Explore every episode of the podcast Against the Tide

Psychologist Isabelle Fielding was the very first guest on Against the Tide series 1. Now she returns to join Jo for a special reflective episode exploring the themes that have emerged across the series. 

Together they unpack why self-awareness is the foundation of courageous leadership, how self-doubt can become a strength rather than a weakness, and why your community, curiosity and purpose can help you navigate life's biggest challenges. Drawing on stories from previous guests, they explore what it really means to swim against the tide. 

Whether you're leading others or simply trying to better understand yourself, this conversation will inspire you to start with the one person you can change: yourself. 

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Rimla Akhtar is a sports leader and changemaker who has broken barriers throughout her career. From representing Great Britain as part of the first Muslim women's football team to becoming the first Muslim woman on the Football Association board, her journey has been guided by purpose rather than personal ambition. 

In this conversation with Jo, Rimla reflects on growing up in North London, the influence of her family and faith, and why leadership is about leaving things better than you found them. She shares how trusting the process, rather than chasing titles, has shaped every stage of her remarkable career. 

This episode is for anyone striving to create lasting change. Rimla's story will inspire you to swim against the tide of ego and lead with purpose.  

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Justina Williams is an award-winning entrepreneur, motivational speaker and former elite judo champion whose life has been marked by extraordinary resilience. From sporting success as a child to homelessness, violence and rebuilding her life against overwhelming odds, she has refused to let adversity define her. 

In this conversation with Jo, Justina reflects on the lessons sport taught her, the devastating loss of her father, and the determination that carried her through some of life's darkest moments. She shares why failure is never the end, how resilience is built one step at a time, and why hope is always worth holding onto. 

This episode is for anyone facing setbacks or wondering whether they have the strength to begin again. Justina's story will inspire you to swim against the tide of adversity and keep moving forward. 

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Charlotte Harris is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker and business mentor whose journey has been shaped by adversity and an unwavering belief that our past does not determine our future. Growing up in chaotic household and experiencing the care system, before building an international business, Charlotte has consistently chosen growth over fear. 

In this conversation with Jo, Charlotte shares how childhood adversity, motherhood and entrepreneurship transformed her understanding of success. She reflects on the power of mindset, the importance of dreaming big, and why sharing our stories can help others find hope. 

This episode is for anyone rebuilding after life's toughest moments. Charlotte's story will inspire you to swim against the tide of negativity and create a future on your own terms.  

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Zoe Brough is an HR leader in professional sport. Her career has taken her from financial hardship in Yorkshire to senior leadership and running her own sobriety consultancy. Along the way, she has challenged assumptions about class, opportunity and what success can look like. 

In this conversation with Jo, Zoe reflects on the shame of growing up poor, the resilience inspired by her Mum, and the determination that helped her create opportunities where none existed. She shares why empathy matters, how optimism can be learned, and why our beginnings never have to define our future. 

Zoe also shares her journey to sobriety and how she’s now helping others who are seeking to gain control of their relationship with alcohol. 

If you've ever questioned what's possible for your life or career, this episode will inspire you to swim against the tide of limitation and create opportunities of your own. 

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Saima Ashraf is Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement. Her journey spans countries, cultures and personal adversity. Moving from France to the UK unable to speak English, raising three children alone and rebuilding her life after domestic violence, Saima transformed hardship into a commitment to public service. 

In this conversation with Jo, Saima reflects on identity, faith and belonging. She shares how surviving homelessness and isolation shaped her leadership, why listening is at the heart of everything she does, and what it was like becoming the first Muslim woman elected to the council during a period of rising political extremism. 

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Saima's story will inspire you to swim against the tide of limitation and build a life defined not by what happens to you, but by what you choose to do next. 

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Steph Taylor is the CEO of Leeds Community Foundation and a respected leader across philanthropy, funding and social change. Her leadership has been shaped by working-class roots, strong women and a deep belief in inclusion. 

In this conversation with Jo, Steph reflects on growing up in a diverse community in Leeds, navigating class and leadership, and the challenge of staying authentic in rooms shaped by power and privilege. She speaks passionately about representation and using lived experience as a strength rather than a weakness. 

This episode is for anyone trying to lead without losing themselves. Steph’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of conformity and bring your whole self into the spaces that need change. 

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Leeds based Elly Nettleton is the co-founder of Boost Talent, a purpose-led recruitment business helping hidden talent access careers in tech while reinvesting profits back into the local community.

In this conversation with Jo, Elly reflects on entrepreneurship, motherhood and building a values-led business in a challenging economy. She shares her journey from the beauty industry into tech recruitment, why confidence and visibility matter for women in leadership, and the barriers keeping young people from marginalised backgrounds out of digital careers.

This episode is for anyone curious about taking a career leap. Elly’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide, creating opportunities for yourself and others.

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Anna Allerton is an executive coach and former broadcast journalist, whose career was dramatically reshaped by her experience of early perimenopause. At just 38, while juggling a demanding role and young children, Anna found herself confronting a reality rarely spoken about at work. 

In this conversation with Jo, Anna shares her personal story of perimenopause and ultimately, reclaiming her voice. She explores the cost of silence, and how her experience led her to a new chapter supporting others through change. 

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, your work or yourself, this episode will resonate. Anna’s story invites you to swim against the tide of silence and speak up for your own wellbeing. 

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Jen is a former elite athlete and workforce development lead in professional football, with a career shaped by an unshakeable commitment to wellbeing and cultural change in sport. Her journey has been anything but linear, moving across roles and disciplines as she’s followed what matters to her. 

In this conversation with Jo, Jen reflects on her career path, her deep belief in helping people thrive, and why equity has become central to her leadership. Jen speaks honestly about the responsibility that comes with being in the room. 

This episode is for anyone wondering how to create impact without losing themselves along the way.  

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Minoti is a community artist and the founder of TPL Experiences, a values-led consultancy helping organisations build inclusive cultures. Born in India as the third of three daughters, Minoti defied expectations, becoming a Master of Ceremonies and a car rally TV presenter before moving to the UK. 

In this conversation with Jo, Minoti reflects on failure and the lifelong process of proving yourself. She explores how cultural norms, migration and gender have influenced her confidence and ambitions. 

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt they didn’t quite fit the room. Minoti’s honesty and insight will inspire you to swim against the tide of self-doubt and define success on your own terms. 

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Penny is the Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights. A lifelong feminist, her leadership is grounded in pragmatism and realism. 

In this conversation with Jo, Penny explores what feminism means today, the growing backlash against it, and the realities of leading a legacy organisation in a complex political climate. She speaks openly about people-pleasing and what it takes to live feminist values in real life. 

If you care about equality or staying true to your principles, this episode is for you. Penny’s clarity will inspire you to swim against the tide of complacency. 

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Amy is an art teacher, accidental entrepreneur, and co-founder of Grow with Iris, a purpose-led business transforming how families with allergies feed their children. Her journey began with her daughter’s life-threatening diagnoses and a system that offered no solutions. 

In this conversation with Jo, Amy shares how frustration, love and determination fuelled her leap into entrepreneurship. She talks about challenging powerful industries, navigating doubt, and building a business driven by care rather than convenience. 

If you’ve ever turned a personal struggle into a call to action, this episode will speak to you. Amy’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of broken systems and build what’s missing. 

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Aida is the Chief Executive of Thrive at Five, with a career spanning law, leadership and children’s advocacy. Her path to purpose was shaped by personal loss and a moment of reckoning that forced her to stop and rethink everything. 

In this conversation with Jo, Aida shares her journey from commercial law to social impact, and the experiences that helped her reconnect with her values. She reflects on self-doubt and why clarity of purpose matters more than status or certainty. 

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck. Aida’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of expectation and choose work that truly aligns with who you are. 

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Natsayi is a CEO whose work is rooted in justice and lived experience. Growing up in 90s Essex in a Black, working-class, single-parent family shaped her worldview and her determination to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality. 

Natsayi talks to Jo about how her upbringing, politics and passion for activism intersect. She speaks candidly about power and what it means to lead at a time when old patterns of exclusion are re-emerging. 

This episode is a compelling listen for anyone grappling with questions of justice and responsibility. Natsayi’s perspective will inspire you to swim against the tide of apathy and use your power more courageously. 

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Dr Sarah Hughes is the CEO of Mind and one of the UK’s most influential leaders in mental health. From starting her career at a local Mind at 18 to leading the national organisation, her journey is rooted in community, compassion and social justice. 

In this conversation with Jo, Sarah reflects on growing up in North London, navigating leadership as a working-class woman, and her own experiences of mental ill health and a late ADHD diagnosis. She speaks powerfully about authenticity, feminist leadership and leading with humanity. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about power, class and wellbeing at work. Sarah’s story will inspire you to swim against the tide of performative leadership and lead with compassion. 

Content warning: Sarah and Jo cover issues of mental health and suicide. Remember you can always reach out to Mind for help and support

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Welcome to Against the Tide - the podcast where extraordinary social changemakers share  

Against the Tide is a celebration of courageous women who defy expectations to create lasting impact by daring to forge their own paths their stories and their wisdom.

We’ll dive into powerful themes such as: 

the complexity of identity and how it influences the choices we make; 

embracing change even when it feels uncomfortable; and  

how breaking free from labels can unlock your true potential. 

Join me, Jo Metcalfe, to hear stories of incredible women who, by swimming against the tide, prove that extraordinary things can happen.  

Ready to be bold and swim against the tide with us? 

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Bex Wilson is a Deputy Headteacher and the founder of Zarach, a charity committed to tackling child bed poverty. As a dedicated educator in a Leeds primary school, Bex saw firsthand how poverty affected children's ability to learn. After a pupil confided that he didn't have a bed to sleep in, Bex felt compelled to act. 

Determined to make a difference, she launched Zarach to provide beds and essential resources to children living in poverty, ensuring they get the rest they need to thrive. Bex is a leading advocate for breaking the cycle of poverty, driven by her passion for education and social justice. 

In this conversation with Jo, Bex shares her story, the values that inspire her, and the impact of Zarach's mission. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her work, the importance of community support, and the power of a good night's sleep. 

Whether you're passionate about education or seeking to make a difference in your community, Bex's story will give you the courage to speak up and demand change for others. This conversation will leave you feeling ready to swim against the tide of society’s biggest challenges.  

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Holly Dannhauser is a strategist, facilitator, and professional coach, known for her work in money mindset mentoring. She is passionate about helping others break free from limitations to build rich, fulfilling lives. As the owner of Moon & Mountain, Holly brings a wealth of experience from the health and statutory sectors to help shine a light on what matters to her clients.  

In this conversation, Holly shares her story, the principles that drive her, and the importance of financial confidence for personal and professional growth. Whether you're looking to elevate your career, improve your money mindset, or find the inspiration to pursue your ambitions, Holly's story will resonate. This conversation will inspire you to swim against the tide of financial fear.  

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Tanya Arnold is a trailblazing sports journalist and presenter. She played a pivotal role in getting more women on screen in a space long dominated by men. During Tanya’s time at BBC Look North, she wasn’t just the only woman – she was often the only sports journalist. That level of isolation could have been crushing, but Tanya carved her own path with grit, professionalism and pure talent. 

In this conversation, Tanya opens up about the mindset and principles that sustained her, and about learning to embrace what makes her different. 

Whether you're pushing boundaries in your own field or seeking inspiration when the odds are stacked against you, Tanya shows us that true success belongs to those who dare to forge their own path. This conversation will leave you feeling ready to swim against the tide of society’s expectations.  

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Lindsey Burrow is a proud Yorkshire woman, a physiotherapist and the devoted wife of the late rugby league star, Rob Burrow. She's a pillar of strength and resilience, supporting Rob through his battle with motor neurone disease (MND) while raising awareness about the condition. 

Throughout their journey, Lindsey showed remarkable courage and unwavering dedication to Rob. Her story is one of love, and the power of positivity in the face of adversity. 

In this moving conversation, Lindsey shares the experiences that shaped her, the values that keep her grounded, and the lessons she has learned along the way. She opens up about the challenge and privilege of caregiving and how she found respite in running. Whether you are navigating grief or seeking perspective, Lindsey's story is a testament to the strength of love and compassion.  

This conversation will leave you feeling reinvigorated to swim against the tide for those we care about.  

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Beth Goddard is a facilitator, coach and learning programme developer. Beth is known for her creative and playful approach, working in partnership with others to create impactful learning experiences. 

Throughout her career, Beth has focused on developing people in leadership and transition points, helping them navigate their journeys with confidence and clarity. At the same time, she’s experienced deep personal struggles and growth. In this conversation, Beth opens up about the challenges of constantly swimming against the tide, and the transformative power of leaning into discomfort. 

If you're looking to enhance your leadership skills or explore new avenues, Beth's path to understanding herself will inspire you. This conversation will leave you ready to face the difficult things you’ve been avoiding - and determined to swim against the tide.  

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Bindi Basan is a values-driven leader who excels at empowering others. She works with founders and CEOs to drive strategic growth, build high-performing teams, and achieve global expansion. But Bindi’s talents don’t stop at executive leadership. 

When she’s not shaping global businesses, you can find her on the dance floor or lifting very heavy weights. She's constantly pushing the limits of her body and mind. So, join us as we delve into Bindi’s rich heritage and explore how her background has shaped her personal and professional superpowers. 

In this energising conversation, we explore the personal experiences behind Bindi's professional success – and how the things that hold us back can become the source of our greatest strength.

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Caroline Leo is a communications strategist on a mission to transform workplace culture. After launching her own communications agency five years ago, she’s worked with brands from Hyatt Hotels to Smart Works, helping them craft values-led stories and integrated campaigns.

In this episode, Caroline shares the findings of her recent report, We Need to Talk About Culture, which asks if culture is so critical to growth, why isn’t it given the same strategic focus as reputation, or products? Tune in to learn more about Caroline's insightful and practical 8-point guide to making workplace culture a priority.

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Fozia Naseem is transforming personal trauma into a force for good. As a partnership manager at GiveBradford, she fosters a culture of giving and belonging in the city. Drawing from her own experiences of abuse and therapy, she has found strength in sport - empowering young women and girls through cycling to build confidence and challenge cultural norms.

In this important conversation, Fozia shares how a lifetime of swimming against the tide can create both personal and societal change.

Please be aware this episode references gender based violence and sexual abuse - it may be triggering for some listeners.

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In this episode we meet two ambitious academics pushing boundaries in the world of elite sport.

Dr. Jenn Gandhi, is a Chartered Psychologist and the lead for mental health and wellbeing at the Football Association and Dr. Jennifer Lace, also a Chartered Psychologist, focuses on performance psychology. Most recently, Dr Lace led on psychology for the Football League Managers Association.

Together, they are change-makers, inspiring and influencing the future of mental health and performance wellbeing in sports. Join us as we delve into their journeys, uncovering the surprising drivers behind their careers and discussing the challenges and opportunities of navigating a male-dominated environment.

This episode references eating disorders and may be triggering for some listeners.

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Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung’s inspiring journey is a testament to how swimming against the tide can lead to both individual and collective change.

Abigail the 130th Lord Mayor and the first woman of African heritage to hold this prestigious position in Leeds, draws inspiration from her father and her faith. She is also an accomplished athlete and coach, a governor at Leeds City College, and a dedicated trustee for organisations like Age UK and Caring Together. Additionally, she serves as Co-Chair of the David Oluwale Memorial Association.

With a passionate commitment to people and a drive for inspiring change, Abigail uses her platform to make a lasting impact in her community. She is truly a force to admire.  

Join us as we explore what it means to be a woman of colour in leadership and what motivates Abigail to champion those without a voice in her city. This is a powerful discussion you won’t want to miss, as we get to know one of Leeds' remarkable leaders.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Isabelle Fielding, research and coaching psychologist, and Danielle Bodicoat, a statistician and social researcher.

Both embody a spirit of empowerment and together they’ve tackled big challenges like homelessness and mental health in sport, blending innovation and evidence-based approaches to drive lasting change. 

Known for their generosity in leadership and commitment to enabling others, Danielle and Isabelle don’t just challenge the status quo - they redefine it. In a refreshingly candid conversation, they open up about 'imposter' thoughts, balancing career with personal life and how their backgrounds shape their perspectives and actions.

Get ready for an inspiring discussion that promises to leave you motivated to swim against the tide!

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Welcome to Against the Tide - the podcast where extraordinary social changemakers share their stories and their wisdom.

More than a podcast, Against the Tide is a celebration of the courageous women who defy expectations to create lasting impact by daring to forge their own path.

We’ll dive deep into powerful themes such as:

• embracing discomfort for transformative change;
• how your past needn’t determine your future; and 
• how breaking free from societal labels unlocks your true potential.

Join me, Jo Metcalfe, to hear stories of incredible women who, by swimming against the tide, prove that extraordinary things can happen.

Ready to be inspired?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.