Fearless Forward

In times of overwhelming challenge and uncertainty, the ability to silence the noise, listen deeply, and connect with something larger than ourselves – whether through faith, values, or inner wisdom – is what carries us through and reveals the path forward, transforming our struggles into purpose and our pain into the power to help others.Ronel Hentschel’s work has been deeply influenced by her personal experience as the mother of a son diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a toddler. This shaped her career path towards supporting other families facing similar challenges, and led her to found Washing Parent, a digital publishing platform serving families in the Washington DC area with resources for education, support, and activities.Ronel’s unshakeable faith has guided her through multiple personal challenges, and it creates for her a deep sense of trust that things will be OK, and the storm will settle.This conversation will help youQuieten the noise during crises so you can hear the guidance that's already thereTransform personal pain into purpose by channelling your hard-won knowledge and experience into meaningful support for othersCreate inner peace during turbulence by stepping back, abiding in what matters most to you, and trusting that clarity will emerge when you stop forcing solutionsHighlights[00:08:52] Silence the storm[00:12:32] The healing power of helping[00:17:40] Living a faith-based life[00:20:16] The conspiracy of improbabilities[00:22:16] How Ronnel sees God[00:29:36] When doors close, there is a reason[00:32:25] What it takes to trust unconditionally[00:38:07] Do you choose to be a victim or a warrior?[00:41:03] Forgiveness[00:45:48] What Fearless Forward means for RonelResourcesConnect with Ronel via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedInThe Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success, by Deepak Chopra

Humans are wired to fear uncertainty and the unknown, and we often avoid potential opportunities because they seem too risky or uncomfortable. We cling to familiar patterns even when they no longer serve us, worried about what might happen if we let go.This week’s guest, Stephen Burt, suggests embracing uncertainty as a path to growth and creativity. By saying "yes, and" to our fears – acknowledging them while still moving forward – we can discover possibilities we might otherwise miss. This approach transforms fear from an obstacle into a doorway to new experiences.Living in constant resistance to uncertainty constrains our potential and prevents us from using all that we have. We risk looking back with regret at opportunities not taken and parts of ourselves left unexplored.So instead of automatically saying "no", you might try saying "yes, and what might be possible here?"This conversation will help youLearn how embracing uncertainty can transform fear into a catalyst for growth and creativity instead of an obstacleDiscover practical techniques for saying "yes, and" to your fears while still moving forwards towards new possibilitiesExplore how improvisational thinking can help you respond authentically without self-censorship in both professional and personal situationsHighlights[00:11:22] How to listen[00:16:32] Self-leadership through curiosity[00:20:20] When to hold on, and when to let go[00:24:40] Being as much as you can[00:29:33] Discovering[00:38:20] When fear meets improv[00:46:27] What Fearless Forwarwd means to Stephen[00:48:17] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResourcesConnect with Stephen via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Rigid hierarchies can stifle innovation and create environments where employees wait for permission rather than taking initiative. In these cultures, people are afraid to contribute ideas, fearing rejection or overstepping boundaries.Kate Davies demonstrates how transformative leadership comes through relationships, not titles. By breaking down hierarchical barriers and creating genuine connections with her team, she enables people at all levels to contribute meaningful solutions. This means building trust through authentic relationships, being present where the actual work happens, normalising experimentation, and celebrating both successes and instructive failures.This conversation will help youBreak down hierarchical barriers by building relationships across organisational levelsCreate an environment where innovation thrives by enabling team members to experiment with ideas without seeking permission firstInvest time in frontline work alongside your team to build authentic relationships, gain valuable insights, and demonstrate that everyone's contribution mattersHihglights[00:04:29] Staying one step ahead[00:06:22] Why being "purely professional" isn't the answer[00:09:24] Empowerment vs enablement[00:12:12] "Don't come to me for permission"[00:17:02] What it means to muck in[00:21:15] What if this doesn't work?[00:23:00] The case for imposter syndrome[00:28:03] The future of the ONS[00:35:29] What's front-of-mind in Kate's leadership[00:36:32] What Fearless Forward means to Kate[00:40:13] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResourcesConnect with Kate via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

In today's corporate world, fear-driven leadership has created environments where bullying and vaguely psychopathic behaviours are normalised. Leaders often believe success requires ruthlessness, breeding cultures where employees feel unsafe to be themselves.John Blakey offers a transformative alternative: trust-based leadership. His approach demonstrates that leaders who prioritise trustworthiness can deliver outstanding results without resorting to intimidation. By balancing results with responsibility and adopting a triple bottom line approach of profit, people, and planet, leaders can become a genuine force for good.Organisations led through fear create self-fulfilling prophecies of decline. When we collectively "feed the bad wolf", we perpetuate cycles of distrust, stifle innovation, and crush employee morale. This leads to the concerning statistic that only 17% of UK adults believe the next generation will have better lives than theirs.This conversation will help youDiscover how trust-based leadership can yield exceptional results without resorting to fear or intimidation in corporate environmentsLearn practical strategies for "feeding the good wolf" through compassion, cultivating hope, and showing courage in your authentic selfUnderstand how to overcome the fear of your own power and light, which may be more limiting than the fear of inadequacyHighlights[00:07:33] The "psychopathic" world of corporate life[00:09:47] "But what about Donald Trump?"[00:14:28] The wolf that wins is the wolf you feed[00:16:34] Force for Good[00:20:00] Pace, then lead[00:21:48] Compassion, empathy, and sympathy[00:23:52] When you fear your light more than your darkness[00:30:42] John's latest calling to lead[00:36:19] What Fearless Forward means to John[00:36:59] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResourcesConnect with john via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

The fashion industry is facing a critical environmental crisis with fast fashion and disposable clothing contributing significantly to global waste.The continued production and disposal of fashion items at current rates will accelerate climate change, deplete natural resources, and harm communities in manufacturing regions. Livelihoods will be threatened as resources become scarcer, affecting the 650,000+ people supported through Primark's supply chain alone.Lynne Walker is leading a transformation of Primark’s business model through its Primark Cares initiative, to make sustainable fashion accessible to everyone.This conversation will help youDiscover how a traditional retailer transforms its business model to balance profit with environmental responsibilityLearn practical strategies for driving large-scale organisational change in the face of skepticismUnderstand how personal resilience, authentic leadership, and collaborative approaches can help tackle seemingly insurmountable environmental challenges in any industryHighlights[00:07:38] Why is sustainability a big and bold task for the fashion industry?[00:14:48] The biggest challenges Lynne has faced[00:18:52] Leading from your personal values[00:21:58] Putting those values into practice[00:28:15] Taking it all less personally[00:34:06] Conflicts and challenges[00:42:33] Are you in your comfort zone or the next circle?[00:44:39] What Fearless Forward means to Lynne[00:46:14] Takeaways from Sally-AnneResourcesConnect with Lynne via LinkedInConnect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn