“I’m Ed — 29, from London. Founder of two companies, full-time wheelchair user, and a big advocate for accessibility and inclusion.”

That’s how Ed Boyd introduces himself. Simple, passionate, and straight to the point — much like the way he approaches life and business.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained, Caroline and Rebecca talk with Ed about what it really means to succeed — and how his view of success has changed from chasing status and money to finding purpose, fulfilment, and freedom.

Ed has built two businesses with his co-founder Cass— Crimson Social and drifthome — and they are challenging the way the property world works. They are redefining how we search for a new home — designed to work better for buyers and agents alike. Think Tinder, but for properties.

💡 In this conversation:

• Why fear of failure can hold us back — and how Ed learned to move past it
• How Positive Intelligence and meditation help him manage stress and stay grounded
• Ed’s Top Three guiding principles — including one powerful truth: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

And wouldn’t it be great if someone listening — maybe an investor who shares his vision — would like to connect with Ed and help take drifthome even further?

Contact and Links

www.drifthome.ai

www.crimsonsocial.co.uk

Linkedin : Ed Boyd

Linkedin : Cassandra Humbert

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge.

Rebecca is an Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility.

Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards.

🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing.

🎧 Creative Team : Angela Young – Podcast Production, Cambridge Podcasts, Zainab Uzair – Graphics, Logo & Cover Art, Gabriella Füzi – Portrait Photography

📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027

Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast

👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Upton — former British diplomat, now executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat

In this warm and deeply human conversation, Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge talk with Jen Upton — a former British diplomat who has been posted to some of the world’s toughest countries and now helps leaders and teams communicate, influence, and stay grounded when the pressure’s on.

As Jen says, she was “posted to places I wouldn’t get to see on holiday” — and some of those postings came with extraordinary challenges. She shares what it was like to evacuate twice with two small children and her husband, and to survive the Marriott Hotel bombing in Pakistan. These experiences gave her a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and how to stay composed when everything around you feels uncertain.

Now an executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat, Jen helps others learn the art of diplomacy in everyday life — connecting with empathy, handling pressure with grace, and leading through influence rather than authority.

Together, the trio explore:

• How to manage fear and uncertainty in high-stakes situations
• Why influence starts with curiosity
• How courage often looks quiet, calm, and deeply human
• The lessons diplomacy can teach us about work and life

If you want to work with Jen contact her by email: jennifer@howtodiplomat.com

If you want to follow her for more insights:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton

Diplomatic Dispatches newsletter:newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat

The views expressed in this episode are the personal reflections of our guest. They do not represent the official positions of the UK Foreign Office or any government.

Last week, Tom Bridge launched something new for us — the NVNG Top 3: three guiding principles or suggestions that help our guests when they’re facing new challenges or difficult situations. Tom’s were bold, inspiring, and full of heart.
Listen to hear what Jen’s are — and we’ll start publishing these as separate clips on instagram soon.... when we have learnt how to do it!.

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge.

Rebecca is an Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility.

Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards.

🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing.

🎧 Creative Team : Angela Young – Podcast Production, Cambridge Podcasts, Zainab Uzair – Graphics, Logo & Cover Art, Gabriella Füzi – Portrait Photography

📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027

Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast

👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.

We’re joined by Tom Bridge, winner of BBC’s Race Across the World alongside his mum and NVNG co-host, Caroline Bridge.

We’re celebrating a big milestone — our first guest and our first partnership, YMCA Trinity Group, introduced by their Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Butterworth.

Tom, takes us behind the scenes of an extraordinary journey that pushed him far beyond what felt safe or familiar. Tom shares the moments that challenged him, surprised him, and changed how he sees the world.

Tom talks openly about fear, confidence, and the moments that changed how he sees himself and the world. We explore the pressures facing his generation, the importance of real human connection, and how shared adventures can bridge the gaps between generations.

One of the most powerful parts of Tom’s story is how staying with a family of rug-makers in India inspired him to start his own business, Rugga Rural — importing the same beautiful handwoven rugs that first caught his eye on Race. You can also follow his journey on Instagram at @ruggarural

A funny, honest and inspiring conversation about courage, connection and venturing beyond your comfort zone.

Please follow and share 🫶

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge.

Rebecca is an Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility.

Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas — a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards.

🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing.

🎧 Creative Team : Angela Young – Podcast Production, Cambridge Podcasts, Zainab Uzair – Graphics, Logo & Cover Art, Gabriella Füzi – Portrait Photography

📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027

Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast

👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.