Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling

Episode 43: All Good Things Come to an End

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
 
Episode 43: All Good Things Come to an End
Date broadcast: 7th October 2025
 
In this episode Ann shares how, after a stressful year following the death of her mother, she has made the difficult decision to make this episode of the podcast the last. She talks about her realisation of time passing, how you can never get it back and urges us all to be more mindful of that and most of all to make sure we all make time for our own self care and introduces the idea of creating our own self care bundles. And finally send her love to you all and gratitude for the over 40 women who gave their time to appear on the show
 
Please stay in touch either through joining my group or through any of the other links on LinkTree below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 42: Journey to Becoming an Environ-mentor

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
 
Episode 42: Journey to Becoming an Environ-mentor
Date broadcast: 23rd September 2025
 
In this episode we hear how Lyn’s passion for the environment began as a teenager but grew into the business she now has as a result of having children and her concerns about their future. Listening to this will give you some great tips but also how she can help you live a more sustainable life. Her book recommendation is “Wilding” by Isabella Tree, the story of one of the first rewilding projects before it became a thing. I could say more but, honestly, the best thing you can do is listen to this and discover how one woman is making a significant difference in the world in a very gentle, non judgmental way
Lyn set up ECO for ALL with the sole purpose of supporting anyone who would like to live more sustainably but is stuck on the next steps.
She is passionate about making eco-friendly living as easy and affordable as possible so created her RAMP up your Sustainability program to share Realistic, Affordable, Manageable and Practical ways we can make small changes to everyday habits.As a working mum of 2 busy kids, Lyn is acutely aware that reducing the overwhelm around this important subject is vital so her program is a supportive and flexible space to learn how to do your bit.
Having been conscious of how her family lives for many years, Lyn is able to advise on trusted brands, recycling tips and how being more eco-friendly has positive impact on our health.
Lyn also runs educational workshops for purpose led businesses - she shares eco-lifestyle tips for employees to make around the home - leaving them feeling more empowered and aligned with the companies ethos. It's also an important way of reducing eco-anxiety and will create a healthier home by reducing toxins so will actively benefit the wellbeing of their employees.
 
You can connect with Lyn here:
https://eco-for-all.co.uk/services/#group
https://eco-for-all.co.uk/corporate/
 
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 41: Journey to Becoming a Coach for Bakers

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
Episode 41: Journey to Becoming a Coach for Bakers
Date broadcast: 9th September 2025
 
In this episode Jenny shares how she became a 6 figure baker including how she came to make a cake for Charles’ and Camilla’s first wedding anniversary and then had a change of direction when she decided to become a coach but specifically to help bakers build great businesses and get paid their worth. She is about to launch her membership group on Facebook, Sweet as Success.
 
Her two key learnings from her journey were the importance of having a mentor and coach in your life and saying yes to opportunities and then figuring it out which I am a great subscriber to.
 
As for books she chose four: “Let Them” by Mel Robbins, “Rise, Sister, Rice by Rebecca Campbell, “The One Thing” by Gary Keller and “Infinite Receiving” by Sue Ashworth
 
After 25 years in the cake industry, making a royal cake, winning awards, and even popping up on TV, Jenny built and sold her six-figure cake business and trained as a coach. Now, she’s on a mission: to help cake makers build confident, profitable businesses (without losing their sanity or love for baking). Jenny’s not your average coach. She's your biggest cheerleader, business BFF, and the one who makes growing your business actually fun. With her proven strategies and real talk, she supports and empowers bakers around the world. Her membership, Sweet As Success Club, is the go-to place for bakers to level up their business knowledge and technical skills, all while being part of a no-drama, cheer-each-other-on kind of community.
 
You can connect with Jenny here:
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 40: Journey to Becoming a Natural Beauty Consultant and Entrepreneur

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
Episode 40: Journey to Becoming a Natural Beauty Consultant and Entrepreneur
Date broadcast: 26th August 2025
 
I met Esther via Woman Who, a networking group and so much more for women and I’ve heard her speak. I’ve always found her totally inspirational and so I was delighted when she accepted my invitation to come on my podcast. I wanted to know how a Mum of 5 and owner of at least 3 businesses and a podcast host could do it all. And, when we spoke she had just come in from her allotment! She shares how she came to found her beauty brand Deroiste Natural Beauty and it’s a personal story like so many. 
 
Her two key learnings from her journey were that help comes from where it’s least expected and the need to build resilience. And her book? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It can help us all by encouraging us to build habits that serve us for life. It’s a great read and I would recommend it too
 
And her final piece of advice was to live life on your terms and Esther certainly is.
 
Esther Roche is a mum of five, entrepreneur, and founder of Deroiste Natural Beauty, an award-winning inclusive skincare brand inspired by her family’s struggles with sensitive skin. She also leads South West Dental Nurse Training, with over 20 years in dental-related roles. As host of The Mum CEO Podcast and a mentor, Esther shares her journey of resilience, motherhood, and building purpose-led businesses that empower others to thrive.
 
You can connect with Esther here:
To connect with Esther:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/esther-roche-9729ba91Mentoring: Esther Roche Consulting - https://www.deroistenaturalbeauty.com/deroiste-s-a/esther-roche-consulting/Website Deroiste Natural Beauty: https://www.deroistenaturalbeauty.com/shop/
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 39: Journey to Becoming a Midlife Mystic Mentor

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
Date broadcast: 12th August 2025
I was intrigued by Debbie’s journey which started the moment a teacher told her she would never be any good at maths. She takes us through how a life of work and bringing up two children alone prevented her grieving for her Dad. Finding herself on a retreat in the middle of Wales was the turning point for her and from there she developed herself into the Midlife Mystic Mentor.
 
She shared two powerful learnings:-
“Your voice is sacred and powerful, trust it”
“Worth is not granted, it’s claimed”
 
There were three book recommendations:-
“Excuse me – your life is waiting” – Lynn Grabhorn
“The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz
“The Celestine Prophecy” – James Redfield
 
Debbie is a Midlife Mystic Mentor guiding women through the sacred threshold of midlife, I help you awaken your intuition, reclaim your voice, and embody your spiritual power. Through deep mentorship, ritual, and soul connection, I support your transformation from who you’ve been into who you truly are. This is your time to rise - wild, wise, and fully expressed.
 
You can get Debbie’s freebie here:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkyzaxMno/ihUxYkwHzY8OwXsNOX-qRw/view?utm_content=DAGkyzaxMno&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h799545346c
      And you can follow her here: Insta and tiktok - @midlifemysticmentor
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 38: Journey THROUGH Academia

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
 
Episode 38: Journey THROUGH Academia
Date broadcast: 29th July 2025
 
I met Sandra some years ago through a networking group and we have had many fascinating conversations. And time goes by and I was intrigued to learn her current work around grief and how it relates to women’s experiences in the workplace. I’m not even going to try and write notes about what she said, all I would say is listen because grief impacts every single one of us.
 
Her book recommendations were “The Grieving Brain” by Mary-Frances O’Connor and “The Long Run” by Stacey d’Erasmo.
 
As for her tip? If you feel there is something you want to do, it doesn’t matter about your age or anything else, just go and do it
 
Sandra Hunter is an empowerment coach, educator, and founder of empowerHER. With 19+ years in academia, she champions cross-generational, intercultural leadership for women. Her work blends story-healing, mentorship, and strategic coaching to develop confidence, inclusion, and professional transformation—helping women lead with clarity, purpose, and power.
You can find out more about Sandra and her work here:
https://www.empowerhertorise.com/
And the link to her events: https://www.griefhouse.org/event-details/art-as-release-grounding-in-the-senses
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 37: Journey from Cuckoo Clock to Content Alchemy

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
 
Episode 37: Journey from Cuckoo Clock to Content Alchemy
Date broadcast: 15th July 2025
 
Cath and I both received awards at the same event and I was struck by the amazing colourful dress she was wearing! We got to know each other and noiw she’s on my podcast talking about her business. This is someone who at the age of 3 wanted to be a cuckoo clock! She soon knew she wanted to be a writer but was told by her careers teacher that she would not be able to make money at writing. And that is exactly what she is doing .. she makes money in her business writing for others and also writes fiction in her spare time.
 
Her tips were to never be too busy for opportunities. It was saying yes to an opportunity that she nearly said she was too busy for that started her off building her business. And secondly know the value of your time. Her books: “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal and “getting Things Done the Art of Stress Free Productivity” by David Allen
 
Cate founded Creative Words in 2017, having spent over 20 years as a management consulting, specialising in change management, communications and people engagement.
 
She describes what she does as ‘Content Alchemy’ – creating content gold by transforming what people have to offer. She is a writer, trainer, coach and consultant to her clients, helping them express themselves in a way that truly expresses who they are.
 
She works with businesses of all sizes, creating content ranging from leaflets and short profiles, through to books and online membership services and everything in between.
 
She is proud to say she is a crazy-cat lady – though it is the cat, Lola, who is the crazy one. You’ll often find Lola video-bombing zoom sessions and walking across the keyboard.
 
You can find out more about Cate and her work here:
Website: https://www.creativewords.cc/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-words-content-alchemy/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDBbiQFzrolr_s3h0waRcoQ(Edited)
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 36: Journey from Corporate Sales to Sports Massage Therapy

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
 
Episode 36: Journey from Corporate Sales to Sports Massage Therapy
Date broadcast: 1st July 2025
 
I met Nikki on an online networking group and, like so many people, knew she would have a good story. She shares how she damaged her back whilst in her corporate sales role and became aware how poor the support in her workplace and the workplace generally was back then. So she decided to go it alone, learnt sports massage therapy, which she delivers in people’s homes and works with employers on their health and wellbeing programmes.
 
The key learnings for her were to “back yourself” .. we should all do more of that in all walks of life .. be prepared to get out of your comfort zone and just ask! I love all of those and she recommends 2 business books: Daniel Priestly’s “Key person of Influence” and Donald Miller’s “How to Build a Story Brand”. She also shares her personal care strategies .. breath work, meditation and sound baths so listen in!
 
Nikki Roy is the Founding Director of Body Mechanics, a company that helps people to enjoy active, pain free lives. There are three parts to Body Mechanics - Mobile Home Massage, Employee Health and Wellbeing and a new service launching later this year - watch this space!
After swapping a corporate sales career for sports massage therapy following a back injury in 2011, Nikki carved out a new path, one that now sees her working with individuals to improve their wellbeing, as well as with businesses to incorporate health and wellbeing as part of their business strategy. 
In short, Nikki is a biz owner. Cat mum. Loves travel, red wine and finding the humour. Fighting to tame the frizz. On a new journey of connection and discovery. 
 
You can find out more about Nikki and her work here:
Body Mechanics Home Massage
https://homemassage.bodymechanics.co.uk
 
Body Mechanics Employee Health and Wellbeing
https://www.bodymechanics.co.uk
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 35: Journey from Biochemist to Clinical Hypnotherapy

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
 
Episode 35: Journey from Biochemist to Clinical Hypnotherapy
Date broadcast: Tuesday 17th June 2025
 
I  met Linda some time ago and was always fascinated by her journey from biochemist to hypnotherapy and I also love how so much of her story mirrors my own. She shares how she came to be doing hypnotherapy and the difference it’s making in the lives of so many people and I think it will resonate with many of you.
 
Her fascination with all things healing started by her listening to that little spark that many of us are aware of and ignore. She knew there was something else for her. So her tip is to not ignore that spark, we only get one life and each of us has our own individual purpose, and there is so much fulfilment in realising that purpose. Go for it!
 
And her books? Fiction was Margaret Atwood’s particularly “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Oryx and Crake” which will add to my holiday reading and Dr David Hamilton particularly “The Joy of Actually Giving a F…k”
 
Linda’s bio:
'As a clinical hypnotherapist, Linda loves being a catalyst for positive change for individuals, helping them to move towards thriving as how they want to be.  Linda works with adults, children and young people and is also a Senior Lecturer in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at CPHT Manchester. 
A Biochemist and a Quality professional with a career in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 30 years Linda wanted  to be helping people directly.   Having a fascination for science and especially how our brains work, the transition to the client focused profession of hypnotherapy with its basis in neuroscience was a natural fit!’
 
You can find out more about Linda and her work here:
Website
         www.coda-hypnotherapy.co.uk
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.

Episode 34: Journey to Business Award Strategist

Tales of Transformation with Ann Girling
Episode 34: Journey to Business Award Strategist
Date broadcast: Tuesday 3rd June 2025
 
It’s not often I speak to someone with such an unusual business. There’s plenty of business awards out there but not many people who can help you with the process and actually winning. Emma, mother of two children, aged 7 and 9, shares how she chose the world of self employment to give her flexibility around raising them. It has taken her a few years to create this business which she launched last year. The book she recommended was “Maybe I don’t belong here” by David Harewood. And her advice? If an opportunity comes your aware assess it first but, if the only thing that stands in your way is fear, go for it, because these are usually the best!
 
Emma Hewitt is a Business Awards Adviser,  working with small business owners to build award strategies to boost  visibility, credibility and opportunities.She helps clients to reflect and recognise their achievements, find awards that meet their business goals and write award-winning entries.Emma has been self-employed for 9 years, as a franchisee, then supporting small businesses on a freelance basis (including running an annual business award for 5 years). Combined with a background in higher education, she has almost 20 years experience of managing, assessing and advising on university scholarships and business awards.
 
To find out more about Emma’s work here:
https://welcome.emmahewitt.co.uk/home
 
To connect with me and join my group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/unlikelyguru/?ref=share
https://linktr.ee/AnnGirling
 
Thank you for listening to Tales of Transformation! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends.