#395: Why Storytelling Should Be a Priority for Your Business

I talk to Craig Harrison, former British Army sniper turned mental health advocate and survival instructor. Known globally for holding the world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, Craig's story doesn’t just end with his military prowess. Today, we explore his life beyond the battlefield, discussing not only his remarkable military achievements but also his battles with PTSD, his transition into civilian life, and how he has turned his struggles into a source of strength and teaching. Craig opens up about his initial motives for joining the army and his long-standing physical and psychological battles following 23 years of service. Find out how Craig went AWOL from the Army, joined the French Foreign Legion, and fell into bare-knuckle boxing. Hear how the press leaked the story of his sniper kills in Afghanistan and had to live for three years in a safe house with his wife. We'll hear how writing his bestselling book "The Longest Kill" served as a therapeutic process and led him to establish The Maverick Survival School. But not before a car was found kitted out with explosive devices - and a picture of Craig in it. Craig also shares intimate details of how nature and his wife have been vital in his ongoing battle with daily thoughts of suicide and his message to fellow veterans on how to make the army work for you. Join us on this conversation that not only highlights a journey of incredible survival and resilience but also sheds light on the importance of mental health support for veterans. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with the Chris Billam-Smith, the reigning World Boxing Organization cruiserweight champion. Born in Epsom and brought up in Bournemouth, Chris’s story is not just about punches and knockouts; it’s a tale of relentless perseverance, overcoming setbacks, and an undying passion for boxing that saw him rise from a humble beginning to holding multiple titles including the European, British, and Commonwealth cruiserweight championships. Chris shares intimate details about his journey in the ring, from his emotional victory dedicated to his mother to the lifestyle changes that shaped his career trajectory. He discusses the critical role of recovery tools like sleep, the mental resilience forged through tough times, and his vision for the future. Whether you're a boxing aficionado or just love a good fight story, this episode is packed with powerful insights into what it takes to be a champion both in and outside the ring. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I chatted with Tommy Kelly, a former Royal Marine Commando turned entrepreneur. Co-founder of Jöttnar, a highly technical outdoor clothing brand, Tommy shares his journey from navigating the harsh environments of the Arctic Circle to pioneering innovations in the outdoor apparel industry. Discover how his military experiences, especially his challenging 'night of hell', have shaped his business and approach to overcoming adversity. We gain insights into Tommy's early aspirations to join the Marines, the elite Mountain Leader Troop, and the pivotal moments that led him and fellow Marine Steve Howarth to identify a gap in the high-performance outdoor gear market. This episode not only explores the critical lessons learnt in the extremities of both nature and business but also delves into the importance of resilience, adaptation, and the crucial need for downtime in achieving long-term success. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this week’s episode of Screw It Just Do It, I chat to Jay Morton. A former SAS operative turned mental health advocate, Jay shares his journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq to personal resilience and mental well-being. In this conversation, Jay opens up about the crucial role genuine connections play in our lives, his candid take on social media in general, and the mental strategies that have helped him endure physical and emotional extremes. He reflects on witnessing humanity at its most raw and offers advice to the younger generation on building relationships, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of having a plan and direction in life. As someone who has seen the best and worst of human capability, Jay’s insights into mental resilience, the importance of genuine friendships, and future plans for adventure and exploration are not just inspiring but a call to action for all of us to push our limits and dream bigger. Don't miss this compelling episode—perfect for those interested in adventure, mental health, resilience, and life lessons from one of the UK's most well known SAS veterans. Learn more about Jay via the following links: https://www.instagram.com/jay__morton/?hl=enhttps://www.jaymortonofficial.com/https://www.facebook.com/jaymortonofficial/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMHYWupdi_9wIMrYrtDMnFwhttps://twitter.com/jay_morton_?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-morton-9ba659165/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode of Screw It Just Do It, I sit down with Martin Hewlett, a man whose story is nothing short of inspirational. From the rugged cliffs of North Devon, Martin shares his journey from facing a shocking and incorrect diagnosis of stage 3 kidney disease, to the heights of healing both himself and others through his Calming Anxiety Podcast. As a former paramedic with a rich background in martial arts and powerlifting, Martin embodies a unique blend of physical strength and emotional resilience. With over 10 million downloads, his podcast stands as a testament to what defines true success: the courage to turn one’s life around, from an angry teenager to a beacon of positivity and peace. Alex and Martin delve into the transformative power of positive thinking, the importance of believing in oneself, and how changing our internal dialogue can indeed change our world. Tune in to discover how Martin Hewlett has not only mastered the art of living but is also teaching others to do the same, one mindful moment at a time. Learn more about Martin via the following links: LinkedIn, Website --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

This week it's Screw It Just Do It host Alex Chisnall's turn to be in the hot seat as Piers Linney takes over the hosting duties. Linney, a former investor on Dragon's Den, renowned entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for technology and diversity, flips the script to uncover the compelling story behind Alex's podcasting empire. From humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal voice in the entrepreneurial and audio spaces, Alex shares insights on the importance of selling, the key to starting out, and why consistency has been crucial to his success. Join us for this unique episode as we reveal the drive, determination, and daring it takes to make "Screw It, Just Do It" what it is.. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Today, we're diving deep into a story that's etched in football legend, a tale of determination, resilience, and an iconic moment that transcends the sport itself. We're talking to none other than Jimmy Glass, the goalkeeper whose last-minute goal for Carlisle United back in 1999 kept the club in the Football League, securing his place in football folklore. But Jimmy's story is far more than just that one goal. It's a narrative of highs and lows, of a career that's seen its fair share of unexpected twists. From the heights of that unforgettable match to the challenges of life after professional football, including driving a taxi and the introspective journey that led him to find fulfilment beyond the pitch. In this candid conversation, Jimmy opens up about the moments that have shaped his life and career. From the brandy that calmed his nerves before the game that would define his career, to the mixed emotions towards the legendary goal, and the realisation that, in many ways, he didn't fulfil the potential he saw for himself in football. Jimmy discusses the impact of that goal not just on his career but on his life, describing it as "much more than me, my journey and my life." He also shares insights into the aftermath of that surreal moment, the struggles of balancing life and mindset after football, working with AFC Bournemouth, and the importance of managing emotions. Jimmy's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed both on and off the field, the ability to adapt, and the never-ending quest to entertain and inspire. Learn more about Jimmy via the link below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-glass-b39448121/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

In this episode, we dive deep into the icy waters of innovation with Laura Fullerton, the founder behind Monk. Laura shares her transformative journey from a cold water therapy skeptic to a pioneer in health tech, exploring how a personal challenge evolved into a groundbreaking venture. With Monk's smart ice bath and dedicated app, Laura is not just making waves; she's setting a new standard in wellness technology. Join us as Laura unravels the intricacies of biohacking, wellness trends, and the humble beginnings that involved the unexpected hurdle of bulletproof coffee. She gives us an insider's look into the passion and perseverance required to lead a health tech revolution, from harnessing the power of cold immersion to navigating fundraising. Laura's insights into delegation, resilience, and the mental game behind cold water therapy are a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and innovation. Don't miss this compelling tale of tech, tenacity, and temperature extremes. Learn more about Laura by checking out these links: Instagram, LinkedIn, Monk website, Submerge podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

This week on Screw It, Just Do It, Alex Chisnall pulls up a chair with Carolyn Radford, whose journey from the legal field to leading Mansfield Town FC is a testament to when you decide to Screw It Just Do It. At the age of just 29, Carolyn smashed the glass ceiling to become one of the youngest CEOs in football, charting a course for Mansfield Town FC from the sidelines to the spotlight of EFL League Two. With a blend of passion, grit, and a knack for avoiding the naysayers, Carolyn alongside her husband, John Radford, has not just navigated, but thrived in a domain few dare to tread. Carolyn opens up about the exhilaration and challenges of trading legal briefs for football strategies, the relentless pursuit of her passions, and the importance of carving out a role for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. With initiatives that stretch beyond the pitch to uplift the community, and advice that rings true for dreamers across the board, Carolyn's story is a testament to what happens when you decide to Screw It, Just Do It. From the heart of Mansfield to the forefront of female participation in football, Carolyn's narrative is not just about achieving dreams but living them daily. So, if you've ever felt the weight of naysayers or found yourself on the brink of giving up on your dreams, this episode is your call to action. Tune in, get inspired, and remember – don't just dream it, DO IT! Check out these links to learn more about Carolyn Radford: Instagram, LinkedIn --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message

Steve McCulley's fascination for bikes started way back when he built his first one at just eight years old. Cruising into his teens, he was tearing up mountain bike trails in Devon like a pro. But then life had other plans – Steve joined the Royal Marines, globetrotting from Northern Ireland to Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Then came 2011, a year that changed everything. An IED explosion left him severely injured, but Steve bounced back with a 'never say die' attitude. During his rehabilitation, Steve founded LIOS bikes, the go-to for custom carbon bikes, titanium frames, and a bike fit that's as personal as it gets. Now, Steve's taken on a number of roles – entrepreneur, racing driver, and motivational speaker. His journey—from military service to creating cutting-edge bikes—is a testament to resilience and passion. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alex-chisnall2/message