Pocket Rocket Fireside Chat: Being Human

Welcome to the latest Pocket Rocket Fireside Chat: Being Human.This time, we’re joined by one of the most respected leaders in the fitness industry - Craig Cocking.But this conversation goes far beyond titles and roles.From growing up in a South Yorkshire pit village, Craig’s foundations were built on community, family and the kind of teamwork you don’t just learn - you live. Sport played a defining role early on, shaping his understanding of camaraderie, shared purpose, and the importance of every individual within a team.That mindset has carried through a career that spans personal training, early operator roles, and a pivotal moment building a leisure centre from the ground up- an experience that gave him a deep, lasting empathy for the realities health and fitness operators face every day.Now, as Managing Director at Life Fitness UK, and with nearly two decades across Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, Craig has helped shape not just facilities - but the standards, partnerships, and strategic thinking that underpins the modern fitness industry.At the heart of it all is a simple philosophy: people first. Because when you take care of your team, everything else follows.In this conversation, we explore leadership through honesty, transparency, and vulnerability - why trust matters more than ever, and how resilience is built not just in moments of success, but in how you navigate adversity.Craig also shares a powerful perspective on identity - that it’s not just what you think of yourself, but how others experience you - and why the best leaders stay agile, grounded, and open to growth.This is a fireside chat about leadership, humility, and building something that lasts- with someone who’s done it from the ground up.Let’s get into it. 🚀Support the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

Welcome to the latest Pocket Rocket Fireside Chat: Being Human.In this episode we're joined by the true force of nature that is Natt Summers. Our first female guest on the Being Human podcast, and a self proclaimed “accidental biohacker” who’s quietly been rewriting the rules of longevity, training and what it really means to care for people.From Power Plate and free weights to red light therapy, infrared heat and data-driven insights, Nat has built a studio and a philosophy around extending health span - not just chasing fitness goals. What started as curiosity turned into The Longevity Lane, a side venture that is set to shape the future of how spas, gyms, and even homes approach human performance and recovery.But this isn’t just a conversation about tech, trends, or bio-stacking. It’s about being human, the soft skills, the mindset, the personality, and the care that can’t be tracked on a wearable. Natt’s journey spans geology, tech writing, personal training, one-to-one coaching, small group training, business consultancy, and even a number-one bestselling book co-written with longstanding friend and previous business partner, Bear Grylls. Along the way, she’s learned when to trust her gut, when to say no, and why authenticity, loyalty, and a strong moral compass matter now, more than ever.This is a fireside chat about longevity, leadership, resilience, and the future of fitness - with someone who’s lived it, built it, and keeps it human.Support the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

On this episode of the Being Human Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Pope.Andy is a technology, business, and school sport leader with a background spanning sport development, software, and operations, alongside a long-standing passion for health and active lifestyles. As a Director at Seamless Software, he brings a practical, client-first mindset to building scalable digital solutions and engagement platforms that prioritise user experience, efficiency, reliability, and real human impact.Andy has spent many years actively involved in sport, health, and wellbeing and as a result he has seen first-hand the importance of leadership, discipline, resilience, and adaptability, and how movement, teamwork, and high-energy environments help develop clear thinking and effective problem-solving under pressure.These experiences have deeply shaped Andy’s approach to work - encouraging agility, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement - equally driven by a desire to keep people and communities active.Whether in sport or software, Andy believes that measured impact, smart systems, and adaptability are essential for long-term success, and form the very foundations of Being Human in an increasingly digital world.Support the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

From Village Dreams to FA Cup Glory In this episode, we sit fireside with Jamie Barker, Histon FC veteran, Founder-Director of the not-for-profit Ferdinand Collective, and a founding SHOT Star Ambassador. Jamie reflects on his lifelong journey in football, including that unforgettable FA Cup moment 17 years ago, when Histon stunned Leeds United 1–0 and the village club was thrust into the national spotlight.He also shares his dedication to nurturing the next generation of players, the importance of community, and the camaraderie and commitment that the game inspires.Guided by “The Power in the Player,” Jamie’s coaching team at CWS Ferdinand Collective provides a complete pathway for all ages - from Sparks (toddlers) to Hubs (developing players) and Hubs+ (academy-ready). In the 2024-25 season alone, they coached over 1,000 players, from first-timers to Cambridge University and Women’s Teams. This ecosystem is powered by SHOT Clubhouse, a single digital platform connecting every player, coach, and parent, offering AI-powered coaching, fixtures and feedback, player development profiles, and access to sport news and streetwear.This is a conversation about connection, passion, and the power of the beautiful game. ⚽🔥🎙️⚽ Learn more at shotclubhouse.com and Ferdinand Collective📺 Watch Histon FC’s journey here 🎞️ Relive the iconic Histon vs Leeds United FA Cup match here Massive thanks to Sieve Studio for the production of this podcast and WellNation for the media support.Enjoy 🚀Support the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

In episode 4 of Being Human, our host Nick Mennell sits down with none other than Dr. Paul Bedford - known to many as @RetentionGuru,  for a conversation that goes far beyond business.From deeply personal childhood experiences to the core values that shaped his career, Paul speaks with honesty and in depth about what truly matters in life and leadership. He also shares his vision for the future of education and mentorship, and why human connection remains at the heart of progress.This fireside chat is candid, reflective, and packed with insights - a rare opportunity to hear the human side of a thought leader in the fitness industry who has spent decades helping others thrive.Don’t miss Paul’s perspective on resilience, values, and the next chapter of mentorship.Let’s dive in.Special thanks to Sieve Studio for the video and podcast production and WellNation from NationMedia for the media support.#BeingHuman #Leadership #Mentorship #Education #PodcastSupport the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

In this episode 3 of our Being Human fireside chat, host Nick Mennell sits down with someone who’s not just a global transformation leader - but also his brother.Simon Mennell’s career journey has taken him from Nestlé logistics to global HR leadership roles across Singapore, Dubai, and beyond. From navigating personal loss and geopolitical shocks like 9/11, to leading major restructures during the financial crisis, Simon’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering integrity.He opens up about the lessons that shaped him, from the importance of trust and succession planning, to the moment his son reminded him that family must come before ambition. He also shares how his son's autism transformed the way he communicates and leads, adding depth to his already human-centered approach to leadership.Now an HR consultant, mentor, and writer, Simon is working on everything from memoirs to sci-fi - but his core mission remains: to lead with heart, and help others do the same.This conversation is raw, real, and rich with wisdom, including Simon’s ultimate advice for leaders: "Listen and communicate."Let’s dive in.Thanks to Sieve Studio for the video and podcast production and WellNation from NationMedia for the media support. Author Simon Mennell has several books now available to buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/SHATTERED-NORMS-PUNKS-JOURNEY-BOARDROOM/dp/B0F1DSQ221https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Almost-Had-Forever-Distance/dp/1068455470https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dream-Agent-Intergalactic-Awakening-Warriors/dp/106845542XSupport the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

Behind every brand, business or breakthrough…there’s a human story.We’re proud to launch our new fireside chat series: Being Human - an honest, inspiring dive into the values, mindset and moments that shape people in leadership, life and personal growth.Hosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Episode 2 is now live, featuring the brilliant Tom Higgins, sharing personal stories, lessons and entrepreneurial advice for anyone starting or looking to start their own business. Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket GroupSupport the showSupport the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group

In this episode of Being Human, we sit down with Steve Wright, a health and fitness industry veteran, whose journey from childhood experiences to a distinguished career has been shaped by resilience, discipline, and a unique approach to leadership.Steve shares how early lessons in resilience and work ethic laid the foundation for his success, and how his time in the military influenced his philosophy of “silent mentoring” - a leadership style built on example, integrity, and quiet guidance rather than loud direction.From navigating challenges to empowering others, Steve’s insights reveal what it truly means to lead with humility, strength, and humanity.Hosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.💬 Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio. ♥️ Brought to you by Pocket Rocket GroupSupport the showHosted by Nick Mennell, Being Human goes beyond titles and success stories to uncover what really drives the people behind the progress, across fitness, business, education and beyond.Expect real conversations, powerful insights, and practical takeaways from leaders who lead with heart.Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this journey into what it truly means to lead, grow and be human.This series is supported by NationMedia and produced by Sieve Studio.  Brought to you by Pocket Rocket Group