A Journey of Resilience and Purpose With Daniel Sukula (Deep Dive)
Release Date: 03/19/2026
Tales to Inspire
In this our 200th episode Krish Patel sits down with Maura Jackson, a highly experienced leader in the charity sector with over 30 years in social care, including more than a decade working in homelessness. This honest and insightful conversation explores the growing challenges facing charities today. From shrinking funding pots to increasing demand, Maura shares what it really takes to sustain services that support vulnerable communities. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures of leadership in the sector, describing the constant “plate spinning” required to keep...
info_outlineTales to Inspire
In this episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore one of the most important and often misunderstood topics of our time: mental health. Not long ago, mental health wasn’t something openly spoken about. Conversations were often dismissed, misunderstood, or avoided altogether. Today, while progress has been made, stigma and silence still exist in many spaces. Through the lived experiences of three powerful voices from the Tales to Inspire community — Vicki Roberts, Pete Sincock and Pete Barty — this episode brings honesty, depth and humanity to the conversation. Together, we...
info_outlineTales to Inspire
In this powerful Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Krish Patel sits down with Billa Ahmed, founder of Homeless Aid UK, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about homelessness, purpose and what it truly means to serve others. Born and raised in Bolton, Billa’s early life was shaped by strong community values, alongside the challenges of racism and identity. As he moved into adulthood, he found himself climbing the corporate ladder, earning significant money, travelling the world and living what many would consider a dream lifestyle. But beneath the surface, something...
info_outlineTales to Inspire
In this bite-size episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we are joined by Billa Ahmed for an eye-opening conversation on the reality of homelessness in the UK. With over 365,000 people currently experiencing homelessness, including a growing number of children, this episode explores what homelessness truly looks like beyond the common perceptions. From those sleeping on the streets to the often-overlooked “hidden homeless” living in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing, Billa shares powerful insights from years of grassroots work supporting individuals and families in need. Together,...
info_outlineTales to Inspire
In this reflective episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we explore a powerful yet often overlooked foundation of our wellbeing movement. Since 2019, Tales to Inspire has shared over 165 lived experience stories from people across the world. Through these conversations, one theme continues to surface time and time again, how we care for our bodies, minds, and ourselves plays a vital role in how we experience life. This episode brings together powerful insights from three incredible Tales to Inspire champions — Meg Holloway, Emma Marshall, and Raji Sundar — each offering a unique...
info_outlineTales to Inspire
In this powerful Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, host Krish Patel sits down with Daniel Sukula, founder and CEO of the Be The Change Project, for an honest conversation about resilience, identity and purpose. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Daniel’s early life was shaped by instability, migration and the challenge of finding his place in a new country. After arriving in the UK, he grew up navigating difficult environments, low expectations and the very real pull of street life. For many around him, it seemed as though his future had already been written. But...
info_outlineTales to Inspire
In this Tales to Inspire Bitesize conversation, Krish Patel sits down with youth leader Daniel Sukula to explore some of the real challenges facing young people today. Drawing on his frontline experience working with young people in communities across the North West, Daniel speaks openly about the impact of the cost of living crisis, the growing need for positive role models, and the barriers that still exist around mental health conversations in some communities. The conversation also touches on deeper issues around youth safety, knife crime, and the lack of opportunities for young people to...
info_outlineTales 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...
info_outlineTales 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,...
info_outlineTales 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...
info_outlineIn this powerful Deep Dive episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, host Krish Patel sits down with Daniel Sukula, founder and CEO of the Be The Change Project, for an honest conversation about resilience, identity and purpose.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Daniel’s early life was shaped by instability, migration and the challenge of finding his place in a new country. After arriving in the UK, he grew up navigating difficult environments, low expectations and the very real pull of street life. For many around him, it seemed as though his future had already been written.
But Daniel chose a different path.
In this powerful and reflective conversation, Daniel shares the moment he realised he could become the role model he wished he had growing up. What began as a personal turning point has since grown into a mission to support and empower young people who may feel overlooked, misunderstood or pushed towards destructive paths.
Through the Be The Change Project, Daniel now works with young people across communities, helping them build confidence, challenge stereotypes and recognise their potential.
Daniel’s story is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future, and that sometimes the greatest impact comes from choosing to become the person we once needed.
Episode Highlights
01:05 – Arriving in the UK
01:39 – Early life in Congo
07:40 – Family influence and upbringing
15:25 – Difficult experiences growing up
29:10 – Becoming the role model he wished he had
34:45 – Challenges facing young people today
37:15 – Creating the Be The Change Project
41:10 – Building a community project from lived experience
43:00 – The mission behind Be The Change
46:10 – Supporting the next generation
Resources & Links
Be The Change Project
https://bethechangeyp.com/
Daniel Sukula on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/daniel_sukula/
Youth Leads UK
https://youthleads.uk/
Tales to Inspire
https://talestoinspire.com/
About Tales to Inspire
Tales to Inspire is a storytelling platform sharing powerful real-life stories of resilience, courage and positive change. Through podcasts, films and live events, the platform amplifies lived experiences to inspire individuals, communities and systems to create a better future.