In this episode, former England international rugby player Luther Burrell shares his journey from professional sports to philanthropy, discussing identity, race, and mental wellbeing.

He reflects on his transition from elite sports, the challenges of finding purpose post-retirement, and the importance of networking and community impact.

Luther emphasises the power of honesty, resilience, and creating positive change through his foundation.

Luther Burrell, rugby, identity, race, mental wellbeing, philanthropy, transition, networking, community impact, resilience

1. Good people will find good people.
2. Throw mud at the wall until the good thing sticks.
3. Be honest with yourself.
4. No one is coming to you with a magic wand.
5. Those that you meet on the way up, you'll meet on the way back down.
6. Power of deconstructing yourself.
7. Always have a no dickhead policy, but stress test this ASAP.
8. The importance of breathing.
9. Focus on the controllables.
10. A problem shared is a problem halved.

00:00 Introduction to Luther Burrell

03:15 Life After Professional Sport

08:30 Survival Mode: The Transition Challenge

15:11 Asking for Help: Breaking Down Barriers

21:06 What Do I Have to Offer?

30:22 Building High-Performing Teams

32:56 Building a Culture of Accountability

34:48 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

37:30 Navigating Racism in Sports

42:28 The Impact of Philanthropy and Community Work

50:23 Transformative Power of Sport

57:04 Inspiring the Next Generation

In this reflective episode, PJ and Andy pause to mark a milestone: 21 episodes down.

What started in June 2025 with a simple decision - “let’s just press go” - has become a powerful lesson in momentum, confidence, and learning through action.

They explore why perfection is often the enemy of progress, how confidence is built through doing (not thinking), and why most people underestimate the value of simply staying in the game.

From Roger Federer winning just 53% of the points he ever played, to the importance of lead vs lag measures, mental fitness, trusting your gut, and protecting your time - this conversation is a grounded, honest look at what really moves things forward.

This isn’t a how-to episode. It’s a perspective shift.

A reminder that clarity can come after motion - not before it.

------

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Momentum creates clarity - not the other way around

Waiting to feel “ready” keeps most people stuck. Pressing go creates feedback, confidence, and direction you can’t think your way into.

2️⃣ You’ve got to be able to fail to win

Roger Federer won just 53% of the points he ever played. The difference wasn’t perfection - it was his ability to reset and play the next point.

3️⃣ Confidence is evidence-based

Real confidence doesn’t come from affirmations.

It comes from giving the world irrefutable proof that you are who you say you are — by showing up and doing the work.

4️⃣ Consistency beats intensity

Some days are 100%.

Some days are 5%.

Doing something keeps momentum alive — and momentum compounds.

5️⃣ Lead measures matter more than money (early on)

Downloads, conversations, invitations, engagement, feedback - these are signs you’re moving in the right direction long before revenue appears.

6️⃣ Protect your time like it’s your most valuable asset

Because it is.

Time is often given away to people, jobs and tasks that don’t serve us - and we rarely get it back.

7️⃣ Don’t do it alone

Ideas grow faster - and more safely - when shared. Having someone alongside you helps challenge blind spots, build belief, and avoid isolation.

🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

• Anyone sitting on an idea

• Founders and creators early in the journey

• People struggling with confidence or overthinking

• Anyone who feels stuck waiting for “the right time”

• Those navigating change without a clear rulebook

🧠 CORE THEMES

• Pressing go

• Momentum vs perfection

• Confidence through action

• Failure and resilience

• Mental fitness

• Trusting your gut

• Time, energy and priorities

• Learning on the job

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage: The Journey Begins

02:42 Momentum and Growth: The Power of Starting

05:21 Learning Through Experience: The Value of Failure

08:17 Defining Success: Beyond Financial Metrics

11:10 Time Management: Prioritizing What Matters

14:34 Trusting Your Gut: Navigating Risks in Business

17:15 The Importance of Community and Feedback

20:08 Physical and Mental Fitness: Foundations for Success

22:57 Iterating and Evolving: What’s Next for the Podcast?

25:48 Final Thoughts: Encouragement for Aspiring Creators

Summary

In this episode, siblings Peggy and Will Crawford discuss their unique career paths and shared experiences.

Peggy, a data analyst and semi-pro poker player, shares insights into the poker world and her journey in content creation.

Will, founder of Quiet Note, talks about integrating mindfulness and music to improve mental wellbeing.

They explore the challenges and rewards of their respective fields, emphasising resilience, passion, and the importance of mental health.

The conversation also touches on their supportive sibling relationship and future aspirations.

Let's get into it.

Keywords

siblings, poker, mindfulness, mental wellbeing, content creation, resilience, passion, mental health, Quietnote, career paths

Takeaways

• Peggy Crawford is a data analyst and poker player.
• Will founded Quiet Note, focusing on mindfulness and music.
• Resilience and passion are key to success.
• Mental health is a priority for both siblings.
• Peggy shares insights into the poker world.
• Will integrates music and mindfulness for wellbeing.
• The siblings support each other's careers.
• Future aspirations include expanding their ventures.
• They emphasise the importance of mental health.
• The conversation highlights their unique career paths.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Crawfords

01:21 Peggy's Journey in Poker and Data Analysis

03:51 Will's Mindfulness and Music Business

06:53 Daily Routines and Work-Life Balance

09:49 Innovative Approaches to Mental Health

12:36 Sibling Dynamics and Collaboration

15:22 The Intersection of Poker and Strategy

18:06 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

20:38 Mindset and Resilience in Business

23:25 The Importance of Patience and Purpose

28:39 Rituals and Habits for Grounding

32:33 Mindfulness in Poker and Life

36:05 Building Community Through Poker

39:52 Future Aspirations in Poker and Business

44:21 Advice for the Next Generation

In this episode of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Doug Wright MBE DL - a man whose life reads like a masterclass in resilience and service.

Doug shares how he went from failing his exams and disappointing his parents to finding purpose on 93p an hour at McDonald’s, becoming the youngest restaurant manager, and then having his world turned upside down after a devastating car accident that left him temporarily paralysed from the neck down.

He talks candidly about the charities that supported his family during that time, how that shaped his lifelong commitment to giving back, and how he eventually became a McDonald’s franchisee with just £612 to his name, growing to 26 restaurants across the West Midlands.

Doug opens up about:

• The Kids Village project – a UK-first respite holiday village for seriously ill children and their families – and how they’ve just raised £5.3m, opening three years ahead of schedule.

• Why his two non-negotiables are “honest and hardworking”, and how “why wouldn’t we?” became the heart of his culture.

• What he’s learned from mentoring hundreds of business owners, his time as High Sheriff of the West Midlands, and why he believes sport and food are the international languages of connection.

• The advice he’d give to 16-year-old Doug after that first shift cleaning toilets: “Well done fella – keep going, be yourself, and don’t do it alone.”

If you care about people-first leadership, community impact and staying positive in the hardest moments, this one will stay with you.

------

Key Takeaways

• Resilience isn’t theory – it’s lived: Doug broke his neck at 20 and was told he might never walk again. That moment became his lightbulb: if I get through this, I’ll use my life as a force for good.

• Someone believing in you can change everything: McDonald’s gave him a chance when he was “pretty much unemployable”. That belief is now the core of how he hires, leads, and mentors.

• From 93p an hour to 26 restaurants: With just £612 and one bank willing to back him, Doug built a multi-restaurant franchise, employing 66,000 people over 44 years.

• Two H’s and two promises: If you bring Honest and Hardworking, Doug promises you’ll be made to feel valued and special.

• Why wouldn’t we? Instead of shutting people out because they don’t fit a rigid corporate rulebook, Doug’s default is to ask “Why wouldn’t we?” – especially around flexible work and opportunity.

• Retention > recruitment: Hospitality has huge staff turnover. Doug flipped the model – investing heavily in retention, development and trust instead of endlessly chasing new hires.

• Articulate the WHY before you shake the bucket: In charity work (Ronald McDonald House, Kids Village), Doug doesn’t start with asking for money. He starts with a compelling why, builds love for the cause, then shows clear impact.

• Third-party advocacy beats self-promotion: Let the people you serve tell the story – families, children, and community voices are more powerful than any CEO speech.

• Sport and food as international languages: Sport (and a good meal) can bring people together across cultures, languages and divides – especially in an “angry world”.

• Advice to young people (and 16-year-old Doug): Be yourself, be proud of what you’re doing, protect your mental health, step away from social media, and don’t try to do life alone.

-----

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Doug Wright's Journey

01:17 The Kids Village Initiative

05:48 Early Life and Career Beginnings

12:17 Overcoming Adversity: The Accident

15:20 Recovery and Ambitions

17:09 Becoming a McDonald's Franchisee

18:51 Building a Business and Non-Negotiables

19:43 Transforming Workplace Culture

23:43 The Journey of Growth and Community Engagement

26:55 Mentorship and Empowering the Next Generation

31:43...

Summary

In this uplifting and deeply honest conversation, Becca Horley shares the journey behind her award-winning legal career and the personal transformation that shaped it. From feeling “stuck” and disconnected to redefining her identity through fitness, fashion, boundaries and self-respect, Becca opens up about what it really takes to build a happier, more confident life.

She talks vision boards, daily habits, confidence vs. comparison, being first-gen in law, resilience through loneliness, and how young talent can thrive in today’s workplace. This episode is packed with energy, vulnerability, and practical mindset shifts you can use immediately.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up more boldly in the world - or how to help the next generation flourish - this one is for you.

Key Takeaways

Create who you want to become.

Becca literally wrote a list of what a “happy, successful woman” looked like - then started behaving like her before she felt like her.

Small habits change everything.

Daily movement, ironing your clothes, cooking fresh food, better sleep - “tiny promises kept to yourself” build deep self-respect.

Authenticity is a strength, not a risk.

Fashion, colour, self-expression - the freedom to show up as yourself makes you better at work and life.

Boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re essential.

Saying “no” protects your energy and stops you letting yourself down in the name of pleasing others.

Confidence grows in quiet places.

Becca shares the power (and cost) of doing the work alone - and how connection, movement, and purpose help battle loneliness.

Keywords

Confidence. Boundaries. Self-growth. Habits. Personal branding. Authenticity. Legal career. Young professionals. Mentoring. Resilience. Wellbeing. Vision boards. LinkedIn. Burnout prevention. Self-care. Purpose. Career development.

Chapters

00:00 — Opening Quote: The List That Started It All

00:30 — Setting Up the Conversation

01:00 — Who Is Becca Horley? A Vibrant LinkedIn Voice

02:00 — The Real Story Behind the Awards

03:00 — Feeling Stuck & Starting Again

04:30 — How Fitness Became a Turning Point

06:00 — Building Confidence Through Tiny Daily Habits

07:30 — The Vision Board Ritual & Manifesting Change

09:30 — Why Fashion Is Becca’s Form of Self-Expression

11:30 — Standing Out vs. Fitting In

13:00 — Finding Yourself Again After Low Moments

15:00 — Crafting Boundaries & Saying No With Confidence

17:30 — The Power of Self-Promises & Routine

19:00 — Why Law? And Why Birmingham?

22:00 — The Value of University & Becoming Independent

24:30 — Building Confidence in the Next Generation

27:00 — The Painful Reality of Not Having a Mentor

30:00 — Persistence: Hundreds of Emails Before a Yes

32:00 — Fletcher's Group & The Importance of Community

34:00 — What Becca Actually Finds Tough

36:00 — Dealing With Loneliness & Recharging

38:00 — Podcasts, Mindset, and Feeling Better Daily

40:00 — Public Speaking, New Challenges & What’s Next

42:00 — The Importance of Being Proud Out Loud

45:00 — Advice for Employers: Don’t Cap Young People’s Ambition

47:00 — Final Reflections & Closing

In this episode, two young entrepreneurs, Rhiannon Fry and Abbi Evans, share their journeys of building businesses in their teens.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the role of education in preparing for real-world experiences.

The conversation also touches on the influence of family and mentors, the significance of social media in modern business, and the value of taking risks and pursuing passions.

Bring it on.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, resilience, social media, education, young founders, business challenges, mentorship, risk-taking, personal growth, modern business

Takeaways

• Building a business at any age requires courage and creativity.
• Resilience is key to overcoming daily challenges in entrepreneurship.
• Education often lacks practical life skills needed for business.
• Social media is a powerful tool for modern businesses.
• Taking risks can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
• Mentorship and family support are crucial for young entrepreneurs.
• Balancing sports and business can be challenging but rewarding.
• Networking and real-world experiences are invaluable for growth.
• Young entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives and tech-savviness.
• Pursuing passions can lead to fulfilling and successful careers.

Sound bites

Building a business in your 20s requires courage.

Resilience is key to overcoming challenges.

Education lacks practical life skills for business.

Social media is a powerful tool for business.

Taking risks leads to personal growth.

Mentorship is crucial for young entrepreneurs.

Balancing sports and business is rewarding.

Networking is invaluable for growth.

Young entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives.

Pursuing passions leads to success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Young Founders' Journeys

03:30 Navigating Business in Your 20s

06:09 The Importance of Life Skills in Education

08:54 Resilience and Motivation in Entrepreneurship

11:09 Finding Your Niche in Business

13:57 Inspiration and Role Models

16:54 Marketing Strategies for Young Entrepreneurs

19:31 Wow Moments and Progress in Business

26:56 Celebrating Small Wins

27:48 The Journey of Continuous Growth

29:21 Dream Clients and Projects

32:41 The Importance of Networking

35:18 Advice for the Next Generation

38:22 Parenting in a Digital Age

40:54 Reflections on Personal Growth

44:38 The Role of Screen Time Limits

48:47 Overcoming Procrastination

Summary

In this episode, Iain McCallister, CEO of Man Commercial Protection, shares his journey of building a successful security business.

He emphasises the importance of focusing on one thing and doing it well, as encapsulated in his mantra, 'Dig one hole, dig it deep.'

Iain discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading a company through acquisitions, maintaining a strong company culture, and the role of technology in the security industry.

Takeaways

• Leadership under pressure is about staying calm and focused.
• Building a business requires digging one hole and digging it deep.
• Company culture is crucial for long-term success.
• Technology plays a significant role in modern security.
• Acquisitions are challenging but necessary for growth.
• Trust is the most important asset in business.
• Consistency and discipline are key to success.
• Investing in people leads to company growth.
• Communication is vital in large organisations.
• There is no end game; always strive for more.

Keywords

Iain McCallister, Man Commercial Protection, security business, leadership, company culture, technology, acquisitions

Chapter List

00:00:38

Introduction to Iain McCallister and Man Commercial Protection

00:01:10

Leadership Under Pressure

00:02:44

Growth and Acquisitions

00:05:47

The Beginnings: From School to Security

00:07:06

Lessons in Discipline and Consistency

00:09:48

Challenges and Defining Moments

00:11:40

The Philosophy of No End Game

00:14:24

Building a Strong Company Culture

00:17:34

The Evolution of the Security Industry

00:19:17

Embracing Technology and AI

00:22:48

High-Profile Events and Trust

00:24:23

Measuring Success and KPIs

00:27:01

The Importance of Truth and Trust

00:29:03

Developing Talent and Confidence

00:31:16

Staying Focused and Moving Forward

**Summary**

In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on episodes 7 through 11, discussing themes of resilience, opportunity, and self-belief.

They highlight conversations with guests Paul Faulkner, Latoyah Thompson, Sam Dell, Richard Parker, Sharon Bell and Katey Martin, exploring topics such as the importance of storytelling, networking, and embracing change.

The episode also touches on the power of mentorship, the role of music in education, and the significance of empathy and unity in personal and professional growth.

Keywords

resilience, opportunity, self-belief, storytelling, networking, mentorship, music education, empathy, unity

Takeaways

• Resilience and opportunity are key themes across episodes.
• Storytelling is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Networking can open unexpected doors and opportunities.
• Mentorship benefits both the mentor and the mentee.
• Music education enhances teamwork and confidence.
• Empathy and unity are vital in building strong relationships.
• Embracing change leads to personal and professional growth.
• Self-belief is essential in overcoming challenges.
• Taking action is more impactful than overthinking.
• Diverse experiences contribute to a richer life.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Resilience and Opportunity

06:52 The Power of Storytelling and Personal Connections

13:45 Networking: Building Relationships for Success

20:24 Collaboration and Mentorship in Growth

24:34 Embracing Change and Curiosity in Careers

27:14 The Importance of Music in Childhood

27:35 Resilience and Agility in Learning

28:18 The Power of Storytelling and Empathy

30:17 Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Fear

32:47 Lessons from Law Enforcement and Leadership

35:08 Empathy and Effective Communication

37:24 Modeling Behavior in Parenting

38:44 Navigating Conversations with Care

41:20 Unity and the Importance of Being Seen

43:20 Creating Opportunities Through Connection