Episodes

  • Empowered Steps: A Chat About Resilience and Innovation: Lyndsay Watterson (S4:E12)
    Jan 30 2025

    In this episode of 'Fear Less, Do More', host Gill Hunter chats to Lyndsay Watterson, founder and CEO of Neo-Walk. After losing her leg in 2010, Lyndsay’s desire for a more personalised mobility aid led her to create Neo-Walk, an innovative company that creates stylish and empowering walking sticks. She shares her entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges and successes of expanding her business from a small kitchen operation to a global brand.


    Highlights include:

    • The story behind how Neo-Walk was founded, with humble beginnings as a small business in York, and how it grew into an international brand, used by Hollywood celebrities.

    • Lyndsey’s perspectives on disability and how it makes her feel empowered, not different, allowing her to embrace doing things ‘a little bit differently’.

    • The unique opportunities and experiences Lyndsey has had, including pitching Neo-Walk on Dragons Den, performing at the London paralympics and starring in the Bad Education movie.

    • Lyndsay’s focus is on growing Neo-Walks presence within the US market, whilst also striving to take more time for herself and find balance and rejuvenation.

    • Lyndsay’s desire to pursue more creative hobbies, such as her pet cockatoo and upscaling furniture.


    Find Lyndsay Watterson here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsay-mitcheson-a146b97a/?originalSubdomain=uk


    Visit the website for Neo-Walk

    https://www.neo-walk.com/


    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nCaDX8ZRmZZnvLUkwPjBa?si=n1yL3kvHQ_6lwDsANIQp_Q


    Find out more about your host Gill Hunter

    https://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/


    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/


    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/


    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio 🦩

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    39 mins
  • Beyond the Blueprint - Creating Places That Matter: Helen Taylor (S4:E11)
    Jan 23 2025

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Helen Taylor, architect and director at Scott Brownrigg, for an engaging and fascinating conversation about her inspirational journey in architecture and the evolution of the profession, particularly as a female architect. Helen reflects on the profound impact of the Grenfell inquiry and underscores the significance of balancing both form and function in order to create meaningful spaces within the built environment.

    Highlights include:

    How male-dominated the architecture profession was when Helen first began her career in the 1990s, and how it lacked diversity, particularly at senior levels.

    The struggles Helen faced finding female role models and the adversity her mentors endured.

    The evolving role of architects and how a shift to digital tools increased focus on compliance and collaboration.

    The specific projects Helen has been involved in during her career and the impact they had on communities.

    Helen’s advice to young people considering a career in architecture.

    Find Helen Taylor here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-taylor-4bb3a811/?originalSubdomain=uk

    Visit the website for Scott Brownrigg

    https://www.scottbrownrigg.com/

    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IKek3gwQxKwfoEpY1GbIc

    Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio 🦩

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    46 mins
  • It’s All Adding Up: Jon Dudgeon and Dave Gibson (S4:E10)
    Jan 16 2025

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with Jon Dudgeon and Dave Gibson from Blu Sky Chartered Accountants, who share how a chance meeting led to them establishing their accountancy firm, which has a unique approach to what is traditionally a conservative field. Jon and Dave share how their values of an open work culture has helped them to build strong relationships, as well as a distinctive and memorable brand.

    Highlights include -

    • Jon and Dave’s backgrounds and how their approach has helped shape success

    • The importance of self control, consistency and a growth mindset when establishing and running a business.

    • Blu Sky’s focus on building strong relationships with their clients and empowering their team through an honest culture and remote working opportunities.

    • The firms focus on sustainability and ethical practices that led to them becoming a BCorp certified business.

    • Jon and Dave’s personal lives, hobbies and their secrets to maintaining a good work-life balance.

    Find Jon Dudgeon here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondudgeon/?originalSubdomain=uk

    Find Dave Gibson here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-gibson-236a0911/?originalSubdomain=uk

    Visit the website for Blu Sky Chartered Accountants

    https://blusky.co.uk/

    Listen to ‘Two Pints of Lager and a Spreadsheet’

    https://open.spotify.com/show/1kH9UhvOU4S96Mb0UzGQ6Z

    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c2V5upeK1Qaqri2WYosU7?si=Bc61x3LIRwai54AdsDp0nA

    Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩


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    45 mins
  • North East Seen: Alison Gwynn (S4:E9)
    Jan 9 2025

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Alison Gwynn, the Chief Executive of North East Screen. Alison shares the transformative impact of North East Screen and their dedication to develop, upskill and grow the film, television and digital industries of the North East. Alison also opens up about her fearless approach to leadership and her passion for leaving a lasting impact in the creative industry.


    Highlights include:

    • A look into North East Screen, what they do and the doors they are opening, boosting production in the region from 2% to 90% over the last 7 years.

    • The significant growth of the North East film industry, driven by partnerships with major broadcasters such as the BBC.

    • Insights into both the successes and challenges of fostering a creative industry that is sustainable.

    • Alison’s career journey, and how her commercial mindset and ambition brought transformation to North East Screen.

    • Alison’s strong leadership style, approach to driving change and her dedication to nurturing young creatives in the region.

    Find Alison here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-gwynn-315915146/

    Visit the website for North East Screen

    https://northeastscreen.org/

    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VgAC6nYs5uAcojsUOB21M?si=5ROV-uaGTw6Vghr6M-j2ww

    Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

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    39 mins
  • Championing the North East: John Holmes (S4:E8)
    Dec 12 2024

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter sits down with John Holmes, Chairman of Bernicia, who shares stories from his extensive career which has stemmed from his passion and love for the North East. John discusses the challenges and successes of North East regeneration projects, his involvement in tourism and other initiatives and why he values a holistic approach to community development.


    Highlights include:

    • John’s background of growing up in a tight-knit community and how that influenced his career and values.


    • His contributions to North East regenerations projects, such as Newcastle Quayside, and the challenges he faced.

    • His transition from a career as a chartered surveyor to embarking on a role within the Civil Service.


    • John’s role in the Civil Service and his experience of working with controversial Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Heseltine.


    • His extensive work in the social housing sector and Bernicia’s holistic approach to supporting communities.


    • John’s passion and involvement for promoting tourism and the North East’s assets.


    • His work at Durham Cathedral and managing its estates and properties.


    Find John here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-holmes-48060413/?originalSubdomain=uk


    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DisGBXbUewxkH4o2mA0g6?si=e8a9e818e6fa4364


    Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/


    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/


    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/


    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩


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    42 mins
  • Science, Startups, and Spinning Plates: Fozia Saleem (S4:E7)
    Dec 5 2024

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter talks with scientist Dr Fozia Saleem about how her real-life research led to pursuing entrepreneurship and business.Fozia has experienced unique challenges in her corporate journey and has succeeded by leading her industry in a different way, and creating opportunities both for herself and the next generation of leaders.

    Highlights Include:

    • How a sixth form biology teacher inspired Fozia’s career by bringing science to life and making it fun.

    • How a university professor was the catalyst for a career in industry, after seeing something in Fozia she didn’t see in herself.

    • How ambition to break through the glass ceiling in pharmaceuticals led Fozia to pursue a PhD

    • The challenges of graduating during a recession when big Pharma companies were making mass redundancies.

    • How being the only woman and person of colour in many corporate meeting rooms shaped Fozia’s personal values to become sure of herself and speak up loudly for others.

    • Confirming to a corporate stereotype early in her career by wearing greys and blacks and minimising herself to fit in

    • How using the support networks on offer and asking for help after graduating is a powerful tool, and isn’t a sign of weakness.

    • The journey from big Pharma to becoming a startup entrepreneur in the North East of England.

    • Her mission as Chief Executive of Magnitude to help companies fail fast, to increase the speed to market for new drugs.

    • How the job description in a startup goes out of the window and should read ‘carry on spinning plates’, a far cry from the rigid roles of working in a corporate setting.

    • Tackling the demands of juggling a busy startup and her own young family.

    Find Fozia here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-fozia-saleem-b7762718/

    Visit the website for Magnitude Biosciences

    https://magnitudebiosciences.com/team-members/dr-fozia-saleem/

    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IEbwJBHzt9erp7pARcGR4?si=ffwfvYWoQzuMLi7QsbrddQ

    Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩


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    41 mins
  • One Voice, Many Talents: Alfie Joey (S4:E6)
    Nov 28 2024

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter chats to multi-talented entertainer, Alfie Joey. Alfie’s story is an inspiring tale of reinvention and a passion for connection. From training as a priest to thriving in comedy, television, radio and even public speaking, Alfie’s career journey offers valuable insights into the power of adaptability, resilience and chasing your true passions.


    Highlights include:

    • Alfie’s remarkable transition from priesthood to a successful career as a beloved entertainer.

    • The many hats Alfie has worn throughout his life, including comedy, radio, illustration and even an appearance on Britain's Got Talent.

    • Alfie’s inspiring attitude towards embracing new opportunities, no matter how big the challenge.

    • The meaningful role Alfie played as a radio presenter for BBC Radio Newcastle, a career that spanned over a decade.

    • Why Alfie chooses to channel his talents into new ventures, such as children's books and theatre productions.

    • Alfie’s passion to leverage his experiences to help inspire others through storytelling, community and communication.

    Find Alfie here on LinkedIn

    https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alfie-joey-9871817a

    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VgAC6nYs5uAcojsUOB21M?si=o_vg2OjfTRGoO6LR_WbKhA

    Find out more about your host Gill Hunter

    https://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

    Find out more about Square One Law

    https://squareonelaw.com/

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    41 mins
  • The Curator of Memories: Rhiannon Hiles (S4:E5)
    Nov 21 2024

    In this episode of ‘Fear Less, Do More’, host Gill Hunter has a fascinating conversation with Rhiannon Hiles, the Chief Executive of Beamish Open Air Museum. Rhiannon shares her journey, from volunteer to her current role, reflecting on her 30 year career at Beamish. She also discusses the museum's unique role in preserving the Social History of the North East and the importance of handling people's memories with respect and care.


    Highlights Include:

    • Rhiannon’s career journey, from her early days to her current position at Beamish, and the life experiences that inspired her to pursue this.

    • The incredible work Beamish does to preserve the Social History of the North East and why it has become a much loved attraction.

    • The diverse challenges and complexities of bringing history to life.

    • Rhiannon’s unique experience of living in the 1900’s town at Beamish for 16 years, and the story of how she raised her daughter there.

    • The extensive and impressive in-house costume collection at Beamish, and the hard work from the Beamish team, both in front of and behind the scenes.

    • Exciting plans for the future of Beamish, including stabilising the museum's infrastructure and representing more recent history.

    Find Rhiannon here on LinkedIn

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannon-hiles-4469784/?originalSubdomain=uk

    Visit the website for Beamish

    https://www.beamish.org.uk/

    If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like this one here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IEbwJBHzt9erp7pARcGR4?si=ffwfvYWoQzuMLi7QsbrddQ

    Find out more about your host Gill Hunterhttps://squareonelaw.com/people/gill-hunter/

    Find out more about Square One Lawhttps://squareonelaw.com/

    Find out more about ‘Fear Less, Do More’ 🤘https://squareonelaw.com/insights/fear-less-do-more/

    This podcast was produced and recorded at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio🦩

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins