In this episode, Irene, an Egyptian-British professional who has lived in many countries around the world explores the “mosaic of cultures” she is. Irene is of Egyptian origin but was born in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), where she lived the first fifteen years of her life. After that, she spent the rest of her life between Egypt, the UAE, the UK, and Albania for work, family, and study. She lived in Preston between 2016 and 2023 where she worked as an Executive Coach and Talent Consultant for individuals and organisations as well as an MBA Student Coach at UCLAN University. This episode is a fascinating journey through the various cultures that have become part of Irene’s life and character and her professional endeavour as an Executive, Life and Team Coach aiming to help individuals, teams, and organisations to raise their courageous authentic leadership through greater conscious awareness and to “choose with intent”.

If you want to know more about her coaching services, principles and values, follow this link: https://www.sightcet.com/

Interview content:

[00:03]: Irene’s profession: a life and business coach

[00:05]: The principles informing Irene’s coaching work

[00:08]: The role of culture in a person’s life and profession

[00:10]: We are a mosaic of cultures, and we should “choose with intent”

[00:12]: Resisting the consciousness journey

[00:15]: Irene’s mosaic of cultures: Saudi Arabia, the UK, Egypt, the UAE

[00:23]: Starting a life in Preston

[00:26]: Leaving Preston and relocating in Albania

[00:27]: Learning about British youth through a coaching job at the university

[00:31]: Co-creating the next generation of future leaders

[00:33]: The meaning of Egypt for Irene

[00:35]: Egypt at the eyes of British people

[00:38]: Feeling of belonging

[00:41]: Home for Irene

In this episode, Marjan, a Dutch sculptor who has been in the UK for more than four decades, explores Lancashire landscape and society through the eyes of an artist and active citizen. Arrived in Liverpool for the first time in 1978, for a summer voluntary work opportunity, she returned in 1979 for what she thought was going to be a gap year. However, she remained in the UK and eventually set her roots in Darwen. An established artist in the local, national and international scene, her attachment to Lancashire can be appreciated through her art, often inspired by the local landscape and culture. She is also an active citizen aspiring to make a difference through her involvement in the local community of Darwen.

If you want to know more about Marjan’s art, follow these links:

· Website: https://www.marjanwouda.com/public-sculpture/dandy

· Instagram (marjan wouda sculpture): www.instagram.com/marjanwoudasculpture)

· Facebook: @marjan.wouda.sculpture

Interview content:

[00:03]: Arriving in England the first time

[00:06]: About losing control in life and art

[00:08]: England a place where all things seemed to be possible

[00:11]: Life and landscapes in Darwen

[00:14]: The social history of post-industrial cities in Lancashire

[00:16]: Life in the little village of Aduard, in the Netherlands

[00:19]: Childhood memories in a farm

[00:20]: Marjan’s art in Lancashire and beyond

[00:22]: Sources of inspiration and meanings of Marjan’s art

[00:27]: The role of art in Marjan’s life

[00:29]: The responsibilities of an artist and a citizen

[00:30]: Learning about British society through a gardening club and a refugee group

[00:34]: The pros and cons of of a globalised world

[00:35]: Has British society changed in the last forty years?

[00:36]: The Netherlands for Marjan

[00:39]: Feeling of belonging

In this episode, Gosha, a Polish artist who arrived in Lancashire twenty years ago, recollects her story of adaptation to and integration with the local society. In her early twenties, Gosha left Poland hitchhiking, with the goal to go to Portugal for a holiday. She never arrived in Portugal: in Spain she met a British man who then became her partner and father of her son. After a few years in Spain, they moved to Clitheroe, a place that soon became Gosha’s new home. A gifted artist, Gosha feels she has a responsibility towards the world, namely to fill it with colours and positive energy and spread the love she feels when she creates. If you want to know more about Gosha’s art, follow this link: https://www.goshagibek.com/

Interview content:

[00:03]: How she left Poland for a dream destination in Portugal and ended up in Clitheroe

[00:05]: Clitheroe: first impressions and 20 years of life there

[00:08]: Getting to know Clitheroe as a mother: the park and playgroups

[00:11]: Growing up in Świebodzice, Poland

[00:14]: Assimilating to British culture and society: process and feelings

[00:17]: Family and in-betweenness

[00:18]: Dealing with the feelings of the family who has remained behind

[00:21]: Chasing the dream of being an artist

[00:23]: Synaesthesia: life in colours

[00:28]: Gosha’s artwork

[00:32]: The meaning of art in Gosha’s life and her responsibility as an artist for the world

[00:34]: The opportunities brought by the COVID pandemic

[00:38]: Learning about British society: law abiding and trusting in their government

[00:41]: Feeling of belonging

[00:43]: Returning to Poland