Our latest Island Influencer episode is a first for us—and a very special one. It's not often we get the chance to welcome a mother and daughter together, but we felt this was a truly lovely combination. Their intertwined stories deserve to be heard in tandem.

You'll meet Sarah Jarvis, who built a successful career in marketing before life threw her a devastating curveball—stage three ovarian cancer, forcing an unexpected and early retirement at age 58. Since then, Sarah has become a passionate advocate for raising awareness of ovarian cancer while navigating life with an incurable illness.

You'll also hear from Dr Rachel Jarvis Martin, Sarah's daughter, whose deep love of nature began in childhood on the Isle of Man. Rachel's career has taken her from studying chimpanzees and elephants at Chester Zoo, to working on conservation projects in South America, to completing a PhD researching heart disease in great apes. When her mum was diagnosed, Rachel paused her PhD to come home, ultimately rethinking her own future in light of what truly mattered.

Now an Education Officer at Manx Wildlife Trust, Rachel is on a mission to connect people of all ages with the natural world. Her return to the Isle of Man represents a growing (yet still rare) movement of young, educated professionals choosing a life and career rooted in community and purpose.

This is an open, deeply moving, and humorous conversation about resilience, career change, family, nature, and why it's never too early (or too late) to live with intention.

Here's episode 131 with Island Influencers Sarah and Rachel Jarvis, enjoy!

In this latest episode of Island Influencers, Wendy Ranft-Gerber shares her life story from growing up in South Africa to finding a new home - and a new calling - on the Isle of Man.

Wendy's story is one of adaptability, courage, and deep compassion, spanning military service, a career in financial services, and eventually following her passion into yoga teaching and cancer wellness coaching.

Along the way, she discusses pivotal life moments, including travelling the world, navigating career pivots after redundancy, and how yoga and health coaching became powerful tools not only for personal healing but for helping others, particularly those affected by cancer.

The conversation also explores the journey of building a values-driven business on the Isle of Man, the power of staying open to unexpected opportunities, and the deep importance of community, self-belief, and purpose.

So here is Wendy Ranft-Gerber in episode 130 of Island Influencers, enjoy.

This week Sharon chats with Kasia Chudy, a veterinary surgeon and the founder of the Natural Animal Clinic in Ballasalla, where she and her team bring a fresh and holistic approach to animal care.

Originally from Poland, Kasia studied veterinary medicine at the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław. She moved to the UK before discovering the Isle of Man and making the island her home.

The Natural Animal Clinic specialises in alternative treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, helping animals heal in ways that go beyond traditional veterinary care.

In our conversation, she shares her inspiring career path, the challenges of introducing holistic treatments in a conventional field, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile. We also dive into entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of taking bold steps—both in business and in life.

In this episode of Island Influencers, I sit down with the incredible Jason Bissell, Global AI & Data Executive, Strategic Advisor, and Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board.

From a small village in Somerset to leading global AI, tech, and data companies, Jason's career path and life story are nothing short of inspiring.

We talk about how his early experiences, including the influence of his stepfather, shaped his work ethic and drive. Jason shares insights from his pioneering work in AI, data analytics, and virtual reality, reflecting on the evolution of these industries and his transition from corporate leadership to strategic advising.

Now based on the Isle of Man, Jason serves as Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board. He reveals what drew him to the island, his first impressions, and his vision for balancing economic growth with environmental and community well-being.

If you're curious about career transitions, leadership, and sustainable innovation, this conversation is packed with inspiration.

https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-jason-bissell

This week, Sharon records live from the vibrant and cosy setting of Wine Down, the Isle of Man's cherished restaurant and wine shop, with Anne Harrison, its co-founder.

Years before opening the doors to Wine Down, Anne thought of the name while out on a run—where she does all her best thinking—and dreamed of one day owning her own business. That vision became a reality when she partnered with the talented chef Roy Macfarlane, the other half of Wine Down, to create this unique hybrid concept.

From her early start working in German vineyards (with her Dad) as a teenager to navigating the challenges of the hospitality industry during the pandemic, Anne brings a wealth of experiences and insights to the table. We'll uncover the inspiring story behind Wine Down, discuss the importance of mentoring young talent, and dive into Anne's personal philosophy on good wine, hard work, and good living.

Anne will also reflect on what makes the Isle of Man a special place to call home. Whether you're a local or simply a lover of good food, wine, and inspiring stories, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the island's top restaurants—and certainly one of the busiest we've come across.

Here is the conversation with Anne Harrison in episode 124 of Island Influencers.