The Resilience Project

The year is 1967, and Kathrine Switzer is about to change the world of sports for women - and women's rights - all over the globe. Fighting with organisers, the press and even her own partner as they tried to physically remove her from running the Boston Marathon, Switzer stood firm and continued irrespective of the detractors, and joins us on The Resilience Project podcast and shares the touching truths of what it took, to redefine sports for generations of women. Her story is one of personal resilience, standing up against the odds, and pushing through barriers that seemed insurmountable at the time. Kathrine shares key lessons from her life with host Wes Linden, including the mindset needed to overcome obstacles (sometimes physical), stay determined in the face of adversity, and how to build a legacy that inspires others - plus some incredible advice for parents who want to inspire their children to greatness! Her story is packed with inspiration and resilience lessons that will motivate you to tackle your own challenges with new vigour - and she also shares some incredible insights on forgiveness and how she was able to do so with the man responsible for her darkest moment. 02:24 How did it start? 06:35 Applying for the Boston Marathon. 08:19 Having someone believe in you. 09:04 Preparing for greatness. 10:29 The famous number 261. 10:45 What happened next? 18:06 Changing society. 20:03 Breaking the rules. 21:01 Your boyfriend - hero or zero? 23:16 Continuing despite the haters. 28:38 Break 28:51 Advice for people facing doubters. 30:40 The Rule of 100. 32:00 Getting the Women's Marathon into the Olympic Games. 34:03 Ignoring other people's opinions. 36:26 Approach towards bad behaviour from others. 37:02 Keeping focus and showing forgiveness. 37:36 The importance of patience. 37:45 Succeeding even if you're not the most talented. 38:27 Great parenting lessons. 41:50 Doing the Boston Marathon 50 years later. 45:20 Changing the world for millions. 46:13 Are you a Pankhurst/suffragette?! 47:44 Advice for people who feel they can't get ahead and they're getting in their own way. 48:47 What is resilience? 49:11 How will people talk about you in 100 years time? 49:40 Closing Follow me: https://beacons.ai/theresilienceproject Kathrine’s book & audio: ‘Marathon Woman’ on Amazon (UK): https://amzn.eu/d/6lMr99E Kathrine’s 261 Fearless programs: https://www.261fearless.org Kathrine's website: https://kathrineswitzer.com Kathrine on social: https://www.instagram.com/kathrineswitzer Wes on social: Instagram.com/weslinden LinkedIn.com/weslinden More about Wes: weslinden.com Never miss an episode: weslinden.com/podcast

There was a time when the England men’s football team were the pride of the country! Sir Geoff Hurst was a huge part of that! His resilience story has so many layers… *After his playing career was over you may not know he became Chelsea manager for two years. When he left, he became a door-to-door salesman, much to the surprise of his prospective customers.  *He was forced to claim unemployment benefits and queue up with people who had idolised him a few years earlier, to support his family.  *He scored the hat-trick for England when they won the World Cup in 1966, beating West Germany 4-2. In this episode of The Resilience Project, host Wes Linden chats with Sir Geoff to learn key life lessons, including the mindset you need to be a true winner. Packed full of inspiration and resilience lessons on how to overcome anything, beat disappointments, bounce back stronger, remain humble and build a life of meaning. 00:00 Intro02:48 How much do you remember about what was going through your head during the game?03:50 Everyone remembers where they were when it happened! 04:28 Help us understand the preparation of a winner. 05:35 Importance of teamwork.06:07 At the start of the 1966 World Cup, you weren't first choice - how did you have the mindset that you could get into the team, or had you resigned yourself to being on the sidelines?08:20 Focusing on your own progress, rather than being distracted by others.09:31 Remaining calm under pressure. What can people learn from that for their own lives and career?10:23 You were originally not totally focussed on football career?12:05 It's stereotypical to talk about 1966 World Cup Final but you had an amazing career outside of that. Do you ever feel like your whole life achievements are overshadowed by one moment?12:51 Is your life defined by one moment? 14:19 Imposter syndrome.15:40 The day after the World Cup Final!16:48 Jimmy Greaves feeling like the loneliest person in Wembley Stadium that day, and couldn't bring himself to join the celebrations. How did how did you feel about that? Did you speak to him about it?19:25 Would you have felt the same?20:35 Chelsea manager to door-to-door insurance salesman. What mindset and resilience helped you to adjust to being in the ‘real’ world.22:37 Your dedication.24:31 Break24:45 Overcoming rejection and then still getting up the next day.26:54 Failure and success. 26:59 Leadership traits.28:37 Staying on the right path, and avoiding destructive habits like other celebrities and sportsman can fall into.30:08 The greatest mentor.31:49 Being knighted to become Sir Geoff. How did that feel?33:12 Being unfazed by celebrities and royalty.33:42 Staying grounded and dealing with fame and public attention.34:59 Losing your brother to suicide and dealing with mental health challenges.36:20 Further family grief and being the last surviving member of the England team. How do you keep yourself so positive?38:25 So what advice would you give to youngsters that are watching this who want to be the best in their space, whether that's sports or business or any other avenue?39:00 How would you define resilience?41:07 What message would you hope that people take away from your experiences and your journey?43:18 100 years’ time from now, how would you like history and people to describe Sir Geoff Hurst, the man, and his approach to life?44:11 And finally - was it over the line?!45:22 Do you ever wake up in a cold sweat about the fact, that the referee and linesman decided it didn't go over the line?!46:35 They think it’s all over… it is now! Closing remarks. Follow Wes: https://beacons.ai/theresilienceproject More about Sir Geoff: http://www.geoffhurst.com Sir Geoff's hat-trick - 1966 final highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMDuHPvNtgg Wes on social: https://www.instagram.com/weslinden   https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslinden   Never miss an episode: https://www.weslinden.com/podcast

From delivering pizzas aged 31 to becoming one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, Brad Burton has an extraordinary story, that not even he can believe! Having grown up in a rough council estate, Brad was shot at twice and had to relocate his life overnight to the other side of the country. In debt and claiming benefits, he decided enough was enough. He went from delivering pizzas in an old car, barely making the minimum wage - to running a business that was turning over more than two million pounds, as well as become an inspirational speaker and an author of four best-selling books including 'Get Off Your Arse' and 'Now What?' Brad’s extraordinary story is full of wisdom, that you can only learn from having been through the trials and tribulations yourself, and success stories you won’t ever hear from a ‘guru’ selling an expensive course (who have generally never actually built a solid business themselves!) - in fact, I’d go as far as to say, you’ll get all the wisdom you will need to help you unlock your struggles and start taking action by listening this podcast. In this episode of The Resilience Project, host Wes Linden looks to uncover the mindset and resilience principles that took Brad from a life destined for prison, to now being able to live a lifestyle he could only ever dream of, for him and his family. 00:00 Intro 01:25 How did you get from pizza delivery to where you are now? 02:33 At what point did you know you had to change? 03:19 Would you have ended up in prison? 03:44 How did you get out of your situation? 05:39 People will relate even if they haven’t had bullets through the window! 07:38 So how did you go from pizza guy to business owner? 09:26 Resilience & tough times. 10:18 Desperate for instant success. 13:42 Irritating ‘gurus’ selling courses. 16:47 Making choices. 17:28 People kidding themselves. 21:00 How close can a goal be even if it seems far away? 22:55 So you were delivering pizzas in your early thirties. How did your business come from there? 27:55 Not focusing on negativity. 28:46 Imposter syndrome. 29:43 4N 31:03 Importance of building relationships. 33:35 People judging you on how you dress. 36:18 Break 36:31 Is news and social media stealing hope and belief from people? 38:43 Avoiding the news. 39:40 4N was a big thing. 41:40 What's the difference between burnout & breakdown? 43:04 Enthusiasm. 47:34 Success & failure. 49:48 How to stop yourself and others quitting. 53:44 Reaction to success. 56:05 You selling your business. 01:03:48 The Lurpak! 01:07:01 Control the controlables. 01:10:33 What would you say to people about keeping going? 01:12:32 How will people remember Brad Burton? 01:13:10 How do people get through not feeling like they’re enough? 01:14:04 Closing Follow me: https://beacons.ai/theresilienceproject Brad’s books on Amazon (UK): https://t.ly/h8KyK Brad on social: https://www.instagram.com/bradburton Wes on social: https://www.instagram.com/weslinden   https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslinden   Never miss an episode: https://www.weslinden.com/podcast

Embark on a gripping journey with Bella Collins, a novice rower turned record-breaking adventurer, on ‘The Resilience Project’ podcast. Host Wes Linden asks the questions as Bella dives deep into her incredible feat of rowing across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a small boat alongside three strangers. Despite her initial lack of experience and lifelong battle with self-doubt, Bella shattered not just one, but three world records! In this episode, Wes uncovers the vital leadership principles Bella harnessed to forge a cohesive and effective team amidst the most extreme, life-threatening conditions. Discover the camaraderie and culture-building strategies that were crucial to their survival and success. Bella, now recognised globally following her inclusion in the 'Forbes 30 Under 30' list, also reveals how she developed a resilient mindset, which helped her overcome persistent self-doubt and navigate the uncertainties of her daring expeditions. Join us to learn from a true exemplar of determination. 00:00 Intro 01:16 School nerd & unsporty. How did you end up with three world records? 02:44 First record. 03:07 Times you let fear beat you. 05:11: Something that happened when younger that pushed you on this path? 06:14 Attitudes to risk. 08:04 First world record. 10:25 How big is the boat & how confined were you with the others? 11:31 How do you even sleep?! 12:25 Only two hours to rest. 13:43 Cabin fever.15:00 Examples? 16:32 The next world record. 16:49 What did you learn about being around people for that length of time in such a small space? 18:57 Anxiety & mental health. 20:24 World record with The Ocean Sheroes 21:25 Training for the winds and waves. 24:43 Inner strength & resilience to get through the storms at sea. 26:20 How incredible the Pacific challenge is. 27:42 Break 27:55 Family doubting her. 30:34 Finding your people. 31:57 Overcoming anyone close to you that you expected to support you who didn't? 33:22 Overcoming imposter syndrome. 35:08 Why you’re going to go on the oceans again. 36:38 Why am I doing this?! 38:29 Gaps between success and failure. 39:44 Fearing success? 40:55 Attitude changes. 42:01 What would you say you learned from that period that you didn't already know from being isolated on a boat 43:58 Comparing yourself & your achievements. 45:39 Comparison issues. 46:42 Staying in your lane. 47:33 Most common challenges that your experiences can help people overcome? 49:07 How to build culture for a high-performing team that actually wants to work together? 51:12 Succeeding on your own without a team to support you. 51:54 Moving forwards when feeling lost or trapped. 54:14 Prepare mentally for the next world record. 55:58 Is there one question that you thought I might have asked that I didn't, but you've got a great story or answer for? 56:35 Closing Follow me: beacons.ai/theresilienceproject Bella's website: bellacollinsadventure.com Bella on social: instagram.com/collins_bella linkedin.com/in/bella-collins Wes on social: instagram.com/weslinden linkedin.com/in/weslinden Never miss an episode: weslinden.com/podcast

Celebrities have it easy…Or do they? Our latest guest, Frank Bruno knows all about getting up after being knocked down. From being sent to borstal; becoming World Champion Heavyweight Boxer; being avoided in public when news of his mental health issues were mocked by the newspapers; getting sectioned six times; to becoming one of the most famous faces in the country, and eventually recognised as a National Treasure; we speak to Frank on winning his huge battles both in & out the ring. Host Wes Linden uncovers the grit & determination that we can utilise in order to chase our dreams. Frank Bruno shares straightforward mindset & resilience lessons on getting to the top, hitting rock-bottom and getting back up again - lessons that'll benefit you no matter what path you’re on, sports fan or not. 00:00 Intro 01:15 When you realised you were going to be World Champ? 01:54 What emotions you experienced? 02:07 Leaving family & going to borstal? 02:52 When did you start boxing? 03:23 Borstal a good decision? 03:45 Amateur boxing? 04:07 Was borstal tough? 04:25 “I need to sort myself out”? 04:43 Youngest ever amateur champ? 05:11 Was your success too quick? 05:37 Is instant success a problem? 06:07 You nearly never made it? 06:24 How did you get over knockbacks? 06:56 James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith’s name! 07:54 Your mindset after defeat? 08:27 What can people learn from your attitude? 08:59 Fighting Mike Tyson. 09:34 People suffering knockbacks day to day. What can they learn from your attitude? 10:05 Fighting Tyson a 2nd time in ‘96. 10:32 Losing your eye? 10:48 How you pushed on despite anxiety? 11:31 The world is watching you? 11:55 Making a $20m comeback? 12:16 Your sacrifices? 12:53 Push through doubts? 13:26 Is failing good for you? 14:14 Daily mantra? 14:46 Harder days? 15:03 Disappointments from losing when you could've won. 15:32 Celeb career? 15:44 Side-gig distraction? 17:22 Most famous guy in the country? 18:00 Overcoming imposter syndrome? 18:28 How did you admit your mental health and bipolar conditions? 18:58 Being sectioned? 19:25 Did you have a sense of shame? 19:42 Still shame around the mental health? 20:17 Positive mindset. 20:47 How can listeners take control when they're not feeling great? 21:43 What you said to yourself when struggling with mental health? 22:02 Dreadful headlines about you and mental health. 22:24 Negatives into positives? 22:38 Public crossing the road to avoid you due to mental health? 22:52 Maintaining class amongst critics? 23:14 Phone being hacked by the media? 25:14 Break 25:27 Being one of the first celebs to talk about mental health? 26:54 Advice for people listening struggling with mental health? 27:11 Mental health medication v exercise? 27:38 Your mentors? 28:23 What advice did they give you? 28:34 Muhammad Ali a mentor? 28:54 Ali’s charisma. 29:12 Making people feel good? 31:04 Building your brand? 31:19 Getting recognised? 31:39 Losing negative people? 32:13 Haters, criticism and rejections? 34:29 Overcoming doubters in life? 35:27 Was this journey how you imagined? 35:58 Receiving MBE and awards? 36:27 Meeting celebs? 37:14 Quitting? 38:00 Toughest battles in or out of the ring? 38:46 Most proud of? 39:57 Proudest moment? 40:49 Look at me now! 41:19 Retirement? 41:35 Define success? 42:05 Frank’s Foundation. 43:20 Charity work? 43:30 Seeing people develop? 44:04 Prison? 44:39 Success and defeat? 45:03 Overcoming knocks? 45:50 Resilience? 46:12 Cheery attitude? 47:19 Close Follow me: https://beacons.ai/theresilienceproject Frank’s book ‘Let me be Frank’ on Amazon (UK): https://amzn.to/4d29ggU Frank’s book ‘60 Years a Fighter’ (inc signed copies & memorabilia): https://www.frankbruno.co.uk/product-category/books/ Frank’s foundation: https://www.thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk Frank on social: https://x.com/frankbrunoboxer https://www.instagram.com/frankbrunoboxer Wes on social: Instagram.com/weslinden LinkedIn.com/weslinden Never miss an episode: weslinden.com/podcast

What if the toughest days of your life could lead to your BEST ones? At age 11, a devastating accident changed Michelle Kuei’s life forever, leading her on a path with 13 surgeries and challenges that would intimidate the strongest spirits. Despite these hurdles, Michelle didn’t just learn to adapt—she thrived. Now standing strong at 4’4", she moves through life with her crutches, a symbol not of limitation but of her unstoppable resilience. From completing the challenging Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu on crutches to becoming an entrepreneur, author, and inspirational speaker, Michelle’s story isn’t just about overcoming. It’s about transforming adversity into opportunity. Host Wes Linden asks the questions as Michelle shares her incredible mental strength and strategies for turning negatives into positives. She also reveals the secrets behind her awe-inspiring resilience, with simple lessons that you can apply to your own journey, no matter what field you’re in. 00:00 Intro 01:46 Tell us about the accident and your disabilities? 04:58 Your teenage years must have been a huge test on your mental strength? 06:29 What would you say in hindsight you learned about yourself from that period? 09:58 Is society more accepting of disabilities? 12:15 You’ve suffered from feeling shame. What can people learn from how you overcome this? 16:02 You had other things against you too including being an immigrant into a country without being able to speak, speak their language. How did you navigate that? 20:39 You have so many tools for dealing with challenges. Can these approaches overlap? 22:37 You challenged yourself to trek up Machu Picchu. How did that come about? 27:53 What happened when you arrived in Peru? 32:18 Was this a time where you felt part of something? 34:48 Thought on how to make people feel good. 37:01 Tell us about the invisibility cloak… do you still have one? 40:04 What do you say to yourself when you think of quitting or stopping or procrastinating? 43:04 Social media shows so much perfection. How can people navigate through that? 46:41 Do you ever have moments of imposter syndrome and how do you get over those? 50:32 Tell us about the Barbie doll you have on display! 52:02 How do you overcome self-pity? 54:37 How can start to turn around any problems they are facing now? 57:53 What question did I not ask that you think I might have done? 59:19 What would you say about resilience that people need to hear? Follow me: https://beacons.ai/theresilienceproject Order Michelle’s book ‘Perfectly Normal’ on Amazon (UK): https://amzn.to/4anGLs8 Order Michelle’s book ‘Perfectly Normal’ on Amazon (USA): https://a.co/d/hHVhstr Find Wes on social: Instagram.com/weslinden LinkedIn.com/weslinden Never miss an episode: weslinden.com/podcast

Discover resilience and success insights from an Olympic Gold medal winner who became Co-CEO of a business with over one million customers and two billion in annual turnover. In this episode of The Resilience Project podcast, host Wes Linden explores Andrew Lindsay MBE's journey from the Olympic Gold podium with Team GB to the helm of UW, a hugely successful market-disrupting business (Utility Warehouse/Telecom plus PLC). Uncover Andrew's resilience, mindset, shutting out distractions and leadership strategies which you can apply to your own journey too. 00:00: Intro 01:06: When did you realise you were going to win Olympic Gold? 02:06: What went through your head in the moments before winning Olympic Gold? 03:23: Who keeps you motivated? 04:01: Feelings crossing the finish line? 04:59: Had you always aspired to win Olympic Gold? 06:05: How long had you been on that journey? 06:14: How do you make the switch from uncertainty to certainty? 07:20: How to sustain motivation amidst distractions? 08:38: Solo success vs. team success? 09:38: Keys to becoming the best? 10:50: Did you enjoy the journey or hate it? 11:56: Balancing the need for instant success with incremental improvement? 12:49: How to maintain focus during incremental changes? 14:25: When achievers say ‘I always knew I’d do XYZ’ do you believe them?! 16:17: Battling imposter syndrome and wondering if you’re good enough? 18:19: Navigating success amidst today’s distractions such as social media & 24/7 news? 19:58: Is it true a teammate choose you for the final place in the team over his best friend? 21:22: What’s the mindset behind choosing success over friendship? 22:00: Coping with self-doubt and preparing to quit? 24:26: What happened when your girlfriend dumped you at your low point? 25:41: Advice for overcoming setbacks? 26:39: Instilling resilience in your kids? 28:13: A favour please! 29:07: What big challenge surprised you most? 31:21: Recognising when to move on? 32:34: Avoiding living off past glory & finding new goals to push on with? 34:28: Coping with post-success blues? 36:00: Why did you quit a high salary job for one with much lower pay? 36:51: Did you always want to be a CEO? 37:37: Stepping back for future advancement? 38:32: Why did you join UW’s leadership team? 39:16: Applying Olympic lessons to business? 41:20: Resilience lessons for day-to-day work? 43:56: How to maintain resilience during tough times? 47:21: How close are failure & success to each other? 49:00: Managing the impact of negativity around you? 49:44: What’s your daily success mantra? 51:06: What would you say to those contemplating giving up on what they’re doing? 53:21: What happened to the girlfriend?! Follow us: beacons.ai/theresilienceproject Watch this episode on YouTube: youtu.be/0kc6klyBlfw Andrew's Team GB Olympic Gold winning race: youtu.be/J1zl-vwn3Ak?si=FUosytKZdEFtEqih Olympic podium: youtu.be/I81oYKqVmGk?si=WlM0vZ7okIkpuAsU Connect with Wes: Instagram.com/weslinden LinkedIn.com/weslinden Subscribe for future updates: weslinden.com/podcast

Not long to wait…