She Who Dares, Wins.

In this episode of SHE Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits back down with Eva – bushcraft instructor, founder of Wilder Horizons CIC, and former contestant on the TV show Alone – to explore what it really looks like to rebuild your life from the ground up.From leaving the NHS and traditional employment, to moving into a caravan, to spending three dark winter months training in North Wales with seven other women, Eva shares a raw, honest look at self-employment, simplicity, female friendship and finding community in the outdoors.If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t do that” or felt left behind because your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s, this conversation is for you.In This Episode, We Talk AboutDaring to begin (again)Why Eva clung to traditional employment “with her fingernails”The crunch point where she realised she was doing a bad job for everyone – and had to choose herselfWhat the first year of full-time self-employment has really looked like (peaks, troughs and all)Calm over “career safety”How leaving the NHS shifted her day-to-day from constant adrenaline to a calmer nervous systemWhy she now values alignment and mental health over job titles, pensions and sick payCaravan life and living smallMoving from a two-bed flat into a tiny caravan with her partner… just as winter startedJuggling three part-time jobs, 4 a.m. commutes, and wondering, “What have I done?”The unexpected gifts of simple living: fewer bills, more outdoor space and learning what she actually needsStuff, screens and simplifyingLetting go of storage units, “just in case” boxes and the things she didn’t miss for a whole yearSwapping infinite Netflix choice for five charity-shop DVDs – and what that taught her about decision fatigue and delayed gratificationLoneliness, lost friendships and starting againThe quiet grief of friendships that fade when you step off the traditional life pathWhy it’s so hard to have honest conversations about “what went wrong” in friendshipsFeeling like you’re starting from scratch socially when your values and lifestyle changeFinding belonging in the outdoorsThree months in north Wales with the Outward Bound Trust and Berghaus:Living in a shared house with seven womenLong days in the cold and wet, learning navigation, rock skills and paddlingThe deep sense of community that formed from being together 24/7How intense shared experiences fast-track genuine connection and trustWomen-only spaces and why they matterTraining with female instructors and what changed when there were no men in the groupThe difference in energy, competition and confidence in women-only learning spacesWhy Eva chose to keep her bushcraft events women-only after hearing participant feedbackBushcraft as a doorway to courageWatching women come solo to events – sometimes for the first time doing anything just for themselvesHow lighting fires, carving wood and sleeping outside can unlock confidence far beyond the woodsThe ripple effect: course WhatsApp groups, new hiking buddies and women planning their own adventures togetherSafety, responsibility and the outdoor industryThe tension between qualified outdoor professionals and social-media-led “hike meetups”Why qualifications, recces and first aid still matter – even when you “just love hiking”Expansion and what’s next for Wilder HorizonsEva’s word of the year: ExpansionMoving from “doing everything myself” to hiring a community and adventure managerHer vision for employing and uplifting more women in the outdoor spaceJoin Dare club: www.shewhodareswins.com

In this raw, unscripted episode, Michelle shares what happened 24 hours after quitting her job in construction—a career she’s had for 18 years, including 17 years on site and the last two years working in social media for a construction firm.While working part-time, Michelle has been quietly building her lifelong dream: the She Who Dares Wins podcast. In this conversation, she opens up about:Why she finally decided to walk away from construction for goodHow her part-time role became a comfort blanket tied to her identity and self-worthThe emotional and practical challenges of balancing a “safe” job with a big dreamWhat it felt like in the first 24 hours after quitting—liberation, fear, and excitementWhy trusting your gut and “setting yourself free” can be the turning point in your lifeThis episode is for anyone who is unhappy in their job, working part-time while chasing a dream, or struggling to let go of a stable role that no longer feels right. Michelle shares honestly about money, fear, identity, and the reality that dreams take time—her podcast has been running for two years and is only now starting to feel ready to monetize.She also talks about the rebirth of this channel:Closing the door on construction contentKeeping her old videos as part of her story and journeyInviting you to come along for this new chapterIf you’ve been waiting for a sign to back yourself, this might be it.Key Topics CoveredLeaving an 18-year construction careerHybrid life: part-time job + part-time dreamIdentity and self-worth tied to your jobListening to the universe / your gut when it’s time to move onThe emotional mix of excitement vs. anxietyLetting go of the “comfort blanket” and taking a bet on yourselfThe rebirth of the channel and the next phase of She Who Dares WinsSuggested Timestamps (you can adjust based on final edit)00:00 – I just quit my jobMichelle opens with the news that she’s quit her job in construction.00:40 – 18 years in construction & the shift to social mediaBackground on her career and recent role in social media for a construction firm.01:20 – Building the She Who Dares Wins podcast on the sideHow she’s been growing the show while working part-time.02:10 – Why she decided to quitCulture, environment, identity, and the comfort blanket of a “safe” job.03:10 – The problem with hybrid roles and divided energyWhy part-time work still drains the energy needed to pursue a dream.04:10 – Trusting the universe and listening to her gutThe signs and feelings that pushed her to finally make the move.05:00 – 24 hours after quitting: how it really feelsLiberation, relief, and the surprising lack of panic—so far.05:45 – Excitement vs. anxietyHow similar they feel and why she’s choosing to see it as excitement.06:20 – A message to anyone unhappy in their jobEncouragement to trust your gut and set yourself free.07:00 – Closing the door on constructionOfficially ending her involvement in construction and keeping one toe out.07:40 – Channel rebirth & what’s nextWhy she’s not starting a new channel, how old videos fit into her story, and what the future content will look like.08:00 – Final thoughtsThank you to existing subscribers and an invitation to join the new journey.

In this episode of She Dares Wins, recorded live at the Be Right Back event, Michelle sits down with Tessa Wittock, a stunt driver and car drifter whose journey takes her from investment banking in London to drifting in muddy fields, then all the way to Hollywood, working on Mission Impossible 7 with Tom Cruise.Tessa shares how she got hooked on drifting after a passenger ride in a Skyline, built her own off-road Suzuki Vitara, and taught herself to drift before going on to win European drift titles and carve out a name in a male-dominated motorsport and stunt world.This conversation is packed with adrenaline, honesty, and practical advice for anyone who wants to push past their limits—on the track or in life.In This Episode, We Cover:From banking to burnout (the good kind):How Tessa left investment banking to pursue drifting full-time and what that transition really looked like.Learning to drift from scratch:Her early cars: Fiesta ST, Focus ST, VXR Nürburgring, Suzuki VitaraTeaching herself in muddy fields and at Santa PodBeing a visual learner and jumping into other people’s cars to improve.Breaking into stunts & Mission Impossible 7:How drifting opened doors to the British stunt worldHer mentor Terry Grant and introduction to stunt director Wade EastwoodAuditioning against other female drivers and landing Mission Impossible 7Driving everything from BMW M5 to a military H2 HummerWhat it’s like doing one-shot, high-pressure stunts with multiple cameras and huge crews.Competing at the top level in drifting:Winning Queen of Europe and placing second in King of EuropeHandling (and sometimes not handling) the pressure of qualifyingThe infamous “Ticked Off at Teesside” story and what she learned from it.Women in motorsport & role models:Navigating a male-dominated industry and not letting it define her limitsEarly female inspirations: Belinda Chalice and Lisa BranchWhy she admires Jess Hawkins and the impact of F1 AcademyHer message to young women: “If I can do it, anybody can.”Teaching others to drift:Running her drift academy at Three Sisters Circuit in WiganWhy she believes anyone can learn to drift—students aged 81 and 84 includedHer top tips for first-time drifters (including Caterham drivers):Look where you want to goUse your eyes to guide your handsAlways be two steps ahead on trackCommon misconceptions racing drivers have when they try drifting.Mindset, nerves & performing under pressure:How Tessa manages nerves on the start lineThe music she uses to get in the zone (drum & bass)Using mental checklists before a run to stay calm and focusedDealing with self-doubt and moments that made her feel “not good enough”Pivoting, pushing on, and continually challenging herself.Cars, dreams & what’s next:Her dream garage – drift car, A90 Supra build, off-roaders, and supercarsWorking as a product expert for Rolls-Royce, driving long distances and on trackWhy she wants to try rally and ultimately something Dakar-relatedPlans for a touring drift academy to bring drifting around the UK.The She Dares Wins “Dare”:Tessa’s dare to other women:Challenge yourself to do something different and out of your comfort zone—every day if you can.Tessa’s dare to herself:Step into rallying and push into a completely new motorsport discipline.https://berightback.uk/

This week’s dare: Reach out to someone who’s a few steps ahead of you in an area you’re trying to grow—business, career, or even a hobby.In this Dare Day episode, Michelle shares:A recent story about emailing a podcasting expert and how one conversation completely refreshed her vision for She Who Dares WinsWhy we often convince ourselves that “they’re too busy” or “I’m too small fry”How many successful people genuinely want to give back and support those coming up behind themA simple example of using this dare for something like wild swimming—finding people near you and asking to join themMichelle also:Invites you to reach out to her directly if you think she can help you on your journeyEncourages you to pitch yourself to podcasts (hers and others!)Shares an update on Dare Club, her structured, paid online community, now launching on 27th April with an initial 50 spots, plus future live event opportunitiesYour dare:Today, send a message or an email to someone whose experience you admire. Ask one clear question or request a tiny bit of guidance. Hit send.Join Dare Club:www.shewhodareswins.com

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Chloe Brennan – two-time World’s Strongest Woman (u73kg), England’s Strongest Woman, coach, and founder of Lift Your Limits – to explore what really sits behind strength, success, and daring to change your life.Chloe shares how she walked away from a “perfect” academic path in psychology, pivoted into learning disability nursing, and then again into elite strongwoman competition and holistic strength coaching. She opens up about therapy, hypnotherapy, and the “not good enough” complex that drove her, as well as the identity crisis that hit after she’d ticked off all her biggest goals.You’ll hear Chloe and Michelle dig into:Why going against expectations was the first real act of daring in Chloe’s lifeHow sport exposed deep-rooted beliefs about not being good enoughWhat hypnotherapy actually is (and isn’t) – and why high-performing athletes love itIdentity, external validation, and what happens when you’ve achieved “everything”The pressure to stay in one box – athlete, creator, or coach – and how to let yourself be all of youThis is a conversation for anyone standing at a crossroads, feeling they “should” stay where they are, but knowing there’s more.Key TakeawaysGoing against expectations is often the first brave step – leaving psychology for nursing was Chloe’s first real act of owning her life.Performance problems are usually mindset problems – most athletes Chloe works with hit the same beliefs: “I’m not good enough”, fear of failure, and perfectionism.Hypnotherapy isn’t mind control – it’s about self-efficacy, rewiring limiting beliefs, and using evidence of who you already are.Identity is fluid, not fixed – you don’t have to choose between being an athlete, a creator, or a coach. You’re allowed to be all of it.Success without inner work can feel empty – Chloe hit podiums and world records and still felt flat until she faced the deeper stuff in therapy.External validation isn’t evil, just incomplete – it feels good, but it can’t replace self-acceptance.Backing yourself is a dare – confidence doesn’t mean no doubt; it means moving with the doubt anyway.Timestamps0:00:00 – Introducing Chloe and the “She Who Dares Wins” question: how she’s dared and won0:01:30 – Leaving a “perfect” psychology path for disability nursing and owning her first big pivot0:03:40 – Discovering strongwoman through trampolining injuries, powerlifting and an accidental first comp0:08:40 – From nurse to full-time strength coach and building a holistic coaching business0:09:50 – Hypnotherapy explained: busting myths and how it transforms athlete mindsets0:15:55 – Titles, world records and still not feeling “enough” – when success doesn’t fix the emptiness0:18:12 – Therapy, triggers, and realizing sport was carrying a deep “not good enough” story0:25:05 – Identity, parts integration, and letting “athlete Chloe” and “human Chloe” coexist0:31:16 – Purpose, presence and Alan Watts – questioning the obsession with “getting somewhere”0:38:53 – Friendship, boundaries and letting people (and followers) go when they’re not your people0:46:39 – January pivot: saying she was “done” competing to finding her way back to strongwoman0:52:26 – Athletes, businesswomen and mindset: why Chloe’s work goes far beyond the gym0:56:57 – Chloe’s dare for women: back yourself, acknowledge your wins, and do it even when you doubt yourselfJoin Dare Club HereShop hoodies and Tees www.shewhodareswins.com

In this Dare Day episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle reflects on an inspiring International Women’s Day weekend at a women in motorsport event hosted by Laura. She shares stories from conversations with Abbi Pulling (two-time F1 Academy winner and rising Formula 1 hopeful), Tess Wittoc (stunt and drift driver featured in Mission Impossible films), and Helen & Marcella (the first British women to complete the Dakar in the classic category).Inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” Michelle sets a powerful dare: to actively support another woman—without envy, competition, or judgment. She also officially announces Dare Club, her new paid online community designed to provide sisterhood, accountability, and practical support through live sessions, guest dares, and more.This Week’s DareGive to Gain:This week, intentionally support one woman in your world. Share advice, answer a question, send an encouraging message, or offer a practical tip from your journey. Do it generously, without comparison or competition.What Dare Club is: a paid online community for women who want support, accountability, and real-life toolsWhat’s included:Monthly live sessions with past and new podcast guests, teaching on business, lifestyle, sport, and more15-minute bonus “dare” episodes from guests, created just for Dare Club membersBi-weekly coffee drop-ins for accountability and community check-insTips, tricks, and resources to help you take action in life, work, and sportMember discounts for the shop and first access to live events like the recent motorsport eventLaunch details:Launch date: 27th MarchFounding 50: Only 50 seats at launch with a lifetime locked-in priceAccess is only available via the Dare Club waitlist (newsletter sign-up)Sign up to Dare club Wait list : https://stan.store/shewhodareswins

Allie spent 26 years drinking, built a career in the music industry, and ran marathons and 100‑mile ultras trying to outrun how much she hated herself. On the outside she was the hard‑drinking goth with the dream job and big races; on the inside she was depressed, suicidal, and convinced the next achievement would finally make her “enough.”In this episode, Allie shares how lockdown and a near‑suicide moment forced her to stop running from herself, get sober at 40, lose everything – and then slowly rebuild a life based on her values: kindness, honesty and integrity. We dive into alcohol, ultra running, identity, why you can’t outperform self‑hate, and how she now coaches others to focus on mindset over medals and “do the work” one honest action at a time.Timestamps0:00 – Meet Allie: music industry, ultra running & why she finally stopped drinking1:26 – Childhood & first drink: big family, no space for feelings, discovering alcohol at 144:00 – Dream job, nightmare culture: record label life, “you’re lucky to be here” & work‑hard/play‑hard drinking9:40 – Running to cope: first run to avoid suicide, marathons & 100‑mile races while still drinking16:25 – Lockdown & rock bottom: isolation, toxic relationship & the night she planned to end her life19:46 – Therapy & values: meeting Theo, ACT, and uncovering kindness, honesty & integrity as core values26:00 – Rebuilding sober: starting a coaching business, mindset > medals, and redefining success in sportKey TakeawaysYou can’t outrun self‑hateNo race, job title or external achievement will fix an internal belief that you’re not enough. Allie proves you can be “killing it” on paper and still be dying inside.Alcohol sells you a lieIt presents itself as the solution to anxiety, trauma and impostor syndrome, while quietly making them worse. For Allie, alcohol wasn’t the problem… until she realised it had become her whole personality.Sport can be a mask as much as a medicineUltra running gave Allie purpose and community, but it also became a way to prove she was “fine”. You can be running marathons and 100‑milers and still be deeply unwell.Values are a turning point, not a buzzwordIdentifying kindness, honesty and integrity as her core values – and realising she’d been living against them – was the real catalyst for change, more than any single race or event.There’s no self‑sabotage, only self‑preservationThose urges to quit, to pull the plug or to stay small are often your brain trying to protect you from pain. Naming that changes how you respond to it.Mindset > medals (and times are neutral)Allie reframes success around what you can control: process, effort, joy, community and integrity. Finish times and podiums are byproducts, not the point.Doing the work is daily, not dramaticJournaling, tiny honest decisions, and repeatedly choosing actions that match your values matter more than one big “rock bottom” moment or a single breakthrough.Failure and mess make the best stories – and the most growthDNFs, hallucinations, disgusting porta‑loo moments and “I completely screwed that up” races are where she learned the most about herself, and where listeners can recognise their own patterns too.Allie on Socials : IG @Ab_runsAllies BookJoin Dare Club: ClubShop: www.shewhodareswins.com

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Anna, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills, to explore what it really means to dare in your career and life. From experimental theatre and large-scale cultural production at Leeds 2023, to community-focused curation in a former textile mill, Anna shares how she stepped off the traditional career ladder to build a lifestyle job that actually fits her values.They discuss the WoW Barn project – a 24‑hour build with 300 women and non-binary people – the realities of work in the arts, the tension between ambition and burnout, and the courage it takes to be radically honest about what you really want, including the prospect of starting a family.Key TakeawaysDaring can mean changing direction, not just climbing higherAnna talks about leaving a “successful” trajectory in large-scale cultural events when she realised the next logical steps (EP, Director of Programmes) didn’t align with the life she wanted.The WoW Barn: women, non-binary people and agency in constructionThe 24-hour timber build with 300 women and non-binary people challenged ideas about who construction is “for” and gave many participants their first experience of building and tools – with powerful confidence and identity shifts.Redefining what an art gallery can beAt Sunny Bank Mills, Anna focuses on accessibility and community:A gallery on a village high street, not just in a city centreA zine library and touchable pieces to break down shame and intimidationWelcoming honest feedback from locals who feel real ownership of the spaceCurating with integrity (not just what sells)As Arts Director of a commercial gallery, Anna balances:Work that’s easy to sell (e.g. Yorkshire landscapes)With pieces that expand horizons, communicate lived experience, and make people thinkShe wants to stand beside every work and confidently say why it’s on the wall.Lifestyle job vs endless growthMoving from freelancing and high-intensity projects to a family-run, community-rooted site has shifted Anna’s view of success:One “hat” instead of sixDaily connection with artists, locals, and a historic site of makingSpace to prioritise work–life balance over constant “more, bigger, faster”.Honesty about motherhood and identityAnna shares two “dares” for herself:Returning to horse riding as a hobbySeriously considering starting a familyShe talks openly about fears around losing identity, career impact, and inherited anxieties many career-driven women feel.A dare for other womenAnna’s challenge:Be radically honest with yourself.Don’t just follow the trajectory you think you should be on – ask if it’s really serving you and whether it’s genuinely what you want.Timestamps [0:00] – Intro: Anna’s background in theatre, experimental live art & producing[0:17]–[7:55] – Leeds, European Capital of Culture bid & the birth of Leeds 2023[7:55]–[13:47] – The WoW Barn: 24-hour build, women in construction, empowerment stories[13:47]–[20:12] – Leaving Leeds 2023 & landing the Arts Director role at Sunny Bank Mills[20:12]–[30:37] – Making art accessible: village gallery, community feedback, zine library, touching the art[30:37]–[43:19] – What it really means to curate: taste vs sales, contemporary craft, and the “she’s a keeper” piece[43:19]–[49:44] – Lifestyle careers, work–life balance, family-run business culture, unlearning toxic work patterns[49:44]–[58:35] – Daring to ride horses again, thinking about starting a family, and identity as a career-driven woman[58:35]–end – Anna’s dare to listeners: radical honesty about the paths you’re onJoin Dare Club now: https://stan.store/shewhodareswinsShop she who dares wins: www.shewhodareswins.com