What if the toughest battles aren’t fought in stadiums, but in the shadows of a broken childhood?

In this profoundly moving episode, Fatima Whitbread shares a story that goes far beyond athletic triumph—it’s one of survival, courage, and an unyielding spirit. Born into abandonment and forced to navigate the brutal realities of the care system, Fatima’s early years were a battle against neglect, trauma, and profound loneliness. But from the ashes of her childhood emerged something remarkable: an iron will and a resilience that would not be crushed.

Fatima opens up about the inner demons she faced, the darkness that nearly consumed her, and the life-changing influence of two incredible women—Auntie Ray and, later, Margaret Whitbread—who gave her the family she never knew. This isn’t just a sports story; it’s a testament to the power of the human spirit. It’s about how, when pushed to the edge, we can rise not only for ourselves but for those generations who follow.

From setting world records to standing on countless podiums and becoming a world champion, Fatima reflects on her greatest battles, which were not fought on the athletic field but within herself and traumas faced. Today, through her advocacy, she’s using her platform to champion the rights of children in the care system—children, like her, who deserve a chance to rewrite their own stories.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Where It All Began

01:28 – Life Beyond Sport

02:52 – Inside the Children’s Homes

05:48 – The Power of Love

09:42 – Confronting Trauma

15:47 – Discovering Javelin

21:11 – Becoming a Whitbread

23:30 – Campaigning for Change

29:16 – Early Training

29:43 – Breaking Barriers

30:26 – World Records & Olympic Dreams

31:09 – The Weight of Triumph

31:47 – Facing Mental Health Challenges

33:48 – Navigating the Darkest Moments

34:34 – The Pressure of Media & Writing Her Story

39:07 – The Olympic Journey

44:45 – Making Her Voice Count

45:04 – From Athlete to TV Star

51:43 – Legacy

56:46 – Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a story of sporting success—it’s an exploration of what it means to persevere, to push through adversity, and to transform suffering into strength. Fatima’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her insights into overcoming trauma and turning pain into purpose will resonate long after the episode ends.

If you want to witness the real person behind the medals, watch the full conversation on YouTube. Or, listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to turn their own pain into power. Fatima Whitbread shows us the way.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now to stay informed on the issues that matter.

Host: Peter Bell

Guest: Fatima Whitbread

Produced by: Purpose Made

Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the streets of Britain erupted into chaos, it wasn't just a moment of unrest—it was an earthquake, shaking the very foundations of society and exposing deep, underlying fractures. As the nation grapples with these turbulent times, understanding the forces that brought us here is crucial. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the political, social, and economic factors fuelling this unrest, offering a clear-eyed look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

To help us navigate this complex landscape, we’re joined by Jo Tanner, a distinguished political strategist with over 25 years of experience. Tanner, who has provided counsel to key figures in UK politics, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, offers a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play.

With a career spanning journalism and political communications, Tanner brings a unique perspective on the interplay between media, politics, and public sentiment. In this episode, we dive into the Labour Party's recent landslide victory, the challenges they face in a fractured political environment, and the broader societal issues that have fuelled the recent unrest.

Timestamps:

00:00 | Introductions

01:41 | Introducing Jo Tanner

02:10 | Labour's Sweeping Victory

02:38 | Challenges Facing the New Government

02:48 | Jo Tanner's Background

07:59 | Economic Inequality and Redistribution of Wealth

08:32 | Health Service Crisis

14:00 | Global Political Landscape

17:37 | Broken Britain and Global Investment Challenges

21:03 | Prison System and Reforms

23:16 | The Importance of Prevention

24:20 | Addressing Social Issues in the Northeast

25:40 | Community Engagement and Government Responsibility

27:23 | Challenges in Political Narratives

30:28 | Long-Term Solutions and Building Trust

38:47 | The Role of Opposition and Cross-Party Collaboration

44:10 | The Power of Multiculturalism and Unity

47:30 | Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Chatting to Jo was an absolute pleasure, and as we peel back the layers of Britain’s current unrest, this conversation not only uncovers the complex interplay of political, social, and economic forces at work but also offers a roadmap for navigating these turbulent times. Tanner’s insights illuminate the pressing need for systemic change, emphasising the importance of addressing inequality, strengthening community bonds, and fostering collaborative governance.

This episode is a call to action for all of us—whether you're engaged in political discourse, working within communities, or simply seeking to understand the forces shaping our world today. It’s a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Britain and a crucial listen for anyone invested in the future of this nation.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now to stay informed on the issues that matter.

Host: Peter Bell

Guest: Jo Tanner

Produced by: Purpose Made, dedicated to guiding leaders through seas of change.

Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates those who conquer challenges from those who stumble? Do you have what it takes to succeed in any situation? According to retired Navy SEAL Commander Rich Diviney, true optimal performance goes beyond just skill. It's all about THE ATTRIBUTES.

In the latest episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, I sit down with Rich Diviney to uncover "The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance." With over 21 years of service and 13 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Rich shares profound insights into human performance, revealing the hidden attributes that fuel success.

Discover the power of cunning, adaptability, courage, even narcissism--that determine how resilient or perseverant we are, and the crucial difference between peak and optimal performance. Learn about dynamic leadership, the surprising role of humour, and actionable strategies to thrive under stress and uncertainty.

Rich's insights help you understand the attributes that drive elite performance, both in the military and everyday life. This episode is packed with takeaways on developing your performance and leading high-performing teams.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Meet Rich Diviney

01:24 Rich's Journey and Career

02:49 The Reality of Navy SEALS

05:19 Mental Toughness and Attributes in SEAL Training

07:55 Optimal vs. Peak Performance

14:42 Leadership in High-Performing Teams

18:11 The Role of Humour in High-Performing Teams

23:21 Mindset and Motivations Behind the Book

23:36 Defining Skills vs. Attributes

24:40 The Nature of Attributes

27:37 Developing Attributes

29:33 The Role of Environment in Attribute Development

31:06 Enhancing Attributes in Practice

33:24 Mindset and Neuroplasticity

37:32 Understanding and Leveraging Personal Attributes

41:32 Building High-Performing Teams

42:56 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Chatting with Rich was an absolute pleasure. Delving into his military background, we uncover more than tales of physical endurance. This is a conversation that explores the core of our disposition and mindset. This is an essential conversation for anyone seeking optimal performance, it serves as a powerful guide to understanding how our attributes shape our realities and outcomes and how we can refine these traits to achieve optimal performance across all areas of our lives.

For those who prefer video content, our discussion is available on YouTube. As always, you can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Unlock the secrets of elite performance from one of the elite. May this conversation inspire and motivate you to push beyond your limits and transform your understanding of human performance.

Special Offer:

Unlock Your Leadership Potential. Use the code PETERBELL15 to get a 15% discount on The Attributes Assessment at theattributes.com.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now!

Host: Peter Bell

Guest: Rich Diviney

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to helping you achieve your highest potential.

Join our tribe and lets grow together https://plus.acast.com/s/purpose-made-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.