Island Influencer Amy Howse, founder of Soundology, Sound Therapist/Artist, Yoga Teacher & former Speech & Language Therapist
Island Influencers
Our latest Island Influencer Amy Howse, grew up in Weston-super-Mare and started exploring the world on her own at 19. Her adventures and curiosity inspired her to pursue a career in Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) while also fueling her passion for yoga and sound therapy. Through Soundology, she uses sound therapy to encourage emotional healing and support mental health. Her approach now includes combining sound with nature, especially in her role as the Biosphere Artist in Residence with the Manx Wildlife Trust. In addition to sharing her story, Amy offers practical advice for new...
info_outline
Chris Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Isle of Play
Island Influencers
This week's Island Influencer is Chris Gregory, Chief Executive of Isle of Play, a charity dedicated to promoting, providing, and advocating for every child on the Isle of Man to fulfil their ‘Right to Play.’ Chris was born and raised in Newton-le-Willows, a small town situated between Wigan, Warrington, and St. Helens. Growing up in a hard-working, working-class family, he witnessed firsthand the challenges his parents faced in providing for the family. Their perseverance and dedication instilled in Chris a strong work ethic and values that have shaped his career and approach to life. In...
info_outline
Ben Barringer, a global TMT analyst and Executive Director at Quilter Cheviot
Island Influencers
My guest this week is Ben Barringer, a Chartered Financial Analyst, Global TMT Analyst, and Executive Director at Quilter Cheviot. This slightly different podcast interview is a taster of our upcoming Breakfast Seminar on September 26th at St John's Mill, Isle of Man, where Ben will be our guest speaker. He will be discussing everything you ever wanted to know about AI but were too afraid to ask. The Thornton team and I are eagerly looking forward to Ben’s presentation. There's so much we can explore in the realm of AI. Please send any questions in advance of the seminar. If you...
info_outline
Island Influencer Gary Cobb
Island Influencers
This week’s Island Influencer Gary Cobb, the Airport Director at Isle of Man Airport, joins me to share his life story from growing up in a small mining town, gaining a chemical engineering degree to aviation leadership, including roles at Gatwick Airport and Highlands and Islands Airport. Gary, along with his wife and cat, has been a resident of the Isle of Man since 2022. His passion for aviation and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of his work. In this episode, Gary opens up about his career path, the challenges and triumphs of airport management, and the pivotal...
info_outline
Gyp Buggane, Sound Engineer, DJ and Remixer, owner of Ballagroove Recording Studio
Island Influencers
This week's Island Influencer is Gyp Buggane, a passionate musician and dedicated small business owner. The conversation revolves around music's profound impact on his upbringing, his pursuit of passions, and his navigation of the creative industries. Growing up on the Isle of Man, music is deeply rooted in Gyp's family's history. Gyp's love for music was nurtured from a young age, from his father's rock and roll performances in the 1960s tourist era to his grandfather's involvement in the Rushen Silver Band. He shares heartfelt stories of recording songs from the radio, participating...
info_outline
John Knight, CEO at Hospice Isle of Man
Island Influencers
This week's Island Influencer is John Knight, the CEO of Hospice Isle of Man. He shares his life, from his early days and university days to his time living on the island, his departure, and his eventual return to lead one of the most essential services on the Isle of Man. John's path has been anything but conventional. Moving six times before age sixteen, he developed a fearless approach to new environments and challenges. We delve into John's insights on leadership development, career progression, and the importance of organisational values in the non-profit sector. He outlines...
info_outline
Cath Robertshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Eyesea
Island Influencers
This week, I am thrilled to introduce Island Influencer Catherine (Cath) Robertshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Eyesea, a nonprofit organisation with a mission to map global pollution and maritime hazards. Born in Wales (yes, she's a big rugby fan!) Cath grew up in South Africa, where her love for the ocean and beaches blossomed. After returning to the UK for her studies and teacher training, she embarked on an incredible journey to Asia. There, she spent years working, teaching, and raising her three boys in the vibrant cities of Shanghai and Singapore. We delve into her personal experiences...
info_outline
Tanya Anderson, founder of Lovely Greens, Gardening Author, Blogger, & YouTuber
Island Influencers
This week's Island Influencer, Tanya Anderson, perfectly embodies the spirit of green living and sustainable gardening. American-born author, blogger, and YouTube personality based on the beautiful Isle of Man, Tanya has become a gardening guru for many, with over two hundred thousand subscribers on her YouTube channel and an ever-growing social media following. Her platform, Lovely Greens, is a treasure trove of information and inspiration. But Tanya doesn’t stop at gardening – she also transforms her homegrown plants into natural soap and skincare products. In our...
info_outline
Derry Kissack BEM, Commentator and frontman of the madcap Purple Helmets, Author and Retired Business Owner
Island Influencers
Welcome to episode 112 of Island Influencers. I'm honoured to introduce this week's Island Influencer, Derry Kissack, BEM. Derry is known to thousands, especially as a key member/frontman of the world-famous Purple Helmets motorcycle display team. Many of you will recognise him as the energetic commentator who guides awe-struck spectators through their breathtaking performances. He is a favourite at the TT and shows worldwide. You'll immediately notice from his accent that Derry was born and raised here in the Isle of Man. In our conversation, Derry opens up about his life experiences, sharing...
info_outline
Island Influencer Carol Ann Kinley-Smith
Island Influencers
In this latest episode, I'm excited to welcome Island Influencer Carol Ann Kinley-Smith, an extraordinary force in criminology, forensic science, and investigative security. Carol Ann is committed to leveraging her diverse experiences to enrich society. She brings a wealth of expertise from her extensive career, operating at the highest levels in both investigative and intelligence capacities. Originally from the Isle of Man, Carol Ann returned from the UK in 2021 after a distinguished career that included heading Corporate Security and Investigations at the BBC and leading the Royalty...
info_outlineAs a co-founder of the Isle of Man Student Climate Network, Ciara is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for a sustainable future. It's a cause close to her heart, and she believes it's crucial for us to take action to protect our environment.