One Precious Life Podcast

From Sports Journalist to Game-Changing Inventor - With a Splash of Dancing QueenWhat do you do when your dream job no longer excites you?In the latest episode of the One Precious Life podcast, we meet Dom Cotton, former BBC sports journalist, who spent years covering major sporting events. But when the learning stopped, he didn't settle, he shifted careers. Then, a chance conversation about cycling safety with his now business partner led them to something extraordinary: the invention of a foldable cycling helmet, solving a problem for cyclists.What followed was a seven-year rollercoaster from design challenges and financial struggles to navigating an entirely new world - to now working with Brompton Bikes and their helmets being stocked in Selfridges and Halfords.Dom also opens up about:* Overcoming personal challenges* How exercise fuels both mental and physical wellbeing* The power of networking and staying open to unexpected opportunities* And yes - how he ended up performing in an ABBA tribute bandThis episode is for you if:You're drawn to stories of resilience, reinvention, and risk-takingYou're fascinated by what it really takes to turn an idea into a businessYou want to make the most of your one precious (working) lifeThe One Precious Life podcast talks to people who have found their calling., exploring purpose and meaning through the lens of work. Listen, read, or watch more here: https://bit.ly/m/onepreciouslifeFind out more about Dom's work: https://wearenewlane.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com

In the next episode of the One Precious Life Podcast, we meet Anna Jacobs—an inspiring artist and designer. Hear her story from escaping a cult, to being in a girl band, to finding liberation through grit and an unshakable vision.With her vibrant spirit and deep passion for colour, Anna has made creativity her anchor and her form of self-expression. In this unforgettable conversation, she shares the highs and lows of her path, her love for colour as a source of healing, and the courage it takes to leave things behind.Anna transitioned from a successful corporate career to a thriving artistic life, embracing both the challenges and the joys of building her own creative brand. Anna's story and words of advice are a wonderful reminder that it's never too late to create a one precious life filled with colour, freedom, and self-discovery.For more on Anna Jacobs here: https://annajacobsart.com/For more on One Precious Life check out my Substack: onepreciouslife.substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com

Imagine yourself in a breathtakingly beautiful bay on the west coast of Ireland, paddling on your board, waiting for that perfect wave - only to find that the weather has other plans. This was a familiar frustration for David Young, but instead of letting the unpredictable conditions get in the way, he saw an opportunity: the need for micro-weather forecasting technology that could help people like him know exactly when to get out on the water. What began as a spark of inspiration on the waves soon grew into an innovative venture that would change the course of his life.After selling his business importing and exporting Harley Davidson bikes, David was searching for his next move. Little did he know that his passion for surfing would lead him to collaborate with world-class professors and AI experts, working on cutting-edge technology in sustainable commercial shipping.Along the way, he has been pushed out of his comfort zone, working to hone his presenting and pitching skills, and discovering a new passion: helping others find their inner public speaker. David speaks compellingly about the power of authenticity in public speaking and the courage to believe that we are enough just as we are.David's story is one of innovation, passion, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. It begins on the water but goes far beyond it.For more information on David Young and public speaking: https://veespeak.co.uk/For different ways to listen to One Precious Life https://bit.ly/m/onepreciouslife This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com

The One Precious Life podcast meets Julie Man. Julie recounts her family's immigration journey from Hong Kong to setting up a restaurant business in Britain, and how this helped shape her independent and self-reliant nature.Julie's life has taken some interesting turns, from her successful career in video gaming in the pioneering days of the UK games industry, which eventually led her back to her family's Chinese culinary roots. Julie shares the story of setting up Juju's Oriental Kitchen, a street food business specialising in Asian fusion cuisine during the pandemic, and how she initially ran her food van from her driveway. Throughout this episode, Julie emphasises the importance of pursuing passions, taking risks, and finding joy in cooking for others. She reflects on her diverse career, offering valuable insights and heartfelt advice. One Precious Life Podcast celebrates incredible individuals who follow their passions and do inspiring work. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your career or personal growth, Julie's story is one of continuous exploration and never giving up, regardless of the challenges, and her philosophy of living life without fear. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com

Do you have a favourite street you like walking down? You don't know why: is it the width of the pavement, the way the trees are growing, or the dimensions of the buildings? For Sally Lewis, an urban designer and architect, answering these questions fills much of her day. Originally, Sally's father refused to support her studying architecture at university in South Africa, telling her there were no successful female architects. But she proved that she could, graduating as one of the top students, before going on to win a scholarship to study for an MA in urban design in the UK.Since then, Sally has transformed her vision into an award winning practice, Stitch, initially refinancing her home to enable the start-up of the business. Her passion didn't stop there; she also founded a charity, The London Neighbourhood Scholarship Trust, to help underprivileged individuals pursue studies in architecture. Sally is also a published author who continues to indulge in her love of writing whenever she finds a spare moment.The shortage of housing was a hot issue in the recent UK elections, but it's also a global concern. Sally's insights into the challenges of building large-scale housing are both timely and relevant. Listen here for an intriguing journey that takes us from the port of Durban, South Africa, to London via Oxford.For more information on Sally Lewis: https://stitcharchitects.co.ukFor more information on One Precious Life: https://onepreciouslife.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com

For more information on Paula and Batch #001: https://batch001.com/https://onepreciouslife.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onepreciouslife.substack.com