Resilience Unravelled

Dr Russell Thackeray discusses the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada and argues it will be a continent-sized resilience test rather than a tactics story, highlighting four pressure points: rapid shifts between microclimates (from Seattle/Vancouver to high-altitude Mexico City to Texas heat), heavy travel and an expanded 48-team, 104-match format that disrupts sleep and circadian rhythms, relentless digital scrutiny that rewards “digital abstinence,” and crushing national expectations on host nations and teams like the hosts and England. He then spotlights veteran “survivors” potentially chasing fifth or sixth tournaments—Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Andres Guardado, and others—framing their longevity as disciplined recovery, radical adaptation of playing style, and a powerful “why,” concluding the tournament will be chaotic and may favour theresilient old guard as much as young legs.00:00 Welcome and premise00:39 Climate endurance test01:22 Travel and match load01:57 Social media pressure02:47 National expectations03:34 Veterans and five timers03:59 Oldest players list06:03 What longevity takes06:48 Final resilience takeawayYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In a solo episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray reflects on whether UK democracy is resilient amid events in America and stresses that democratic resilience means absorbing shocks, adapting, upholding rule of law, and maintaining trust. They outline UK strengths: deep-rooted institutions, rule of law, civil society, a relatively free press (including BBC impartiality rules), civic participation, and the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling against Boris Johnson’s prorogation as evidence of checks on executive power. Key vulnerabilities include Brexit-driven hyperpolarisation, online misinformation, outdated electoral laws, an unwritten constitution reliant on norms, centralisation of executive power, economic stagnation and regional inequality, voter ID concerns, loose campaign finance, data vulnerability, and collapsing public trust after scandals. They argue renewal requires modernising Parliament and legal frameworks, cross-party reform, civic education, and courageous leadership to rebuild trust and accountability.00:00 Intro and Context00:25 Is UK Democracy Resilient01:41 Defining Democratic Resilience02:13 Institutional Strengths04:10 Polarisation After Brexit05:05 Misinformation and Digital Threats06:08 Unwritten Constitution Exposed06:40 Executive Power Creep07:26 Inequality And Alienation08:23 Electoral Integrity Risks09:16 Reform Needs Political Will10:22 Trust and Scandals and the myth of Populism11:35 Modernise And Renew Democracy12:51 Solutions from Leadership to Education14:14 Final Call To ActionYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

Will Steel joins Resilience Unravelled and shares a business lesson from investing £50,000 in a shirt venture that failed after the designer overcharged and manipulated import paperwork, which Steele links to Keith Cunningham’s idea that leadership failures stem from lack of courage.He introduces himself as a coach for business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them grow while reducing time spent working in the business, after a 27-year background leading transformational programs and a prior career as an Air Force and airline pilot.Steele distinguishes his ontological coaching from curriculum-based mentoring, illustrating with a client avoiding a pay conversation with his brother/employee. He discusses limiting beliefs and confirmation bias, gives a personal spelling example, and explains writing his book, Free To Lead, to support leadership programs in the Middle East—especially for women—framing leadership as speaking up in the moment. He notes the book’s availability via Amazon and his website.00:00 Intros00:26 Shirt Business Betrayal00:59 Courage and Leadership Lesson02:32 Working With Creative Egos03:50 Meet Will Steele04:44 From Pilot to Transformation Work05:38 Pandemic Pivot to Coaching06:56 What Real Coaching Is08:00 Brother Employee Breakthrough09:53 Limiting Beliefs and Bias11:33 Spelling Story Mindset Shift13:06 Why He Wrote Free to Lead16:34 Leadership for Everyone18:24 Where to Get the Book19:33 Closing ThanksYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

On the podcast Resilience Unravelled, Russell speaks with Susan Inouye in Los Angeles about resilience themes in homes, products, and organisational culture, including companies that post values but don’t live them. They discuss generational differences at work, with Susan describing shifts from command-and-control leadership toward belonging, meaning, and authenticity, and noting that millennials are now a large portion of the workforce. Susan also shares that millennials are complaining about Gen Z, arguing it’s often about age and development, and references brain development and the influence of how generations were raised. She emphasises that leadership change requires embodied practices, not just advice, explaining that transformation happens through the body and somatic intelligence, with HeartMath Institute research as an example. Susan tells a client story about an event-production leader whose gift for planning became controlling behaviour; using the Sawubona (“I see you”) gift-centered approach, rituals for letting go, and trapeze lessons, the client replaced fear with freedom and became more trusting at work. Susan’s book, "Leadership’s Perfect Storm: What Millennials Are Teaching Us About Possibility, Passion, and Purpose," is aimed at leaders, includes stories and a coach’s corner with practices, is used in over 30 countries, is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and donates all proceeds to the nonprofit Youth Mentoring Connection. She notes Sawubona Leadership originated in South Central Los Angeles through Tony LeRae’s mentoring work.00:00 Welcome 01:05 Resilience, building standards & planned obsolescence03:00 Corporate values vs reality: authenticity and truth-telling at work04:47 Millennials & Gen Z reshape leadership expectations06:28 Are generational stereotypes real? Command-and-control vs belonging10:24 Brain science, upbringing & why each new cohort gets judged15:40 From advice to embodiment: practices, somatics & emotional intelligence19:17 Client story: planning as a gift—and learning to let go (trapeze breakthrough)25:49 The book: Leadership’s Perfect Storm—who it’s for & what’s inside27:21 Where to buy + proceeds to youth mentoring; Sawubona ‘I see you’ origins28:34 Wrap-upYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, host Dr Russell Thackeray interviews Chris Burres, a scientist and entrepreneur, about his unexpected journey into the longevity space. Chris shares his extensive background in working with a unique molecule, ESS 60, which has shown remarkable potential in extending lifespan and improving health. He explains the science behind this molecule, its origins, and how it might contribute to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chris also touches on the skepticism surrounding the supplement industry, the rigorous research backing his products, and his transition from a carbon nano material scientist to a health supplement advocate. The discussion further covers the potential applications of ESS 60 in cosmetics and other health products, as well as Chris's commitment to continued research and ethical business practices. The episode wraps up with information on how listeners can learn more about the product, access discounts, and support a charitable cause through the purchase of Chris's book, "Live Longer and Better."Just to be clear - we do not endorse the views contained in this podcast from the guest - nor have any claims been checked or verified.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Chris Burres' Background and Longevity Journey01:55 Defining Longevity and Its Importance04:39 The Molecule: Basics and Breakthroughs11:19 From Lab to Supplement: The Journey19:24 Health Benefits and Research Insights25:48 Product Offerings and Final ThoughtsYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

In this episode of Resilience Unraveled, Russell interviews Renee Zukin, an author and former educator, about her background, her focus on empowering entrepreneurial women, and the benefits of writing and journaling. Renee discusses her new book, 'Every Day I'm Brave,' which explores the relationship with fear and provides tools for personal growth, including journaling prompts. The episode also covers societal shifts in anxiety, the importance of self-compassion, and the potential advantages of writing as a method of facing and understanding one's own fears.00:00 Introduction 00:45 Guest Background and Career Journey02:03 The Power of Writing and Journaling10:14 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety13:44 About the Book: Every Day I'm Brave23:00 Conclusion and FarewellYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition

This was one of our favourite podcast recordings from the last few months!In this episode of Resilience Unravelled,' host Russell Thackeray interviews Chris Endersby, a versatile professional with a diverse career journey spanning local government, the private sector, and entrepreneurship. Chris shares his unconventional career path, the lessons learned from his early days in child protection social work, and his experience in local government policy roles. He discusses his transition into the private sector, his eventual establishment of his own business, and the importance of authenticity, persona management, and resilience in both personal and professional contexts. The conversation delves into the significance of values in business, the challenges of maintaining boundaries, and the role of playful creativity in fostering innovation and brand identity. Chris emphasises the importance of building relationships and staying true to one's values while adapting to different environments. A must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, business strategy, and the intersection of creativity and psychology.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Chris Endersby's Career Journey02:32 Challenges in Child Protection04:01 Maintaining Boundaries and Sanity06:56 Persona Management and Authenticity10:05 Values in Business and Personal Life14:30 Scaling and Maintaining Culture in Organisations21:01 Honesty and Integrity in Business22:46 Defining Values and Purpose in Business23:43 The Importance of Mission and Vision24:19 Challenges of Goal Setting and Mental Wellbeing25:07 Purpose and Commitment in Different Sectors26:14 Career Choices and Commonalities28:06 Building Relationships in Business29:46 Learning from Failure and Resilience33:26 The Role of Relationships in Decision Making36:24 Branding and Marketing Strategies39:49 Targeting the Right Audience42:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsYou can contact us at info@qedod.comResources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com#resilience, #burnout, #intuition