S22 Ep4: Donna Ashworth, Poet & Author: The Women's Wordsmith, celebrating Midlife, Messiness & Mindset

“Love lives in the ugly truths.”  These powerful words come from this week’s inspiring guest, Donna Ashworth—author, the UK’s best-selling poet, and a true artist when it comes to capturing the human heart in words.  In this deeply moving episode, Donna joins Holly for a conversation that’s as honest as it is healing. With her signature vulnerability and insight, Donna opens up about the life experiences that have shaped her poetic voice and heightened her sensitivity to the world, enabling her to offer not just words but solace, strength, and a mirror for the human experience. Together, they explore how embracing midlife can lead to profound transformation and how speaking our truths—even the messy ones—can bring us closer to ourselves and each other. This is a conversation brimming with soulful wisdom, raw honesty, and the kind of truths that make us feel seen. It’s one you won't want to miss. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about eating disorders, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need to, please skip from 9 minutes 20 seconds to 10 minutes 30 seconds.. Take care while listening.

What if a simple drawing could do more than just fill a page? What if it could boost confidence, spark creativity and even provide comfort in uncertain times? In this episode, Holly sits down with the brilliant Rob Biddulph, award winning children’s author, illustrator and creative force behind the lockdown sensation Draw With Rob, a movement that inspired millions of children (and their parents) to pick up a pencil and get drawing. Rob speaks to Holly about the power of creativity, why art is so often undervalued in our education system and how a daily drawing challenge became a lifeline to so many during the pandemic. He also shares how a stroke of luck helped paint the career change he’d craved, but had almost given up on. This is an episode that explores the importance of keeping that creative spark alive into adulthood, the joy of making art without fear of failure and why in the digital world, putting pen to paper might just be more important than ever.

Do you know what it takes to become a 10-year ‘overnight’ success? How do you turn something you love into a $66 million business? And what drives you to keep going in order to make that happen? In this episode, Holly speaks candidly with Vivien Wong to learn more about her story of co-founding the mochi ice cream sensation, Little Moons.  With a bold vision to introduce the UK to a whole new dessert category rooted in the centuries old Japanese tradition of mochi, Vivien embarked upon a rollercoaster of a journey.  After ten years of blood, sweat and tears, a viral TikTok moment propelled Little Moons to massive popularity, making mochi a household name across the UK and beyond. In this powerful conversation, Vivien shares just what it took to create an offering that entirely redefines how people think about dessert. She also opens up about her experiences as an Asian female founder and highlights how hard work — really hard work — will always prevail, but has learnt how equally important it is to press pause, too. From navigating cultural appreciation, to the highs and lows of building a memorable brand, this conversation is filled with unrivalled insight for anyone looking to carve out a new niche, bring an idea to life or inspire future generations by breaking down barriers and achieving the unimaginable.

What does it take to build a legacy that spans over six decades, dressing everyone from royalty to rock stars, while staying true to your unique, uncompromising vision? In this episode, Holly has a heartfelt conversation with the legendary Dame Zandra Rhodes, a beloved figure in the fashion world whose vibrant designs and bold spirit have made her an icon. From the swinging sixties to today, Zandra has gracefully pushed boundaries, embraced change, and navigated life's challenges with remarkable resilience. Her journey—from a creative childhood in Chatham, Kent, to dressing stars like Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury, and countless others—feels almost like a fairy tale. Along the way, Zandra has faced loss and battled cancer, yet she has always stayed true to herself. With her signature pink hair, unforgettable style, and a heart as bright as her designs, Zandra’s story is not only one of creativity but of strength, reinvention, and a deep belief in following her own path. This conversation is packed with Zandra’s wisdom she has learned throughout her extraordinary life. It’s a story that will leave you feeling inspired by a woman whose impact is as enduring as her iconic work and the beautiful legacy she continues to create.

As this year draws to a close, Holly reflects on one of the most transformational chapters of her life—a rollercoaster journey through 2024, filled with exhilarating highs, challenging lows, and moments of deep uncertainty. From the pressure of launching her marketplace under the spotlight to questioning whether she was right to take the leap again, Holly shares her raw and honest experiences navigating this pivotal year. Throughout the year, the Conversations of Inspiration podcast has been a source of grounding, wisdom, and reassurance. Across 210 episodes, Holly has been joined by incredible founders whose stories exemplify resilience, grit, and unrelenting determination. These conversations have profoundly shaped Holly's year, offering life-changing insights and sparking a deeper sense of purpose. From Lady Edwina, who highlighted the harsh realities facing women in prison, and Leslee Udwin, founder of Think Equal, who challenged education systems to break cycles of violence and discrimination. Debbie Wosskow, co-founder of AllBright, inspired Holly with her philosophy of graft, grace, and grit, while Helen Pankhurst shared her insights on perseverance and the collective power of women for change. Matt Pohlson, co-founder of Omaze, shared his mission to become the world’s biggest corporate donor to charity.  Tune in for powerful stories of resilience, grit, and the drive to create meaningful change from these exceptional guests.

What do you do when life, as you know it, shatters in an instant? In this episode, Holly speaks with Ed and Lois Jackson and explores the profound and life-altering journey that they have been on. Once living a dream life filled with athletic success and endless opportunities, their world was turned upside down when Ed, a former professional rugby player, suffered a catastrophic accident that left him paralyzed. What followed was not only a physical battle to defy the odds and regain movement but a mental and emotional transformation for both Ed and Lois. Together, they’ve faced the unimaginable, and through grit, resilience, and love, they've found a new purpose, helping others overcome adversity and reframe their mental health in the process. This is a raw, inspiring story of how Ed and Lois have turned a tragedy into a mission to uplift, empower, and show that even in our darkest moments, there is light, hope, and a way forward. This conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to face hardship and how when life doesn’t go as planned, we are truly capable of much more than we know.

What if the key to a more just, compassionate world started in the classroom? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Holly speaks with award-winning filmmaker, human rights advocate, and education activist, Leslee Udwin. Known for her groundbreaking documentary India's Daughter and as the visionary behind Think Equal, Leslee shares her journey from confronting injustice on the screen to reshaping education for empathy, compassion, and social equality. Throughout their conversation, Leslee discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to dedicate her life to creating an education system rooted in emotional intelligence and mutual respect. Think Equal imagines a world where empathy is as essential as numeracy or literacy, teaching children from a young age to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, genders, races, and religions. This episode is both inspiring and, at times, deeply raw, as Leslee speaks openly about the painful realities that have driven her mission. But her passion for creating a world where children learn empathy, respect, and emotional resilience shines through, offering hope for a more peaceful future. Trigger Warning: This episode addresses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including discussions on race, sexual violence, child abuse, and violence against women. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage you to prioritise your well-being. Please pause or skip sections that may be triggering for you.

What drives someone born into one of the UK’s most prominent aristocratic families to dedicate their life to prison reform, particularly advocating for the needs of women behind bars? In this episode, Holly speaks with the remarkable Lady Edwina Grosvenor, whose background might lead you to expect a life of privilege and tradition—but her story is anything but conventional. Edwina shares how, “From a really young age, I felt that injustice of the luck of birth,” an early realisation that sparked her commitment to the most marginalised members of society. From the impact of privilege on her perspectives to her work in addressing the systemic injustices faced by incarcerated women—like the lack of access to basic necessities—Edwina shares a rare, firsthand view of the hidden world of prisons. She dives into the complex relationship between domestic violence and incarceration rates, and why trauma-informed care is essential for breaking cycles of recidivism. She challenges us all: “Do we want our prisons to be warehouses for the incorrigible or greenhouses for the redeemable?” Her vision for a more compassionate justice system is clear: “Should we be helping people to lead a better life or should we be actively preventing it?” Listen now for a conversation that will open your eyes, challenge your assumptions, and inspire you to consider how empathy can drive real change. Join us in exploring the hidden world of prisons and the transformative power of hope. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to share? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This opportunity is brought to you in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions. Exclusive Dell discount for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: Save up to 20% through Dell Exclusive Offers by using your email and the exclusive Holly & Co password: ‘HCO’. Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about the deaths of babies, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need to, please skip from 26 to 28 minutes. Take care while listening.

Imagine turning down a dream job, facing a mountain of debt, and surviving a life-or-death experience—only to emerge with a mission that’s transforming the world of giving. In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration, Matt Pohlson, co-founder of Omaze—a platform that offers life-changing experiences and prizes while raising funds for charitable causes—shares his remarkable journey. It’s packed with insights for anyone looking to make a difference. What you’ll learn: Turn fear into fuel – Matt reveals how he overcame $200,000 in debt and turned down a major job offer, staying true to his mission even when the challenges felt insurmountable. Build trust through vulnerability – Find out how embracing honesty and openness can forge deeper connections, whether in business or in life. Combine profit with purpose – Discover how Omaze has raised over £60 million for charities by harnessing the power of storytelling. Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that our toughest moments can become our greatest sources of strength. Tune in to see how these lessons could shape your own journey. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to share? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This opportunity is brought to you in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions. Exclusive Dell discount for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: Save up to 20% through Dell Exclusive Offers by using your email and the exclusive Holly & Co password: ‘HCO’.

Meet Patrick and Karen O’Flaherty, the dynamic husband and wife duo behind Pip Organic, a pioneering force in the organic food and drink industry. Their story began in the bustling heart of London, where their shared passion for health, sustainability, and community blossomed into a visionary business idea. United by their commitment to creating wholesome, organic products, Patrick and Karen embarked on a journey to transform the way people consume food and beverages. In this episode, Patrick and Karen reveal the intricacies of their entrepreneurial journey sharing the complexities of being an organic business and managing a sustainable supply chain all whilst ensuring that Pip Organic remains synonymous with purity and simplicity. But it’s not just a story about business, Patrick and Karen’s journey is also testament to the remarkable power of a family-run enterprise and of how they have woven their personal values into the fabric of their brand. Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to tell? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions. Exclusive Dell discount code for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: You can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’.