How we process and respond to traumatic experiences matters more than the experiences themselves. Openly discussing loss, maintaining connections to loved ones who have passed, and allowing ourselves to feel and express grief fully can lead to far better outcomes.

Sanderson Jones is a former standup comedian and the co-founder of Sunday Assembly, a worldwide movement of non-religious congregations that celebrate life. Following the sudden and untimely death of his wife and the mother of his children, Sanderson rediscovered a new purpose, and has become a funeral celebrant and “funeral designer”.

Highlights

• [00:02:24] The prognosis
• [00:07:13] The final day
• [00:09:16] What "Til death do us part" really means
• [00:11:44] Modelling grief for your children
• [00:21:05] Sanderson's new direction
• [00:23:50] Taj Mahal
• [00:27:40] Building a community in someone's name
• [00:30:06] Becoming a funeral designer
• [00:41:08] How to know when you're OK
• [00:44:29] What Fearless Forward means to Sanderson
• [00:47:14] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Sanderson’s website
• Taj Mahal – A Love Poem in Marble
• Fear Less: How to Win at Life Without Losing Yourself, by Pippa Grange
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Our upbringing, and the patterns and behaviours we carry, shape how we show up in our relationships and work. These patterns often stem from past trauma or difficult family dynamics we don’t fully recognise. Left unaddressed, they can lead to harmful behaviours, strained relationships, and limitations on our personal and professional growth.

Christina Kisley understands deeply how our past affects us and how vital committing to personal growth can be. This means being willing to dig into our own experiences, even if it feels uncomfortable or scary. Facing ourselves is one of the hardest things we can do, but it’s also the most rewarding.

This conversation will help you

• Learn practical approaches to healing past trauma and addressing its impact on relationships and leadership
• Understand the importance of cultivating healthy relationships in personal and professional settings for long-term growth
• Discover strategies for navigating fear and embracing personal responsibility as a leader and parent

Highlights

• [00:03:47] The Drama Driangle
• [00:08:20] Leadership through a family lens
• [00:12:43] The unexpected gifts of motherhood
• [00:15:56] What it means to say "yes" to being a leader
• [00:19:30] Christina's biggest fears
• [00:22:37] How do you learn?
• [00:23:54] You can't think your way through
• [00:27:01] Relationship University
• [00:31:38] What Fearless Forward means for Christina
• [00:32:25] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Karpman drama triangle
• Connect with Christina via LinkedIn
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn

Fear can take over our emotions, cloud our judgment, and leave us feeling powerless. It’s easy to feel trapped when we’re unsure how to move forwards.

John Peters dealt with extraordinary fear during his captivity. But he focused on controlling his mind and his responses, even when everything else was beyond his control. He refused to let fear define him and made a promise to himself that he would not let fear take away his power or identity.

In this conversation with Sally-Anne, John shares a number of details from his time in captivity you may find upsetting. However, this episode will help you

• Maintain resilience and self-control in the face of extreme adversity
• Navigate fear and uncertainty in high-pressure situations
• Learn how personal growth can emerge from traumatic experiences

Highlights

• [00:01:50] Meeting John
• [00:06:30] John's mantra
• [00:10:35] Post-traumatic growth
• [00:13:57] Managing fear and other emotions
• [00:19:45] Stronger as a collective
• [00:21:08] A new normal
• [00:23:06] What is confidence?
• [00:29:59] Coping with intense public attention
• [00:36:18] "A litany of failures"
• [00:42:52] Acceptance
• [00:46:44] Beyond the walls
• [00:48:56] Calm, committed
• [00:53:38] What Fearless Forward means for John
• [01:00:03] Takeaways from Sally-Anne

Resources

• Connect with John via LinkedIn
• Connect with Sally-Anne via LinkedIn