Episodes

  • Terrified at His First Valuation, Now a Top Agent in Europe: Niall McCabe’s Success | Episode 41

    Terrified at His First Valuation, Now a Top Agent in Europe: Niall McCabe’s Success | Episode 41
    Jan 12 2026

    Most people spend their late teens figuring life out. At 18, Niall McCabe was walking into £300,000 homes praying no one would answer the door because he was the estate agent selling the house, and somehow from that terrified first valuation to becoming one of the top-ranked agents in Europe, he’s built a career in an industry where nobody expected someone his age to last, never mind lead.

    From leaving school at 16 because the classroom never worked for him, to winging his way through early valuations, to navigating an industry dominated by people twice his age, Niall’s story is proof that graft, personality, and a bit of panic-driven resilience can take you further than anyone imagines.

    In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Niall to dig into the real journey behind his rise. The nerves, the graft, the pressure, the wins and the moments he thought he’d made the worst decision of his life.

    You’ll hear how he built a name for himself from scratch, how COVID nearly wiped everything out, how he rebuilt through pure consistency, and why treating clients like actual humans (and not transactions) has become his edge.

    This one is full of straight-up honesty, Scottish humour, and real-world lessons on building credibility long before you feel ready.

    Key moments include: ✔️ Leaving school at 16 and jumping straight into sales ✔️ Getting into estate agency young and why it terrified him ✔️ Winging early valuations and building confidence the hard way ✔️ The pressure, doubt, and loneliness of the early years ✔️ Why resilience and competitiveness carried him through ✔️ Going from self-employed to owning his own franchise ✔️ How small gestures make a massive difference to clients ✔️ COVID wiping out his pipeline overnight and how he rebuilt ✔️ Hitting top rankings across Scotland, the UK, and Europe ✔️ Inspiring the next generation at his old school ✔️ Niall’s top three pieces of advice for life and business

    Subscribe to Success or Excuses For more straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built something real, pushed through the messy bits, and kept going even when it felt impossible.

    Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/

    Follow Niall McCabe: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-mccabe-492040183/ Company LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/re-max-scotland/ Website → https://www.remax-scotland.homes/

    Timestamps: [00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Niall [00:49] Niall introduces himself and shares how they first met [01:23] Getting into estate agency at 18 [03:03] The nerves of his first valuation [04:38] Early doubts, resilience, and competitive drive [07:24] From self-employed to running his own office [09:06] The power of good service and small gestures [12:10] Industry reputation and outperforming older peers [14:55] Ranking among Europe’s top agents [16:13] Why school wasn’t for him [20:21] Landing his first major estate agency role [25:33] COVID hits fear, cancellations, and rebuilding [36:12] Marketing, consistency, and the long game [39:09] Returning to his old school to inspire students [42:16] Niall’s top three pieces of advice
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    46 mins
  • The Real Cost of Cultural Conditioning And How Sathpal Singh Chose His Own Path | Episode 40

    The Real Cost of Cultural Conditioning And How Sathpal Singh Chose His Own Path | Episode 40
    Jan 5 2026
    Sathpal Singh didn’t follow a straight path, he built a career by embracing the twists, the turns, and the lessons that shaped him. From starting out as a hands-on software developer to becoming a respected leader in product, agile delivery, community building, and tech leadership, Sathpal’s story is all about curiosity, reflection, and the courage to understand yourself before trying to lead anyone else. In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Sathpal to dig into the real journey behind his career, the mindset shifts, the cultural conditioning he had to unlearn, the pressure of being the first in his community to go to university, and how he went from code to coaching leaders inside some of the biggest organisations in the UK. From growing up as the eldest in a large Sikh family, to battling limiting beliefs, to learning the power of reflection, networking, and asking better questions, this conversation goes deep into self-awareness, grit, and the lifelong work of mastering yourself. Sathpal doesn’t just talk about curiosity, confidence, or leadership, he lives it. Whether he’s helping senior teams align on complex problems, mentoring ambitious tech professionals, breaking down cultural barriers, building global agile communities, or challenging outdated thinking, every part of his story comes straight from lived experience. This episode is full of honesty, perspective, and the kind of practical insight that every leader, especially those navigating tech, change, and uncertainty, needs to hear. If you’re a leader, a manager, or someone trying to build a career on your own terms, this one will hit home. Key moments include: ✔️ James welcomes Sathpal ✔️ Sathpal introduces himself, from software developer to tech leader ✔️ How he shifted from “shiny tech” to solving real business problems ✔️ Why psychology, people, and motivation became central to his career ✔️ The journey from developer to leader, coach, and community builder ✔️ Cultural conditioning, childhood experiences, and being the first in his Sikh community to go to university ✔️ James and Sathpal discuss mindset, limiting beliefs, and self-discovery ✔️ Peaks and troughs: the pressure, the expectations, and learning to join the dots ✔️ Agile thinking, asking better questions, and why leaders must stop pretending to have all the answers ✔️ Bias, identity, accent, and the reality of being a minority in professional settings ✔️ Why good habits, discipline, curiosity, and optimism matter ✔️ Sathpal’s top pieces of life advice: authenticity, embracing uncertainty, and building strong habits Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more real, reflective conversations with people who challenge old conditioning, ask better questions, and build their lives with curiosity instead of fear. Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/ Follow Sathpal Singh: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/m/in/sathpal/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/visualsath Timestamps: [00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Sathpal [00:45] Sathpal on introducing himself and his early tech background [01:35] Moving from hands-on developer to leadership and strategy [02:26] Product, agile, community building — where he works today [03:35] Why he loves people, psychology, and motivation [05:12] James asks about mindset and whether it came naturally [05:47] Determination, grit, and learning more about himself [08:04] Growing up as the first in his Sikh community to go to university [09:13] Peaks, troughs, limiting beliefs, and connecting the dots later in life [10:20] Mentoring, motivational maps, and helping others unlock potential [11:12] What success means and why expectations matter [12:26] Cultural conditioning and how childhood shapes us [14:09] Optimism, risk, family expectations, and unlearning [17:55] James on mindset, adversity, and reframing disadvantage [19:41] Early conditioning, pressure, comparison, and personal growth [23:21] How their first meeting left both of them energised [25:09] Asking better questions and why conversations matter [27:21] “I don’t know” — why leaders must stop pretending to have all the answers [30:11] Building alignment, solving the right problem, and facilitation [33:35] Leadership behaviours, body language, and trust [36:19] Having people who tell you what you need to hear [38:03] The challenge of saying no and valuing your time [39:16] Knowing when to walk away [40:04] Scarcity vs abundance and helping others succeed [42:18] Cultural insight: Sikh community, identity, and values [46:55] Bias, assumptions, accent, and global experiences [53:17] Slipping into old patterns and mastering yourself [57:02] Sathpal’s ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Untold Truth About Tenders and Trades: Pamela Cunningham’s Fight to Build Again | Episode 39

    The Untold Truth About Tenders and Trades: Pamela Cunningham’s Fight to Build Again | Episode 39
    Dec 29 2025
    Pamela Cunningham didn’t wait for the perfect moment, she built opportunities long before they existed. From helping her husband grow ROSSCO Tiling into a high-end, in-demand business, to launching her own consultancy for small construction companies, Pamela’s story is all about urgency, graft, and backing your ideas before anyone else sees the vision. In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Pamela to uncover the real journey behind her work in procurement, tendering, training, and the reality of building businesses from scratch. From juggling motherhood and a rapidly growing trades business, to navigating industry barriers, to launching an academy the hard way, this conversation digs into resilience, the messy parts of entrepreneurship, and what it actually takes to help small businesses level up. Pamela doesn’t just talk about visibility, growth, or opportunity, she’s lived every inch of it. Whether she’s pushing tradespeople to stop under-pricing themselves, helping them understand the tendering world, challenging outdated systems, or driving change through workforce development, every part of her story comes straight from experience. This episode is full of honesty, real-life industry insight, and the kind of practical lessons that every small construction business owner needs to hear. If you’re in business, in the trades, or trying to grow something from the ground up, this one will hit home. Key moments include: ✔️ James introduces Pamela and asks her to share who she is and what she does ✔️ Pamela on supporting her husband’s early days in ROSSCO Tiling and the reality of growing it ✔️ How their social media visibility began and why positioning was a challenge at first ✔️ Growing the business from splashbacks to full bathrooms to high-end residential and commercial work ✔️ Pamela rebranding the business, creating systems, and helping shift it into a premium offering ✔️ The story behind launching their tiling academy and the barriers they faced with funding and employability support ✔️ The challenges with colleges, councils, public sector procurement, and why small businesses struggle to access help ✔️ Why so many tradespeople lose money on tenders and how to prevent it ✔️ Pamela explains her new programmes: helping businesses become genuinely “tender-ready” ✔️ The accreditation trap: why so many companies pay for certifications they don’t need ✔️ Building a strong workforce before chasing big contracts ✔️ Pamela’s mission to help small businesses win profitable work, not just any work ✔️ The Skilled Trades Network and why she’s creating a space where trades, CITB, councils, and colleges can actually come together ✔️ The reality behind running a family business, managing people, and learning to delegate ✔️ Pamela’s top three pieces of advice: urgency, relationships, and dropping the pressure to have life figured out early Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/ Follow Pamela Cunningham: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pamelaxcun/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelasmeconsultant/ Timestamps: [00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Pamela [00:44] Pamela explains who she is and how visibility became part of her journey [02:10] Early days of helping Ross grow ROSSCO Tiling [06:29] Pamela’s background in procurement and how her idea for supporting small businesses began [11:29] Tendering mistakes small construction companies make [12:41] Why accreditations and certifications are often misunderstood [16:58] Pamela on public vs private sector procurement [19:35] School engagement, careers events, and inspiring young people into trades [22:05] Early growth of ROSSCO Tiling and shifting from bathrooms to specialist work [26:20] Launching the tiling academy and the struggle with funding [31:47] Pamela’s challenges navigating employability support and public sector systems [37:31] Growing the ROSSCO team and developing people [40:58] Pamela’s new programmes: helping businesses become “tender ready” [46:09] The Skilled Trades Network and why she created it [51:54] Pamela’s top three pieces of advice [54:08] Where to find Pamela online
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    55 mins
  • Three Years Bedridden, Then Burnistoun, Outlander and Beyond: Kirsty Strain’s Comeback | Episode 38

    Three Years Bedridden, Then Burnistoun, Outlander and Beyond: Kirsty Strain’s Comeback | Episode 38
    Dec 15 2025

    Kirsty Strain didn’t just find her voice, she rebuilt it from the ground up. From spending her teenage years bedridden with severe illness to performing on the Edinburgh Playhouse stage, starring in hit Scottish TV shows, and coaching leaders on communication, Kirsty’s journey is one of grit, healing, and finding purpose in the most unexpected places.

    In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kirsty to uncover the true story behind the actor, the coach, and the woman who refused to stay silent. From losing her childhood to chronic illness, to rebuilding her life inch by inch, literally relearning how to walk, speak, socialise, and trust herself. This conversation goes deep into resilience, identity, and what it means to finally accept who you are.

    Kirsty doesn’t just talk about confidence, she earned it the hard way. Whether she’s navigating getting knocked down by the flu during drama school, moving to New York with no safety net, or helping CEOs overcome imposter syndrome, every part of her story comes with raw honesty and powerful lessons you won’t forget.

    This episode is filled with vulnerability, Scottish humour, and life-changing insights about fear, communication, self-worth, and the moments that make us. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt behind in life, or struggled to find your voice, this one will hit home.

    Key moments include:

    ✔️ Growing up wild, confident, and carefree, until illness changed everything ✔️ Being bedridden from 17 and losing mobility, social skills, confidence, and identity ✔️ Relearning life: sitting up for 5 minutes, standing at the door, walking to the bus stop ✔️ The emotional toll on her and her parents, including misdiagnosis and financial strain ✔️ Returning to Scottish Youth Theatre and slowly rebuilding confidence ✔️ Getting into Oxford School of Drama and being forced to leave after illness struck again ✔️ Choosing New York anyway and discovering resilience through struggle ✔️ Landing roles in Taggart, Burnistoun, Outlander, River City, Annika, and more ✔️ The comedy show that helped her rediscover joy even while she secretly battled self-doubt ✔️ How COVID led to a major personal breakthrough and deep self-work ✔️ Why she shifted into voice and communication coaching ✔️ Understanding relationships, alignment, presence, and stripping away limiting beliefs ✔️ Helping leaders, actors, and everyday people overcome nerves, fear, and imposter syndrome ✔️ The Rocky philosophy that literally helped save her life ✔️ Her top three pieces of advice (including a powerful Rocky lesson)

    Follow James Fleming:

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast

    Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/

    Follow Kirsty Strain:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kirstystrain/

    Website→ https://www.kirstystrain.com/

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] James opens the episode and welcomes Kirsty [00:44] Kirsty introduces herself: actor, voice coach, unexpected career path [02:25] The illness that changed everything, being bedridden at 17 [12:58] Relearning life: mobility, anxiety, rebuilding from zero [18:45] Youth theatre, college, and slowly stepping back into the world [20:24] Oxford School of Drama and the heartbreak of having to return home [22:00] Choosing New York despite fear, low confidence, and financial struggle [30:50] Returning to the UK and starting from scratch in the acting industry [32:30] Breakthroughs: Taggart, Burnistoun, River City, Outlander [37:58] The one-woman comedy show and the hidden battle with self-criticism [39:21] COVID, setback, and a major personal transformation [51:06] How her coaching methods emerged and why they work [53:10] Who she helps and why communication is about presence, not performance [59:10] Accepting nerves, reframing fear, and building real confidence [01:04:13] Kirsty’s top three life lessons [01:10:05] How to connect with Kirsty
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Redundant at 24, Building a Business Just a Few Years Later: Kieran Taylor’s Story | Episode 37

    Redundant at 24, Building a Business Just a Few Years Later: Kieran Taylor’s Story | Episode 37
    Dec 8 2025
    Kieran Taylor didn’t wait for certainty, he built his business in the middle of chaos. From being made redundant in Aberdeen’s oil crash to launching his own wealth advisory firm with zero clients, Kieran’s journey is all about backing yourself long before the results show up. And despite entering one of the most mistrusted industries in the UK, he set out to do it differently by putting people before products and fighting for the kind of business he believed in. In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kieran to dig into the real story behind Welsh & Taylor Wealth. From redundancy at 24, to battling age prejudice, to fighting tooth and nail through regulatory hurdles, this one’s a powerful lesson in resilience, self-belief, and refusing to quit when things get uncomfortable. Kieran doesn’t just talk about building a business the right way he lives it. Whether it’s guiding clients through turbulence, rebuilding after setbacks, or clashing with mentors before finding harmony, he’s proof that growth happens when you stay committed, stay patient, and keep pushing even when it hurts. This episode is filled with raw honesty, Scottish humour, and proper real-world lessons for anyone trying to carve out a future on their own terms. Key moments include: ✔️ Getting pushed out of oil and gas during the crash and seeing it as a clean slate ✔️ Why he entered financial advice with zero experience and what instantly hooked him ✔️ The harsh reputation of the industry and how he set out to do things differently ✔️ Being 24, lacking credibility, and learning to overcome limiting beliefs ✔️ The early days of struggle: no clients, no clue, just a laptop and a suit ✔️ How niche expertise in oil and gas became their biggest advantage ✔️ His biggest business battle: fighting to go independent and doing 750+ pieces of client advice ✔️ The clash of personalities that nearly derailed his team early on ✔️ What he learned about ego, hiring, and knowing your weaknesses ✔️ Why resilience matters more than talent (and how football taught him that) ✔️ The Buddhist teaching that reframed how he views hardship ✔️ His long-term vision for the firm and the “Welsh & Taylor way” of financial planning ✔️ Why lifestyle planning beats “off-the-shelf” financial advice every time ✔️ The importance of honest conversations, knowing your numbers, and constant improvement ✔️ Kieran’s top 3 pieces of life and business advice simple, tough, and spot on Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built something real, pushed through the messy bits, and kept going long after others quit. Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/ Follow Kieran Taylor: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-taylor-3b672277/ Website → https://www.welshandtaylorwealth.co.uk/ Timestamps: [00:00] James opens the episode and introduces today’s guest [00:48] Kieran introduces himself and the story behind Welsh & Taylor Wealth [02:15] The early advice James gave Kieran before launching the business [02:54] Redundancy in the oil crash the moment everything changed [04:01] Discovering financial advice with zero prior knowledge [05:06] The reality of starting with no clients and no roadmap [07:31] Why the financial advice industry has such a bad reputation [08:39] Overcoming age, credibility, and limiting beliefs [09:45] Niching into oil and gas and why it worked [11:30] The biggest challenge: fighting to go independent [12:34] The Buddhist lesson that reframed how Kieran handles hardship [15:22] Building recurring revenue from scratch [16:22] Learning what a “bad client” looks like [17:44] Becoming a dad and finding a new level of drive [19:07] Why reaching your full potential matters [20:51] Building a team: clashes, lessons, and hiring for strengths [24:04] Bringing in experts and letting go of ego [26:36] “Whether there’s a want to…” finding the how [30:35] The ‘Welsh & Taylor Way’ lifestyle financial planning [33:31] Why advice must be bespoke, not off-the-shelf [35:30] Why retirees often end up returning to work [38:42] What James would actually do in “retirement” [39:33] The two mentors who shaped James’s career [43:22] Owning mistakes, knowing your numbers, and constant improvement [45:17] Moving 750 clients over the scale of going independent [46:47] Keeping speed, service, and the “Amazon culture” [47:40] Adapt or die why evolution matters in business [50:04] Kieran’s top three pieces of advice for life and business [52:55] How to connect with Kieran
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    54 mins
  • From Cage Fighting at 16 to Scotland’s Indie Film Uprising: The Real Story of Kyle McGuinness | Episode 36

    From Cage Fighting at 16 to Scotland’s Indie Film Uprising: The Real Story of Kyle McGuinness | Episode 36
    Dec 1 2025
    Kyle McGuinness didn’t wait for someone to hand him a role, he built his own path, picked up a camera, learned every skill he didn’t yet have, and carved out a place for himself in Scotland’s rising indie film scene. From primary school drama clubs to cage fighting at 16, selling DVDs in high school, working in construction, and eventually stepping back into acting through sheer persistence, Kyle’s journey is anything but linear. But every chapter, the discipline from martial arts, the entrepreneurial spirit, the graft, the setbacks, and the moments of doubt all shaped the filmmaker and actor he’s becoming today. In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kyle to unpack the real story behind Production Hoose and the years of graft that led to it. From shooting short films during lockdown and learning cinematography from scratch, to working on Bollywood sets, appearing on The Rig, building KMG Media, and pushing Scotland’s indie film industry forward, Kyle’s story is a lesson in taking action long before you feel ready. Kyle doesn’t just talk about opportunity, he creates the opportunities for himself. Whether it’s learning every role behind the camera, building a business to fund his own films, or refusing to let peer pressure or circumstance derail his passion a second time, he’s proof that resilience compounds when you stay on your path. This episode is full of real storytelling, Scottish humour, and honest insight into what it actually takes to keep going when nobody is coming to save you. Key moments include: ✔️ How Production Hoose began and why Kyle learned every part of filmmaking himself ✔️ Shooting his first short during the 48 Hour Film Festival ✔️ Leveling up to cinema-quality gear and submitting films to festivals ✔️ The childhood drama club that sparked everything ✔️ Peer pressure, leaving acting behind, and how martial arts shaped his discipline ✔️ Fighting MMA at 16 and how it built resilience ✔️ His early entrepreneurial side hustles ✔️ Re-entering acting, signing with an extras agency, and landing a Bollywood set moment ✔️ Appearing in The Rig and what it taught him about being on set ✔️ How KMG Media now funds their films and expands opportunities ✔️ The struggle of Scotland’s indie film scene and why he’s determined to help build a middle ground ✔️ The moment he knew filmmaking was his path and why he refuses to wait for permission ✔️ The three pieces of advice he’d give to anyone pursuing acting or film ✔️ James and Kyle’s shared belief in resilience, discipline, and never waiting for the “right time” Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who choose action over excuses. Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/ Follow Kyle McGuinness: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kylemcguinnessofficial Company Instagram Page → https://www.instagram.com/productionhoose Company Website → https://www.productionhoose.com Timestamps: [00:00] James opens the episode and introduces Kyle [00:54] Kyle explains how Production Hoose began [02:00] Learning filmmaking during lockdown and building skills from scratch [03:36] Making their first short and entering the 48 Hour Film Festival [04:37] Leveling up equipment and submitting films internationally [05:13] James compares Kyle’s journey to Concrete Jungle [06:22] Kyle on passion, collaboration, and learning the funding process [07:48] Why Kyle refuses crowdfunding [08:04] Creating KMG Media to fund their films [09:59] Going back to Kyle’s early years: drama club, family life and a supportive teacher [12:04] Peer pressure and stepping away from acting [12:37] MMA, discipline and early fights [13:47] A documentary idea he keeps under wraps [14:06] Working in business development and early entrepreneurship [15:58] Building something bigger than himself [16:47] Why Scotland needs a stronger indie film ecosystem [17:22] The moment acting called him back [18:34] Acting school and signing with an extras agency [19:02] Landing a Bollywood role by accident [21:32] Seeing the film with his dad before he passed [22:49] James shares his own extra experience on Star Wars [24:22] Kyle’s short appearance on The Rig [25:46] The mindset behind his resilience and persistence [27:02] Why he believes this is his path [28:21] James on confidence, fear, and learning through doing [29:55] Living like the person you want to become [31:37] James on his own journey and morning routines [38:05] Why Kyle refuses to give up on his path [39:53] The vision for Production Hoose and upcoming projects [40:50] Creating trailers to spark demand [42:44] How networking can create the “lucky...
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    52 mins
  • A Brain Aneurysm, Bosses that Bully and a Big Wake-Up Call for Anne Hughes | Episode 35

    A Brain Aneurysm, Bosses that Bully and a Big Wake-Up Call for Anne Hughes | Episode 35
    Nov 24 2025

    Anne Hughes didn’t plan to become a consultant, or a speaker, or a radio host, or even an entrepreneur but life had other plans.

    After surviving a brain aneurysm in 2017 and enduring one of the worst bosses of her career, Anne made a life-altering decision: no more compromising, no more tolerating nonsense, and no more high heels for the sake of hierarchy.

    In this raw and energising episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Anne to unpack what happens when you stop trying to fit in and start following your purpose. From being raised in a working-class family in Govan, to leading in the charity sector for nearly three decades, to walking away from the wrong people (even if it means losing the job), Anne’s story is packed with honesty, defiance, and a whole lot of wisdom.

    She shares how a brush with death completely rewired her mindset, why working with aligned people matters more than the pay check, and how she now helps organisations fix cultures from the inside out with humour, truth, and unapologetic authenticity.

    This one’s for the women who’ve been called “too much,” for the accidental entrepreneurs, and for anyone who’s ever had to walk away to find peace.

    Key moments include: ✔️ The aneurysm that changed everything and why Anne never saw life the same again ✔️ From corporate burnout to freedom: why she walked out and never looked back ✔️ Her ‘accidental’ leap into consulting and the boss that pushed her over the edge ✔️ Building a business on purpose, not pressure ✔️ Reclaiming her voice in rooms full of middle-class men ✔️ Why charity boards often miss the point and how to fix toxic governance ✔️ Why Anne never stays where she’s not valued and how you can do the same ✔️ The power of network, follow-up, and not taking things personally ✔️ The importance of bringing your full self- accent, attitude, and all

    Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more unfiltered conversations with people who’ve faced life’s toughest moments and chose to build anyway.

    Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → James Fleming Instagram → @successorexcusespodcast YouTube → Success or Excuses Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/

    Follow Anne Hughes: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/anne-hughes Website → https://www.annehughesignite.co.uk/

    Timestamps: [00:00] James welcomes Anne to the podcast [01:00] Who is Anne Hughes? A proud working-class woman on a mission [03:00] Finding her purpose and the influence of Wayne Dyer [07:00] Why she doesn't call herself an entrepreneur (but absolutely is one) [09:00] The brain aneurysm that flipped her life upside down [11:00] Leaving a toxic boss and how high heels played a part [13:00] Starting a freelance career… by accident [16:00] Why she never compromises on who she works with [17:30] Realising her media work and consultancy were the same journey [20:00] Abundance mindset: from poverty to possibilities [23:00] Coaching, consulting, radio shows, building a portfolio career [25:00] Thoughts on inequality in leadership [29:00] Why women have been taught to lead like men and the impact of Thatcher [33:00] The shift in male-dominated industries (and how more women are changing the conversation) [36:00] Losing her mum young and becoming the first in her family to go to university [39:00] Why she’ll never retire: staying on purpose for life [42:00] Culture over strategy and why bad leadership ruins good missions [45:00] Empowering teams starts with their own vision [47:00] Why she walks away from misaligned clients (and isn’t sorry) [50:00] Boardroom egos, good intentions, and governance gone wrong [52:00] What charities can learn from private sector leadership [54:00] The power of value alignment and standing firm in your identity [56:00] Anne’s top 3 pieces of advice, including the one thing she knows for sure
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • When His Brother Died, Kevin Crawfords Perspective Changed Forever | Episode 34

    When His Brother Died, Kevin Crawfords Perspective Changed Forever | Episode 34
    Nov 17 2025

    Kevin Crawford doesn’t shout about success, he builds it quietly, deliberately, and on his own terms.

    From humble beginnings in Fife to becoming one of the most respected figures in construction and housing, Kevin’s journey is a masterclass in doing things differently. He didn’t chase hype. He didn’t cut corners. He simply stuck to his values, backed his instincts, and built a business that not only grows but gives back.

    In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Kevin to talk about the long game. From walking away from comfortable jobs to setting up his own company, building multi-million-pound developments, and creating partnerships that work, this one’s all about quiet leadership, real impact, and legacy over ego.

    Kevin opens up about grief, risk, family, and what it really means to leave something behind that matters. It’s a story of loyalty, lessons, and the kind of mindset that gets stronger with every setback. If you’re not in this just for the quick win, this one’s for you.

    Key moments include: ✔️ Growing up in Fife, leaving uni, and figuring it out through experience ✔️ Why he left a great job at the worst possible time and never looked back ✔️ Starting from scratch, funding projects, and learning the ropes ✔️ The pressure of being financially responsible for your team and your family ✔️ Grief, perspective, and the moment everything changed ✔️ Why long-term partnerships and trust are at the core of his work ✔️ Creating developments that actually make a difference in communities ✔️ The risks people don’t see and how to stay grounded when the stakes are high ✔️ What legacy means to him and why it’s more than money ✔️ Kevin’s three pieces of advice for anyone playing the long game

    Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more honest conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and underdogs who’ve kept going when others gave up.

    Follow James Fleming: LinkedIn → James Fleming Instagram → @successorexcusespodcast YouTube → Success or Excuses Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/

    Follow Kevin Crawford: LinkedIn → Kevin Crawford

    Company Website → https://crawfordarchitecture.co.uk/

    Email → kevin@crawfordarchitecture.co.uk

    Timestamps: [00:00] Welcome and intro, James introduces Kevin Crawford [02:00] Leaving university, joining the industry, and learning by doing [04:30] Taking the leap into business and why timing doesn’t need to be perfect [07:00] Building Crawford Architecture and securing early clients [10:00] Funding developments and the weight of financial pressure [12:30] Losing his brother and how it changed everything [16:00] Grief, growth, and why you can’t wait for the perfect time [18:00] Partnering with the right people and building trust over transactions [22:00] What legacy means to Kevin and why the work speaks louder than words [25:00] Advice for entrepreneurs who are in it for the long haul [28:00] Final thoughts, values, and keeping perspective at every level
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    1 hr and 4 mins