In this episode of The Wisdom Rewind, I sit down with Simon Alexander Ong—renowned coach, author, and speaker—whose life work revolves around helping others unlock their deepest potential and live with intention. From guiding clients to publish bestselling books, pivot into fulfilling careers, or finally pursue long-postponed goals, Simon’s mission is clear: impact lives through insight, empathy, and purposeful action.

We explore Simon’s own journey from burnout and uncertainty to becoming a catalyst for personal transformation. He shares the pivotal moments that shifted his path, the power of asking for help, and how a single act of kindness can spark a ripple effect that changes countless lives. With stories drawn from coaching leaders around the world, Simon offers timeless wisdom on energy, clarity, and designing a life aligned with your values.

True to the essence of this podcast, we rewind to reveal what it really takes to live purposefully and lead with heart. Through vulnerable reflection and powerful insights, Simon invites us all to reimagine success—not as status, but as significance.

Key Takeaways:

• How to move from burnout to alignment and flow.
• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
• The ripple effect of kindness and intentional impact.
• What it really means to “live with purpose.”
• Simon’s strategies for clarity, energy management, and meaningful success.

Tune in to hear Simon Alexander Ong’s journey from the corporate grind to becoming a beacon of purpose-driven leadership—and discover how your greatest transformation might begin with a single question: What impact do you want to leave behind?

Stay Connected with The Wisdom Rewind

• If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Wisdom Rewind on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and inspire more listeners!
• Follow us on instagram for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and highlights from upcoming guests.
• Join the conversation! Share your favorite insights from this episode and tag us using #thewisdomrewind.

Keep rewinding, keep learning, and stay inspired.

#017 - Brenda Emmanus: Leading with Curiosity, Breaking Through Barriers

In this episode of The Wisdom Rewind, I sit down with Brenda Emmanus—award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and cultural voice—whose career has helped redefine the landscape of British media. From her early days in Manchester, navigating a world where few women of color were visible in media, to becoming a trusted face and voice on national platforms, Brenda’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and quiet revolution.

We explore Brenda’s journey from drama-loving student to accidental journalist, the influence of her immigrant upbringing, and the internal struggles she faced with confidence, identity, and representation. She shares what it was like to carve out space in an industry that rarely reflected her image, how she balanced passion with purpose, and the emotional weight of becoming a symbol for others coming up behind her.

True to the spirit of this podcast, we rewind to uncover the defining moments, mentors, and mindset shifts that shaped Brenda’s path—and the wisdom she’d offer to the next generation of changemakers. This episode is a rich blend of vulnerability, insight, and inspiration from a woman who helped shift the narrative simply by staying true to her voice.

Key Takeaways:

• How Brenda found her path in journalism through curiosity, not certainty.
• The cultural and personal challenges of being a Black woman in British media.
• Why communication, community, and collaboration are central to her legacy.
• The emotional cost—and impact—of representation and trailblazing.
• Brenda’s reflections on purpose, passion, and staying grounded in a noisy world.

Tune in to hear Brenda Emmanus’ powerful journey—and the quiet strength behind her public voice.

Stay Connected with The Wisdom Rewind

• If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Wisdom Rewind on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and inspire more listeners!
• Follow us on instagram for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and highlights from upcoming guests.
• Join the conversation! Share your favorite insights from this episode and tag us using #thewisdomrewind.

Keep rewinding, keep learning, and stay inspired.

In this episode of The Wisdom Rewind, I sit down with Simon Gardiner—co-founder of Carrington West and the driving force behind one of the UK’s top-ranked employers. What began in a cold, converted garage with no outside investment has grown into a national success story rooted in integrity, culture, and everyday excellence.

We explore Simon’s rise from humble beginnings to industry leadership, uncovering the pivotal moments, tough decisions, and quiet values that shaped his journey. From navigating the heartbreak of letting go of their first hire days before Christmas, to writing down a dream to become “the UK’s best employer” long before it was a reality—Simon’s story is a masterclass in grounded leadership and long-term vision.

True to the spirit of the podcast, we rewind to reveal what it really takes to build something extraordinary without sacrificing who you are. With real-world wisdom, business insight, and stories that don’t shy away from the hard parts, this episode is a blueprint for anyone striving to lead with both purpose and heart.

Key Takeaways:

• How Carrington West was built from scratch—without external investment.
• Why culture and values are more important than hype.
• Navigating painful early decisions and how they shaped the company’s future.
• The mindset behind sustainable, human-centered growth.
• What it means to lead with humility—and still aim big.

Tune in to hear how Simon Gardiner quietly built one of the UK’s most admired companies—and what it means to stay true to your roots while chasing ambitious goals.

Stay Connected with The Wisdom Rewind

• If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Wisdom Rewind on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and inspire more listeners!
• Follow us on instagram for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and highlights from upcoming guests.
• Join the conversation! Share your favorite insights from this episode and tag us using #thewisdomrewind.

Keep rewinding, keep learning, and stay inspired.