Knowing You with Sarah Cripps
Knowing You is a space for honest, uplifting conversations about the people and moments that shape who we are. Knowing You continues the journey that began with The Big Balance Theory. Over years of conversations, one theme kept emerging - the power of connection. Sarah Cripps invites you to listen, reflect and reconnect with those who are in your life for a reason, season or life; to learn what shapes them and us and the lessons they leave behind. So, if you love real stories, gentle insights, and a reminder that we’re all still learning, you’re in the right place.
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Conversation No 5: Tegan - Owning Her Path, One Brow at a Time
12/11/2025
Conversation No 5: Tegan - Owning Her Path, One Brow at a Time
In this episode, I sit down with Tegan, the 25-year-old founder of No Filter, a thriving beauty business that now proudly runs with a one-month waiting list. What I loved most about this conversation is how deeply human it is. Tegan shares her journey from feeling embarrassed to say she worked in beauty, to stepping fully into pride as a young business owner with four years of success behind her. What we cover in this episode: ✨ Self-acceptance & identity in your 20s Tegan opens up about finally embracing her role in the beauty industry and letting go of others’ opinions. ✨ The myth of constant business growth After years of pushing for “more, more, more,” she now chooses happiness today over relentless expansion. ✨ Work–life balance, but realistically Her downtime often looks like… DIY. (If you know, you know!) ✨ Career detours From wanting to be a vet nurse to becoming known for great eyebrows - literally voted “Best Eyebrows” in her school yearbook. ✨ A childhood story you’ll never forget The moment she cut her own eyebrows to impress a boy. (Yes… with scissors.) ✨ Lessons from four years of clients Not everyone gives instant feedback, and that’s okay. Bad days don’t define you, another good one will come. Pride grows with experience and self-trust. ✨ Looking ahead Tegan sees teaching or coaching in her future, and by the time she's 60? Children, travel, joy - simple and beautiful.
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Wisdom at 16 - A Conversation with Grace
12/04/2025
Wisdom at 16 - A Conversation with Grace
This episode was a little experiment in format and what a brilliant one it turned out to be. I sat down with my youngest ever guest, Grace who, at just 16 years old, brings a clarity of purpose, a deep sense of values, and a grounded wisdom far beyond what anyone might expect from her age. Grace joined my day job Salad Skills after completing work experience with us at just 15. From day one, she’s shown all the signs of a future high achiever committed, curious, hardworking. But what truly sets her apart is her moral compass. Slice her in half like a stick of seaside rock and you’ll find values running right the way through. She has an innate desire to do good, be good, and make choices that feel right. In this conversation, Grace reflects on the people who shaped her - proof that one good adult can change everything.✨ Her reception teacher, who visited her nursery to introduce herself, making that early transition feel safe, calm, and exciting.✨ Her inspiring English teacher, Mr Rose, whose quiet encouragement helped her build self-belief, the skill she says has been her biggest learning curve so far. Grace also shares insights on growing up, learning to trust herself, and embracing the person she's becoming. And just in case you’re imagining the world’s most flawless teenager… don’t worry. She’s totally relatable too - her one big wish is for her parents to stop nagging her about the state of her bedroom! This warm, thoughtful, and uplifting chat is a reminder that young people have so much to offer; wisdom, perspective, resilience, and hope. And sometimes, they teach us more than we teach them.
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Conversation No 3 with Claire – “The Fun Without the Wine”
11/27/2025
Conversation No 3 with Claire – “The Fun Without the Wine”
In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest conversation, I sit down with my lifelong friend Claire, a friendship that has spanned almost five decades. For the first time publicly, Claire opens up about her decision to give up alcohol, not because she was an alcoholic, but because she realised she had never met the version of herself that didn’t drink. This episode explores the surprising emotions behind that choice, the identity shifts that come with it, and the discovery that there is a fun, vibrant Clare without the glass in her hand. We dig into the unspoken truth of friendship: We think we know people so well, yet we rarely stop to ask why they believe what they believe or behave how they do. Why does Claire identify as an atheist? What shaped her views? What risks has she taken in her life and what has she learned from them? This episode gently reminds us that the people closest to us still have untold stories, unseen moments of courage, and unexplored layers. As always, we end with a fun, fast-paced “7 Questions Before You Go” a light-hearted quick-fire round that reveals even more quirks, preferences, and truths we’ve somehow never asked each other over the years. If you love conversations that feel real, raw, and rooted in decades of friendship, you’ll feel right at home in this episode.
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Lesley Crowther – Taking Risks, Leading with Empathy, and Embracing Life’s Moments
11/20/2025
Lesley Crowther – Taking Risks, Leading with Empathy, and Embracing Life’s Moments
Join me as I sit down with a remarkable guest - the wife of talented photographer Ben, who captured our corporate photos. In this episode, she shares her journey as a senior leader at a global beauty brand, exploring the power of energy, risk-taking, and passion in building a successful business. We dive into her personal values of empathy, kindness, listening, and teamwork, and how aligning people with a shared vision creates true motivation. She explains why understanding her team on a personal level is vital, and how her emotional awareness helps her foster inclusion while sometimes challenging her to overthink. From learning leadership lessons from senior female role models to navigating a career across the UK and the US, she opens up about bold moves like relocating her family during early Covid for an incredible professional opportunity and the lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities, embracing change, and trusting the process. We also touch on her daily rituals, literary loves, guilty pleasures in trash TV, and her philosophy of gratitude and living fearlessly. Her insights remind us that life is made up of moments, and the key is to immerse ourselves fully, both personally and professionally. Key Topics Covered: • Building a business rooted in people, not just the brand • Aligning teams with vision and individual roles • Emotional intelligence in leadership: benefits and challenges • Mentorship and learning from senior role models • Navigating career moves abroad and the family dynamic • Philosophy of taking risks and trusting fate • Daily rituals, relaxation, and self-awareness • Gratitude, connection, and leaving a meaningful legacy • Bucket list and experiences over destinations Memorable Quotes: • “True motivation is about taking the time to get to know people as a whole.” • “This is just a moment in time.” • “No one is that focused on yourself so don’t worry about what people think.” • “Say thank you to those who have given meaning to your life.” 🎧 Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Follow @knowingyouwithsarah on IG for more stories
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Karen Pirie — The Bench, The Best Advice, and 43 Years of Friendship
11/13/2025
Karen Pirie — The Bench, The Best Advice, and 43 Years of Friendship
In this first episode, I sit down with someone who’s known me longer than almost anyone, our producer and my friend of 43 years, Karen Pirie. Fitting episode to start my 60 at 60 - 60 conversations to mark my 60th birthday next year What starts as a chat between old friends turns into a conversation full of quiet wisdom about the value of slowing down, listening, and the lessons we only learn when we stop rushing. We talk about:🌿 The best pieces of advice given to KP (and why they still hold true).🪑 Why sitting on a bench might be the most valuable time in the world.💭 What you discover about yourself through lifelong friendship. It’s a gentle beginning to Knowing You - the podcast where we explore the people and moments that shape who we are. 🎧 Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.✨ Follow @knowingyoupodcast for more stories, reflections, and 60 conversations to mark my 60th year.
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That’s a Wrap — Four Years of The Big Balance Theory
11/03/2025
That’s a Wrap — Four Years of The Big Balance Theory
This month marks four incredible years since the launch of The Big Balance Theory! What started as a way to capture the experiences and emotions of the COVID lockdown years through the voices of authentic, inspiring guests has become so much more. Over time, we’ve reflected on every episode — uncovering insights, learnings, and stories that remind us that Big Balance Theory isn’t really a theory… it’s a journey. Lockdown taught us the value of connection and conversation and, as the world shifts again, we find ourselves craving both more than ever. In this episode, I share: · The key learnings from four years of Big Balance Theory · Why my three words for this season are Serendipity, Enough, and Lists · The exciting launch of my new podcast: Knowing You with Sarah Cripps — a deeper dive into human connection, featuring guests from lost connections to lifelong friends I’ve never truly sat down with… until now. 💛 A special thank you to my number one loyal listener Steve Williams, and to Karen Pirie (KP) for her unwavering belief in both shows. Tune in, reflect, and reconnect — because every conversation brings us closer to balance. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Podcast engineer Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie Big Balance Theory is sponsored by Salad Skills Ltd. A company passionate about matching and developing talent with forward-thinking and purposeful organisations. www.saladskills.co.uk
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The importance of strengths, culture and ‘accidental conversations’ with Psychologist, Michele Deeks
06/09/2025
The importance of strengths, culture and ‘accidental conversations’ with Psychologist, Michele Deeks
As a glass half full person, I’ve always been keen to explore people’s strengths not weaknesses. Within my apprenticeship consultancy and coaching practices I use a range of strength based assessments and recently added the At My Best strength cards to my toolkit. This month’s guest is co-founder of At My Best and Work Positive, an organisation committed to helping organisations like M&S and the NHS to, basically, work positively. As a Chartered Psychologist, Michele is passionate about bringing her 25 years of experience to create simple, effective solutions to creating a positive work culture and maximise the wellbeing of all. She truly advocates small changes to bring about big differences - a theme that consistently emerges from past conversations on this pod. Michele’s what 3 words to a road to happiness and balance for 2025: · CONNECTION · PROGRESS · PLAY Tune in to find out why Her go-to book that would get her through isolation – A Month in the Country, J L Carr For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Michele Deeks (9) Michele Deeks | LinkedIn At My Best - tools to help professionals bring the best out of people – At My Best (Work Positive Limited) Work Positive - Work Positive Big Balance Theory is sponsored by Salad Skills Ltd. A company passionate about matching and developing talent with forward-thinking and purposeful organisations. www.saladskills.co.uk
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Are you juggling the right balls? Graham Field
05/05/2025
Are you juggling the right balls? Graham Field
I’m joined by Graham Field, Thinking Focus coach and trainer, where we talk all things priority; the big life choices and day to day habits that can lead us down a rabbit hole of lost time. If you’re anything like me, you set the day or week with best intentions but then life happens and everything goes to pot. I first met Graham by chance at a business exhibition. Fast forward a few years and we worked collaboratively on a project for the residents of the YMCA giving them the tools and belief to build a life and career beyond homelessness and hostel living. We proudly won a National Training Award for this work back in 2009 and continued to stay in touch. This man, in my view, has work life balance nailed and above all he’s authentic, values-driven and works with purpose. Graham’s what 3 words to a road to happiness and balance for 2025: · PURPOSE: Inspired by Simon Sinek he always works to the ‘Why’ philosophy · FOCUS: Making sure he focuses on all his ‘balls of life’ · HELP: He knows the power of asking for help; we’re not superhuman Tune in to find out why His non-fiction book that would get him through isolation – The Star Wars Empire Trilogy For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Graham Field www.thinkingfocus.com Big Balance Theory is sponsored by Salad Skills Ltd - a company passionate about matching and developing talent with forward-thinking and purposeful organisations. www.saladskills.co.uk
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Breaking free from negative body image, destructive dieting and binge eating to give you balance in life and work
04/07/2025
Breaking free from negative body image, destructive dieting and binge eating to give you balance in life and work
This episode is a how-to conversation on ways to improve your body image, break free from binge eating and a diet mindset to one of growth, confidence and better choices in life and business I’m in conversation with Terri Pugh, a transformative life coach who helps women build confidence in how they show up in the world. Through coaching, workshops, speaking events and hosting her own podcast, The Intuitive Eating and Body Positivity Podcast, Terri has helped 1000s of women to feel confident in their bodies, their choices, and their careers. As an intuitive eating and body image certified coach and a Nutritional Therapy graduate she lifts the lid on how to stop binge eating, break free from diet culture and feel happy in your body. If you’re a professional who struggles with self-doubt, body image pressures, and feeling like you don’t belong at the table you’re not alone. And while Terri’s typical client is female, her work appeals to all genders, sizes and ages Terri’s what 3 words to a road to happiness and balance for 2025: · EXPANSION – expand her mind and body socially, educationally and happily · LIBERATION – working on self-freedom · DISRUPTION – stop staying safe and be more authentically heard Tune in to find out why Her non-fiction book that would get her through isolation – The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger – so she can just get ‘lost’ For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Terri Pugh Instagram Terripughcoaching
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How to get the best from your teams especially post covid. In conversation with Jo Keeler, MD Belbin
03/03/2025
How to get the best from your teams especially post covid. In conversation with Jo Keeler, MD Belbin
If you’re familiar with the work of world-renowned Belbin Team Roles you’ll be inspired by this conversation. · Why understanding each person’s team role is ever more critical · The original research was carried out by Mrs Belbin who deliberately shone away from the limelight – a timely revelation to mark International Women’s Week · Face to face communication is becoming more prevalent · Why reflecting on what we’ve achieved is vital · AI has the potential to make us more ‘human’ Jo’s what 3 words to a road to happiness and balance for 2025: · Team – we can only achieve so much by ourselves · Slow-space – (we loved this) breathe, slow down and create pauses · Reflection – let’s just have some more ‘wow’ look what we’ve achieved! Tune in to find out why Her non-fiction book that would get her through isolation – Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy, especially chosen to reread to see how if her older lens sees things differently For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Jo Keeler Belbin www.belbin.com
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How purpose and values done right lead to a more engaged and happier workforce. In conversation with Positive Psychology guru, Tillie Newnham, Happy Work Hive
02/03/2025
How purpose and values done right lead to a more engaged and happier workforce. In conversation with Positive Psychology guru, Tillie Newnham, Happy Work Hive
This episode is bursting with all things positive but this is not to be confused with Toxic Positivity. Using a range of studies to back her work, Tillie shares with us the importance of purpose, values, emotions and language to create a truly authentic, meaningful and engaged team. Our conversation explores: · Why appraisals don’t work · How to know your limit before burn out hits · How to foster a culture of transparency Tillie’s what 3 words to a road to happiness and balance: · REST · ECO SYSTEM · CHALLENGE Tune in to find out why Her non-fiction book that would get her through isolation – Happier by Tal-Ben Shahar. For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Tillie Newnham Tillie (1) Tillie Newnham | LinkedIn Happy Work Hive – www.happyworkhive.com
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Marking 10 years in business, Elain Crewe, founder of Wellbeing4Life, shares how her darkest moments in the workplace took her on the path to a life balanced and fulfilled
01/06/2025
Marking 10 years in business, Elain Crewe, founder of Wellbeing4Life, shares how her darkest moments in the workplace took her on the path to a life balanced and fulfilled
Elain candidly and honestly shares her journey of her downward spiral in terms of mental health. She neither recognised the signs nor had the toolkit to deal with the symptoms. It completely transformed her perspective on work-related breakdowns. Once she’d sought help she took the brave decision to set up a business to help others and this month celebrates 10 years in business. Within 2 days of the pandemic her phone didn’t stop and she hasn’t looked back since and it’s clear she has an absolute passion to make a difference so that others don’t endure the same as she did. “I am an expert in me” not someone seeking to perpetually please nor strive for perfection. Elain’s what 3 words to a road to happiness and balance: · BALANCE · BRAVE · FAITH Tune in to find out why Her book that she would take into isolation turned out to be the one that got her through lockdown – A Trip of One Zone, by Kate Willis. For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Elain Crewe www. Linkedin.com/in/elaincrewewellbeing4life E: elain@wellbeing-4-life.com
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Multi-award businesswoman and coach Zoe Hawkins on work-life balance, flexible working and leadership styles in the post-pandemic workplace
12/02/2024
Multi-award businesswoman and coach Zoe Hawkins on work-life balance, flexible working and leadership styles in the post-pandemic workplace
We’re all aware of how working arrangements have changed for most since 2020. How do businesses get the balance right between serving their people and what’s best for the business? What are the new skills needed to manage flexible working and the surge in online communications? These are the topics covered in this latest episode with Zoe Hawkins, co- founder of In Good Company, a global triple accredited Coaching Training Organisation, Facebook community group, The Coaching Crowd, that’s got just under 6500 members, and their No. 1 podcast of the same name that releases fresh insights every Monday since it launched in November 2021. We also asked Zoe for her what 3 words to a road to happiness and in true authentic style we ended up with 6! · LOVE · PASSION · FUN · LISTEN · CHOOSE · GRATITUDE The book choice that Zoe chose was a first – Wagamama’s cookery book – that Zoe would take into isolation. For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Zoe Hawkins www.igcompany.co.uk www.zoe-hawkins.com
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Author, award winning business coach and digital guru Esther Partridge-Warner on career change post cancer
11/04/2024
Author, award winning business coach and digital guru Esther Partridge-Warner on career change post cancer
Welcome to this latest episode with Esther who shares lessons learned from her cancer diagnosis in 2015. Professionally she came off the treadmill and completely changed her career and has never looked back. We talk about the impact of covid and she shares top tips on how to get work life balance and keep your glass full! Esther’s what 3 words to a road to happiness · GROW · REFLECT · THRIVE The book that Esther would take into isolation is the brilliant Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. For contact details see below. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Esther Partridge-Warner Podcast engineer Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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Ruairi Davies, Strength and Conditioning expert on how lockdown taught him to ‘control the controllables’
10/07/2024
Ruairi Davies, Strength and Conditioning expert on how lockdown taught him to ‘control the controllables’
Welcome to this latest episode with fitness trainer Ruairi Davies. From a dream job training elite rugby athletes in Chile to a lockdown-enforced return home. He thought he would return 2 weeks later (a familiar tale) but that didn’t happen and his career took a new focus. What he has learned and keen to share is: · You can have a grand plan but that can change in an instance; don’t panic because things do work out · Only control the controllables · Physical and mental health go hand in hand – you can’t have one without the other · Exercise gives you more than physical benefits – it creates social connections · Just 10 minutes of activity a day can be enough. · Why an 80 year old called him a miracle worker Ruairi’s what 3 words to describe his road to success, balance and happiness · Health – no surprises there · Limitless – don’t set self-limiting beliefs and go for what suits you and your lifestyle · Courage – take that leap even if it’s just a step, or a commitment to do something. The book that kept Ruairi going through lockdown – Barbarian Days, , A Surfing Life by William Finnegan Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Ruairi Davies, Action Athletic Facebook ActionAthletic Instagram ActionAthletic Podcast engineer Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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How a recent diagnosis of ADHD has given meaning to Hayley Tutte, founder of Huquine Sports Therapy
09/02/2024
How a recent diagnosis of ADHD has given meaning to Hayley Tutte, founder of Huquine Sports Therapy
Welcome to this latest conversation with Hayley Tutte. Two years ago, past guest Hayley bravely shared with us how the silence created by lockdown led to a whole change in career. Since then, Hayley has gone from self-employed to running her own clinic, works 3.5 days a week and is more balanced than ever. A recent ADHD diagnosis has further transformed her life. Things we now know about classic ADHD characteristics are: · Procrastination · Hyper focussed and hyper observant · Can often overshare then overthink and overanalyse · Task paralysis · Struggle with long lengths of time with people · Impulsiveness Hayley’s three words to navigate her own road to success are: · Connection – building solid, meaningful connections with people is vital · Stability – essential for most people but especially to deal with ADHD characteristics · Movement – keeping physically fit is crucial Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Hayley Tutte Facebook Huquine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Huquinesporttherapy.co.uk
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Why giving pays back and an unexpected dive into the benefits of AI. Dave Hider, MBA, founder of Mind-Gap, coaching lecturer and philanthropist
07/01/2024
Why giving pays back and an unexpected dive into the benefits of AI. Dave Hider, MBA, founder of Mind-Gap, coaching lecturer and philanthropist
Welcome to this latest conversation with Dave Hider. Dave has held extensive strategic leadership roles and during lockdown, whilst working full time, navigating different processes as a result of lockdown with most of his team furloughed he completed his MBA with distinction. Covid made him realise that life is too short so he left the trappings of a stable career and started his own business Mind-Gap with a purpose to help leaders bridge the gap between unlocked potential and success. The business is booming and he is committed to donating 30% of his time and profits to support some of the poorest countries in the world and talks about corporate karma. As a coach and trainer he talks about balancing market opportunities of online coaching and rich and engaging training. Can it be done without the coffee conversations? “Ploughing a furrow…” We explore the meaning of work-life balance and how his own journey is so liberating and rewarding that, even though he works more hours now, he is more balanced. Dave reveals how he’s moved from the ‘fast line’ to the ‘flow lane’ and why purpose is pivotal to all that he does. In his case he is really driven to helping people, businesses and communities to hunt out what else they could be doing, discovering and ‘leaning into’. Dave’s 3 words for happiness, success and balance: · GIVING – always attracted to those that give · PURPOSE – how do we move to proactive not reactive sense of purpose · POTENTIAL – the importance of stepping out of your comfort space Dave wraps up with what we should do more and less of to get a happier, balanced life Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Podcast engineer
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How lockdown taught entrepreneur and coach Maddy Shine that a seven-figure salary is no trade-off for a quality life
06/03/2024
How lockdown taught entrepreneur and coach Maddy Shine that a seven-figure salary is no trade-off for a quality life
In this episode my conversation is with Maddy Shine. Maddy is a website wonder coder, an SEO supremo and runs three businesses. Her purpose is to shine bright and help other women entrepreneurs do just that. Our conversation leads to changes in buyer behaviour since lockdown and her tips on how to grow your business, why giving, especially to your own community, is important and how to make your brand stand out. We hear about the importance in wellbeing of our Third Space and so much more. Maddy gives us her three words for happiness, success and balance: Community Connection Conversation Maddy wraps up with what we should do more of and less of to get a happier, balanced life. Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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In conversation with Dr Lizzy Bernthal, Former Lt.Col in the Army and now award-winning confidence and leadership coach, keynote speaker and author
05/06/2024
In conversation with Dr Lizzy Bernthal, Former Lt.Col in the Army and now award-winning confidence and leadership coach, keynote speaker and author
In this episode, No. 28, my conversation is with Dr Lizzy Bernthal. Having served 25 years as a healthcare specialist in the Army, rising through the ranks to Lt Col and completing an MEd and PHD in resilience, Lizzy’s own business mission is to help others by removing toxicity in the workplace through resilient leadership. Her many insights include: What is resilience in the boardroom? Why we should bounce forward not back How confidence, trust and resilience are interlinked The importance of #practisingwhatyoupreach How a toxic environment can lead to a lack of self worth if not dealt with The importance of failing to our development and growth Lizzy gives us her 3 words for happiness, success and balance: GARDENING SPACE SPARKLE Lizzy wraps up with what we should do more and less of to get a happier, balanced life Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory www.rypotential.co.uk Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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Dick Johns, award-winning writer, actor and corporate leadership management facilitator for some of the world’s leading brands on helping people to have better conversations
04/01/2024
Dick Johns, award-winning writer, actor and corporate leadership management facilitator for some of the world’s leading brands on helping people to have better conversations
As an actor, Dick Bradnum worked for 30 years across TV, film and radio, appearing in The Office, High Hopes and My Hero. Under his own name Dick Johns, he has written and performed three successful solo shows at Chapter, Cardiff: Dick Johns - What Midlife Crisis? (2016), Let’s Talk About Death, Baby (2018) and in 2022 a documentary record of The Great Pandemic Sofa Show. Alongside this Dick works in the corporate sector having written, designed and facilitated leadership programmes for clients including Network Rail, Sony Games, Astra Zeneca, the NHS, LinkedIn, Marks and Spencer and hundreds more. His work contributions have led to many awards being won for his diverse clients and his focus is helping people to have better conversations. He talks optimistically about the next generation and how engaged they are in being inclusive in their conversations, especially around neuro-divergency, and how much more empathy they have. Dick is definitely more aware of the world around him since the pandemic era and wishes we all had more time for play in the workplace. He selects his 3 words for a balanced life and explains why he choose them – Sunshine, Poetry and Glamour - and he reveals how a gold tie is sometimes his secret weapon! Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Guest: Dick Johns (2) dick johns | LinkedIn website Dickjohns.co.uk Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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Nicky Applegarth, MD of award-winning global digital marketing agency, Ayima, mountain climber, wife and (nearly) fully trained dog trainer
03/04/2024
Nicky Applegarth, MD of award-winning global digital marketing agency, Ayima, mountain climber, wife and (nearly) fully trained dog trainer
In this episode my conversation is with Nicky Applegarth, MD of award winning digital marketing agency, Ayima. This agency serves many of the world’s biggest brands with a global team of just over 100. Nicky started her digital career back in 1999 in a small website design and build agency at a time when mobile phones were simply used to make phone calls and send text messages. In 2013 she took a five-month career and life break exploring South America on her own. The experience gave her a new sense of balance but it was shortlived and she was soon on ‘that treadmill’. Lockdown forced her to revisit balance and she shares how. Nicky gives us her three words for happiness, success and balance: NO FIT and KINDNESS and our conversation explores the challenges of recruiting a younger generation and how expectations have changed for this generation Recommended read: Every Dog, A book of over 450 breeds – Nancy Hajeski Recommended film: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Recommended podcast: Drinking from the Toilet – Hannah Branigan Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Guest: Nicky Applegarth Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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Julie Robinson CEO, Aspire Learning (multi-academy) Trust on the impact of covid on the next generation and why employing apprentices in schools is so important
02/05/2024
Julie Robinson CEO, Aspire Learning (multi-academy) Trust on the impact of covid on the next generation and why employing apprentices in schools is so important
Hear Julie’s honest and heart-searching experience of what it was like being a Principal of a secondary school during lockdown and how, post-pandemic, more specialist staff have been appointed to support students’ social and emotional needs. Past guests have shared at least one benefit from lockdown but for Julie it was the worst period of her career in education with no work-life balance. We talk about the impact to the young and why growing the workforce with apprenticeships is key and we learn the support mechanisms in place to make the apprenticeships’ journey and workplace integration successful. Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcrippsand https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-balance-theory/ Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com Guest: Julie Robinson Linkedin (1) Julie Robinson | LinkedIn Producer: Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie
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Libby Langley, Entrepreneur, Author and podcast host; always in pursuit of happiness
01/31/2024
Libby Langley, Entrepreneur, Author and podcast host; always in pursuit of happiness
Self-affirmed ‘Queen of Business’ Libby shares her entrepreneurial journey from building a sizeable business in 2009 to now being a no-BS (her words) Business Coach helping other entrepreneurs to be happy and successful in their work. Nothing stands in Libby’s way, not even ADHD or Autism. Her interview is inspiring, energetic and down-to-earth and you will definitely get something from this interview on how to get balance in your business (Recommended reads at the end of the interview) Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Guest: Libby Langley Linkedin Instagram Facebook Podcast – Life in Business Producer: Twitter: @karenepirie Instagram: karen.pirie Recommended reads Pursuit of Happiness – Ruth Whippman Delivering Happiness – Tony Hseih Life in Business – Libby Langley
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Anniversary special - reflections on two years of change since the pandemic
12/05/2023
Anniversary special - reflections on two years of change since the pandemic
This is our last episode of 2023 snd it’s full of all things work-life balance. In this two-year anniversary pod, producer Karen Pirie and I go over the highlights of the 20 plus guests we have been lucky enough to interview since we launched in November 2021. We reflect on how the world of work has changed, how businesses have innovated and adapted and we have a lengthy discussion on how these changes have impacted the younger generation entering the workplace. There’s also some top tips on how to continue good habits and we share the most popular recommended book and podcast so far.
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Coach and podcast host Rupert Turton on work life integration
10/17/2023
Coach and podcast host Rupert Turton on work life integration
Rupert talks about the challenges of remote coaching, working in isolation with his business partner and wife and how he coached businesses through lockdown. Remote working isn’t new for Rupert but what he’s witnessing is greater honesty among remote workers and leaders. Recommended read, listen and legacy and best ever boss at the end of the interview Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Guest: Rupert Turton Linkedin Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie Recommended reads: Book - SUMO – Shut up and Move On – Paul McGee Recommended podcasts: Stephen Bartlett – Diary of a CEO Bus X – James Vincent High Performance Podcast – Jake Humphreys and Damian Hughes
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Veronica Weedon - Making a career out of helping others with their business and personal relationships.
09/12/2023
Veronica Weedon - Making a career out of helping others with their business and personal relationships.
Veronica tells the moving story of how hitting rock bottom, emotionally and physically, led to life-changing choices for her and how she’s made a business out of helping others improve personal and business relationship. Recommended read, listen and best ever boss at the end of the interview Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Guest: Veronica Weedon Instagram Linkedin Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie Instagram: karen.pirie Recommended reads – any on the topic of human design Recommended podcast: Women of Impact Lisa Bilyeu (Co-founder of the billion dollar company Quest Nutrition).
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Darius Matusiak, MD of Macildowie, award winning recruitment and retention consultancy
08/08/2023
Darius Matusiak, MD of Macildowie, award winning recruitment and retention consultancy
Darius gives us a real insight into why and how recruiting staff has changed. Though lockdown was a contributory factor, Brexit, a shortage of younger talent and the surge in early retirees have all contributed to a growth in vacancies and a skills shortage. Hear how businesses are having to adapt their offering and learn what candidates are looking for in their next career move. Darius shares lessons learned during the lockdown reset and explains how the business and his health are now stronger and more balanced. Recommended read, listen and his best boss are at the end of the interview Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Guest: Darius Matusiak Instagram Linkedin Facebook Producer, Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie Instagram: karen.pirie Recommended reads: Book: Viktor E Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning Recommended podcasts: The High Performance Podcast – Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes
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Laura Mayfield - Accidental founder of Marketing OutsideIN
07/11/2023
Laura Mayfield - Accidental founder of Marketing OutsideIN
Laura shares the impact of lockdown to her business and her family, particularly for her son who is autistic and her daughter who has dyslexia. Hear how she learned she is more independent than she realised and how communications were critical to getting through lockdown. Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory Guest: Laura Mayfield Instagram Linkedin Facebook Twitter Producer: Karen Pirie Twitter: @karenepirie Instagram: karen.pirie James at BeHeard Recommended read: Book - Fiona Quinn Recommended podcast: Lex Fridman Pod -
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Ryan Sneddon of Big Safety Ltd…Big Boots UK says time is the greatest currency
06/14/2023
Ryan Sneddon of Big Safety Ltd…Big Boots UK says time is the greatest currency
In this episode we interview Ryan Sneddon. Covid gave him the courage to set up his own business and he has so many lessons and memories to share, from the joy of getting your first paycheck, to moving operations from the kitchen table, to picking and packing facilities. In just 18 months the company has turned over half a million pounds and he’s on track to reach a million by 2024. If you’re passionate about your business you’ll find a way. Don’t listen to the doubters. His recommended read, listen and legacy are at the end of the interview Karen: Twitter: @karenepirie Instagram: karen.pirie Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: bigbalancetheory@gmail.com James at BeHeard Email – Recommended read: Neale Daniher (coach and a player MND) When All is Said & Done – letters to his grandchildren and life lessons.
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Dan Lamoon – Showcasing dyslexic and entrepreneurial talents through video
05/16/2023
Dan Lamoon – Showcasing dyslexic and entrepreneurial talents through video
In this episode, I interview Dan Lamoon, founder of Colab Creation, a video creation company. Dan uses his dyslexia as a strength to inspire and educate his corporate and educational clients. Learn how a digital company had to adapt during lockdown and hear why offline will always have its place for interrelations. Recommended read, listen and legacy are at the end of the interview Karen: Twitter: @karenepirie Sarah: Instagram: cripps.sarah and bigbalancetheory Twitter: @sarahcripps7 and @theory_balance LinkedIn: Linktr.ee/bigbalancetheory bigbalancetheory@gmail.com James at BeHeard LinkedIn LinkedIn Colab - Instagram MD2MD - Facebook - Recommended read: Screw it, just do it – Richard Branson Recommended podcasts: Diaries of a CEO - Stephen Bartlett
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