his own journey unschooling and deschooling himself and becoming a life-long, life-wide and life-deep learner. He also tells us more about 99p Films C.I.C., a revolutionary community interest cinema that goes beyond traditional film screenings. They create a transformative experience by incorporating mindful breathing, engaging discussions and communal feasts. This is how we connect with others, create a space for community and belonging and address challenging topics together. I invite you to listen to the whole episode, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with ⁠Jessica Riddell⁠ who is a Higher Education Leader, Author of ⁠Hope Circuits⁠, Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence, Shakespearean, It was such a delight to chat with Jessica as we truly speak the same language and she shared with me how Every encounter we have with one another is an opportunity for us to rewire our mindsets towards flourishing and hope. We started with exploring Jessica's own journey into Higher Education and how her work as a Shakespearean has influenced her work. We also discussed the importance of Telos and and meaning and purpose in our lives. And much more... I invite you to listen. You won't be disappointed.

I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Je'anna Clements and Sifaan Zavahir. I invited them both to come and talk about the Rights-Centric Education Network. To find out more, listen to their open invitation to join here In this episode, I share with them why I decided to join and to become a Founding Member. While there has been much work done on the Right TO Education - and there is indeed a problem with many children still denied access to education - hardly any attention has been paid to Rights IN Education. Together we explore how we can come together as civil society activists and child rights' defenders from around the world, to create he Rights-Centric Education network to implement a so-far-not-implemented UN Proposal to establish a Rights Based Quality Assurance System for Schools (which we call the RCE Framework and we extend it to all educational contexts, not limited to schools) beginning with a Declaration calling for practices of education be overhauled to ensure Child Rights in Education are respected, protected, and fulfilled. I invite you to listen to the whole conversation to find out more.

This week, I am so excited to be sharing this imperfectly perfect conversation with Ruth Ibegbuna who is the Founder of RECLAIM, The Roots Programme and the Rekindle School. She built on her successful teaching career to develop innovative strengths-based work which enables young people to achieve their potential. In this episode we cover so much but the key focus has been to explore how can we actually put far more love and care into our education system and put young people and staff's well being at the center of what we're doing. If you are even remotely interested in any of these broad topics, this conversation is definitely for you. It won't disappoint you, I promise!

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Rebecca McCash who is the Founder and CEO of Future Tech, a social enterprise offering STEAM* (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) based social and learning programs for neurodivergent youth. Rebecca and her team is passionately inspiring neurodivergent minds to build a better futures for everyone. We cover so much in this episode: - her own journey and diagnosis and her unique and beautiful story. - how to support autistic neurodivergent youth who experience interoception difficulties to develop the skills they know are good for them. And so much more If you are interested in helping neurodivergent minds re-develop a love of learning and be their best selves then I invite you to listen to this beautiful conversation.

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Alan Rayner who is an Evolutionary Ecologist who came to talk to me on the Flourishing Education podcast about natural inclusion. Alan and I had a wonderful hour together and he shared his education and his work and how he found it difficult because his understanding of the world is so different from our Cartesian, Newtonian, reductionist world. Alan also shared why his views as an evolutionist are different from those of Darwin and why he believes we ARE NOT inherently selfish and that natural selection is not as Darwin described it the preservation of favored races in the struggle for life. We also talked about language and how using certain expressions such as 'connection to nature' are problematic as it suggests that nature is an other that we are not included in when we are in fact a vibrant, living expression of the nature we inhabit. We also discuss 'competitiveness', being 'busy' and needing to earn a living (amongst many other things). I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

In this imperfectly perfect conversation, I talk with Dr Ash Brockwell who is Associate Professor and Problem-Based Learning Lead at London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) We start with Ash's journey into education. He is an interdisciplinary educator, writer, and consultant. He holds an MBiochem degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, an MSc in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent, and a PhD in Education for Sustainability from Wageningen University and Research Centre in The Netherlands. We also discussed belonging and othering and the rise of the Extreme Right in Europe. Finally we talked about Ash's latest book and the language we use to talk about us humans as not separate from nature and that we are all inter and intra connected. And so much more... I loved every minute of this dialogue and I invite you to listen in. I am sure you won't regret it.

In this imperfectly perfect conversation I talk with Julia Leyris , a stage director, producer and pedagogical project manager and Jackson Ferguson, a teacher, mindfulness instructor. Together they come to talk to me about the Happy Schools programs that has been running in Switzerland and has now opened up online to become an international programme. We cover so much in this conversation. I really invite you to listen to it if you are interested in exploring how teachers and professionals can create a holistic and experienced based learning journey in the educational sector to co-develop sustainable and future-oriented learning environments. In short - how do we create happy schools where both teachers and young people are happy? You may also want to check out Jackson's and Julia's own websites here: ⁠The Art of Mindful Living Julia Leyris

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Tina Farr, Head Teacher and Clare Whyles, Deputy Head Teacher at St. Ebbes⁠ C.E. Primary School. In this episode, Tina and Clare talk about their own journey as teachers and how together with their team they are focusing on the purpose of St. Ebbes⁠ is to nurture wise, compassionate citizens with the power to make a difference, driven by our three core values: Curiosity. Courage. Connection. If you are interested in finding out how we move from theories to practice and how this is possible in mainstream education, then this conversation is most definitely for you!

Today I am really excited to be releasing this new imperfectly perfect conversation with Julie Legg who is the the Author of The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD. The exciting news is that Julie's book will be available as paperback in England from beginning of Julie (through WHSmith). I got so much out of Julie's book when I was diagnosed with ADHD this year after struggling when I started my 1st year of PhD and I couldn't recommend it more - whether you or a loved one live with ADHD! It helped me make so much sense of it all!!! You can check out Julie and Jel's music here: OLDER

Today I am delighted to share a new episode for the podcast. This time with Noreen Asekenye who is a Philanthropist, Social-impact storyteller, Fundraiser, Children's Author as well as the Founder of Tell a Story Foundation Noreen starts by sharing her journey to creating the Foundation and how she creates impact. We then discussed how powerful stories and story telling are and how much impact and what a difference what seems like simple stories can have and make. We also discussed the concepts of #Ubuntu and addressed some of my issues as a white person around appropriation. Noreen's loving and caring personality shines through. If you are interested in stories, story telling and in #ubuntu, this is the perfect conversation for you. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did! You can contact her via email: noreenasekenye1@gmail.com

Today I am really delighted to be sharing this new episode with Dr Helen Street who is an Author, presenter & consultant, with background in social psychology, motivation and mental health. She is also the Founder of Contextual Wellbeing. Founder and Co-Chair of Positive Schools @PositiveSchools. In this imperfectly perfect conversation, Helen comes to talk about her new and latest book The Impossible Question of Living Well: How do we hold on to what matters, while also knowing how to let go? We go into a deep conversation around all these topics and much more. I invite you to take a listen. You won't regret it. Her website can be found here

Today I am delighted to share a new episode with Julie Norman who is an Education Consultant and co-founder of Evolve Generation School with Nachelle Crowther In this imperfectly perfect conversation I talk to Julie about her own journey RE-membering she is a life-long, life-wide and life-deep learner. She also shares all about Evolve Generation and their exciting plans for the future. I really invite you to listen in and to contact them if you would be interested in investing in their wonderful project. You can find out more here: https://evolvegeneration.co.uk/

Today I am delighted to share this new imperfectly perfect conversation with Gareth Campbell, who is Founder of the MoSAIC, a STEAM Educator and an Artist. Together we talk about Gaz's journey into education and into re-membering he is a lifelong, lifewide, lifedeep learner. We also talk about STEAM and what it means and how science, engineering and technology might have a lot more in common with the Arts than we consider or think about. If like me, you like to discuss the power of interdisciplinary work, you will love this conversation.

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Kate Coleman, a Founder/Director at East Kent Sudbury. Change Maker, Freelance Management and Strategy Consultant. Together we explore Kate's journey into re-membering that she is a life-long, life-wide and life-deep learner and their approach at East Kent Sudbury, which is a Self-Directed Democratic Learning Community For Home Educated Children. We cover so much ground, there would be too much to write in this short description, so I invite you to simply come and listen and see what your key take-aways are and what stands out for you.

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Christine Paquette, who is a Mentor, Coach, Co-Designer guiding you Bridge the Gap and Live a whole life. She is the Founder of Bridge Dynamics. Together we talk about her own journey into RE-membering that she is a lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learner and how to develop our Ideal Presence. If you believe in the importance of heartfelt imperfectly perfect conversations, you will love this one! Take a listen. And the website Christine mentions in this episode can be found here Caravan of Remembering

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Professor Rebecca Hodgson who is currently Professor of Higher Education, Associate Dean TLSE at the University of Manchester. I reached out to her because I read her Wonke article entitled Time to go back to basics on belonging and I resonated deeply with it. She agreed to come to talk to me about belonging, loneliness and mattering with a particular focus on Higher Education but I am sure you will find all her insights and sharing extremely useful and applicable to any parts of our education system. I am sure you will enjoy listening to this episode. I know I did!

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Hajar Tazi. Hajar's focus is on weaving alternative cosmovisions & economies, scientific knowledge, and indigenous wisdom to bring forth the Symbiocene and co-create vibrant, regenerative human and more-than-human communities. I had the best conversation with Hajar and we covered so much. We discussed Hajar's own journey to re-membering that she is a lifelong, lifedeep and life wide learner, how to BE authentically and how it involvles reconnecting to our sacred feminine. I am sure you will love this episode. I know I did!

Today, I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Caroline Clark who is co-founder of Streams Learning Hub with Jo Sweetland and I but also Founder of Zebera. Caroline recently wrote a fabulous blog post for Streams Education called Embracing the Chaos which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Caroline is a source of inspiration for me and I asked her to come and have an imperfectly perfect conversation with me on the podcast. Together we explore and cover so much around what truly motivates us and drives us and how we might have it got wrong in education and beyond. If you are interested in any of these topics, then I invite you to listen to this episode.

Today, I am delighted to share my imperfectly perfect conversation with Inge Rozendal who is Co-Creator of Purpose-Driven Learning Experiences in HigherEd, Didactic and Assessment Expert, Global Perspective. Together we explore, Inge's journey into education Her passion for Didactic and Assessment and what they mean to her. The importance of doing a lot of inner exploration and thinking in education. We meandered and covered so much during in this episode. I am sure you will absolutely love it.

Today I am delighted to share a second interview with the amazing Stef Kuypers from Happonomy Stef is a Monetary systems architect, PhD Researcher in behavioural and monetary economics, Systems Thinker and Facilitator. As I explore if Flourishing is possible when we don't have our most basic needs met in educational settings, I thought I would explore why systems change seems so difficult to achieve and what could be done. If you are interested in Systems Thinking, in monetory economics and how money and how our behaviours are shaped by our conditioning then this conversation is definitely for you.

Today, I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Dr Jeff Mims, who is a Psychologist, Insights Consultant, Qualitative Researcher, MEACO Operations Lead and Speaker. I reached out to Jeff to explore the power of music and its power on our well-being and how music makes us feel. We go beyond the surface and unpack how we can connect music to wellness or well-being. If you're interested in this topic, I really recommend this amazing conversation.

Today I am delighted to share this episode with Emer O'Donnell who is an Author. Founder Of TeenReconnect. Creator Of The Digital Q Pathfinder And The 7Q TeenReconnect Coaching Formula. In this conversation, Emer and I explore her journey into education and she shares her amazing work and how she coaches & Trains Individuals, Educators & Organisations To Empower Young People To Live Lives They Love. I am sure you will love this imperfectly perfect conversation with Emer You can find more about her work by visiting her website: teenreconnect.com/EmerODonnell 

I am delighted to share part II of this imperfectly perfect conversation with Natalie Rothwell-Warn, Education Doctoral Researcher whose research question is 'How can teaching and learning experiences change so well-being can improve?' In this episode we explore the key findings of Natalie's research and what it means for parents, teachers, leaders in schools but also for our policy makers and government. Her message to us all: let's be brave, let's be courageous, let's re-discover our hearts. We do this every day but now is time to make it louder, to be more united. Now is time to speak up! I am sure you will loe this conversation if you are interested in change in education.

Today, I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Natalie Rothwell-Warn who is an Education Doctoral Researcher who talks about #flourish, #education, #youngpeople, #socialjustice, and #sustainability We explore Natalie's journey as a teacher and as a researcher and her thoughts on the current education system. Together we explore several questions including: - What's going on in our schools? and her research - 'How can teaching and learning experiences change so well-being can improve?' This is part 1 and we will be sharing part 2 - all about some of the findings from her thesis.

Today I am really excited to be sharing this beautiful and powerful imperfectly perfect conversation with Cara Templeton who is English Language Acquisition Specialist. Cara and I cover so much. It was a real dialogue and conversation with lots of back and forth! Her journey from living in Australia to moving to Thailand. We discuss the importance of - discovering a culture through language. - asking questions - going deeper and past the conditioning - trusting nature knows - trusting our children and young people know

Today I am delighted to share a new imperfectly perfect conversation with another amazing young person: Amarins who is 13 and currently living in India. She was accompanied by her mother Inge Rozendal In this beautiful episode we explore: - Amarins's journey through education - Her experience of living in different cultures (Thailand and India) - Why it's important to listen with an open heart and to allow young people to truly be themselves and find what works for them. I have no doubt that you will find this conversation as awesome and beautiful as I found it. Enjoy!

This week, I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Leonie-Ruth Acland who is an Earth Carer & Nourisher

This week, I am delighted to shine a light on the amazing work being carried out by Sarah Sudea, Founder of Finding The Flex. Together we explore: - What Flexischooling is - What the benefits are - Why so many young people are in need of flexible educational solutions to support children's wellbeing. - How we can do school differently. And much more... I have no doubt that you will really enjoy this imperfectly perfect conversation. I know I did!

I am delighted to share a new powerful imperfectly perfect conversation with yet another phenomenal young person. This time I talk to Abbie Clark who is a Politics student at the University of Sheffield. We had such a wonderful conversation. We talked about her journey into education and why she found the transition to university a real culture shock as well as her passion for politics and why she believes politics influence so many societal things and concepts. I have no doubt that you will absolutely find this conversation very delightful. I could have spoken to Abbie for hours. So many insights from her. You can reach her on Instagram

I am so happy to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with no other than my lovely eldest child Thomas Vailes . This episode is extra special because we are releasing it on the 2nd Anniversary of Tom's de-registration from mainstream secondary education here in the UK. You will have heard me talk about our experience and have heard my version of the story. Now, I give Tom a chance to share his! I have no doubt that you will love this episode. I know I am biased but I did!

I am delighted to share this new episode on the Flourishing Education podcast with Adrija Jana who is a Social Activist, an Artist and Researcher in momentum from India. Jana and I had such a wonderful imperfectly perfect conversation. We discussed her journey in life thus far, including some of the challenges she experienced. We also talked about her life as an English student at the University of Delhi. Finally, we discussed some of her other work around menstruation and menstruation hygene in partnership with The Period Society, a youth led organization working towards eradicating the taboo surrounding menstruation and combating period poverty through open conversation, education and increasing access to basic necessities. I have no doubt that you will love every minute of this chat with Adrija,

I am delighted to share this second imperfectly perfect conversation with Dr Jon Beale who is a Research Affiliate at the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, a Peak Performance Coach for the Flow Research Collective, a Performance and Well-Being Coach for the Center for Human Potential, and a consultant specialising in well-being in the workplace and education. He is also Co-host, Flourish FM: a podcast for the good life In this conversation, I explored more particularly: Truth and flourishing in philosophy Flourishing and beliefs tracking truth Flourishing, success and well-being The concept of accomplishment in positive psychology (PERMA) Wellbeing, relationships and community Home and community Work-life balance, fulfilment and job satisfaction

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Cindy Lau who was a former student of mine last year and is now a Law and French student at Warrick University. In this episode we talked about: Education, cultural differences, and personal growth. (0:02) Education disparities and personal growth in an international school. (7:51) Academic vs creative paths in school and society. (14:35) University applications and the pressure to attend prestigious institutions. (22:20) Pressure to succeed in education and the impact of failure. (30:15) University admissions and cultural capital. (34:29) Educational disparities and university experiences. (41:46) University experience, challenges, and finding balance. (46:52) Academic journey, self-awareness, and community support. (51:48)

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with a former colleague and friend Annelyse Apicella who is in her final year of her Speech and Language Therapy Degree here in the UK. Annelyse and I explore: - Her career change and pursuing a new passion. (0:03) - Motivation and pathways to higher education. (5:19) - Becoming a speech and language therapist. (11:02) - Speech and language therapy access and evidence. (17:30) - Special needs diagnosis and support. (23:36) - Language disorders in children and their impact on mental health. (28:53) - Disability awareness and support. (35:10) - Trusting parental instincts in identifying developmental delays. (41:23) - Speech and language challenges in youth justice system. (48:20) - Understanding "disruptive behaviors" in children. (53:55) If you have an interest in topics related to neurodivergence, disability, language and speech therapy in particular, this conversation is definitely for you!

I am delighted to share with you this imperfectly perfect conversation with Paul Tupou-Vea Director of Clifftop Wellbeing. We discussed how we weave well-being science for thriving schools, organisations and communities. In particular we focused on: - Paul's own personal journey, education, and wellbeing (0:02) - Cultural capital and well-being for migrant families. (5:05) - Cultural differences and perceptions. (13:55) - Education system and parental involvement in New Zealand.(18:51) - Education, colonialism, and well-being. (25:49) - Shifting societal narratives towards community-focused well-being. (39:12) - Well-being and its various components. (46:12) - Well-being models and their relevance in schools (in particular The Fonua Model  Pacific Health Models » HAUORA (hpfnz.org.nz) Te Whare Tapa Whā    Te Whare Tapa Whā | Māori Health Authority (teakawhaiora.nz)Te Whare Tapa Whā | Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (xn--tepkenga-szb.ac.nz)). (53:25) - Hope and well-being in challenging times. (1:03:10) I am sure you will absolutely love this conversation. I know I did!

Today I am delighted to share Episode 5 of this new series dedicated to young people. I hold the space and shine a light on Raheen Fatima who is an Entrepreneur, an Activist, a Podcaster as well as a Speaker. In this imperfectly perfect conversation, Raheen shares her journey and experience of education, in particular with the online school called The Socratic Experience. A really uplifting and empowering story. I cannot wait to speak to Raheen in a year's time to see where her journey has taken her.

Today, I am delighted to share round 2 of an imperfectly perfect conversation with Eric Lynn, Together we discuss: - What healthy organisations are and how we cultivate healthy organisations. - how to create inclusive spaces for meaningful conversations. My conversations with Eric always leave me feeling so inspired and energised. I have no doubt that you will love this episode as much as I did.

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Tom Lawrence, Founder of Highly Effective Leader, Author of "Manager To Leader", "A Limitless Mindset" & "Influence is Leadership" as well as Creator of "The Leader's Vault" Online Courses. Tom shares his own journey into Leadership, his own challenges and what he learned along the way and is now sharing with his audience. If you want to find out how to become a highly effective leader, then this conversation will definitely be of interest to you.

Today I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Ben Holmes. This is not the first time we get to speak to one another and I joked with Ben that it feels a bit like I am doing a longetudinal study of his life a student. I have known Ben for a while and it's a delight to speak with him as he enters his final year at Cambridge University. We talk about what his experience at university was like, his key take-aways and thoughts. In particular, we focus on the fear he has experienced throughout his years in secondary school and at university. We also discuss the concept of 'cultural capital' and how it is hidden in our structures and organisations and is often 'unspoken'. I am sure you will find this wonderful discussion with Ben truly enjoyable.