506 Cultural Conversations Creating Connection with Victoria Rennoldson
Focus on WHY
In this rich, heartfelt conversation, specialising in global leadership, communication and cultural intelligence, Victoria Rennoldson highlights how language, culture and self-leadership shape your ability to truly connect as global leaders. She shares the personal story behind her book, the legacy of her Austrian-Hungarian roots and the profound impact of her father’s death on her sense of purpose. Unpacking belonging, workplace communication, enduring legacy and meaningful work, this is also a powerful reflection on cultural conversations creating connection. KEY TAKEAWAY “For...
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505 Limitless Potential with Chaandani Khan
Focus on WHY
Have you ever wondered how significant life-changing experiences reshape our sense of purpose? After a life-changing brain injury, Chandani Khan rebuilt her world through intentionality, acceptance and an unshakeable growth mindset. She shares how she navigated identity loss, moved from a deeply inward healing journey to outward service and now leads change in concussion care through patient-centred education and community. Chandani explores limiting beliefs, the idea of before, current and new selves, and the beauty of creating purpose from within. This powerful conversation focuses on...
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504 Intentional Living with Barbara Nixon
Focus on WHY
Barbara Nixon shares how intentionally dating herself on Fridays became a powerful ritual for joy, self-connection and self-leadership. She reflects on an early career bolt-of-lightning moment that revealed her purpose: helping people grow. Barbara explores the difference between giving and people-pleasing, the importance of filling your own cup first and recognising the tingling moments of awe as signals of what truly matters. Define your own joy, needs and success by learning to embrace intentional living. KEY TAKEAWAY “So when we say, what do we want? I always think that’s the...
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503 Walk in Winning with Ed Jordan
Focus on WHY
Sharing his journey from performer and broadcaster to executive and leadership coach, trainer and speaker, Ed Jordan explores the mindset shifts that fuel creativity, confidence and meaningful reinvention. Drawing inspiration from thought leaders including Nancy Kline and Simon Sinek, Ed reflects on the transformative power of deep listening and authentic connection. He shares how joy, respect, gratitude and music have shaped both his personal story and professional purpose, offering practical insights for navigating setbacks and rediscovering creative flow. With a simple yet powerful...
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502 Reflections with Actions with Amy Rowlinson
Focus on WHY
Feeling stuck or searching for more meaning? In this episode, I weave together the wisdom of my last five guests: Dan MacQueen, Dawn Michele Jackson, Mosongo Moukwa, Robert Paris and Rachael Edmondson-Clarke. Each embody how the life-changing power of reflection with action, emotional honesty and self-compassion combine to transform setbacks into opportunities. Discover practical strategies for navigating change, reclaiming identity and leading with both your head and heart. The following guests’ stories offer practical insights to spark genuine growth and deeper meaning in your life and...
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501 Presence, Purpose and Heart with Rachael Edmondson-Clarke
Focus on WHY
Rachael Edmondson-Clarke shares how a corporate breakdown became the breakthrough that aligned her life and leadership with her soul’s contract. She reflects on how she chose presence over performance, leading with both head and heart and reporting for duty to a higher purpose. Through her honest stories of parenting, panic attacks and purposeful work with senior leaders, Rachael highlights how self-care, vulnerability and connection underpin meaningful leadership. To live intentionally, navigate change and create impact without sacrificing your wellbeing, this episode invites you to embrace...
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500 The WHY That Endures: 7 Purpose Truths from 500 Focus on WHY Podcast Episodes
Focus on WHY
In this special solo episode, Amy Rowlinson celebrates episode 500 of Focus on WHY by sharing seven powerful truths about purpose, fulfilment and meaningful success. Drawn from nearly six years and 500 authentic conversations, these insights reveal what consistently matters beneath achievement and ambition. Purpose isn’t something you think your way into—it’s revealed through action, alignment and lived experience. Fulfilment grows through contribution, courage and choosing what matters over chasing more. Your story qualifies you, confidence follows action and purpose deepens when you...
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499 Reclaiming Your Identity with Robert Paris
Focus on WHY
Are you living authentically, or hiding behind a mask? Master neuroplastician Robert Paris shares his powerful journey from deep personal pain to true liberation. By rewiring his own brain, Robert uncovered self-love, meaningful connection and a renewed sense of purpose — and now he’s dedicated to helping others do the same. Through compelling storytelling, reflections on childhood experiences and practical coaching insights, Robert explores the power of understanding your why, overcoming limiting beliefs and nurturing genuine relationships at home and at work. Robert’s work is...
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498 Rhythm of Return with Mosongo Moukwa
Focus on WHY
Are you caught in the relentless hustle of business and wondering what it’s all for? Mosongo Moukwa shares his definitions of success, purpose and legacy beyond financial goals. Drawing from his own journey from corporate heights to entrepreneurial setbacks, Mosongo shares how to reignite passion, find clarity and return to what genuinely matters—service, community and meaningful connection. Delving into overcoming fear, redefining values and aligning everyday actions with a deeper why, Mosongo focuses on transformation, fulfilment and the rhythm of return. KEY TAKEAWAY “Fulfilment...
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497 You Really Matter with Dawn Michele Jackson
Focus on WHY
Feeling alone in life’s transitions? Dawn Michele Jackson explores how unprocessed pain can quietly impact your wellbeing and relationships, and how moving through it can open the door to deeper purpose and genuine connection. Drawing on more than 30 years as a nurse alongside her own powerful healing journey, Dawn shares why emotional wellbeing is just as essential as physical health. She reflects on the brave decision to step away from a secure career to honour her true calling, the courage required to be vulnerable and the importance of practising self-kindness. Through conversations...
info_outlineHow do you turn life’s toughest blows into your greatest source of motivation? After a life-altering brain haemorrhage, Dan MacQueen shares his remarkable story of recovery and reinvention. He speaks candidly about relearning to walk, talk and smile, and the unwavering support of friends, family and self-care that help rebuild his life. Now, as a keynote speaker, Dan encourages others to reframe challenges, lead with compassion and commit to meaningful personal development. Favouring meaningful impact versus traditional metrics, Dan’s journey stands as a powerful reminder of perseverance and optimism. When it comes to navigating change and building resilience, Dan’s focus remains clear: be better than yesterday.
KEY TAKEAWAY
‘Better than yesterday is something I really strive myself to abide by and live by. That's what I can pass along–just approach life in that better than yesterday kind of vibe.’
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
The Jack Reacher series by Lee Child.
ABOUT THE GUEST – DAN MACQUEEN
At 28, Dan was leading a healthy, active life. After an optometrist appointment to identify the cause of his persistent headaches was cut short, he was handed a sealed envelope and told to go directly to the hospital. What followed was emergency brain surgery. On June 21, 2014, Dan's reality was shattered by a devastating brain hemorrhage. With no map to guide him on the gruelling path to recovery, Dan had to rely on his grit, perseverance, and resilience to relearn everything he once knew: how to walk, talk and even smile.
Dan has survived two emergency brain surgeries, weeks in a coma, and months in a rehab hospital. What he found out along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind!
CONNECT WITH DAN
https://www.macqueendan.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvetrjnuZDZ66QRTiJtt6mw
https://www.instagram.com/macqueendan/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/macqueendan/
https://twitter.com/macqueendan
ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON
Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist and mastermind host who empowers purpose-driven leaders to boost productivity, engagement and meaning in life and work. Through transformational conversations, Amy helps individuals overcome overwhelm and live with clarity, building living legacies along the way.
WORK WITH AMY
If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY
Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter
CONNECT WITH AMY
https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson
BUY AMY’S BOOK (Shortlisted in the 2025 Business Book Awards) *
Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu
HOSTED BY AMY ROWLINSON
DISCLAIMER
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.