Sensitive Change Makers: Coaching for HSPs, Introverts & Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs and Leaders

In this episode of Sensitive Change Makers, I’m joined by Mark Wigginton – licensed professional counsellor, board-certified coach, endurance athlete and someone with a deeply rich life story around sensitivity, resilience and growth.Mark shares his journey with incredible honesty, reflecting on how a lifetime of intensity, overstimulation and deep thinking eventually led him to a powerful understanding of himself as a highly sensitive person. Together, we explore what it really means to live, work and lead with sensitivity – especially as a man navigating pressure, responsibility and change.In this conversation, we explore:What it’s like to discover you’re highly sensitive later in lifeGrowing up in chaos and how that shapes coping mechanismsThe link between overstimulation, burnout and emotional overwhelmWhy many HSPs turn to perfectionism, overworking or adrenalineHow sensitivity can become a strength rather than something to “fix”The role of movement, endurance and routine in finding emotional balanceHigh sensation seeking and how it shows up in subtle waysWhy so many men struggle to ask for support – and the cost of staying silentThe importance of self-reflection, journalling and slowing downLearning to stop fighting who you are and start working with your natureMark brings a grounded, compassionate perspective to topics like masculinity, mental health, identity and growth, and shares powerful insights from his work with leaders, entrepreneurs and people navigating major life transitions.This episode is an honest, thoughtful exploration of what it means to embrace sensitivity, create stability from chaos, and learn to live in a way that truly supports who you are.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, or like you’ve had to push yourself to fit into a world that feels too loud — this conversation is for you.Please do connect with Mark using the following links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/focusingonresults/    Website: https://www.focusingonresults.comConnect with Kate:Learn more about Kate https://www.katecarter.co.uk/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/katecartercoaching Download your copy of The Start-up Guide to being a HSP: https://subscribepage.io/HSP-guideBook in a consultation call to see if we're a good fit to work together:https://katecartercoaching.satoriapp.com/offers/292115-consultation-call Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay

In this episode of Sensitive Change Makers, I sit down with Marcas O’Dea – the first male guest I’ve ever had on the podcast – and what unfolds is one of the most powerful, honest and expansive conversations we’ve had on the show so far.I invited Marcas on because of the work he’s doing with highly sensitive creative men, but what he shares goes so much deeper than that. Our conversation opens doors into intuition, trauma, creativity, identity, and what it really means to take ownership of sensitivity instead of feeling burdened by it.Here’s a glimpse of what we explore:How Marcas discovered, at a young age, that his sensitivity wasn’t a flaw but an “early warning system” that helped him survive a dangerous childhood.The moment of clarity that pulled him out of addiction and into a life of purpose, service and creativity.Why intuition became his greatest ally, and the small, consistent steps he took to strengthen that inner voice.His unique “Committee of 12” approach to deep processing and decision-making.How creativity became not just an outlet but a way of channelling sensitivity into meaning, storytelling and healing.The surprising link between sensitivity, isolation, and clarity – and why he intentionally built a life in a quieter landscape.His mission to give sensitive men a voice through coaching, community, a new podcast, and the upcoming Hearts of Thunder magazine.This isn’t just a conversation about being a highly sensitive man. It’s a conversation about reclaiming the parts of ourselves we were told to hide, and letting them become the very things that set us free.If you’ve ever felt “too much” or “not enough,” this episode will meet you exactly where you are.Please do connect with him via the following links:WEB: https://marcaspodea.comINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marcas_p_odea/BLUESKY: https://www.bsky.app/profile/marcaspodea.bsky.socialSUBSTACK: https://www.substack.com/@marcaspodeaMEDIUM: https://www.medium.com/@marcas.p.odea_55316LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcas-p-odeaConnect with Kate:Learn more about Kate https://www.katecarter.co.uk/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/katecartercoaching Download your copy of The Start-up Guide to being a HSP: https://subscribepage.io/HSP-guideBook in a consultation call to see if we're a good fit to work together:https://katecartercoaching.satoriapp.com/offers/292115-consultation-call Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay

In this episode of Sensitive Change Makers, I sit down with former chemical engineer turned mind-body mentor, Alisha Kapani, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about emotional healing, depression, and the connection between the mind and body. Alisha shares her five-year journey through severe depression, what traditional approaches could not give her, and the unexpected moment that finally led to real healing.We explore:• How emotional suppression and sensitivity can manifest as depression and physical illness • The turning point that led Alisha from conventional treatment to mind-body medicine • What mind-body healing really is and how tuning into the body can dissolve emotional pain • Why trying to “stay positive” can block true healing • The ABC Tool Alisha uses with clients to create lasting emotional shifts • How she works with highly sensitive clients to move beyond managing symptoms into full transformation • The life changes Alisha experienced once she stopped overriding her body and began listening to it • Practical ways to start reconnecting with your body in minutes each dayThis is a grounded and inspiring conversation about surrender, inner wisdom, and reclaiming your emotional power. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve tried everything and still haven’t found relief, this episode may be the missing piece.You can connect with Alisha through the following links:Website: https://alishakapani.com/Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/ajkapaniYouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/c/alishakapani?sub_confirmation=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisha_kapani/?hl=enTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alishakapaniConnect with Kate:Learn more about Kate https://www.katecarter.co.uk/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/katecartercoaching Download your copy of The Start-up Guide to being a HSP: https://subscribepage.io/HSP-guideBook in a consultation call to see if we're a good fit to work together:https://katecartercoaching.satoriapp.com/offers/292115-consultation-call Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay

This week on Sensitive Change Makers, I’m joined by the brilliant Katherine Robinette - a strategist, speaker, and President of Keystone & Raven. Katherine has spent three decades watching smart people turn change into a battle - and she’s done being diplomatic about it. She’s known for cutting through corporate red tape with clarity, trust, connection, and agency, helping companies believe in what they’re building again, and that’s when the real transformation begins.Our conversation goes deep fast, exploring what really happens when sensitivity meets strategy, and why being clear might just be the kindest form of leadership there is. We talk about:What it really means to be highly sensitive — and how Katherine first recognised her own sensitivityReconnecting to intuition after years of leaning on intellect and analysisThe art of clear and kind communication (and why “nice” isn’t the same as kind)How to have difficult conversations with empathy and integrityKatherine’s “Conviction Transformation” framework — and why the next evolution of business must be people-focusedThe six dynamics of convictionWhy treating people like they’re amazing is the most effective leadership strategy there isIf you’ve ever felt caught between intellect and intuition - or wondered how to bring more authenticity into the way you lead and communicate -this episode is for you.To connect with Katherine, use the following links: Website: www.KeystoneAndRaven.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-robinette-speaker/Resources mentioned in this episode:Jefferson Fisher – The Next Conversation: jeffersonfisher.comBrené Brown – “Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind.”: brenebrown.comSimon Sinek – F.B.I. (Feelings, Behavior, Impact): Watch on YouTubeJim Collins – From Good to GreatConnect with Kate:Learn more about Kate https://www.katecarter.co.uk/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/katecartercoaching Download your copy of The Start-up Guide to being a HSP: https://subscribepage.io/HSP-guideBook in a consultation call to see if we're a good fit to work together:https://katecartercoaching.satoriapp.com/offers/292115-consultation-call Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Meg Trucano — developmental psychologist, former federal researcher, and founder of a psychology-based coaching practice helping ambitious women navigate major life, career and identity changes. After experiencing burnout in a high-pressure research career, Meg built her Real Change framework to help women ditch their “shoulds”, reclaim their energy and make unapologetically self-directed choices.We explore:What it really means to live as a highly sensitive person — especially when you’re also a parent, partner or business owner.How sensitivity can shape your experience of overwhelm, creativity and connection.The tension between control and intuition — and what happens when you finally loosen the reins.Why doing less, being more, and honouring your natural rhythms can be the ultimate act of courage.Meg’s personal story of redefining success and creating work that’s truly soul matched.It’s a rich, open-hearted conversation about embracing who we are beneath the noise of expectation. If you’ve ever felt “too much” or “not enough” for the world around you, this episode is a gentle reminder that your sensitivity is not a weakness — it’s your greatest strength.Listen in, take what you need, and allow yourself to breathe a little deeper.Please do reach out and connect with Meg through the following links:Website: https://www.megtrucano.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-trucano/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meg_trucanoKate xConnect with Kate:Learn more about Kate https://www.katecarter.co.uk/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/katecartercoaching Download your copy of The Start-up Guide to being a HSP: https://subscribepage.io/HSP-guideBook in a consultation call to see if we're a good fit to work together:https://katecartercoaching.satoriapp.com/offers/292115-consultation-call Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay