In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast we talk with Vivify founder Russell Teale about turning idle school facilities into living community spaces, from choirs to junior football and why profit and purpose work better together. The journey runs from redundancy to scale, with lessons on traction, leadership, and values‑aligned investors.Here&apos;s what you can expect to hear: ➡️founding Vivify during lockdown and backing values ➡️lessons from a startup and the meaning of traction ➡️shifting from gyms to school‑led community spaces ➡️how the model creates local jobs and revenue for schools ➡️scaling from founder‑led hustle to a 500‑person team ➡️long‑term vision to reach every school and beyond Find out more about We Are PoWEr <a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'>here. </a> 💫

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast we talk with Vivify founder Russell Teale about turning idle school facilities into living community spaces, from choirs to junior football and why profit and purpose work better together. The journey runs from redundancy to scale, with lessons on traction, leadership, and values‑aligned investors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here&amp;apos;s what you can expect to hear:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;➡️founding Vivify during lockdown and backing values&lt;br/&gt;➡️lessons from a startup and the meaning of traction&lt;br/&gt;➡️shifting from gyms to school‑led community spaces&lt;br/&gt;➡️how the model creates local jobs and revenue for schools&lt;br/&gt;➡️scaling from founder‑led hustle to a 500‑person team&lt;br/&gt;➡️long‑term vision to reach every school and beyond&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about We Are PoWEr &lt;a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'&gt;here. &lt;/a&gt; 💫&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast we talk with Vivify founder Russell Teale about turning idle school facilities into living community spaces, from choirs to junior football and why profit and purpose work better together. The journey runs from redundancy to scale, with lessons on traction, leadership, and values‑aligned investors. Here's what you can expect to hear:  ➡️founding Vivify during lockdown and backing values ➡️lessons from a startup and the meaning of traction ➡️shifting f...

Rebuilding Connection in the Community Through Vivify

In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Asia Sharif, a Software Engineer, public speaker, mentor and all-round force of nature.Asia shares the story behind the origin of her name, how identity has shaped her confidence and her honest experiences with imposter syndrome in tech. She reflects on building self-belief, navigating underrepresentation in engineering and the importance of mentorship in STEM, while also breaking down her path into coding and software engineering and how public speaking became a tool for impact and advocacy.She also opens up about her battle with cancer, the challenges she faced and the mindset that helped her keep moving forward.What to expect in this episode:<ul><li>The story and meaning behind Asia’s name</li><li>Imposter syndrome &amp; building self-belief</li><li>Mentorship in STEM and engineering</li><li>Coding, software engineering &amp; tech careers</li><li>Public speaking and confidence</li><li>Asia’s cancer journey, resilience &amp; recovery</li><li>Awards, achievements &amp; success</li></ul>Find out more about We Are PoWEr <a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'>here. </a> 💫

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Asia Sharif, a Software Engineer, public speaker, mentor and all-round force of nature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Asia shares the story behind the origin of her name, how identity has shaped her confidence and her honest experiences with imposter syndrome in tech. She reflects on building self-belief, navigating underrepresentation in engineering and the importance of mentorship in STEM, while also breaking down her path into coding and software engineering and how public speaking became a tool for impact and advocacy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She also opens up about her battle with cancer, the challenges she faced and the mindset that helped her keep moving forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What to expect in this episode:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The story and meaning behind Asia’s name&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Imposter syndrome &amp;amp; building self-belief&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Mentorship in STEM and engineering&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Coding, software engineering &amp;amp; tech careers&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Public speaking and confidence&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Asia’s cancer journey, resilience &amp;amp; recovery&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Awards, achievements &amp;amp; success&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about We Are PoWEr &lt;a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'&gt;here. &lt;/a&gt; 💫&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the WeArePoWEr Podcast, we’re joined by Asia Sharif, a Software Engineer, public speaker, mentor and all-round force of nature. Asia shares the story behind the origin of her name, how identity has shaped her confidence and her honest experiences with imposter syndrome in tech. She reflects on building self-belief, navigating underrepresentation in engineering and the importance of mentorship in STEM, while also breaking down her path into coding and software engineering an...

How A Software Engineer Turned Adversity Into Impact

In this episode, we speak with Peter Jackson, Partner &amp; Non-Executive Director at Hill Dickinson LLP, strategist, and proud Scouser, about a career shaped by graft, humour, resilience, and deep connection to the city of Liverpool. Peter shares how imposter syndrome, preparation, and the ability to communicate clearly became defining traits of his leadership, and why “doing the homework” still sits at the heart of how he approaches everything.Peter talks candidly about decision-making, managing risk, influencing a partnership, and leading with values. He also reflects on reading at the Hillsborough memorial, the importance of humour even in tragedy, and the moment a routine medical check revealed he needed a quadruple bypass.Peter’s story offers an honest, grounded look into leadership: the wins, the wobbles, and the non-negotiables that protect your wellbeing when the world gets loud.You’ll hear:  ➡️ Why preparation and curiosity formed the backbone of Peter’s leadership  ➡️ How imposter syndrome motivated — rather than limited — his career  ➡️ The inside story of Hill Dickinson’s naming rights at Everton’s new stadium  ➡️ What reading at the Hillsborough memorial taught him about community and humanity  ➡️ Why humour can carry you through crisis  ➡️ How establishing “non-negotiables” protects leaders from burnout  ➡️ The warning signs he missed before needing a quadruple bypass — and what he learned nextFind out more about We Are PoWEr <a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'>here. </a> 💫

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we speak with Peter Jackson, Partner &amp;amp; Non-Executive Director at Hill Dickinson LLP, strategist, and proud Scouser, about a career shaped by graft, humour, resilience, and deep connection to the city of Liverpool. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Peter shares how imposter syndrome, preparation, and the ability to communicate clearly became defining traits of his leadership, and why “doing the homework” still sits at the heart of how he approaches everything.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Peter talks candidly about decision-making, managing risk, influencing a partnership, and leading with values. He also reflects on reading at the Hillsborough memorial, the importance of humour even in tragedy, and the moment a routine medical check revealed he needed a quadruple bypass.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Peter’s story offers an honest, grounded look into leadership: the wins, the wobbles, and the non-negotiables that protect your wellbeing when the world gets loud.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You’ll hear:&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ Why preparation and curiosity formed the backbone of Peter’s leadership&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ How imposter syndrome motivated — rather than limited — his career&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ The inside story of Hill Dickinson’s naming rights at Everton’s new stadium&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ What reading at the Hillsborough memorial taught him about community and humanity&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ Why humour can carry you through crisis&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ How establishing “non-negotiables” protects leaders from burnout&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ The warning signs he missed before needing a quadruple bypass — and what he learned next&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about We Are PoWEr &lt;a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'&gt;here. &lt;/a&gt; 💫&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we speak with Peter Jackson, Partner &amp; Non-Executive Director at Hill Dickinson LLP, strategist, and proud Scouser, about a career shaped by graft, humour, resilience, and deep connection to the city of Liverpool.  Peter shares how imposter syndrome, preparation, and the ability to communicate clearly became defining traits of his leadership, and why “doing the homework” still sits at the heart of how he approaches everything. Peter talks candidly about decision-maki...

How Preparation, Values, And Humor Built A 40-Year Career 

In this episode, we speak with Figen Murray OBE, psychotherapist, campaigner, and the driving force behind Martyn’s Law — about transforming unimaginable tragedy into national change. Figen shares how her son Martyn’s death in the Manchester Arena attack reshaped her life’s purpose and how determination, kindness, and what she calls her “mosquito mindset” helped move entirely new security legislation through Parliament.Figen’s story, from studying counter-terrorism to spending weeks in the House of Commons and Lords as her work was scrutinised, reveals the reality of building a law from the ground up, the emotional toll of campaigning, and the power of human connection in driving forward change. We explore how she works with politicians, venue operators, security specialists, and schools to help make public spaces safer, and why she believes terrorism awareness is everyone’s responsibility.You’ll hear:  ➡️ How Figen initiated and led the campaign that created Martyn’s Law  ➡️ Why venue security was previously optional — and how that is changing  ➡️ How forgiveness, resilience, and kindness helped her continue the work  ➡️ What she’s learned from speaking thousands of times across the UK and internationally  ➡️ The tactics online radicalisers use to target young people  ➡️ Why simple, everyday awareness and acts of kindness can strengthen communitiesFind out more about We Are PoWEr <a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'>here. </a> 💫

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we speak with Figen Murray OBE, psychotherapist, campaigner, and the driving force behind Martyn’s Law — about transforming unimaginable tragedy into national change. Figen shares how her son Martyn’s death in the Manchester Arena attack reshaped her life’s purpose and how determination, kindness, and what she calls her “mosquito mindset” helped move entirely new security legislation through Parliament.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Figen’s story, from studying counter-terrorism to spending weeks in the House of Commons and Lords as her work was scrutinised, reveals the reality of building a law from the ground up, the emotional toll of campaigning, and the power of human connection in driving forward change. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We explore how she works with politicians, venue operators, security specialists, and schools to help make public spaces safer, and why she believes terrorism awareness is everyone’s responsibility.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You’ll hear:&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ How Figen initiated and led the campaign that created Martyn’s Law&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ Why venue security was previously optional — and how that is changing&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ How forgiveness, resilience, and kindness helped her continue the work&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ What she’s learned from speaking thousands of times across the UK and internationally&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ The tactics online radicalisers use to target young people&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ Why simple, everyday awareness and acts of kindness can strengthen communities&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about We Are PoWEr &lt;a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'&gt;here. &lt;/a&gt; 💫&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we speak with Figen Murray OBE, psychotherapist, campaigner, and the driving force behind Martyn’s Law — about transforming unimaginable tragedy into national change. Figen shares how her son Martyn’s death in the Manchester Arena attack reshaped her life’s purpose and how determination, kindness, and what she calls her “mosquito mindset” helped move entirely new security legislation through Parliament. Figen’s story, from studying counter-terrorism to spending weeks in the H...

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Figen Murray OBE on Creating Martyn’s Law

In this episode, we speak with Reshma Mahapacha, IBM strategist and author of The Second Brain, about the real skills that drive complex transformations: emotional intelligence, quiet leadership, and the ability to read a room. She shares how timing, perception, and cultural fluency shape multi-million-pound programmes and why letting results speak often creates the strongest influence.Reshma’s global career brings a fresh and experienced perspective to consulting, communication, and leadership. We talk about the power of a well-timed pause, how to turn misinterpretation into clarity, and why success has seasons: of intensity, stillness, and deliberate pace.You’ll hear: ➡️ Why The Second Brain centres on timing, precision, and perception ➡️ The shift from artificial intelligence to authentic intelligence ➡️ The impact of quiet leadership and letting results do the talking ➡️ Why success moves in seasons ➡️ How empathy strengthens AI policy, design, and outcomes ➡️ Ways AI can create jobs and support long-term skills growthFind out more about We Are PoWEr <a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'>here. </a> 💫

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we speak with &lt;b&gt;Reshma Mahapacha&lt;/b&gt;, IBM strategist and author of &lt;em&gt;The Second Brain&lt;/em&gt;, about the real skills that drive complex transformations: emotional intelligence, quiet leadership, and the ability to read a room. She shares how timing, perception, and cultural fluency shape multi-million-pound programmes and why letting results speak often creates the strongest influence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reshma’s global career brings a fresh and experienced perspective to consulting, communication, and leadership. We talk about the power of a well-timed pause, how to turn misinterpretation into clarity, and why success has seasons: of intensity, stillness, and deliberate pace.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You’ll hear:&lt;br/&gt;➡️ Why &lt;em&gt;The Second Brain&lt;/em&gt; centres on timing, precision, and perception&lt;br/&gt;➡️ The shift from artificial intelligence to &lt;b&gt;authentic intelligence&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ The impact of quiet leadership and letting results do the talking&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ Why success moves in seasons&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ How empathy strengthens AI policy, design, and outcomes&lt;br/&gt; ➡️ Ways AI can create jobs and support long-term skills growth&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Find out more about We Are PoWEr &lt;a href='https://linktr.ee/wearepower_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZHA_1u01uh-R6ezXMakaVVLJVDFIqs02yIuwbxlL0LbdMqALlOKAGAtLs_aem_PM6pEl1lFC_SzA9ZfkYOcQ'&gt;here. &lt;/a&gt; 💫&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we speak with Reshma Mahapacha, IBM strategist and author of The Second Brain, about the real skills that drive complex transformations: emotional intelligence, quiet leadership, and the ability to read a room. She shares how timing, perception, and cultural fluency shape multi-million-pound programmes and why letting results speak often creates the strongest influence. Reshma’s global career brings a fresh and experienced perspective to consulting, communication, and leaders...

What Is the Second Brain?

The We Are PoWEr podcast spotlights voices and perspectives that need to be heard. Our weekly podcast, with listeners in over 60 countries, delivers PoWErful conversations that inspire, challenge, and empower... from personal life stories to business insights and leadership lessons. We share diverse experiences, bold discussions, and real solutions. Whether you're looking for career advice, topical themes, or stories of resilience and success - this is where voices spark change.

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