In this episode of Talking Tradesman, host Russ engages with Lily, a young apprentice painter and decorator, as she shares her journey from a challenging childhood to finding purpose in her career.

Find Lily here -

https://www.instagram.com/paintingwithlily?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Lily discusses the difficulties of moving to a new area, the impact of family dynamics, and the struggles she faced during lockdown. A pivotal moment in her life was the loss of a close friend, which prompted her to reevaluate her choices and ultimately led her to pursue a career in decorating.

Throughout the conversation, Lily reflects on the importance of resilience, making tough decisions, and the desire to create a better future for herself and her potential family. In this conversation, Russ and Lily discuss the evolution of dating apps, the unique challenges and opportunities in the trade industry, particularly for women, and Lily's journey as a decorator. They explore the importance of customer satisfaction, the apprenticeship process, and the business side of running a decorating business.

Additionally, they touch on leveraging social media for career growth and the significance of inspiring the next generation of tradespeople. In this conversation, Russ and Lily discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating social media, personal growth, and the importance of community in the construction industry. They delve into the significance of physical health for tradespeople, aspirations for entrepreneurship, and the mental health challenges faced within the industry. The discussion also highlights financial struggles and the impact of social media on personal and professional lives, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in the trade community.

In this conversation, Russ and Jeff delve into the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, exploring how fitness, nutrition, and self-image impact mental well-being.

Find Jeff here -

https://www.instagram.com/jeffraybould?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Jeff shares his personal journey into fitness coaching, emphasising the importance of confidence and purpose in overcoming mental health challenges. They discuss the role of nutrition and sleep in mental health, the impact of social media on body image, and the necessity of self-care for overall well-being.

In this conversation, Russ and his guest delve into the significance of setting goals and having a sense of purpose in life. They discuss the emotional journey of overcoming cancer, the importance of mental health, and the balance between personal ambitions and family life.

The dialogue emphasises the need for resilience, the impact of adversity on personal growth, and the evolving nature of values as one navigates through different life stages.

In this episode, Russ and Paint Warrior, Kevin Tingley discuss the challenges of navigating sponsorships in the decorating industry, the importance of building relationships, and the role of brand ambassadors in promoting growth.

Find Paint Warrior here -

https://www.instagram.com/paintwarrior_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

You can find Paint warrior on all social channels or on his website - www.paintwarrior.co.uk

They also delve into personal struggles with mental health, particularly in relation to loss and grief, and reflect on the significance of friendship and community support in overcoming life's challenges. In this conversation, Kevin discusses the importance of building connections in today's digital age, the significance of banter and friendships, and the unique experiences surrounding weddings.

He also delves into the challenges of navigating business growth, particularly with apprenticeships, and highlights innovations in tools and products. Finally, he reflects on the power of social media in shaping business dynamics and brand partnerships within the construction industry. In this part of the conversation, Kev discusses the challenges and rewards of content creation, particularly on social media platforms.

He reflects on the value of paid collaborations versus unpaid efforts, the importance of knowing one's purpose on social media, and the frustrations with platforms that do not offer monetisation. The discussion shifts to personal health challenges, where Kev shares his journey with heart issues and the impact on his work and lifestyle.

Russ expresses optimism about future aspirations, including podcast growth and public speaking opportunities, while emphasising the importance of mental health conversations within the trades community. The conversation concludes with a focus on embracing new opportunities and personal development.