Life Beyond The Numbers

"The data really is about giving you an insight that allows a conversation to take place. That conversation can be with yourself. You can journal and you can reflect. You can have a really good chat with your mate who's keen on the data as well. But I would definitely encourage it; it's the conversation that matters about your habits, your environment, your lifestyle. That conversation matters much more than any number can tell you." Janine van Someren Janine van Someren and I talk about her new book, The Wellbeing Advantage: 7 transformative habits to thrive in work and life. Janine spent years studying human performance in elite sport, and then discovering that all that knowledge couldn't protect her from her own body and mind reaching their limits. Now she works with high-performers, mainly in the corporate world, using wearables and recovery scores every day. And yet, when she's with a client, she works hard to take the numbers out of the room. What matters is the conversation it creates. We talk about what it means that you can be resting and not recovering. We talk about why loving your work might put you more at risk of burnout, not less. And we talk about where recovery can actually happen, including at your desk. There's a brilliant question Janine asks her clients: what were you doing today when you completely lost track of time? That's worth knowing. Dr Janine van Someren is a wellbeing consultant, speaker, and bestselling author of The Wellbeing Advantage. She helps busy professionals make sense of their energy, stress, and health in a way that feels practical, supportive, and achievable. With over 25 years’ experience across high-performance sport and corporate environments, Janine is known for translating complex science into simple habits that work in real life. Connect with JanineThrough her website: https://thewellbeingadvantage.com/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wellbeing_advantage/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewellbeingadvantage On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-van-someren/ Resources Mentioned:The Wellbeing Advantage: https://mybook.to/TheWellbeingAdvantage The Wellbeing Advantage online launch event on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/events/thewellbeingadvantageonlinelaun7440822437468049410/

"I'm only a small cog in this. I'm developing this thought about trying to do good, but we can't all do it alone. If we can all collectively hold hands and all just have this thought that if we can do good in this world… I do think that there's a lot to be said for farming and fresh produce because it's feeding the world in a sustainable manner and it's doing good." Max MacGillivray Max MacGillivray and I begin with stories about fresh produce and taste memories, before moving into how society has become disconnected from where food comes from. We explore farming as a vocation, global food systems, ultra-processed foods, health outcomes, education and the role of large food multinationals. We also discuss recruitment and leadership within agriculture and fresh produce, cross-sector learning, the value of conversation and storytelling and why showing the human side of food production matters. We reflect on travel, networking as human connection and the opportunities that open up when people step beyond familiar paths. Max MacGillivray is an executive recruiter and founder of Redfox Executive Selection, specialising in mid-management to board hires across fresh produce, fresh foods, agri-business and retail in the UK and internationally. He created The Great Fruit & Veg Adventure—a Triumph motorbike ride from London to Cape Town (18 countries, 18,000 km), visiting 50+ fresh-produce businesses, followed in real time by 250,000 schoolchildren, and honoured with the UK Prime Minister’s Points of Light award. Max also founded Beanstalk Global, a media platform for the international fresh-food sector. Its mantra: “Create the conversation, don’t just be part of it.” Through broadcasts, interviews and partnerships, Beanstalk Global champions the people behind fresh food and connects purpose-led clients with high-impact opportunities. Connect with Max Through his website www.beanstalk.global https://www.facebook.com/beanstalk.global On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmacgillivray/ https://www.beanstalkmedia.co.uk/ Resources Mentioned: Jeremy Clarkson and increasing public interest in farming and agriculture Henry Dimbleby and the UK National Food Strategy Pink Lady Apples International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and the International Fresh Produce & Floral Show (Anaheim) Leaf Open Farm Sunday – UK farming initiative

“But getting back to the power of proximity, let's say I would meet people on Twitter … then we would all go to South by Southwest Interactive, the big tech conference in Austin … Suddenly we'd meet in person and as I wrote about in my book, it's hugs, high fives, handshakes.” Dave Delaney Dave Delaney joins me to talk about the thing that most connects us - communication. From improv stages to keynote stages, from podcasting to parenting, Dave’s career has been about helping people connect with humour, heart and humanity. We talk about the roots of communication, how “nice and” can change a workplace, and what happens when we forget that listening is about understanding, not just replying. Dave shares insights on how improv principles like acceptance and curiosity can transform teamwork and leadership. We also explore networking and the power of proximity: why meeting in person still matters more than ever in an age of AI and automation. And yes, we even touch on the slightly alarming prospect of not knowing whether your boss (or TV presenter) is human. Dave Delaney is a communication expert, keynote speaker, author, and host of the ADHD Wise Squirrels podcast. Connect with Dave To connect with Dave use this link: https://davedelaney.me/linkage Resources Mentioned New Business Networking by Dave Delaney Wise Squirrels Podcast hosted by Dave Delaney

"My interest is beyond that. Beyond the solar system. Of course I have this interest in Mars, but what I'm really interested in is the post planetary condition of humankind.” Angelo Vermeulen Angelo Vermeulen and I talk about imagination, exploration, and what it means to lead and collaborate beyond boundaries. Angelo is a scientist and a visual artist, who loves to build crossovers between those two worlds. He shares how exploring deeply across disciplines — from biology to philosophy to design — shapes the way we understand creativity, leadership and the future of humanity. His work invites us to think not just about life on Earth, but what life beyond the solar system might look like. We talk about creativity as a universal skill, leadership in extreme environments, finding courage to express our ideas and why co-creation demands vulnerability and trust. Angelo shares stories from his time leading a Mars simulation in Hawaii, collaborating with ESA on space systems design and exploring the evolution of our species, including IVF in space. Angelo Vermeulen is a space biologist, complex systems engineer, and artist who integrates science, design, and ecology to explore the future of human life in extreme environments. At TU Delft, he develops bio-inspired systems for space settlement, including self-replicating architecture and bioregenerative life support. As CTO of SpaceBorn United, he leads the development of the world’s first IVF incubator designed for space, advancing research on human reproduction beyond Earth. He co-founded SEADS, a transdisciplinary collective whose work has been exhibited across continents and flown to the International Space Station. In 2013, he commanded the first NASA-funded HI-SEAS Mars simulation, and in 2022, he reached the top 6% in the ESA astronaut selection process. With over 60 publications and multiple fellowships—including from TED and Parsons—Angelo’s work bridges art and science to challenge how we inhabit our shared future in space and on Earth. Connect with Angelo: Through his website: https://www.angelovermeulen.net On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelovermeulen References: Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk “Do Schools Kill Creativity?" Episode 203 All Stories are Useful with Jay Perry

“There’s probably something about confidence that I back myself, that I can do more or I can strengthen this particular skill. I can learn to do a new thing.” Julie Smith Julie Smith and I talk about the realities of confidence, humility and self-doubt and how these play out in both life and leadership. Julie describes confidence as “trust in yourself” and reminds us that nobody feels confident all the time, even if it looks that way from the outside. She highlights the hidden cost of overworking and exhaustion, potentially even burnout, to cover self-doubt and why recognising this “self-doubt tax” is so important. We also explore growth and learning, how leaders influence the mood and mindset of their teams, the difference it makes when someone says “I’d back us,” and how humility and confidence can co-exist in powerful ways. Julie Smith is an executive coach with 3 decades of experience in supporting leaders and leadership teams. She is the author of award-winning book Coach Yourself Confident, and is currently writing book number two, Contagious Confidence. ****Coach Yourself Confident won Business Self Development Book of the Year at the 2025 UK Business Book Awards. Congratulations Julie! Connect with Julie On LinkedIn Through her website: Talent Sprout Resources Mentioned Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith Business Book Awards

"We don't eat nutrients, we eat stories." Mari Giuseppe Mari Giuseppe and I delve into the intricate relationship between food, culture and self-perception. Mari, a dietician with a unique approach, explains how food isn't just nutrition; it's deeply intertwined with the stories we tell ourselves. We discuss the pressures of cultural ideals, the impact of trauma on eating habits and the harmful effects of societal expectations. We laughed a lot in this conversation as Mari has such a beautifully open and honest approach and tells her truth with humour. We talked about shorts, cellulite, and the pressure to be “bikini ready” - but more than that, we reflected on how different life feels when you stop waiting for approval and come from a place of self-love and balance. This episode is full of insight, laughter and the kind of truth-telling that makes you feel lighter. And remember we are more than a number on a scale - we are human beings. Mari Giuseppe is a qualified dietitian from Brazil, specialising in eating behaviour and mindset. Her work focuses on realistic nutrition education, respecting individual needs and the emotions behind food choices. She believes it’s not just about what we eat, but why we eat, and that transforming our relationship with food takes more than a diet – it requires compassion, active listening, and strategy. She currently works as a Nutrition Assistant within the NHS in the UK, while completing the translation and validation of her degree. Her mission is to help people break the cycle of guilt and restriction, and rebuild a lighter, healthier, and more achievable relationship with food and their bodies. Connect with Mari Follow her contribution on Future Proof App On LinkedIn On Instagram Resources Mentioned Future Proof App Episode 204 Future Proof with James Culmer Shields

"I'm a great one for saying yes to things because I like saying yes to things .... and my husband always says, availability isn't a skill, Susanne. So, I have to remind myself of that sometimes." Dr Susanne Evans Susanne, David and I speak about burnout. Not as a concept, but as something that we may well have to navigate in our work-lives. We talked about signs like exhaustion, disconnection, losing a sense of self. We spoke about what it was like not know what was wrong and how our bodies will take action to support us. For me, this was the first time I shared my own experience in this way. And I offered it because I know how isolating this can feel when you’re in it. We also explore what you might do if something in this resonates with you - whether for yourself or someone you know. Resources MentionedRushing Women's Syndrome by Dr. Libby Weaver Nuts! by Herb Kelleher An article on Parental Burnout in The Guardian The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk "The Swan" - a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke The Art of Impossible by Stephen Kotler The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander Conscious Creativity by Philippa Stanton Wanderful by David Pearl Dr Susanne Evans is an organisation change consultant, trainer, coach and researcher on a mission to change the way that transformations are managed in organisations. She founded Feldspar Consulting in 2007 to help her clients lead change in a more human, effective way. As well as writing and speaking about organisation change, Susanne hosts open storytelling workshops, supporting organisations and individuals in writing a compelling story for themselves. She is the author of ChangeStories and the host of the popular ChangeStories podcast. David Lee is a coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, and author, who loves creating a win/win/win relationship between people and the organizations they work for. He helps leaders and leadership teams learn how to become "people whisperers", and by doing so, increase their ability to make their organization THE choice for "A List Talent" and inspire the best in their people. Connect with Susanne On LinkedIn Through her website: Feldspar Consulting Listen to Change Stories podcast Connect with David On LinkedIn Through his website Human Nature at Work

"So by that definition, all stories are useful. The question is: to what end?" Jay Perry Jay Perry and I explored what happens when we begin to see story not as decoration or distraction, but as data - the language we use to survive, connect and create. Jay shared his definition that “a story is language put to use” and reminded us that “all stories are useful” - the real question being to what end? Together we examined how some stories serve connection, while others become what Jay calls “story infections” - narratives shaped by fear, judgement or diminishment. We talked about the stories that get “archived,” the ones that still run in the background long after we’ve outgrown them and what it means to interrupt or catch those stories before they shape our choices. Jay also introduced Storysphere, his community platform for engaging with stories consciously and creatively. Jay Perry, (aka Wonder Man), has spent the last 45+ years creating communities to explore how to make the most of our human experience. In addition to Storycatchers he has created The Actors’ Information Project, The Coaching Collective, The Listening Games, and Wonder-shops. He also participated in the creation of Coach University and the International Coaching Federation. Jay is a Master Coach (MCAC), personal champion and creative partner for performers, artists, entrepreneurs, and the neurodiverse community. He is known as one of the world’s leading mentors for new coaches seeking professional certification. He is currently on the teaching faculty of The ADD Coaching Academy and the Board of Directors for the Re-Entry Coaching Academy. As co-author of Take Charge of Your Talent: three Keys to Thriving in Your Career, Organization, and Life, Jay has led workshops for thousands of people around the world on diverse topics such as business planning, leader­ship, transformational change, personal mastery, coaching skills, communication, and career planning. Jay lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife, Susan. Connect with Jay Through his website www.jayperry.com Storysphere Central https://www.storyspherecentral.com/ Resources Mentioned The Big Ask, Illuminated, BBC Sounds Benjamin Zander "How Fascinating" Tim Gallwey: "capital P equals small p minus I, which stands for performance equals potential minus interference" Story Thinking by Angus Fletcher Take Charge of Your Talent by Don Maruska and Jay Perry