Living Your Best Life with Gav Thompson

In the final episode of Series 1, Gav Thompson talks to Richard Mullender, Hostage Negotiator, about his job and about listening. Hard. Episode Seven - Hostage Negotiation Richard was the lead trainer at the UK police training school for Hostage Negotiations. He knows how to listen. He knows how to negotiate. He has helped negotiate international hostage situations and he has helped negotiate people out of suicide situations.   In summary, he knows how to negotiate and he knows how to listen. Have a listen to this. Richard has a fascinating story to tell and he helps teach Gav how to listen. Please listen, enjoy, subscribe & review

In Episode 6, Gav Thompson talks to Hector Boswell, 14, who was clinically diagnosed with anxiety when he was 10 years old. Episode Six - Childhood Anxiety Hector always knew he was different from most of his friends. He got nervous and anxious about stuff that didn't seem to bother other kids of his age. When, aged 10,  he finally told his mum, Polly, "Make these feelings go away", the family knew it was time to act. Hector has learnt to live with his anxiety and, remarkably, now talks very openly and publicly about how this condition feels as a child. Both Hector & Polly chat to Gav with real honesty and insight into how they learnt to live with the diagnosis, how it effects the family and how Hector has thrived in the 4 years since. Please listen, enjoy, subscribe & review

In this fifth episode, Gav Thompson chats to ocean adventurer, Arctic racer & compassionate leadership expert Manley Hopkinson. Manley has led a remarkable life and he has some amazing stories to tell. He started off his career in the British Navy, then moved to the Royal Hong Kong Police, before becoming an adventurer. Firstly, he skippered a yacht in the 9 month, 32,000 mile BT Global Challenge round the world yacht race.  And next Manley won the inaugural race across the Arctic to get to the magnetic North Pole. His record has never been broken. He hopes soon to be the first person to get to both magnetic poles, as his next planned adventure is to the magnetic South Pole. All that experience makes him very qualified to talk about his current work and area of expertise, which is leadership. In particular, compassionate leadership.  Please listen, enjoy, review and subscribe. Show produced by George McDonagh. Music by James Morton.

In this fourth episode, Gav Thompson chats to the trailblazing female technology entrepreneur Carrie Longton Carrie Longton became one of the first British female tech entrepreneurs when she founded Mumsnet in 2000. Mumsent went on to become the single largest British online community, with over 128 million page views a month and 15 million monthly users. In 2010 Carrie was awarded Red Magazine's Red Hot Woman Of The Year, and in 2013 she was listed 7th on the BBC's Power List of the 100 most powerful women in the UK. She chats to Gav about how she made it in the tech world, despite being a complete luddite and lifts the lid on how Mumsnet played a key role in the 2010 general election. Please listen, enjoy, review and subscribe. Show produced by George McDonagh. Music by James Morton.

In this third episode, Gav Thompson chats to the amazing female advertising entrepreneur Helen Calcraft. Helen Calcraft is one of Britain’s most successful advertising entrepreneurs. She has been the founder of two of Britain's leading advertising agencies, MCBD & Lucky Generals, both of which she set up, grew and then sold. In the often male-dominated world of advertising, Helen is a true female powerhouse. However, her personal crusade is perhaps even more astounding than her professional one. She has battled with cancer twice, dealt with an unbelievably difficult and traumatic pregnancy, and has brought up two fantastic daughters as a single working mum. In this episode, Helen talks with real honesty and candour about resilience and how she has managed to bounce back from everything life has thrown to her. We think it is a pretty inspirational story. Please listen, enjoy, review and subscribe. Show produced by George McDonagh. Music by James Morton.

Johnnie Boden, one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs, shares his journey from selling menswear to building a huge womenswear and childrenswear empire. He discusses his uncommon conviction, similarities to Boris Johnson, and explores the potential of his own makeover show. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and prioritizing customer needs, while disregarding public perception.

Tom Goodwin, marketing guru with outspoken views on COVID, discusses his self-belief, controversial opinions, and media criticism. He reflects on his journey in advertising, building a consultancy, and making a difference. Tom shares his perspective on COVID-19, the limitations of social media, and the importance of raising questions. He reflects on a turning point in his life and future plans for expanding his reach, mentoring, and diversifying the industry.