How to Stop Seeking Validation & Start Empowering Yourself with Neelu Agarwal
What does it really take to move from self-doubt to self-respect? And how do you build a life and career rooted in purpose, power, and inner peace?In this inspiring episode, Nicola O’Donoghue sits with Neelu Agarwal, Head of Belonging, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Prudential Regulation Authority. Neelu opens up about her journey from growing up with feelings of inferiority to becoming a powerful leader who champions authenticity, vulnerability, and growth in herself and others. You’ll hear:- Why Neelu’s core values are the foundation for a fulfilling life across work, family, and self.- How she shifted from seeking external validation to building self-trust and self-respect.- The impact of postnatal depression and how it became a catalyst for rediscovering her ambition and identity.- The power of tiny steps, personal accountability, and redefining leadership through compassion and imperfection.Whether you're navigating your own identity, leadership journey, or just looking to feel less alone in your struggles, this episode offers a grounded and empowering path forward.💡 Sponsored by Intogreat – a personalised well-being platform designed for ambitious professionals who want to reduce stress, reclaim energy, and deepen their relationships without adding another thing to their to-do list.👉 Start today at www.intogreat.net/consumerFollow Intogreat:📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/📍 YouTube: / channelucil0hwgiyfxrzni5nyox0jq📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...📍 LinkedIn: / 89635344
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31:33
The Confidence Code: Caroline Brewin’s Neuroscience-Based Formula for Living Without Regret
What if your biggest fear wasn’t failure, but regret?In this episode, Nicola O’Donoghue sits down with Caroline Brewin, the CEO of Brain Powered Coaching, who left a successful 18-year career in banking to follow a deeper purpose: transforming over 1 million lives through neuroscience and confidence coaching.Caroline opens up about:Her leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship.How to listen to the inner voice that says, “There’s more for you.”Her SHARE Model for authentic confidence (without coming across as arrogant)The 5 A’s that anyone can use to build confidence.Why action is the key to growth and how to acknowledge your progress.This isn’t about “fake it till you make it.” It’s about being unapologetically yourself, trusting your instincts, and building confidence from the inside out.Whether you’re navigating imposter syndrome, craving more purpose, or just tired of holding yourself back, this episode is your sign to start now.You can also purchase Caroline's book, Confident, for more tips on how to build confidence in your life: ✨ Great Conversations is brought to you by Intogreat – the personalised well-being platform helping high-achieving individuals manage stress, build resilience, and reclaim joy—one confident step at a time.Follow Intogreat:📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/📍 YouTube: / channelucil0hwgiyfxrzni5nyox0jq📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...📍 LinkedIn: / 89635344
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34:14
Sam Payne: Breaking the Silence on Early Pregnancy Loss
Trigger Warning: This episode contains a deeply emotional and explicit conversation around early pregnancy loss. Please listen with care.What does it take to lead with courage, challenge societal norms, and still stay grounded in compassion? In this raw and powerful episode, Sam Payne, Co-Founder of Pink Elephants, opens up about what it means to be a fearless leader, grief advocate, and change-maker in women’s health.Sam shares her evolution from embracing change and taking bold action to building a charity that is shifting how society talks about and supports early pregnancy loss. With honesty and insight, she explains the grief no one talks about, how we can better support loved ones through early pregnancy loss, and why Western culture is so ill-equipped to handle loss.This is a conversation about grief, compassion, the power of community, and a reminder that you're not alone. And is for anyone who has experienced early pregnancy loss, loves someone who has, or wants to better understand the emotional realities of miscarriage. Pink Elephants: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/For miscarriage support in the UK:Tommy's: https://www.tommys.org/Misccariage Association: https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/Cradle: https://cradlecharity.org/Great Conversations is sponsored by Intogreat — the personalised well-being platform helping ambitious women reduce stress, build resilience, and thrive on their own terms.Take your next step to deeper balance and self-connection: www.intogreat.netFollow Intogreat:📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/📍 YouTube: / channelucil0hwgiyfxrzni5nyox0jq📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...📍 LinkedIn: / 89635344
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37:46
What Healthy Relationships Really Look Like with PJ Livett
How do you build strong, loving relationships without losing yourself? In this insightful conversation, Nicola O’Donoghue sits down with PJ Livett, a Sex and Relationship Educator who works with teens to lay the foundation for healthy relationships early on. But her lessons are just as relevant for adults, especially high-achieving, emotionally intelligent women navigating modern love.PJ breaks down the true pillars of a healthy relationship: open communication, mutual respect, and self-worth. She shares how to argue effectively (spoiler: it’s all about active listening and explaining, not blaming), and why building self-esteem is the key to walking away from unhealthy dynamics.You’ll also learn:- How do you get clear on what you value in love and connection?- Why understanding love languages changes everything.- What does emotional intimacy look like when you're thriving on your terms?Whether you’re single, dating, or in a relationship, this conversation is packed with powerful tools to help you feel more seen, respected, and fulfilled.💡 Sponsored by Intogreat – a personalised well-being platform designed for ambitious women who want to reduce stress, reclaim energy, and deepen their relationships without adding another thing to their to-do list.👉 Start today at www.intogreat.netFollow Intogreat:📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/📍 YouTube: / channelucil0hwgiyfxrzni5nyox0jq📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...📍 LinkedIn: / 89635344
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37:53
Lorna Lewis on Overcoming Postnatal Depression & Perfectionism
Becoming a mother changes everything, but for Lorna Lewis, the Founder of Funked Up Fitness, it also brought unexpected struggles with postpartum depression, identity loss, and the pressure to be the "perfect" mum. In this candid conversation, Lorna shares how fear, anxiety, and comparison shaped her early motherhood experience until she decided to take control of her happiness. Through self-awareness, coaching, and a commitment to personal responsibility, Lorna learned to quiet the negative stories holding her back. She opens up about the pivotal shift that came when she stopped seeking external validation and started trusting herself. From setting boundaries and saying “no” to prioritising her well-being, she explains how she reclaimed her confidence, compartmentalised her mental load, and ultimately found joy in both motherhood and her own identity.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by expectations, whether as a parent or simply as a person, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Intogreat for more insights: www.intogreat.net📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/📍 YouTube: / channelucil0hwgiyfxrzni5nyox0jq📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...📍 LinkedIn: / 89635344Follow Lorna at Funked Up Fitness:📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkedupfitness/📍 Website: www.funkedup.co.uk
Great Conversations is more than a podcast; it’s a space for real stories that inspire real change. Through honest, relatable conversations, Nicola O'Donoghue and her guests help you see yourself in others, feel less alone, and gain insights, wisdom and motivation to take action toward a life that truly fulfils you.
Sponsored by Intogreat, a personalised well-being platform, that provides practical tools to help you reduce stress, build resilience, and regain control because transformation should fit into your busy life, not overwhelm it. Start your journey today: www.intogreat.net
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