Dear 26 Year Old Me

The latest Dear 26 Year Old Me podcast is OUT NOW! In our Friday Keep Fun Alive session we talk about the POWER of community.  COVID-19 has forced us all into lockdown. The changes brought upon us have impacted the way that we operate, the things we do, who we see, where we can and can’t go...  It can feel so out of place – almost rude – to step off the pavement and create physical space between yourself and the person walking by.  The virus has also changed the way that people connect with one another...and how we build community. We have all become far more reliant on social media, Zoom calls, Teams meetings, digital technologies...  In this episode, we talk about why connectivity is so important in this season, what makes a strong community, and about the theme of belonging.  How are you keeping social ALIVE in this time? How are you building community? And how are you helping others to feel a part of community?  The podcast is available to listen to now at bencooley.com and all major digital retail

In this episode we hear from special guest and Aussie, Dr Robi, who has trained the likes of Prince Charles and Prince Harry to snowboard, and captivated audiences across the world with his messages about science, scripture, mental and emotional health, and trauma rehabilitation, to name a few.  Tens of thousands of people have heard Dr Robi speak on these topics, gaining insight and wisdom to equip and empower them.   In this interview, the husband and father-of-five shares his expertise on the impacts of trauma and gives practical tools for how not just to cope, but how to USE these experiences to grow.  Dr Robi talks about a study which reveals five characteristics of people who have experienced trauma and/or tragedy, and yet have been able to grow through their circumstances.  He also offers a number of TOP TIPS for listeners, such as learning to let go rather than “nursing, cursing and rehearsing” moments from their past, helping them to build resilience, and encouraging them to cultivate gratefulne

Hey friends! My next podcast release is a thought-provoking one....Hopefully it’ll prompt you to think about potential changes you can make for the better post-Covid-19. This is a time of IMMENSE CHANGE. So much is changing, in our own worlds and spheres of influence, as well as on a bigger scale, in terms of global changes. In this podcast, we discuss what life will look like when the lockdown is FINALLY lifted. How will the changes and new circumstances you are going through at the moment impact your future? What will the ‘new normal’ be like? Are there things that you will do differently because of your experiences during the pandemic? I want to encourage you to listen…use this as an opportunity to grow your self-awareness.

Ben interviews legendary professional football and former England manager Steve McClaren.   During Steve's career he has played for many high-profile football clubs and managed teams such as Middlesborough and Newcastle United. One of his own personal career highlights was during his time in the role of assistant manager at Manchester United, where he worked alongside former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. In the interview Steve discusses what lessons he learnt about successful leadership from Sir Alex and carried through in his own professional career.   When discussing his own leadership principles, Steve talks about taking Middlesborough from a devastating 7-0 loss against Arsenal, all the way through to the UEFA Cup final only just two months later. Steve’s leadership skills are iconic, world-renowned and throughout his career displayed constant determination taking many teams to victory.     Steve discusses with Ben what key management principles he used to motivate his players. During half-time dress

A leader doesn't just navigate the ship, but navigates the course. It's important for us to think about the world we are living in right now and understand the implications for us as leaders moving forward. In this Covid19 Special, I sat down for a chat with Matt Friedman who shared some incredible insights about our current situation, as well what we can expect to see in future, as a result of this pandemic. Matt Friedman is an award-winning speaker, offering technical advice to governments, banks and corporations on fighting modern slavery, and is the author of nine books. He has a wealth of international human trafficking knowledge, with more than 30 years’ experience with USAID and the United Nations in over 30 countries. If you're a business owner or charity leader, listen to this in view of your own personal circumstances. Embrace change, embrace innovation and think about the implications for you as a business/organization.

Well, friends….I promised we would be introducing you to some INCREDIBLE people….I can’t quite believe I am saying this, but this week for our last episode in season two, we introduce you to Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie….or as you may know her….LULU!!! Hear how this girl from Glasgow first found fame at the age of 14 and she has since sold thousands of records around the world, was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II and the time she was asked on a date by Eric Clapton! Sit back, relax, and enjoy Lulu’s story (including possibly the best ending we’ve ever had to an episode) and what she would say to her 26 year old self. SOOOOO GOOOOOD!

What an utter privilege to welcome the former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and CEO of Retrak, Sir Peter Fahy who shares what it is like to manage one of the country’s largest police forces, how to maintain personal integrity and what it was like to experience two of his officers being executed. A powerful and challenging interview, this is one you will not want to miss.

When you think of the Netherlands, you might think of bicycles, clogs and tulips…but in this week’s episode we introduce you to one of the country’s most exciting exports, founder of Onshus, Yardena Grifhorst! Onshus now supply INCREDIBLE home furnishing all over the world and Yardena talks about starting the business, balancing being a mother and an entrepreneur, and learning to let go of control on the business she founded. You'll LOVE the incredible business, leadership and life lessons in this episode!

Simon Ward was formerly the Chief Operating Officer for the British Fashion Council and was responsible for London Fashion Week, the highlight of the British fashion industry calendar. He talks openly about the challenges of working in the fashion industry, the ethics of working practice, and how he developed a career after training as an opera singer. Join Ben, Tom, Ellie, and Gareth as they explore the inspirational journey of one of British fashion’s great influencers!

Rachel Ray founded “Bright and Beautiful" after she decided she wanted to change the balance of her life. She identified a need among many working families to provide support, and make family life better. That business has since gone national and is now generating millions of pounds of turnover across hundreds of franchises. Hear Rachel’s incredible story of how she built a culture, recruited the right people and eventually sold the business to the right buyer.

Ram Gidoomal CBE arrived in the UK as a refugee. Since then he has gone on to build a huge business, retire at 37 years old, be awarded a CBE by Her Majesty The Queen, and run for London Mayor. He has quite simply one of THE most extraordinary stories and we CANNOT WAIT for you to hear it.

From her roots on the remote Scottish island of Harris to becoming Director of BBC Scotland, Donalda MacKinnon has experienced an incredible career in media. In this wide-ranging interview, Donalda shares how she rose through the ranks, what she sees are the priorities for the BBC and how she is attempting to tackle issues of gender imbalance, pay inequality and corporate culture as part of her role. Join Ben, Gareth, Tom and Ellie as they explore what Donalda MacKinnon would say to her ‘Dear 26 Year Old Me’.

Season two starts with a BOOM as we welcome former Olympian, TV personality, and all round legend Kriss Akabusi. Kriss joins the D26YOM team as he shares his incredible story from struggling with identity following a childhood in care homes, finding value in discipline through his time in the army, and how THAT ’91 World Championships relay gold shaped his thinking on strategy, taking risks and recognising what it takes to be a champion at whatever you do.

Vincent Vieugue is a geophysicist who has worked for 25 years in the oil and gas industry. Despite being French, he has never worked in France but instead everywhere from Norway to Africa to New York and London. In this fascinating episode, Vincent shares how to maintain integrity in an industry that pushes the boundaries, how to start a new business and how to get the most out of the people around you. Also, Gareth talks about Vanessa Feltz. You won’t want to miss this one!

Andrew Burton started the Thrifty Car Hire franchise in the UK, growing it to multiple locations across the country. Andrew has since bought and and sold the company TWICE before moving into a new industry. Find out about Andrew’s journey and the one piece of advice he gave Ben that transformed his thinking on leadership.

Gary Grant founded his first toy store with his wife Catherine in 1981. Little did they know, in the space of just over 30 years The Entertainer would grow to over 140 UK stores and 13 international locations. Gary’s life has been marked by risk, opportunity and learning what it means to lead in business. Join Ben and the team as they explore the fascinating journey of one the country's most talked about businessmen.

David Kinnaman is the author of the bestselling books Good Faith, You Lost Me and unChristian. He is president of Barna Group, a leading research and communications company that works with churches, nonprofits, and businesses ranging from film studios to financial services. Since 1995, David has directed interviews with nearly one million individuals and overseen hundreds of global research studies. Join Ben and the team as they hear more of David’s story and the lessons he has learned about what it means to lead.

Having progressed through the ranks to become Commander and Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police (the UK’s largest police force), Allan Gibson holds a unique perspective on leadership and career development. Join Ben Cooley, Tom Lister and Gareth Russell as they explore Allan’s story and discuss trends from the world of business.

William Adoasi started his first business at the age of 19. The 27 year old Londoner has had four businesses to his name and has now built Vitae London, winning admirers from Richard Branson to Emeli Sandé. Vitae London now sells luxury watches worldwide, with every sale helping orphans in South Africa receive an education. Hear his incredible story and join Ben and the team in this unmissable episode of ‘Dear 26 Year Old Me.’

Peter Elson started his career overseeing bouncy castles and is now Chief Operating Officer for a FTSE 250 company. It’s been an incredible career trajectory but throughout his life he has learned a great deal about how to maintain integrity in the corporate environment, how to manage teams effectively and how to prioritise what really matters most in life. Join Ben, Tom, Gareth and Rose as they discover the inspiring story of Peter’s career, and discuss some of their own experiences of work and life with a lot of fun and inspiration thrown in!