Success Matters

Yes Changed Everything with Lauri Ann Murabito

When we talk about success, we often focus on momentum, achievement, and forward motion. But much of our growth is forged in the moments where life forces us to stop.In this episode of Success Matters, I had the privilege of speaking with Laurie-Ann Murabito about resilience, loss, and the journey to finding one’s voice.Laurie-Ann shares her story of moving to Japan at thirteen and experiencing profound social isolation, and later navigating the heartbreak of becoming a young widow at thirty-six.Our conversation touches on several key themes: • How unexpected disruptions shape our capacity for resilience • The subconscious triggers that hold us back long after a crisis has passed • How taking life one day at a time creates room for healing and rebuilds confidence • Why true success is less about external status and more about presence, joy, and helping othersWhether you are navigating a transition in your career or reflecting on your personal path, Laurie-Ann’s perspective offers valuable clarity on how we process life’s speed bumps.www.speakandstandout.com

Let Go to Transform with Catherine Clift

We rarely talk about what we need to remove to build a successful life. Often, progress is framed entirely around accumulation: more titles, larger budgets, and greater commitments. Yet many people reach a point where holding on to mismatched expectations or unsupportive environments creates quiet burnout. In the latest episode of Success Matters, I sit down with life coach Catherine Clift to discuss the power of letting go. Catherine shares her experience of stepping away from a 23-year marriage and leaving a stressful call-centre role to align her life with her true values and ultimately build a coaching practice grounded in authenticity. Key insights from our discussion: Outgrowing old structures: Recognising when a stage of life or career has simply run its course. Releasing emotional baggage: How techniques like the Sedona Method support practical transition. Redefining identity: Navigating major physical and professional changes, including her diagnosis with alopecia, with quiet self-acceptance. True success isn't just about what you build, it is often about what you have the courage to let go.

Cultural Homelessness with Molly Seabrook

Molly Seabrook had reached the milestones many people are told to chase: a senior corporate role, a high salary, and a life that looked successful from the outside. But one day she found herself asking “These are the hours of my life, what happened to them?” In this episode of Success Matters, Molly Seabrook joins me to talk about the moment she realised life was passing her by and what it took to stop ignoring that feeling. She reflects on the years she spent travelling and living between cultures, the career paths that didn’t fit, and the long stretch of uncertainty between knowing something had to change and acting on it. Molly shares how leaving corporate work led her to build Credible Ink., a publishing company that helps professionals bring their ideas to life in books. Along the way, she offers an honest perspective on financial uncertainty, the pressure to meet conventional measures of success, and learning to trust your own sense of misalignment. Her story is a reminder that career changes don’t equate to failure and that success begins with paying attention to what your life is asking of you.

Collect Skills not Stuff with Sara Hathaway

Feeling successful can be surprisingly hollow when the life you are building leaves little room for the people and values that matter most. In this episode of Success Matters, I spoke with author, podcaster and self-defence instructor Sara Hathaway about resilience, purpose, family and the difference between simply accumulating things and developing the skills to navigate whatever life brings. Sara’s definition of success is not based on status or money. For her, it is balance, peace, faith, meaningful relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Three actions from our conversation stood out: Put your foundations first.Your family, closest relationships and personal wellbeing cannot always be fitted in around your ambitions. Sara shared a powerful reminder that when the foundation is not right, everything else becomes harder to sustain. Success should support the people you love, not continually take you away from them. Build skills, not just safety nets.We often try to prepare for life through possessions, plans and quick fixes. Sara’s view is that real resilience comes from capability. Learn practical skills. Take care of your health. Understand your environment. Become someone who can respond calmly and helpfully when circumstances change. Measure success by your impact.Sara spoke about receiving messages from people whose lives had been helped by her work. That, she said, is worth more than money. It is a useful question for all of us: who is better off because of the work, care and energy we put into the world? Purpose is rarely found in one dramatic moment. More often, it is built through the choices we make repeatedly. The people we prioritise. The skills we develop. The contribution we choose to make. What is the most precious thing you have had to give up for your definition of success? Connect with Sara at changingearthseries.com

Kindness with Boundaries with Cheryl Wilson

Sometimes the most painful part of a difficult conversation is realising that the person you love does not feel heard. In my latest episode of the Success Matters podcast, educator, former principal and family coach Cheryl Wilson shared lessons that reach far beyond parenting. They apply to our relationships, our workplaces and the way we lead ourselves through conflict. Cheryl has spent almost three decades in education, working with children, families and school leaders. Her work is grounded in a simple belief: people learn, grow and solve problems more effectively when they feel seen, valued and supported. Here are three actions I took from our conversation: Connect before you correct. When someone is upset, defensive or withdrawn, our instinct can be to fix the issue immediately. Cheryl’s advice is to pause and connect first. Rather than saying, “What is wrong with you?”, try noticing what you see: “It looks like something has made today difficult. Would you like to talk about it?” Attack the problem, not the person. Blame, judgement and criticism may release frustration, but they rarely resolve anything. Whether the conflict is with a partner, colleague, child or friend, separate the person from the issue. The question is not, “Why are you always like this?” It is, “What is happening here, and how can we work through it?” Resist reacting, so you can respond. When emotions rise, we can say things we do not mean, or make decisions we later regret. Sometimes the most mature response is: “I want to talk about this properly. I need a little time to settle first.” That is not avoidance. It is choosing compassion over impulse. CherylWilsonTeaches.com

Navigating Life & Identity with Ademola Odusanya

Are you building your own definition of success, or are you following a template designed by someone else? In the latest episode of Success Matters, I sit down with technologist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Ademola Odusanya to explore how to align career, personal growth, and identity without compromising personal autonomy. We discuss: Adaptability & Autonomy: How navigating change early in life builds the confidence to define your own path. The Future of Work: A pragmatic perspective on AI, reskilling, and technological shifts. Process vs. Outcome: Insights from international martial arts competition on why continuous improvement matters more than external awards. Redefining Achievement: Moving away from traditional milestones toward sustainable growth across all areas of life. A thoughtful conversation for anyone taking stock of their professional trajectory and looking to build a life aligned with their core values.

Overcoming Workplace Insecurity with Mike Cheney

How do you measure your worth? In this episode of Success Matters, Mike Cheney (co-founder of Activate Leaders) shares his journey from enduring severe high school bullying to transforming how leaders support their teams. We unpack the subtle traps of tying personal identity to professional achievement, how to handle tough feedback constructively, and why true leadership begins by valuing people before they have proven themselves. Key Topics Covered: Moving from working for significance to living from significance Handling criticism and building a trusted support network Why first-time managers struggle and how to support them A personal definition of success grounded in self-acceptance Connect with Mike at activateleaders.co

Grow Your Business in 4 Hours a Week with Janine Bolon

How do you balance life whilst building your dream? In this episode of Success Matters, I am joined by author, coach, and entrepreneur Janine Bolon. Janine shares her perspective on aligning business with life rather than allowing business to consume it. She also reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her worldview, including being struck by lightning at age ten and her subsequent initiation as a Heyoka within the Lakota tradition. Janine shares: The 4-Hour Weekly Revenue Routine: Why every business owner needs dedicated time focused strictly on prospecting, follow-ups, learning, and genuine connection. Working ON vs. IN the Business: Moving out of daily operational friction to establish sustainable systems. A Lightning Strike in Perspective: How extraordinary shocks force us to reframe failure, stay present, and discard unnecessary societal demands. Defining Success Through Presence: Why intentionality and calendar discipline allow you to show up fully in work and life If you are seeking a more deliberate, balanced path to growth, this conversation offers practical structure alongside quiet reflection. Connect with Janine Bolon: Website: janinebolon.com/connect

The Success Trap with Gill How

Many people believe that true progress requires fixing every personal weakness. We are taught early on in school to focus on our lowest marks and correct our flaws. This carries forward into our adult life and it shows up with you spending 80% of your energy trying to master skills that drain you, simply because you feel you should. In my current episode of Success Matters with leadership expert Gill How, we explore what happens when you flip that ratio to focus on your strengths: Competency is not energy: Just because you can do a task does not mean it belongs in your daily routine. Strengths are felt: Real strengths leave you energised rather than depleted. Focus allocation: High performance comes from placing 80% of your focus on natural drivers while building strategic workarounds for the rest. External definitions of success often do not align with your values. Sustainable leadership comes from understanding where your energy naturally flows and structuring your professional life around it. Where are you spending unnecessary energy trying to fix a minor weakness instead of expanding a core strength? If you are evaluating your next strategic career pivot and want to align your professional performance with long-term well-being, send me a message or reach out directly at sanjai@successmatters.net

Extraordinary Experience with Aline Hanle

We often treat success as a destination built on strategy, effort, and external milestones. But what happens when the life you build lacks internal coherence? In my latest conversation on the Success Matters podcast, coach Aline Hanle shares a conversation that made her reflect on her decisions. Aged 24, Aline was feeling completely overwhelmed, stressed, and at rock bottom, she had a 90-minute session with her mentor Henri. She poured out all her frustrations and felt the "world was on my shoulder," but Henri pointed out that she was the common denominator in every single problem she shared, bluntly asking her, "So what the heck is wrong with you?" Though initially angry and defensive, Aline realised that his challenging statement was true, providing her with the realisation that since she was at the core of her issues, she also had the power to change them. Aline now defines success with clarity: it is the alignment where what we think, feel, say, and do allows us to experience who we truly are. Explore Aline’s work: experienceextraordinary.com

Change Your Story with Pollie Rafferty

In this episode of Success Matters, I am joined by storytelling coach and narrative therapy practitioner Pollie Rafferty where we discuss how the stories we tell ourselves govern our professional and personal achievements.Following a history of severe anxiety that left her housebound, and receiving autism and ADHD diagnoses at age 50, Pollie didn't give up. Instead, she changed the story she was telling herself and has now dedicated her work to helping neurodivergent women in business reclaim their voices. We explore the value of the "middle stories" and explain why incremental gains are far more critical to long-term fulfilment than the high-status metrics often amplified on social media. Key themes covered: Navigating the "messy middle" of a professional career. Identifying and rewriting the subconscious scripts that tell us we are "not good enough". The role of vulnerability and genuine honesty in building meaningful professional connections. Learn more about Pollie’s framework and access her tools at http://www.changethescript.org.

In Nature We Trust

Is our modern lifestyle costing us our long-term vitality? At age 50, diamond and jewelry businessman Axay Shah noticed his energy levels depleting. Refusing to accept that physical decline was an inevitable part of aging, he made a radical shift: a 100% plant-based raw food lifestyle. Axay joins me on Success Matters to share the lessons from his journey and his book, In Nature We Trust. In this insightful discussion, we explore the science of biological fuel, the reality of inflammation, and how stepping away from societal norms can unlock unprecedented energy and clarity. Whether you are looking to optimise your daily performance or reassess your personal health metrics, this episode challenges us to reconsider what we put into our bodies and how we define a truly successful life. Connect with Axay Shah via Amazon or at rawfoodist.com.

Power to Purpose with Andy Samuel

What happens when someone once responsible for digging oil and gas out of the ground becomes an environmentalist? In this episode of Success Matters, I talk with Andy Samuel, CBE. From leading remote geological expeditions in Indonesia to managing thousands of people in the oil and gas sector and advising British Prime Ministers, Andy’s career has been defined by learning and adaptation. Now, from his 85-acre rewilding farm in North Devon, he reflects on the softer elements of leadership that drive material results, the internal friction of shifting away from a fast-paced executive life, and the intrinsic joy found in slowing down. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded discussion on why treating people how they want to be treated is the ultimate leadership strategy, and how small, deliberate choices accumulate into meaningful global change. Find out more about Andy’s work: greenclifflife.com

Wake up to Die Again with Scott Lackey

What happens when the path you built suddenly changes? In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with Scott Lackey, author of Wake Up to Die Again, to explore how unexpected setbacks can lead to deeper personal alignment and clarity. Scott reflects on losing a company he built, the distinction between power and control, and how moving from an 'ownership' mindset to one of 'stewardship' altered his perspective on life, family, and success. We also examine the burden of broken promises we make to ourselves and how many people wake up to die again. Connect with Scott Lackey: Website: https://scottlackey.com Book: Wake Up to Die Again: Breaking Who You Became, So You Can Be Who You're Meant to Be 01:24 – Introduction to Scott Lackey & Wake Up to Die Again 02:16 – Understanding Life's Unplanned Turning Points 05:27 – Early Influences & Joining the Military 07:49 – Building a Business & Navigating Corporate Loss 10:49 – Processing Failure: Rage, Choice, and Internal Reflection 13:17 – The Mindset Shift: Ownership vs. Stewardship 16:47 – Looking Inward for Completeness Beyond Material Assets 19:33 – The Principle of Exchange & Prioritising Purpose 22:08 – Recognising Numbness & Addressing Broken Promises 27:30 – Finding Growth in Difficulty & Extending Self-Grace 28:57 – Redefining Success: Family, Health, and Intangibles 32:10 – The Symbolism of the Sword: Warrior, Shepherd, and Poet 33:47 – Scott's Question for the Next Guest & Closing Remarks #Personal Growth #Redefining Success #Overcoming Failure #Mindset and Identity #Holistic Success

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Social Justice with Brett Anderson

What happens when your definition of success shifts from personal comfort to collective impact? In this episode of Success Matters, I'm joined by Brett "Fish" Anderson, a Cape Town-based coach, writer, and justice advocate. Brett reflects on his upbringing in apartheid South Africa, his time working within intentional communities in Philadelphia and California, and how his faith drives his commitment to equity today. He introduces the powerful concept of asking not just "how do we help?" but "why do the barriers exist in the first place?" From exploring relational giving to tackling fatherlessness through the Fathers Matter programme, this episode is an invitation to slow down and consider what it means to leave the world a little better than we found it. Featured Resources: Fathers Matter WhatsApp Coach: In South Africa Add 060 058 2107 on WhatsApp and send "Hi" to start getting tips and encouragement. Brett’s Books: Not water, JUST ICE! (Available on Amazon). Activate Leaders Coaching: activateleaders.co

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Removing the Mask with Thomas Eberts

In this episode of Success Matters, I’m joined by Thomas Eberts for a compelling exploration of personal transformation. Thomas shares his extraordinary trajectory beginning with the impact of his mother’s cancer diagnosis at age six, moving through an intense period of childhood illness and severe school bullying, culminating in an emotional shutdown that drew him into a dangerous lifestyle of drugs and criminality. Thomas reflects on the exact turning point that allowed him to dismantle his protective mask, exit a high-stakes real estate career that compromised his values, and travel across 26 countries as a digital nomad. This conversation moves away from superficial metrics of financial wealth to look at the real meaning of success: somatic healing, emotional awareness, and leading an aligned life. Connect with Thomas: • Substack: thomasebots.substack.com. • Newsletter: the-integrated-father.com

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Failure to Flourishing with Siobhan O'Riordan

We are constantly being told to find our niche, choose a lane, and fit into a neatly defined corporate box. But what happens if your skills don't fit into a single silo? In this episode of Success Matters, I sit down with generalist, coach, consultant, and author Siobhan O'Riordan. Siobhan shares her fascinating journey from a cross-cultural childhood as an "Irish-Irish" American, to teaching history in Nepal, and navigating a self-described "spiky" career of absolute flourishing and crashing failures before discovering her true identity as a proud generalist. If you've ever felt frustrated by traditional job descriptions or felt like a round peg trying to fit into a square hole, Siobhan’s story offers a powerful reframe. Here are three key insights Siobhan invites us to consider: Own Your Lateral Curiosity and Creative Connections While specialists excel by going deep into a single area of expertise, generalists thrive by looking across. They are the dot-connectors, systems-level thinkers, and pattern-detectors who fill in organisational gaps. Siobhan highlights that a generalist’s true expertise isn't a single topic, but the ongoing practice of learning, problem-solving, and adapting The Future of Work (and AI) Needs Adaptive Talent As AI rapidly changes the professional landscape, the demand for adaptive talent is skyrocketing. Because generalists possess a natural comfort with experimentation and risk mitigation, they are perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between human discernment and technological shifts. It’s never an "either/or" choice between generalists and specialists; true organisational success lies in their collaboration. Align Your Identity with Your Environment to Stop the "Spike and Crash" Cycle If you are a generalist in an environment designed strictly for specialists, frustration is inevitable. Siobhan emphasises the importance of understanding the specific operating contexts where you thrive. True success happens when there is no break between who you are and the work you do in service of others. Siobhan's new book, Reframe: How Generalists Thrive in a Changing World, is out now. Tune in to the full episode to learn how to better articulate your unique value, embrace your strengths, and thrive on your own terms. https://www.bigseastrategies.com/

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Going Rogue with Mackenzie Pemberton-Whiteley

We often talk about "success" as a destination defined by titles, status, and financial milestones. But what happens if you pause to evaluate the path you are actually on? In the latest episode of the Success Matters podcast, I sat down with Mackenzie Pemberton-Whiteley to explore what it means to go "rogue" against conventional expectations. At 21, Mackenzie walked away from university because he felt it wasn't helping him optimise for the life he wanted to build. Instead, he chose to iterate through real-world experiences learning just as much from the jobs he didn't want to do as the ones he did. Today, he views success not as a specific number, but as optionality, the freedom to control his time, look after his family, and support environmental causes like the Oars project. Here’s some key reflections from our conversation: Opportunity Cost: If we make a decision, we must stand by it without complaint, remaining fully aware of what we are choosing not to do. True Wealth: The value of earning money so that you have the capacity to give it away to those who need it most. The 1% Rule: The compounding importance of working on yourself daily, entirely separate from your professional duties. If you are currently questioning the trajectory of your career, or simply looking for a more grounded perspective on personal growth, this episode is for you.

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Lessons from a Life Less Ordinary with Stever Robbins

How does a child who wore a loincloth to school end up at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard? Stever Robbins joins me to discuss a life lived outside the traditional lines of success. This episode explores how Stever’s neurodivergent perspective especifically his natural disregard for hierarchy and commitment to radical honesty became his greatest leadership asset. We reflect on the importance of trusting one’s instincts and why the most impactful leaders are those willing to stand for something, even when it’s uncomfortable. A measured, thoughtful look at success for the global professional.

Venturing with John Couper

What does success mean, really? In this episode of Success Matters, I'm joined by John Couper who talks about his life shaped by travel, experience, and deep thought, and shares two ideas that help frame a broader view of success, the success spiral and the five minds. This is a conversation for thoughtful people who want to think beyond money and status, and towards a life that includes purpose, balance, curiosity, and meaning. Listen in for a reflective discussion that invites you to reconsider what a successful life looks like in practice. You can connect with John at https://venturingzone.com/ Subscribe and follow for more thoughtful conversations about success, purpose, relationships, service, and a rich life well lived.