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Behind the face of success
Azeem Rafiq - Former Cricketer, Author, Campaigner, Podcaster
Season 2, Ep. 3
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In this special episode, I sit down with former professional cricketer Azeem Rafiq to dig deeper into the impactful moments following his brave decision to expose the racism he experienced. We discuss the profound changes he faced in his career and personal life as a result of his whistleblowing.
Azeem, now an author with his new book, "It's Not Banter, It’s Racism," shares an intimate look at his life—from growing up in Pakistan to his tenure with Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
"One person’s banter is another person’s demise," he says, highlighting the crucial need for self-awareness in today’s society to ensure everyone feels welcome.
This podcast tells all about Azeem’s emotional journey, showcasing his resilience and the positive changes he has made for himself and his family. We explore his work in campaigning for change, his transition into a podcaster, author, and speaker, and his efforts to inspire the younger generation to strive for better. Azeem's story is incredibly inspiring. Tune in to hear the highs and lows of his career, and gain valuable lessons in how to never give up.
More about Azeem
Azeem is a former cricketer who played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, eventually becoming the first Asian player to captain Yorkshire in a senior game. Azeem’s story is a particularly tough one to tell on this podcast because of how the thing that he loved the most - which is being a cricketer, has led to a lot of trauma in his life. After experiencing bullying and racism which he spoke up about - and an independent report finding it to be true, it led on to a major media story breaking which ultimately has negatively affected his life. What I particularly appreciate and admire about Azeem is that despite all this, he is STILL campaigning for positive change in the sporting world. He’s recently written a book to raise more awareness and he’s made changes in his career to be a keynote speaker and podcaster to bring his passion for cricket into the wider community. It’s a true story of resilience and strength to change the face of cricket forever.
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6. CMO's and Advertising Industry Leaders: Pete Markey & Tony Miller
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5. PodShort: the power of short wins and moods
16:26||Season 2, Ep. 5Visha Kudhail - The Power of Short Wins and MoodsIn this quick 16-minute PodShort, I dive into the incredible impact of short wins and how they can fuel your sense of fulfilment and motivation. As the year progresses, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, burdened by a lack of achievement or progress. But what if the key to overcoming these feelings lies in celebrating the small wins?I also explore a fascinating study I read on the Harvard Business Review website that reveals how even minor progress can significantly improve your mood and set the stage for future success. By shifting your mindset and focusing on these short wins, you'll gain more self-awareness about your personal growth and uncover your purpose through everyday achievements.Tune in as you take a break away from the screen or pop to the shops - to learn how to reframe your thinking, celebrate your small wins, and keep your momentum going throughout the year.
4. Visha and Ed Reflect
21:59||Season 2, Ep. 4Welcome to a special mini-edition of "Behind the Face of Success." I'm your host, Visha Kudhail, and for this PodShort, I’m joined by the one and only Ed Watson, an extraordinary ballet dancer who also happened to be my very first guest when this podcast launched. As I reflect on the journey of this podcast, especially as we delve into this shorter, more introspective episode, Ed was the first person I wanted to bring back to reflect on our experiences over the past year.When I started "Behind the Face of Success," my goal was simple: to highlight the brilliance of my guests and inspire listeners by sharing their stories. But along the way, I realised that these conversations were teaching me just as much as they were inspiring others. I remember specific quotes and moments from my guests that have stayed with me, particularly during difficult times.So settle down with a cup of tea or pour yourself a glass of wine, as you hear two friends speak openly about vulnerability and growth. Thanks for listening and supporting this show. ♥️Supporting partners: Creative Brief & The River Group
2. Irene Agbontaen, Founder of TTYA
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1. Harriet Thorpe - Film, TV and Theatre Actress and Entrepreneur
41:14||Season 2, Ep. 1To kick off the new season, I am joined by the brilliant Actress and Entrepreneur - Harriet Thorpe. Harriet has played a number of roles in Theatre, Film and TV and is best known for her telly work in productions like Absolutely Fabulous, The Brittas Empire, French and Saunders and now - further down in her career is playing the character Elaine, the powerhouse landlady of the Queen Vic in BBC’s Eastenders. Which happens to be one of the most iconic roles in British soap dramas. She’s also an entrepreneur who owns her own business with her sister, Actress Matilda Thorpe, called Doctor Theatre, helping men and women find their voice and stage presence. This episode will teach you how to deal with different dynamics in life, how to build your armour, how to focus on your creativity and to always remember to go where you are wanted. We also learn how to reclaim your voice and much more.It's an episode for anyone that wants to improve their confidence, learn what what their value is and ultimately feel good.With thanks to production partner -The River Group and Media Partner - Creative Brief for supporting this podcast.Please rate and review this podcast and follow us on instagram
Introducing Season 2
01:41||Season 2, Ep. 0I'm launching a brand-new season of Behind The Face of Success with some exciting new guests that you'll definitely want to hear from. For this season I'll be joined by some friends who are supporting the podcast. A huge thank you to production partner - The River Group and media partner - Creative Brief. Together we are excited to bring you all some real talk. Please follow the podcast, share your thoughts and review. We hope you enjoy this series and appreciate you tuning in.
14. PodShort: simple and effective strategies for positive mental health
20:34||Season 1, Ep. 14In this 20 minute podshort, we’ll dive deep into one of the strongest themes that came through from the full episodes in S1 - the complexities of mental health. This isn’t just in relation to the workplace but in all aspects of life. Mental health isn't about the negative aspects of our well-being; it encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellness. It’s about nurturing a positive state of mind that is essential for our overall health and quality of life. The importance of mental health has been a big topic of conversation for some time now but was highlighted by statistics shared by the NHS, which reported a 21.5% increase in people seeking talking therapies for conditions like anxiety and depression from 2021 to 2022 - this was the time of the pandemic. Throughout this series, I’ve been lucky to speak with remarkable individuals—from Photographer Rankin to tech founder Pip Jamieson and Peloton Instructor Hannah Frankson—who've shared their insights on navigating the challenges of mental health in their respective fields. Themes of burnout, feelings of failure, and anxiety have emerged time and again, prompting us to explore strategies for self-care and resilience.This 20 min PodShort will give you some simple and effective strategies for a positive mental health shared by Rankin, Pip Jamieson and Hannah Frankson.
13. PodShort: International Women's Day 2024
13:58||Season 1, Ep. 13🌟 Celebrate International Women's Day with these impactful killer soundbites straight from the voices of remarkable women. Each soundbite is a gem, offering unique perspectives and valuable advice. Get ready to be inspired by:Author - Poorna Bell, addressing the pressing issue of diversity in senior management and navigating toxic workplace environments.CEO - Rania Robinson, sharing her thoughts on female leadership styles and effective decision-making.Casting Director - Selma Nicholls, advocating for authenticity and the importance of staying true to oneself in the industry.Founder - Pip Jamieson, shedding light on the challenges of being a businesswoman and managing burnout.CEO - Leanne Elliott Young, offering insights on balancing the demands of motherhood with a thriving career.Tune in and empower yourself with wisdom from these incredible women!Enjoy the podshort and pop by the full episodes to listen to their stories.Follow: LinkedIn and InstagramPlease do take a moment to rate and review this series.