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. 

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.  

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.