Excel against the Odds

In today's episode, I was delighted to interview Pollie Rafferty. Pollie is an experienced storyteller and has been telling tales since 2005,  She first started telling stories as a therapy to help her step out of  crippling anxiety and move into a more positive personal story.  She has since been exploring the power of stories and how they can  impact our lives and business. She has a diploma in narrative therapy  and is spending hours researching different stories, techniques and how  we use stories every day.  A Story is like the seed from a Dandelion. It can take root in any  environment, and like the Dandelion grows into something beautiful and  useful. From this passion and interest, she has developed her own story system  and founded  Dandelion Tales to change lives through Story. From her  motivational storytelling talks, workshops and bespoke speaker training  she is impacting people, inspiring them to share their stories to  connect with others and show we are never alone. Trigger Warning for this episode: There is a brief mention of suicide in this episode You can find Pollie in the following places: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dandeliontales1 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollie-rafferty-b237a012b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandeliontales1/ Email: hello@dandeliontales.co.uk For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do: Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare

In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jill D. Griffin a career strategist and Gallup® certified Strengths Coach. She's spent 20+ building strategy and strengths-based cultures while creating repeated and consistent results. Jill has worked with Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Samsung, Mondelez, and Honda. Just as her career started to take off, Jill was involved in an accident that resulted in head trauma. She spent years learning how to leverage her mindset to work with the cognitive impairment. Today, Jill shows others how to leverage their strengths and their shift mindset towards possibility to create the results they want in their careers. Jill is the host of The Career Refresh podcast.  You can find Jill in the following places: Website: https://JillGriffinCoaching.com  Instagram: @jillgriffinofficial. The Career Refresh Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1555531759 Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillgriffin/ and https://www.instagram.com/jillgriffinofficial/ For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do: Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare

In this episode of the Excel against the Odds Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Natasha Lipman, a journalist, podcaster and chronic illness blogger. In this fascinating conversation, Natasha talks about how she works with a chronic illness, the move from working for the BBC to working as a freelance journalist and the techniques she uses to manage her energy and her work. I hope you enjoy listening to the episode as much as I enjoyed recording it with Natasha. You can find Natasha in the following places: @natashalipman www.natashalipman.com Listen to The Rest Room, a podcast about living well with chronic illness. Subscribe to my newsletter (also called The Rest Room) for in-depth, slow content about chronic illness, disability, and society. For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do: Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds Free Business Self Care Checklist: bit.ly/eatoselfcare

In this episode, which was recorded in two parts, Rebecca talks about the importance of accessibility in business and how she is helping businesses to become more accessible. Rebecca is blind and has chronic illnesses and in this episode, she discusses how this affects her work and the changes that she has made to ensure that she can run a business while looking after her health. Rebecca has been one of my mentoring clients for the last 6 months and in the second part of the interview she discusses how mentoring has helped her to shape her business and the changes that she has made as a result. Rebecca is running a free Webinar on the 8th March 2022, the details are below Website: www.connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Connect-With-Your-Crowd-102716711727534 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-thorne-disability/ Free Webinar https://connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk/your-next-steps-with-accessibility/ Email: rebecca@connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do: Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds

In this episode, I look at what you need to consider when investing in your business. The different ways in which you can invest and the positive impact that it can have on your business. I also talk about what to look out for and the importance of developing an investment strategy. I discuss investing in training, outsourcing, a mentor and memberships. I hope you enjoy!  If you would like more detail about my mentoring you can find it here: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me For more details about the Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds To find a written version of this podcast:  https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/investing-in-your-business/

In this episode. Dr Rebecca Williams Dinsdale talks about her journey with ME. She was diagnosed with severe ME when she was 17 years old and dicusses her determination to finish her studies and the work that she now does. She speaks about her life as a coach and an author, how she has learnt to adapt to living with her condition and who inspires her. To find out more information about Rebecca: Website: www.drrebecca.org.uk Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3xuL8hp.    Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/drrebeccad/  Facebook group: https://bit.ly/3lgltnw. Linked In http://linkedin.com/in/dr-rebecca-williams-dinsdale-b514824b     For more information about Excel against the Odds and the work that I do: Mentoring: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me The Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/excel-against-the-odds

The start of the new year often involves making New Year’s Resolutions and the chance to dream big about what we might achieve in the forthcoming year. We might have important goals in our business, decide to work on our fitness or even achieve some long-held ambitions in our personal life. However, without a plan, a goal is just a dream, a desire. It isn’t enough to just set a goal or ambition, you will find yourself disappointed in 12 months time if that’s all you do. In order to make your goal a reality, you need to develop a plan and ensure you understand all the smaller steps you need to take to get there. Having a detailed, yet flexible plan will provide you with the map you need to reach the destination of your goal. In this podcast episode, I talk you through the different reasons why having a detailed plan to reach your business goals is particularly important and how it can help with procastination, decision making, focus and forward planning. If you would like more detail about my mentoring you can find it here: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/working-with-me For more details about the Excel against the Odds Success Academy: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membership To join the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds To find a written version of this podcast: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/the-importance-of-business-planning-when-you-have-a-chronic-illness/

In this episode, Sarah Berthon, the host of the Excel against the Odds podcast, talks about living with ME, PoTS Syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Chronic Migraine. Sarah talks about how her health conditions have affected her work and how they have inspired her to set up a business helping other people with chronic illnesses in the work place. The interviewer for this podcast is David Pope. I hope you enjoy this episode. David Pope: www.healyourgrief.co.uk Instagram live interview: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CO2rR3MjqZ9/?utm_medium=copy_link Excel against the Odds Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds The 6 Pillars of a Chronic Illness Friendly Business Masterclass. Wednesday 10th November 11am GMT www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/masterclass

In this week's episode we look at the benefits of gentle movement when you have a chronic illness. Our guest, Vicky Webster-Clamp talks about when you should exercise and when you should rest and gives some tips on how to increase gentle exercise in your daily life. She also provides information on how to make sure you don't push yourself too hard and talks about her own experiences of living with chronic fatigue. Vicky is a Mental Health and Exercise Coach plus Personal Trainer. She works with ladies who would like to boost their mental  health through exercise. Vicky helps ladies boost their confidence, self  esteem and motivation by ensuring her clients short term and long term  goals are being worked towards during each session. Website: www.vickypersonaltrainer.co.uk  Instagram: www.instagram.com/vickywebsterclamppt Excel against the Odds Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

This special episode features members of the Entrepreneurs against the Odds Facebook group giving advice on running a business with a chronic illness and explaining why running a business works well for them. This episode has been made to celebrate Excel against the Odds being featured in the Small Biz 100 marking the countdown to Small Business Saturday. To mark this honour, I will be creating a special offer for the membership launching in October. To get on the wait list for the membership and to hear about the special offer, sign up at www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/membershiplaunch. I'd like to give special thanks to Rebecca Thorne for the idea of creating this episode and Vikki King for her technical help in putting it together. I'd also like to thank the Small Biz 100 and all of the wonderful guests who have made this episode so special. Their details are: Maggie Williamson   www.instagram.com/justasprig       maggie@justasprig.com Emma Davis            www.facebook.com/The-Parent-pod-108894071282090 Rebecca Thorne      www.connectwithyourcrowd.co.uk Vikki King                https://smart.bio/vikkikuk/ Rachel Philpott        https://instagram.com/creativenature.arts     https://www.facebook.com/groups/makecreateinspire Claudine Rane         www.seascapeblue.co.uk       https://instagram.com/seascapeblue Lauren Ephithite      www.laurenephithite.com       https://instagram.com/laurenephithite Lisa Beaumont        https://lisabeaumontmarketing.co.uk/ Caroline Bruce        https://www.carolinebruce.co.uk/blog Sam Youngz           https://linktr.ee/RubySamYoungZ Angela Bottger       https://linktr.ee/Angelabottger Nicola Heath          www.befulfilled.co.uk

Charlotte Carter is  high perfomance coach and in this episode she gives advice and techniques to help turn your business into a high performance business. Techniques covered in this podcast include: Understand what your version of success looks like Look at what's blocking you from achieving that success Understand whether you have any limiting beliefs Using affirmations to improve your mindset Look at how much you'e achieved and celebrating the successes, no matter how small Developing high performance habits such as drinking water and journalling Self Acceptance Try and find balance by calming the mind and moving the body charlottecartercoaching.co.uk www.instagram.com/charlottethehighperformancecoach www.facebook.com/groups/maximummindsetforsuccess Excel against the Odds Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode, Jane Chappell talks about how her health conditions, which include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, took her away from a job that she loved but led her to writing her book "Staffroom Secrets". Jane talks about how her conditions effect her and her family, about her passion for teaching and the people that inspire her. I hope you enjoy the episode Jane Chappell: https://www.staffroomsecrets.co.uk Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/staffroomsecrets Excel against the Odds Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

Elyssa is a thriving survivor of emotional and medical trauma, perfectionism, toxic relationships, people-pleasing and self-doubt. Having spent the last 5 years paving a road out of the darkness that resulted from all of life's unexpected twists and complications, she promised herself that when she got out to the other side, she would document the way for other women to also make it through to being able to trust and prioritize themselves again. As a transformational self-love coach, Elyssa specializes in helping busy, overwhelmed women stress less and put themselves first without guilt. Her passion is teaching practical strategies to overcome anxiety and negative self-talk by rewiring the brain toward self-compassion and self-nurturing. In this episode, we discuss looking after our survival brain using breathing techniques, cross-body tapping and self care. Website: https://www.yourbestmoment.com/coaching/ Free PDF: Top 5 Hacks to Stress Less - https://yourbestmoment.kartra.com/page/5HacksToStressLess Women's free FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/thestresslesslounge Insta: @yourbestmomentisnow Excel against the Odds Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode, we look at the power of following our own path, and not comparing ourselves to others. We look at some benefits of comparing ourselves: motivation, fresh ideas, innovation. However, we then look at the many negatives and look at the importance of celebrating our successes in our own right and not by comparing ourselves to others. Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by sleep coach, Tracy Hannigan. We talk about different sleep issues that can affect us and Tracy provides insightful advice on how to overcome insomnia and get a better night's sleep. Website: https://tracythesleepcoach.co.uk    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracythesleepcoach  Facebook group is Sound Sleep Strategies  https://www.facebook.com/groups/soundsleepstrategies Excel against the Odds Website: https://www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode I was fortunate to talk to Sandie Balls. We spoke about being aligned, understanding our values, knowing your 'why' which will help you both in your life and your business We also explore the benefits of gratitude, meditation, visualisations and affirmations. www.instagram.com/sandie_balls www.sandieballs.com Excel against the Odds Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode, Jane Mucklow talks about living with Crohns Disease and her work as a photographer. Jane describes how she manages her time and her condition while working and she also talks about her diagnosis and how it affects her. I hope you enjoy the episode! Jane Mucklow: www.janemucklowphotography.co.uk / www.pictureyourbrand.co.uk Jane Muklow Facebook: janemucklowphotography / pictureyourbrand Jane Mucklow Instagram: janemucklowphoto / pictureyourbrandwithjane Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode, Sarah Butler talks about living with ME and how she has managed to work as a freelancer while managing her chronic illness. Sarah talks about self-care, how her condition affects her work, important lessons she has learnt along the way and about who inspires her. I hope you enjoy the episode. Sarah Butler: www.looseleafproductions.co.uk Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

Episode 3 In this episode, I look at the importance of self-care and how it can positively impact on your working life, allowing you to be more productive and focused. I look at what self-care means to someone with a chronic illness and the positive impact it can have on those around you. I also explore techniques to make self-care a priority Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

Episode 2 In this episode, I look at how important it is to understand your health in a greater amount of detail and how it can positively affect your work making you more productive and focused. I then look at different methods for getting a better understanding of the way your health affects you. Website: www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds Instagram: www.instagram.com/excel_against_the_odds

In this episode we discuss the challenges of working with a chronic illness whether it is working for an organisation or being self-employed. We also look at what will be coming up in future episodes. For more information see www.excelagainsttheodds.co.uk Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/entrepreneursagainsttheodds