Screw It Just DO It with Alex Chisnall

How did a 22-year-old woman from Wokingham who had previously only climbed trees become the youngest British woman to climb Everest at 29,000 feet?   Bonita Norris attended University where the speaker talked about climbing Everest 11 times and mentioned they reached the summit and saw the curvature of the Earth. Bonita knew she had to see that with her own eyes.   During the six months leading up to her Everest expedition, she faced the daunting task of securing £50,000 for the climb. Cold calling for sponsorships proved challenging.   Bonita describes the struggles, rejections, and the toll it took on her. She faced scepticism from friends and family, who deemed her goal unrealistic.   Visualisation became a powerful tool for Bonita during this challenging period. Each night before sleep, she visualised reaching the summit of Everest with her team, seeing the curvature of the Earth.   This mental image served as a source of motivation, preventing her from giving up on her dream. Her determination, resilience, and creativity that she applied to overcome financial hurdles and secure the sponsorship required her Everest expedition.

Having launched the business from his brother's spare room in a converted garage for 14 months with just £500 and transformed it into a thriving £100 million business empire.   Simon Gardiner initially planned to earn money for a couple of years to launch an online retail business in men's clothing. However, he ended up in a recruitment role, which despite being challenging, turned out to be financially rewarding.   However, Simon went through a significant setback during the recession, which posed financial challenges for his business. His family, friends and external observers were sceptical about the viability of the venture.   Simon's experience during the recession becomes a pivotal point in his entrepreneurial journey, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.   This period of struggle likely played a crucial role in shaping Simon's mindset and approach to business, emphasising the importance of perseverance and strategic decision-making.

Charles Black has been a space enthusiast since childhood and it's been his dream to build a space television network that films in space.   Charles envisioned a space-centric platform back in the 1990s when the world wasn't quite ready for such a revolutionary concept—no internet, no social media.   Despite the technological constraints, Charles, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit cultivated since age 16, navigated a diverse career path. Throughout this journey, he held steadfast to his cosmic dream.   Charles' intriguing encounter with a four-leaf clover, was a serendipitous sign that solidified his commitment and purpose in pursuing his dream.   Fast forward to today, Charles has launched his life-long dream of space TV by streaming real-time videos from space for the benefit of all humanity.   As he extends his reach to the Moon and beyond, Charles envisions an independent media for humanity, shaping our collective understanding of the cosmos and its profound impact on our lives.

Growing up, the idea of being an entrepreneur wasn't the norm, especially with an Asian background. The path often paved involved choosing prestigious banks, renowned accountancy and consultancy firms-a well-trodden route for Raj Thiruchelvarajah's family.   Raj kicked off his career in a big accountancy firm before venturing into banking management consultancy, accumulating about 15 years of experience.   However, Raj reached a point where he questioned the trajectory of his life. As he looked at his role and pondered whether was it about money or power.   This pivotal moment led him to take a year-long sabbatical, a period of self-reflection that clarified his desire to break free and create something of his own.   Under his leadership in Hytro in creating the first widely available BFR products but has also secured partnerships with top rugby and football teams, as well as well-known sportsmen like Cam Noorie and Sam Warburton.   Raj desired to chart his course, run his own business, and make a meaningful impact.

Simon Leslie, a business entrepreneur, shares the journey of transforming a struggling football club into a beacon of hope and positivity. Topics include unique strategies, player recovery technologies, shaping athletes for life after football, self-care, and leaving worries at the 'worry tree'. Leslie's story is a reminder that transformation is possible, no matter where you start.

Starting from working in chilly weather as a labourer to dressing up as a mermaid and hosting major festival stages, Jim Cregan's journey is a rollercoaster of unexpected twists.   After hitting a low point and deciding that festivals and labour weren't his calling, Jim headed to Australia for a breather. It was there, in a random petrol station, that he stumbled upon ready-to-drink iced coffee and fell in love with its coolness.   Returning to the UK, Jim, along with his sister Suze, took a leap of faith and founded Jimmy's Iced Coffee in 2011. Before hitting the shelves of Selfridge's, they tested their creation on surfers and tired binmen, proving that their iced coffee was a hit.   With hard work and boundless enthusiasm, they turned their vision into a thriving business. Jimmy's Iced Coffee became a household name found in stores all over the UK.   Fast forward to July 2023, and Jim and Suze made a big decision. They sold Jimmy’s Iced Coffee to Britvic, a soft drinks giant, but here's the twist—they're not saying goodbye. Jim and Suze are staying on as ambassadors to guide the brand's future.

This isn't your typical success story.   In today's spotlight, we have the incredible Leroy Kincaide, a name synonymous with the wrestling world, now making waves in the film industry.   Leroy shares the unique moment that sparked an unexpected passion for writing, turning what seemed like a detour into a transformative path toward storytelling.   A man who once dominated the wrestling arena found a new addiction – not to the roar of the crowd, but to the silent power of words on a page. His writing became a personal renaissance, reigniting a dormant light from his youth.   Leroy sheds light on his journey as a high-functioning autistic, offering a unique perspective on creativity, perseverance, and the beauty found in neurodiversity.   Leroy's journey teaches us that our weakest abilities can evolve into our strongest assets.   We explore the life, achievements, and ongoing transformation of Leroy Kincaide – a true creative force breaking barriers and proving that the most profound stories are not just told but lived.

With over 50 years of history, Pacha has become an iconic brand known for its world-class nightclubs, electrifying events, and thriving community of passionate fans.   Our guest, Sanjay Nandi, offers a glimpse into his remarkable journey from a career in finance to becoming the driving force behind Pacha’s continued success & recent sale to Dubai Holdings Company for over £350 Million.   Learn how he made the bold decision to switch industries, leaving the world of private equity to follow his passion for hospitality.   You’ll also hear about some of the most unforgettable moments at Pacha, from legendary DJs to unforgettable parties and the tight-knit family of staff who keep the magic alive.    His dedication to preserving the heritage of the brand while embracing innovation shines through his pursuit of technology and community engagement.   He’s now the CEO of The Lio Group, with spectacular venues in Ibiza, Mallorca, Mykonos and London, with many more to follow.   If you’re curious about the inner workings of an iconic brand and the mind of a CEO who’s leading the way in the hospitality world at Lio, this episode is not to be missed.   Learned more about Sanjay Nandi via LinkedIn and Instagram.

On this week’s episode, I speak to Hannah Trigwell, a remarkable artist, musician, and entrepreneur, who opens up on her career and her learnings throughout her journey.   Hannah began her journey as a talented musician, strumming her guitar on the streets as a busker. However, her determination set her on a path to success that includes over 300 million streams and a number-one song in Vietnam.   Along the way, she transitioned into the world of digital marketing, eventually co-founding the Back Pocket Club, a cutting-edge digital marketing agency.   Hannah tackled the highs and lows with courage, and now, she's here to share those experiences and the lessons she's learned with all of us.   Get ready to dive into her incredible journey and discover valuable life lessons.   Email enquiries@capitalforlife.com and see how this solution can help you, your family and your business partners.   Check out Hannah Trigwell's new book: https://www.hannahtrigwell.com/makingithappen

In this episode, I speak to international athlete Adam Burgess, the Team GB Olympic Slalom Canoeist who raced his way from humble beginnings to competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.   Adam and I discuss the sport of canoeing, specifically his division; slalom, the dynamics of Olympic qualifying, and a day in the life of an Olympic athlete who prioritises and optimises his health and wellbeing.   We also go into his introduction to breathwork and yoga after injury, how athletes are some of the worst breathers, and how the yoga you want is not necessarily the yoga you need.    Adam's journey to where he is today might just be the recipe that takes him further in the future, we'll have to wait and see, but I really enjoyed our chat, thank you, Adam!