Pause to Grow: Let’s Build the Future Together
Tales to Inspire
In this episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we’re welcoming 2025 with renewed purpose and commitment to amplifying the voices of those who have shared their stories of transformation and resilience. With 193 episodes and over 164 ambassadors featured, we’ve created a powerful archive of inspirational tales that remind us all that overcoming adversity is possible. This year, Tales to Inspire is stepping up its support, not just by providing a platform for stories, but also by integrating those stories into the workplace. We know that work environments can be challenging, and our goal...
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Cherelle Mitchell: Navigating Trauma and Self-Acceptance (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Cherelle Mitchell shares her journey of resilience, healing, and self-acceptance. From growing up with the challenges of her mother’s schizophrenia and emotional abuse to finding her voice and embracing her authentic self, Cherelle’s story is one of courage and transformation. She opens up about coming out in 2014, navigating life as an LGBTQ+ teacher, and the importance of representation and acceptance in schools. Cherelle also reflects on how fitness and CrossFit became outlets for growth and balance in her life. With honesty and vulnerability,...
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Cherelle Mitchell: Why Kindness Begins with You (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this bite-sized episode, Cherelle Mitchell shares her unique perspective on kindness, exploring how being kind to oneself serves as the foundation for a more compassionate and understanding world. From her own struggles with self-worth and mental health to the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, Cherelle reminds us that kindness starts from within and radiates outward. Defining Kindness: Kindness starts with self-awareness and self-compassion. Recognising the importance of role models in shaping our understanding of kindness. Cherelle's Personal Journey: Overcoming the pressure to...
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Reuben Sam: Vitiligo Awareness and Finding Purpose (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, Krish dives deep into the inspiring journey of Reuben Sam, a full-time model and advocate for vitiligo awareness. Reuben shares his experiences growing up with vitiligo and the impact it had on his identity, along with his multicultural background and the profound gratitude he feels towards his parents for their sacrifices. He reflects on his transformative move from Italy to the UK at the age of 21, discussing personal challenges, including a serious football injury, and his transition from a corporate career to modelling. Emphasising the...
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Reuben Sam: Navigating a Harsh World with Kindness (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this bite-sized episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, Reuben Sam discusses the concept of kindness, emphasising its importance in personal growth and societal interactions. He reflects on how his parents instilled the value of kindness in him from a young age, teaching him to give without expecting anything in return. Reuben shares that kindness involves being positive during hardships and spreading light in dark situations. He acknowledges that unkindness often stems from a lack of positive experiences and encourages listeners to be proactive in teaching kindness to others....
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Himal Mandalia: Unconventional Success and Redefining Life
Tales to Inspire
In this Deep Dive episode, Himal Mandalia recounts his journey from a challenging childhood to a successful and unconventional career. He shares his transformative path from depression and hopelessness to finding purpose through coding. Himal emphasizes the need for a non-judgmental space for storytelling and reflects on overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure. Himal grew up in East London with Indian and Ugandan heritage. His early years were marked by extreme hardship, including poverty and neglect. Despite lacking formal education, his curiosity and self-directed learning fueled his...
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Himal Mandalia: The Art of Being Present (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode, we’re joined by Himal Mandalia to discuss the importance of kindness in our lives. Himal talks about how practising kindness can be tough in today’s busy world but is essential for building strong relationships and communities. He highlights the need to make time for others, recognise their humanity, and include everyone. Himal also shares how being part of a community and valuing each person can help create a more caring and fulfilled society. Tune in as we explore the power of kindness and its impact on our everyday lives. Key Discussion Points: Definition of Kindness:...
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Jo Bradshaw: Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt and the Path to the Seven Summits (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
In this episode, Jo Bradshaw shares her extraordinary journey from being a height-fearing, comfort-loving business advisor to becoming a world adventurer and mountaineer. She reflects on her early life with outdoorsy parents and the unexpected transition from working with horses to a life filled with adventure. Jo has completed six of the Seven Summits, led numerous expeditions, and survived the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal while climbing Everest. Jo highlights the lessons she’s learned, including how bullying in her youth shaped her resilience, the importance of overcoming...
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Jo Bradshaw: Climbing Your Everest: The Power of Kindness (Bite Size)
Tales to Inspire
In this inspiring episode, Jo Bradshaw reflects on the power of kindness, both to others and to oneself, and how it shapes our personal and professional lives. Jo shares her journey from feeling disconnected in school to becoming a guide who empowers others to climb their own “Everests.” She emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices, building habits, and giving people the agency to succeed. Key Themes: Kindness as a Choice Jo talks about kindness as a deliberate action, extending to interactions with both people and animals. She highlights how empathy and connection are central...
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Corin Bell: Creating Change with Every Meal, a Sustainable Food Revolution (Deep Dive)
Tales to Inspire
Dive into Corin Bell's inspiring journey! In this episode, we explore her path from studying Politics and Philosophy in Stockport to tackling food sustainability through her innovative catering business. Corin shares insights on food waste, community impact, and her mission for fairness in food systems. Tune in to discover how she’s driving change for a more sustainable future! Corin Bell's Background Corin grew up in Stockport before moving to Manchester for university, where she studied Politics and Philosophy. This academic path was driven by her interest in understanding how systems...
info_outlineAmna Akhtar's journey began in Birmingham with childhood dreams of sports and creativity, overcoming cultural barriers to establish GirlDreamer, a platform empowering women of color. She embraced self-discovery over traditional education, valuing empathy, community, and action. Her experiences, including receiving the Obama Scholarship, reinforced her commitment to lifelong learning. In this conversation, Amna reflects on her deep admiration for the US's community and kindness. She passionately embraces immersive experiences, aiming to compress a decade's worth of life into a single year, driven by a quest for personal growth and fulfillment. Amna's perspective underscores her appreciation for the US's opportunities, shaping her ambitious life outlook and her dedication to seizing every moment.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience and Pursuit of Passion: Despite facing familial and societal pressures, Amna pursued her passions fervently, whether in sports or self-directed learning.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Through her experiences, Amna learned the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence, which became foundational in her personal and professional growth.
Navigating Challenges: She navigated challenges such as parental expectations and personal setbacks, turning them into opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment.
Self-Acceptance and Empowerment: Amna highlights the significance of self-acceptance and nurturing personal strengths, including sensitivity.
Educational Pursuits: Amna's pursuit of education and continuous learning showcases her dedication to personal development and intellectual curiosity.
Career Evolution: From her early career in sports to her current role in psychology and coaching, Amna's professional journey reflects adaptability and a commitment to helping others.
Cultural Influence: Her cultural background has influenced her perspectives and approach, highlighting the intersection of identity, resilience, and personal growth.
Advocacy and Mentorship: Amna's advocacy for mental health awareness and mentorship underscores her commitment to empowering others and fostering community support.
Future Aspirations: Amna aims to expand her impact through coaching and educational initiatives, driven by her experiences and passion for helping others achieve their potential.
Building Communities: She's passionate about creating supportive networks, especially for young women of color, through GirlDreamer.
Impact through Action: Her work with GirlDreamer and beyond underscores her commitment to empowering others and making a tangible difference.
Resources:
Girldreamer: https://girldreamer.co.uk/
Amna Akhtar: https://aestheticallyamna.co.uk/