The Healing Power of Nature and Wild Swimming - a conversation with Anna Deacon

ABOUT THIS EPISODEMy conversation today is with Anna Deacon, photographer, writer and wild swimmer. I had the joy of meeting Anna at the Creative Light Photography Festival in the Highlands of Scotland in October 2022.  I was inspired by her, and by her many, many books on Wild Swimming. In our conversation Anna offers valuable insights into:How and why the wild swimming project started.Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.How to find your peace in the wild/outdoors.Anna’s three Key Encouragements to Leaders Don’t be afraid to change things up/take risksBelieve in your gut intuitionDon’t write yourself off before you have really tried somethingAbout AnnaAnna has worked as a photographer since 2007, specialising in wild swimming, portraits, nature and travel. She has worked with large and small brands like MINI, Speedo, Kit Kat, Visit Scotland, Cape Cove, Selkie and more to create content. Her photography work has been published extensively in the national press including The Guardian, The Telegraph, Stylist and The Scotsman. She has also had her work featured in large scale photography exhibitions. Since 2019 Anna has had seven books published, working with co-author Vicky Allan on Taking The Plunge (2019), For The Love Of Trees (2020), The Art Of Wild Swimming series (Scotland, 2021, England & Wales, 2021, and Ireland, 2022, The Ripple Effect published in 2023 and  Swimming Wild Ireland in 2024, all published by Black and White Publishing/Bonnier.  Also in 2021 The Wild Guide Balearic Islands book was published by Wild Things Publishing, this extensive travel guide was co-written by Anna and her sister Lizzie Graham. Anna is working on her ninth book which is due for publication in Autumn 2026.  Anna hosts a popular Instagram page @wildswimmingstories which The Sunday Times magazine named as one of the Top 7 influencers to follow in the ‘Health and Fitness’ category in 2023.  Previous to this Anna worked in the music and entertainment industry in London for over a decade, specialising in PR and events such as NME Awards, Isle of Wight Festival, Ibiza Rocks, MOBO Awards, British Comedy Awards and Teenage Cancer Trust concerts. She co-founded the PR agency Amazing Media in 2004 who were at the forefront of working with brands such as Nokia, T- Mobile, Diageo and O2 to create dynamic partnerships with the live music industry.  Anna also worked in talent handling and personal PR for The Who, Jamiroquai, Anastacia, Beverley Knight, Sia, Big Brother, and many others. Connect with Anna:LinkedIn: @Anna DeaconWebsite: www.anna-deacon.comInstagram: @wildswimmingstoriesTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected], subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for...

ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the joy of connecting with Susie through a colleague. I enjoyed our conversation so much that I invited her to be a guest. Susie offers valuable insights into:Following your passion to find your purposeLiving outside your comfort zone as a way to learn and growFinding your balance to enable you to do your best workSusie’s three key encouragements to leaders:Take time to understand what matters to you - so you can enjoy doing what you doGet comfortable being uncomfortable - it’s a source of growthBe confident in finding your own rhythm - and then set your boundaries to stick to itAbout SusieAfter a successful career in marketing at Unilever and British Gas, and then fulfilling her ambition of sailing a yacht around the world, Susie started her next adventure when she founded the strategic marketing agency Blue Feathers.Susie’s aim was to help marketers to be their best and drive their brands to succeed. She now leads a team of marketing experts who work with major brands including Tesco, Primark, Michelin, Simplyhealth and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.Susie believes that people do their best work when life is balanced – and that belief is reflected in how she leads the Blue Feathers team: a highly skilled, fully remote group, motivated through shared purpose and a deliverables-based approach.Susie remains passionate about sailing and loves spending time on the water. She is also now a keen beekeeper and gardener, and enjoys spending time hiking.The best way for people to connect and follow Susie is:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susiepartridge/Website: www.bluefeathers.co.uk and www.yachtadina.co.ukTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn Anni Townend, and Collaboration Equation.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the joy of being introduced to Jane through Dawn Harding, a previous podcast guest on Leaders in Conversation and recent guest on Finding Your Collaborative Edge.In our conversation Jane offers valuable insights into:Transitioning in life from one thing to another: School to University, University to the first job, career building and then a massive career change followed by leaving full time work to pursue voluntary roles and enjoying time which is less structured.The ability to let go, to move on without regret and to forge ahead with new adventures: Understanding that you will also lose contact with some people as your lives take different paths.Understanding the impact on others of your deeds, words and attitude.The importance of being authentic, whilst evolving, developing and changing and rocking up as yourself everyday.Jane’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders: Learn from everyone you meet - everyone has something to give.  Be prepared to know a little about a lot of things and trust the experts in each field to know a lot about a little.Stay  positive.  A positive attitude helps to make those around you positive and if things are going a little bit wrong, it is easier to turn it round with a positive attitude. A smile is infectious.  A frown turns people off.Focus on the difference you are really making.  It is the stories behind the numbers which are of paramount importance.   The balance sheet and Key Performance Indicators are never enough!To connect with Jane, follow and find out more about her:LinkedIn - for her volunteering / corporate side of lifeInstagram - for her wildlife snaps and fun things.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.About JaneJane has had two different careers in her life, one in the hospitality industry and one in sport. She took learnings from the hospitality industry into her sport leadership role. Now she has moved into voluntary, charity roles and is travelling to many far-flung places where she is learning from different communities. She loves the outdoors, reading and encouraging total strangers to tell her their life stories.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:In this episode, my guest is Claire Bowden-Hughes, CEO and Founder at En2End, a leading sports fan engagement agency, founded on trust, respect, and reciprocity in relationships and leadership. In our conversation Claire shares valuable insights into: The Balancing Act of thriving as a mother and as an entrepreneur: The real life challenges and triumphs of juggling these 2 demanding but extremely rewarding roles. Excelling in a male dominated industry: The journey of being a female entrepreneur in the sports events world.The art of making lasting connections and exceeding expectations: The importance of building and nurturing a professional network in the sports event industry, how to make lasting connections and how relationships have been pivotal is driving business success.Claire’s three Key Encouragements for life, entrepreneurship and leadership: Define the direction and hold the vision, but invite others into the journey: You have to take space for others to be able to be part of your journey. You won't be able to get there on your own.Stay curious and adaptable because nothing ever stays the same: The landscape is always shifting. Technologies are always evolving, behaviors are always changing. Your attitude sets the tone: The way that you come across, and the energy that you bring is something that can really inspire others and create momentum. Connect with Claire and find out more about her, and her amazing work:LinkedIn: Claire Bowden HughesWebsite: www.en2end.com Instagram: @en2endltdAbout Claire Bowden-Hughes:Early Life and Education: A sheep farmer’s daughter from Mid Wales, Claire Hughes has always been ambitious and adventurous. Her journey began at the University of Central Lancashire, where she pursued a BA in languages ( French, German and Spanish with Tourism), laying the foundation for her career.World Traveller: After university, she embarked on a 9-month world tour, absorbing cultures across Singapore, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and America. This global exposure honed her adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and language skills, particularly French, which would become invaluable in her career.Luxury Retail in London: Claire’s first foray into the professional world was in London’s prestigious New Bond Street, where she leveraged her fluency in French to excel in sales and account management for a high-end luxury brand, Lalique. Here, she mastered the art of client relations and high-stakes negotiation.Sports Event Management: Moving to Manchester, Claire joined a small sports events agency, diving into the world of sportsman’s lunches and dinners with notable sporting legends such as Lawrence Dallaglio, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gareth Edwards, Shane Warne, Frank Bruno and more! This role expanded her network significantly and introduced her to the intricacies of event management and sports marketing.TSMGI and Liverpool FC: Her career took a significant turn when she joined TSMGI, an American agency, where she was integral in the Aon-Man Utd shirt deal delivery. Subsequently, at Liverpool FC as Head of Partner Experience, she managed VIP match days, sponsor relations & international event programmes, further honing her skills in stakeholder management and sports...

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; weaving together the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the pleasure of meeting Nick through a mutual colleague, Thurstine Basset. Together they were writing a book entitled ‘Trauma, Abandonment and Privilege’ and invited me to contribute something of my own experience. I was delighted to be asked by Nick to review his most recent book, edited by him, and released in April 2025, The Un-Making Of Them - Clinical Reflections on the Boarding School Syndrome.In our conversation Nick offers valuable insights into:Why understanding our emotions is so important in our lives and leadership; The existential dynamics of power and vulnerability, and their relevance and importance to leadership; How dissociation disconnecting from ourselves and our environment - has become the engine of the modern world;The importance of learning about what transference is and group dynamics in leading, coaching, mentoring and facilitation.Nick’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders - taken from three principles given to Nick by the NHS to help with managing osteoarthritis: Understand your feelings: who you are, so your emotions can guide you rather than your feelings govern you;Exercise: practise new ways of being and behaviour;‘Lose weight’: notice and let go of those things that are no longer serving you in order to be lighter, and to lighten what you are carrying.To Contact Nick:Woundedleadersco.ukBoardingschoolsurvivors.co.ukGenderpsychology.comAbout NickNick Duffell has a degree in Sanskrit from Oxford and is a psychotherapist, psychohistorian and author. His first book, 'The Making of Them: the British Attitude to Children and the Boarding School System' received wide critical acclaim, including endorsements by the British Medical Journal and John Le Carré. Here he set out his pioneering research in group therapy with ‘boarding school survivors,' as he provocatively named adult ex-boarders. Nick co-founded the Centre for Gender Psychology and co-authored 'Sex, Love and the Danger of Intimacy.' A contributor to the University of Surrey Human Potential Group's 'Dictionary of Personal Development' and to many psychological journals, Nick is committed to the development of psychohistory as a tool for understanding current world problems. He is particularly interested in promoting a Depth-Psychology perspective of issues which affect our public life very deeply, such as identity and emotions, fear and vulnerability, but about which political commentators currently lack the means to properly address. His books include ‘Wounded Leaders: British Elitism and the Entitlement Illusion - a Psychohistory,’ 2014, and ‘The SIMPOL Solution: solving global problems could be easier than we think’ with John Bunzl. He contributed chapters to ‘The Political Self,’ (Karnac 2016) and to ‘Humanistic Psychology: Current Trends, Future Prospects’, (Routledge 2017). He has recently worked on an experimental project at UCL to use VR technology in the treatment of developmental trauma, and his latest book 'The Un-Making of Them: Clinical Reflections on Boarding School Syndrome' is published by Routledge in April...

ABOUT THIS EPISODEI had the joy of meeting Cal in person at the Women in Business Golf event that she hosted in September, 2024 and where my colleague Natalie Shering and I led an experiential workshop on leading with confidence. I was inspired before the event and even more so during and after by Cal’s unswerving commitment and passion to enable women to connect and network with each other through playing golf. Cal has created a community of women, who enable, inspire and support each other personally and professionally - on and off the golf course. Cal is on a mission to change the face of women’s golf. In our conversation Cal offers valuable insights into:How women can feel empowered if they play golf - on and off the golf course;The importance of social connection to Cal personally and within the community that she has created;How authenticity is integral to her personal life and to her business Cal's Three Key Encouragements to Leaders: We can always be learning and it’s essential to stay open-minded - to acknowledge and consider the value in other peoples opinions and suggestions - no one knows everything!Make sure you’re a strong communicator. Don’t over complicate things, be direct and concise, but it’s essential to be kind in your delivery. Create a vision that people are excited by and willing to follow.How to connect with Cal:LinkedIn: Caroline Shukla Website: www.skratchwomen.comInstagram: @skratchwomenTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend is the podcast in which leaders weave together the threads of their life, sharing their leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped them, their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODE:I had the joy of being introduced to Gail through a previous podcast guest, Karen Dobres who told me what a wonderful guest Gail would be, and that she had written a book, a memoir about her life and leadership called Made in Whittingham StreetIn our conversation Gail shares her story of leading with courage and gratitude, and offers insights into:The importance of not only finding your cause, your purpose, but of always being true to it, and to yourself.How staying true to your dreams, your hopes and aspirations really matters and that it is this which gives courage to and inspires others to follow their dreams and to stay true to them.Knowing what you believe in and having faith can give you the courage to keep going, and gratitude for what you have, and help reconcile challenges.GAIL'S THREE ENCOURAGEMENTS TO LEADERS:Be sincere and honest. Always be true to your cause.Never give up on your dreams. Inspire others.Have faith in what you believe inConnect with Gail:X: x.com/GailNewshamWebsite: www.dickkerrladies.comTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.ABOUT GAIL:I left school at fifteen and went to work in a shoe factory. I have no formal qualifications to speak of but I think I’ve done ok. I’m just an ordinary lass who has been fortunate to do some extraordinary things. I suppose I have a strong belief and a tenacity to get things done.Saving and recording the history of women’s football and of the Dick, Kerr Ladies became her mission - highlighting the courage of the women to play and to challenge the injustice of the ban on women in football.Passionate about saving the legacy of DKL, and keeping true to their story. In their Centenary year we achieved the First Blue Plaque in the World for women’s football 2017. Memorial to DKL at PNE 2017. First ever National Women’s Walking Football Tournament 2017. Plaque on Ashton Park in Preston in 2021, where DKL played their first match after the FA Ban of 1921.Always been proactive in helping the game grow when nobody gave tuppence for us. I served 12 years on the Management Committee of North West Women’s Regional Football League from 1981-1993. Chief fundraiser for my own club, organising Fancy Dress Treasure Hunts and many other initiatives.  Founder and organiser of the Lancashire Trophy in 1986, an International Women’s Football Tournament with teams from Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Eire, Scotland and England, all taking part over the years.Proud to have served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps. Took part in the Remembrance Day Parade in London in 2016, honouring family who took part in/lost in WW1, and my dad in WW2. Proud to wear his...

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their leadership story, weaving together the threads of their life; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.ABOUT THIS EPISODEToday’s guest is Jason Webber Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability Manager Football Association Wales (FAW). I had the joy of meeting Jason at the Diversity and Inclusion Global Forum in 2024 where Lucy Kidd and I were exhibiting our Collaboration Equation™.Jason and I had a conversation about leadership, about football and collaboration which led me to inviting him to be a podcast guest on Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend.In our conversation Jason offers valuable insights into:Creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environmentDiversity/Representation at all levels especially in senior leadership.Education & AwarenessTaking meaningful action and sustainable progress.Jason’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders Lead by example, be authentic and be an ally.Listen to people's lived experiences and proactively educate yourself.Take action and make a difference to someone's life.Contact and to connect with Jason:LinkedIn - Webber T Jason Website - jasontwebber.myportfolio.comInstagram - @jasontwebber X - WebberTJason To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn. About JASONJason is an expert and leader in Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability currently working at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) as a Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability Manager.He has been integral in advancing the FAW’s EDI and Sustainability Programmes towards being a global leader in sport and has extensive experience as an educator, public speaker and advisor to a wide range of stakeholders for more than a decade.He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with others and is committed to making football and society a better place for everyone.

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.About this episode:I had the joy of being in conversation with Febronia in a previous episode of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. Since then Feb has qualified as a coach and much more, and contacted me to say she would like to share more of her leadership story and journey. In our conversation Feb offers valuable insights into:Going back to Business School.Fantastic support from new peers and the marketing industry.The push towards and importance of accreditations from the Coaching Bodies.Building a business and launching exciting new services in 2025.Feb’s three Key Encouragements to Leaders:Just do it. Try not to convince yourself of all the reasons why you shouldn't go. Instead, convince yourself of the reasons why you should, because you stand to gain so much more and learn so much more and meet so many new people. It's a fantastic experience.Be patient with yourself.  Any career transition takes time. Give yourself time to enjoy the transition, the growth and the development. Be aware that the results are going to come in their own time at their own pace.Surround yourself with people who want you to win. Connect with Febronia:LinkedIn: Febronia RuoccoAbout Febronia:Febronia Ruocco is a multilingual, commercially impactful Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director, with a proven track record of inspiring transformation & delivering winning insight; successful marketing strategy & commercial growth for iconic £1bn global brand portfolios in FMCG & OTC.She is a certified Executive Leadership Coach (Henley Business School, end 2023) & accredited at Senior Practitioner Level EMCC and ACC ICF. In addition to her insight career, Febronia has coached over 150 hours, supporting senior global directors from the marketing/advertising/insight & MRX sectors.Febronia is also a professional mentor, supporting WIRe; the Durham University Student Leadership Framework; Lancaster University & Henley Business School.To listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comA big thank you to SHMOGUS Media for the wonderful production and marketing of the podcast.To contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.

Leaders in Conversation is the podcast in which leaders share their life and leadership stories; the people, places and experiences that have shaped their values, beliefs, passion and purpose to encourage and inspire you to be even more confident and courageous in your leadership.How we metI have had the joy of knowing Howard for many, many years as a friend, and as a colleague with whom I have worked alongside as well as supported in his leadership of teams, and companies. I have long admired him as a passionate, and committed leader who is on a mission to make a difference in how we live and lead our lives through driving the energy transition with purpose and hope.About this episodeIn our conversation Howard offers valuable insights intoHow trusting your purpose and having a vision in vitalHow he lives and leads through success and failure with commitmentHow stepping into the uncomfortable can lead to authentic connectionHoward’s Three Key Encouragements to Leaders looking to lead with energy, purpose and hopeBe bold and stand up for what you believe Honesty and humility can be the strongest form of leadershipHelp people understand the larger narrative and empower them to connect with their own purposeConnect, follow and find out more about Howard:LinkedIn: Howard JohnsWebsite: www.onezero.energyInstagram: @howardsolarTo listen to other Leaders in Conversation with me Anni Townend go to my website, www.annitownend.comTo contact me Anni Townend do email me on [email protected] visit my website www.annitownend.com, subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on LinkedIn.  I look forward to connecting with you, thank you for listening.