What happens when the pursuit of success comes at the expense of your wellbeing? And how do you rebuild your life when you realise you've been wearing emotional armour for decades?

In this deeply honest episode of What's Important To You?, James sits down with motivational speaker, author and mental health coach Brian Kennedy to explore a remarkable personal journey through leadership, burnout, resilience and recovery.

Brian reflects on a successful corporate career spanning decades in banking and leadership, while revealing the hidden reality behind the promotions, achievements and outward success.

He shares the impact of childhood experiences, surviving multiple armed robberies, working in toxic corporate environments, and ultimately reaching a point of complete mental exhaustion that forced him to rethink everything he believed about success.

Together, they discuss why so many men struggle to ask for help, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, how running became a lifeline during recovery, and why true success is measured by relationships, purpose and authenticity rather than job titles or status.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating workplace stress, supporting someone through burnout, or simply trying to build a more meaningful life, this conversation offers powerful lessons on self-awareness, courage and choosing a healthier path forward.

Brian Kennedy is an international motivational speaker, executive coach, mental health and wellbeing specialist, and author of The Bulletproof Banker.

Following a distinguished corporate career leading global banking operations and customer-focused organisations, Brian now helps executives, managers and professionals recognise, manage and recover from workplace stress before it becomes burnout.

He is also passionate about supporting leaders during the critical first 90 days following promotion and helping organisations develop emotionally intelligent leadership cultures.

As a member of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), Brian combines lived experience with professional coaching to help people build healthier, more authentic and more fulfilling careers.

• Success without wellbeing comes at a significant personal cost.
• Childhood experiences often shape the beliefs we carry into adulthood.
• Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership.
• Men often struggle to ask for help, but vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
• Toxic workplace cultures can have a profound impact on mental health.
• Emotional intelligence should be at the heart of every leadership role.
• Physical activity can play a vital role in supporting mental wellbeing.
• Setting boundaries is essential for long-term success.
• Living with purpose creates far greater fulfilment than chasing status.
• Your past may shape you, but it doesn't have to define your future.

"Men find it so hard to ask for help."

"Self-compassion is vital for healing."

"My future needs me, not my past."

"Nobody sees you the way you see yourself."

"It could have been so much easier."

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How do you tell the story of one of life's most painful experiences? And can writing help us make sense of grief, love, and the people who shape us?

In this deeply moving episode of What's Important To You?, James speaks with author Sarah Vosburgh about the personal journey that led her to write her memoir, Who Will Name the Bees?—a heartfelt account of caring for her mother through Alzheimer's disease.

Sarah shares how late-night thoughts written on the glass top of her bedside table eventually became the foundation of a memoir that has resonated with readers around the world.

Together, they explore the emotional realities of caregiving, the isolation many carers experience, and why writing became both a creative outlet and a path to healing.

The conversation also delves into the craft of memoir writing, blending poetry with prose, finding beauty in life's smallest moments, and the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and sharing stories that help others feel less alone.

Whether you've experienced Alzheimer's personally, care for a loved one, or simply believe in the power of storytelling, this episode is a touching reminder that even in life's hardest seasons, connection and hope can still be found.

Sarah Vosburgh is an author, poet and memoirist whose writing explores family, caregiving, grief, resilience and the extraordinary meaning found in ordinary moments.

Her debut memoir, Who Will Name the Bees?, tells the deeply personal story of her mother's journey through Alzheimer's disease while reflecting on love, forgiveness and the emotional complexities of becoming a caregiver.

Through a unique blend of prose and poetry, Sarah creates space for readers to process their own experiences and discover comfort through shared stories.

• Writing can become a powerful tool for processing grief and difficult emotions.
• Caregiving is often an isolating experience, but no one should feel alone.
• Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones we treasure most.
• Memoirs don't have to begin as books, they can start as small stories.
• Poetry can express emotions that prose sometimes cannot.
• There is no perfect way to care for someone you love, only the best you can do at the time.
• Sharing vulnerable stories helps others feel seen and validated.
• Forgiveness is an important part of healing, both for ourselves and for those we love.
• Creativity often grows from life's most challenging experiences.
• It's never too late to discover your voice as a writer.

"Writing on the glass top helped me sleep."

"Who will help me name the bees?"

"True maturity is forgiving your parents."

"Finding the much in the little."

👉 Website

👉 Who Will Name The Bees?

How does a journalist become captivated by one of history's greatest mysteries? And what can Amelia Earhart still teach us nearly a century after her disappearance?

In this episode of What's Important To You?, James speaks with journalist and author Rachel Hartigan about her fascinating career, her years at National Geographic, and the extraordinary journey that led her to write LOST: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life.

Rachel shares how an unexpected invitation to join an expedition searching for Amelia Earhart sparked years of research into one of history's most enduring mysteries.

Rather than focusing solely on Earhart's disappearance, Rachel explores the remarkable woman behind the legend, her courage, ambition, resilience, and the carefully crafted public image that made her one of the most recognised women of her time.

The conversation also explores the craft of storytelling, the value of curiosity, the challenges of writing nonfiction, and why understanding the human story behind historical figures often reveals far more than the mystery itself.

Whether you're fascinated by history, journalism, adventure, or the art of writing, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights into curiosity, purpose, and the stories that continue to shape our world.

Rachel Hartigan is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience covering history, science, culture, education, and society.

Having spent many years writing for National Geographic and other leading publications, Rachel specialises in bringing complex historical subjects to life through compelling storytelling.

Her debut book, LOST: Amelia Earhart's Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life, explores both Amelia Earhart's remarkable life and the enduring mystery surrounding her disappearance, drawing on Rachel's own experiences taking part in two National Geographic-supported expeditions searching for answers.

• Paying attention to how you truly feel leads to greater authenticity.
• Curiosity often opens doors to unexpected opportunities.
• Great storytelling humanises history rather than simply reporting facts.
• Amelia Earhart's legacy extends far beyond her disappearance.
• Success is built through years of learning, persistence and experience.
• Public image and reality are often very different.
• History becomes more meaningful when we understand the people behind it.
• Writing a book requires patience, resilience and trust in the process.
• Not every mystery needs to be solved to be worth exploring.
• It's never too late to pursue a new creative challenge.

"Pay attention to how you actually feel."

"She would have loved this exploration."

"The story behind the mystery matters."

"I'm trying to internalise that spirit."

"I need to start having some more fun."

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👉 LinkedIn

What does it really take to become resilient and why is having the right people around you one of the greatest advantages in life and leadership?

In this episode of What's Important To You?, James sits down with executive coach and former Garda James Carty to explore the experiences that shaped his career, the lessons learned from decades in high-pressure environments, and why resilience is about far more than simply pushing through adversity.

James shares his journey from serving in An Garda Síochána to becoming an executive coach, helping leaders build stronger foundations through his F.O.R.G.E. System. Together they discuss the importance of family, support networks, emotional intelligence, leadership, and preparing for challenges before they arise rather than simply reacting to them.

The conversation also explores career transitions, lifelong learning, the value of asking for help, and why true resilience is built through consistency, self-awareness, and the people who stand beside us.

Whether you're leading a business, navigating change, or simply looking to become more resilient, this episode offers practical insights and meaningful reflections that will stay with you long after the conversation ends.

James Carty is an Executive Coach, leadership consultant, and creator of the F.O.R.G.E. System, helping leaders move from reactive problem-solving to sustainable resilience.

Drawing on more than 25 years of leadership experience, including a distinguished career with An Garda Síochána, James combines practical leadership, coaching, and organisational development to help individuals and teams perform at their best under pressure.

His work focuses on resilience, emotional intelligence, leadership development, and creating systems that enable people to thrive personally and professionally.

• Resilience is built long before challenges appear.
• Strong support systems are one of life's greatest assets.
• Great leadership begins with self-awareness.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Preparation creates confidence during uncertainty.
• Emotional intelligence is essential in high-pressure environments.
• Career transitions create opportunities for growth.
• Continuous learning fuels long-term success.
• Small daily actions create lasting change.
• Success is rarely achieved alone.

"Support in your corner makes all the difference."

"Having someone who believes in you is powerful."

"Resilience is bouncing back stronger."

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In this insightful conversation, James speaks with relationship coach and marriage expert Lee Baucom about what truly helps relationships thrive and why connection is the foundation of a healthy marriage.

Drawing on decades of experience helping couples navigate challenges, Lee explains why many relationship struggles are not actually communication problems but symptoms of deeper disconnection.

He shares how couples can unintentionally drift apart while focusing on careers, parenting, and the demands of everyday life, and why intentional connection is essential for long-term relationship success.

Lee also discusses the differences between therapy and coaching, the importance of taking responsibility without assigning blame, and how couples can move from being opponents back to becoming teammates. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical insights into conflict, communication, authenticity, and what it takes to build a relationship that continues to grow over time.

This is a thoughtful and practical episode for anyone who wants stronger relationships, deeper connection, and a better understanding of how healthy marriages are built and sustained.

Lee Baucom is a relationship coach, author, speaker, and founder of Save The Marriage. For more than 25 years, he has helped individuals and couples strengthen their relationships and create lasting change.

Originally trained as a therapist, Lee transitioned into coaching after becoming passionate about finding more effective ways to help couples move from struggling relationships to thriving partnerships. His work focuses on connection, responsibility, teamwork, and practical strategies that help people build stronger marriages and more fulfilling lives.

• Disconnection is often the root cause of relationship struggles.
• Healthy communication grows from healthy connection.
• Relationships require intentional effort and attention.
• Couples function best when they operate as a team.
• Conflict can create growth when approached constructively.
• Most relationship disagreements are differences in perspective, not right versus wrong.
• Responsibility is about choosing how to respond moving forward.
• Small daily habits can strengthen long-term connection.
• Authenticity creates deeper intimacy and trust.
• Personal growth and relationship growth go hand in hand.

• "It's not a communication problem. It's a connection problem."
• "The most important relationship in the house is the marriage."
• "You're either green and growing or ripe and rotting."
• "Responsibility is the ability to respond."
• "Conflict can serve the relationship."

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What if the biggest obstacle in your life isn't external circumstances, but the invisible beliefs you've carried for years?

In this thought-provoking conversation, James speaks with leadership coach, author, and former Royal Air Force pilot Will Steel about personal transformation, authentic leadership, and the hidden constraints that stop people from reaching their full potential.

Will shares his fascinating journey from military and commercial aviation into the world of personal development, describing the life-changing moment that helped him uncover a limiting belief he had carried since childhood.

That experience led him to dedicate his life to helping others break free from self-imposed limitations and create lives filled with greater purpose, fulfillment, and impact.

Throughout the conversation, James and Will explore the power of self-awareness, the importance of asking better questions, and why many people unknowingly live inside "glass boxes" of their own making.

Will explains how our past experiences shape our future expectations and why true leadership begins with understanding ourselves first.

Will shares powerful stories from his coaching work, including transformational breakthroughs that have impacted families, businesses, and entire organizations.

This is a powerful conversation about freedom, courage, self-discovery, and what becomes possible when we stop living by old stories and start creating a future that genuinely inspires us.

About Will Steel

Will Steel is a leadership coach, author, and former Royal Air Force pilot who has coached CEOs, entrepreneurs, senior executives, military leaders, athletes, psychologists, religious leaders, and high performers from around the world.

After serving as a military pilot and later flying commercially, Will transitioned into transformational leadership and personal development, spending over two decades helping people identify and overcome the hidden beliefs that limit their effectiveness and fulfilment.

He is the author of Free To Lead: Unleash Your Hidden Leadership Genius and works with individuals and organizations to develop authentic leadership, create meaningful change, and unlock greater levels of performance and purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Many of our limitations come from meanings we assigned to past experiences.
• Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership.
• Freedom begins when we question the stories we've been living by.
• True leadership starts with leading ourselves.
• Personal growth often requires uncomfortable truths.
• Success without fulfilment eventually feels empty.
• Transformation happens when we become willing to see what we've been avoiding.
• Living authentically creates greater impact and influence.

In Will's Words

• "It lights me up to light people up."
• "You have to create something that lights you up."
• "Are you willing to disappoint another to be true to yourself?"

Connect with Will Steel

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In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, James speaks with award-winning author, radio host, and educator Grace Sammon about authenticity, storytelling, and the power of sharing our experiences.

Grace reflects on her journey as a writer and how her novels became a pathway to deeper self-discovery. She shares how writing helped her navigate changing identities, life transitions, and difficult personal experiences while uncovering a stronger sense of purpose and authenticity.

The conversation explores the healing power of stories, the responsibility that comes with telling them, and how literature can help people make sense of their own lives. Grace also discusses her latest novel, The Reliable Narrator, and the themes of truth, silence, friendship, resilience, and personal transformation that inspired it.

James and Grace delve into creativity, vulnerability, reinvention, and why it's never too late to discover new purpose or begin a new chapter. They also discuss the impact of volunteering, the importance of meaningful human connection, and how the stories we tell can leave a lasting mark on others.

This is a powerful conversation about authenticity, courage, purpose, and the enduring impact of finding and sharing your voice.

Grace Sammon is an award-winning author, educator, radio host, and literary advocate. She is the author of eight books, including the acclaimed novels The Eves and The Reliable Narrator.

A recipient of the 2025 Indies United Award for Inspirational Women in Literature, Media, and Journalism, Grace is known for exploring themes of identity, friendship, reinvention, resilience, and personal growth through her writing.

Alongside her literary work, Grace has spent many years supporting others through education, hospice volunteering, advocacy, mentoring, and broadcasting. Her work continues to inspire readers and listeners to embrace authenticity and live with greater purpose.

• Authenticity begins with understanding who you truly are.
• Our stories have the power to heal, connect, and inspire others.
• Life transitions can become opportunities for growth and reinvention.
• Finding purpose often comes from helping and serving others.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and reflection.
• Everyone has a story worth sharing.
• Personal growth requires honesty, courage, and vulnerability.
• Meaning and purpose can be found at any stage of life.
• Volunteering often gives back more than we expect.
• We are never truly "done" while there is still life to live.

🗣️ “I’m not done. I’m just not done.”

🗣️ “Speak even when your voice shakes.”

🗣️ “To thine own self be true.”

🗣️ “Words last, but the voice flies.”

🗣️ “Being authentic is living the life your soul was meant to live.”

👉 Website

👉 Facebook

👉 Instagram

👉 LinkedIn

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What if success wasn’t just about profit, but about purpose, fulfilment, and the impact you leave behind?

In this thought-provoking episode of What’s Important To You?, James Dean sits down with spiritual business coach Andrew Grinbaum to explore the intersection of business, mindset, spirituality, and personal growth.

Andrew shares how entrepreneurs and leaders can create meaningful success without sacrificing their values or wellbeing.

Drawing on over 30 years of studying Kabbalah, mysticism, coaching, and business strategy, Andrew explains why so many high achievers still feel empty despite external success and how reconnecting with purpose can transform both business and life.

The conversation dives into spirituality in modern leadership, the role of mindset in shaping reality, emotional resilience, identity shifts in entrepreneurship, and the importance of treating both ourselves and others with dignity and respect.

Andrew Grinbaum is a spiritual business coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the nonprofit Spirituality in Business Institute. He helps entrepreneurs and executives align purpose with profit by integrating ancient wisdom, mindset work, and modern business strategy.

Having built and scaled multiple successful businesses while coaching thousands of professionals and leaders, Andrew’s work focuses on helping high performers create businesses that not only succeed financially but also contribute positively to the world.

Through his coaching, teaching, and nonprofit work, Andrew encourages leaders to embrace authenticity, values-based leadership, and personal transformation as the foundation for sustainable success.

• Spirituality in business and leadership
• Finding purpose beyond financial success
• Values, mindset, and fulfillment
• Kabbalah and ancient wisdom in modern coaching
• Emotional regulation and mindfulness
• Identity shifts in entrepreneurship
• Human dignity and common courtesy in leadership
• Coaching and overcoming fear-based thinking
• Building businesses that create positive impact
• Fulfilment versus material success

• “Your mindset makes a huge difference.”
• “Fulfilment is not in material things.”
• “All that’s missing in the world is common courtesy and human dignity.”

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