In this episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, we're welcoming 2025 with renewed purpose and commitment to amplifying the voices of those who have shared their stories of transformation and resilience. With 193 episodes and over 164 ambassadors featured, we've created a powerful archive of inspirational tales that remind us all that overcoming adversity is possible.

This year, Tales to Inspire is stepping up its support, not just by providing a platform for stories, but also by integrating those stories into the workplace. We know that work environments can be challenging, and our goal is to help foster connection and resilience through keynote talks, workshops, panel discussions, and tailored programs around awareness days.

Whether you're looking for personal inspiration or seeking to bring powerful stories into your workplace, we have something for everyone. Our stories highlight the importance of self-acceptance, empathy, and the strength to overcome life's obstacles.

To find out more or get in touch with us, visit talestoinspire.com. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us—let's make 2025 a year of even greater inspiration and change!

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Cherelle Mitchell shares her journey of resilience, healing, and self-acceptance. From growing up with the challenges of her mother's schizophrenia and emotional abuse to finding her voice and embracing her authentic self, Cherelle's story is one of courage and transformation.

She opens up about coming out in 2014, navigating life as an LGBTQ+ teacher, and the importance of representation and acceptance in schools. Cherelle also reflects on how fitness and CrossFit became outlets for growth and balance in her life.

With honesty and vulnerability, Cherelle offers insights into overcoming imposter syndrome, prioritising mental health, and finding purpose in life. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength in embracing who you truly are.

Key Topics Discussed:

Self-Acceptance and Healing: Cherelle emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting oneself as the foundation for healing and personal growth.

Mental Health and Childhood Trauma: Cherelle reflects on her mother's schizophrenia, emotional abuse, and how these experiences shaped her childhood, self-perception, and mental health.

Confronting the Past: Cherelle discusses how therapy, support systems, and confronting emotional trauma have been key in her healing process.

Navigating Identity and Sexuality: Cherelle shares her journey of coming out in 2014 and the challenges and societal pressures she faced, highlighting the significance of representation and acceptance.

The Role of Fitness in Healing: Fitness, particularly CrossFit, has been a powerful outlet for Cherelle's physical and mental well-being, helping her find balance and joy in her life.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Cherelle discusses how she has dealt with feelings of inadequacy despite her achievements, stressing the importance of self-compassion and recognising one's value.

Career Transitions and Self-Reflection: Cherelle talks about her career journey, exploring different roles, managing burnout, and rediscovering her passion for teaching.

Social Prescribing and Community Building: Cherelle emphasizes the role of social and recreational activities in combating loneliness and building supportive communities.

Purpose and Societal Expectations: Cherelle challenges societal norms and reflects on how living authentically leads to greater joy and purpose.

The Power of Communication: Cherelle offers advice on being honest with oneself and others, maintaining open communication to foster understanding and avoid guilt.

In this bite-sized episode, Cherelle Mitchell shares her unique perspective on kindness, exploring how being kind to oneself serves as the foundation for a more compassionate and understanding world. From her own struggles with self-worth and mental health to the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, Cherelle reminds us that kindness starts from within and radiates outward.

Defining Kindness:

• Kindness starts with self-awareness and self-compassion.
• Recognising the importance of role models in shaping our understanding of kindness.

Cherelle's Personal Journey:

• Overcoming the pressure to always "be better" and learning to pause.
• Experiencing a personal crisis in 2014 that led her to mindfulness and self-reflection.
• Seeking professional help to address childhood trauma and challenges.

Kindness and Society:

• Examining the kindness scale in today's world.
• How societal pressures, cultural capital, and individual experiences shape perceptions of kindness.

Kindness as a Fluid Concept:

• Understanding that kindness is not static—it can shift based on circumstances and emotions.
• The importance of honest communication and vulnerability to foster kindness in relationships and communities.

Shifting Perspectives:

• Cherelle's belief in the power of mindset: reframing daily challenges to find gratitude and positivity.
• Recognising that unkind actions often stem from unresolved struggles rather than inherent malice.

In this episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, Krish dives deep into the inspiring journey of Reuben Sam, a full-time model and advocate for vitiligo awareness. Reuben shares his experiences growing up with vitiligo and the impact it had on his identity, along with his multicultural background and the profound gratitude he feels towards his parents for their sacrifices. He reflects on his transformative move from Italy to the UK at the age of 21, discussing personal challenges, including a serious football injury, and his transition from a corporate career to modelling. Emphasising the importance of self-understanding and the power of community, Reuben encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones to foster acceptance, positivity, and personal growth.

Family Background: Reuben recounts his parents' decision to move to Italy in the 90s for a better future for their children, highlighting their determination and love.

Understanding Vitiligo: Krish and Reuben delve into what vitiligo is—a condition where the immune system attacks melanin-producing cells. Reuben shares his personal experience with this condition, which he developed at the age of three.

Coping with Bullying: The conversation shifts to the challenges Reuben faced in school, where he encountered name-calling and bullying. He discusses how he responded to these challenges.

The Importance of Family Support: Reuben emphasises the role of his family in his life and how their struggles shaped his resilience.

Gratitude for the Journey: Despite the hardships, Reuben expresses gratitude for his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Decision to Move: An invitation from a family friend leads him to embrace the challenge of moving to the UK.

Cultural Shock: Reuben describes his arrival in Stoke-on-Trent and the adjustments he faced in a new environment.

Unexpected Opportunities: A chance direct message led him to a modelling agency, turning a casual interest into a full-time career.

From Part-time to Full-time: After modelling part-time for several years, he made the leap to full-time in 2023 to raise awareness for vitiligo.

Inspiring Others: Reuben aims to help others embrace their identities, drawing inspiration from individuals who overcame significant challenges.

Importance of Cultural Exposure: He believes every child should have the opportunity to live outside their home country to understand diversity and multiculturalism.

Life Achievements: He expresses that his greatest achievement would be knowing he made a small difference in someone's life, particularly for his younger brothers facing their own challenges.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode. We hope you enjoyed Reuben Sam's inspiring story. Be sure to subscribe for more uplifting conversations!

Resources:

Changing Faces: www.changingfaces.org.uk

The Vitiligo Society UK: vitiligosociety.org

Instagram - @reubenksam

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/reubenksam

In this bite-sized episode of the Tales to Inspire podcast, Reuben Sam discusses the concept of kindness, emphasising its importance in personal growth and societal interactions. He reflects on how his parents instilled the value of kindness in him from a young age, teaching him to give without expecting anything in return. Reuben shares that kindness involves being positive during hardships and spreading light in dark situations. He acknowledges that unkindness often stems from a lack of positive experiences and encourages listeners to be proactive in teaching kindness to others. Additionally, he addresses the challenges posed by unkind systems, suggesting that individuals can find their own supportive communities within these systems to foster kindness. Reuben stresses the importance of being kind to oneself, advocating for self-awareness and the recognition of one's strengths while learning from weaknesses.

Key Takeaways

Definition of Kindness: Kindness is about positivity, giving without expecting returns, and finding the silver lining in hardships.

Teaching Kindness: Unkind behaviour often arises from a lack of kindness received; teaching kindness can help change this cycle.

Navigating Unkind Systems: While some systems may be unkind, finding supportive communities within them can help foster kindness and positive change.

Self-Kindness: Being kind to oneself involves self-awareness, embracing strengths, and learning from weaknesses rather than succumbing to societal pressures and expectations.

Importance of Nurturing Strengths: Instead of solely focusing on weaknesses, it's vital to nurture and develop personal strengths for overall growth and fulfilment.

Thank you for listening to this episode! Join us next week for a deep-dive episode exploring his journey further.

Resources:

Changing Faces: www.changingfaces.org.uk

The Vitiligo Society UK: vitiligosociety.org

Instagram - @reubenksam

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/reubenksam

In this Deep Dive episode, Himal Mandalia recounts his journey from a challenging childhood to a successful and unconventional career. He shares his transformative path from depression and hopelessness to finding purpose through coding. Himal emphasizes the need for a non-judgmental space for storytelling and reflects on overcoming self-doubt and fear of failure.

Himal grew up in East London with Indian and Ugandan heritage. His early years were marked by extreme hardship, including poverty and neglect. Despite lacking formal education, his curiosity and self-directed learning fueled his passion for technology. In his 20s, he pursued a computer science degree but struggled with personal and academic challenges

Himal transitioned from tech jobs to becoming a nomadic traveler, redefining success on his own terms. Key highlights of his story include:

Overcoming Adversity: Resilience in the face of poverty and family dysfunction.

Self-Discovery: Pursuing passions through self-education and travel.
Critique of Conventional Systems: Challenging traditional measures of success.

Struggles: Severe depression and financial issues while dealing with a difficult employer.

Coping Mechanisms: Distracting himself with World of Warcraft, baking, and befriending neighbourhood cats.

Turning Point: A 2012 trip to India with his mother prompted a reassessment of his career and skills.

Breakthrough: In 2013, reconnecting with friends and working on a software project led to job offers and a move to content marketing and government roles.

Career Progression: Fulfilment in government work with a user-focused approach.

Reflection: Overcoming self-doubt and understanding both technical and human aspects of challenges.

Resources:

Himal's Blog: himalmandalia.medium.com

Action for Children: www.actionforchildren.org.uk

In this episode, we're joined by Himal Mandalia to discuss the importance of kindness in our lives. Himal talks about how practising kindness can be tough in today's busy world but is essential for building strong relationships and communities. He highlights the need to make time for others, recognise their humanity, and include everyone. Himal also shares how being part of a community and valuing each person can help create a more caring and fulfilled society. Tune in as we explore the power of kindness and its impact on our everyday lives.

Key Discussion Points:

Definition of Kindness:

Recognising and engaging with others as human beings.
What is the first act of kindness?

Challenges in Society:

People being preoccupied with their own busy lives.
Lack of empathy and connection with others.

Importance of Communities:

Why do communities play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging?
How does being part of a community offer more opportunities for kindness?

Inclusion as a Foundation for Kindness:

Why is inclusion essential for kindness?
Ensuring that kindness reaches everyone.

Practical Steps to Increase Kindness:

Engaging with local communities.
Making time for small, meaningful interactions.

The Value of Time:

How is time a valuable resource for kindness?

Being Present:

The concept of being "human beings" rather than "human doings."
Importance of being present in the moment.

Thanks for listening to today's episode. Join us next week for more insights on kindness with Himal Mandalia.

Resources:

Himal's Blog: himalmandalia.medium.com

Action for Children: www.actionforchildren.org.uk

In this episode, Jo Bradshaw shares her extraordinary journey from being a height-fearing, comfort-loving business advisor to becoming a world adventurer and mountaineer. She reflects on her early life with outdoorsy parents and the unexpected transition from working with horses to a life filled with adventure. Jo has completed six of the Seven Summits, led numerous expeditions, and survived the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal while climbing Everest.

Jo highlights the lessons she's learned, including how bullying in her youth shaped her resilience, the importance of overcoming psychological challenges in extreme environments, and the power of saying "yes" to opportunities that push boundaries. She also discusses the significance of kindness, leadership, and authenticity, both in her personal life and professional adventures.

Background & Early Life:

• Grew up in Cambridgeshire in an outdoorsy family, spending more time on the water than in the mountains.
• Faced bullying during boarding school, an experience that shaped her resilience.
• Initially planned a career working with horses, even spending time in New Zealand, before moving into retail and eventually embarking on a life of adventure.

Transition to Adventure:

• Jo's first step into adventure was a terrifying parachute jump, which sparked her passion for exploration.
• Encouraged by a friend to participate in a cycle trip in Peru, which marked the beginning of her adventure career.

Mountaineering & Expeditions:

• Successfully completed six of the Seven Summits, including Everest, Kilimanjaro, and Aconcagua.
• Survived the 2015 earthquake on Everest, losing several team members. This life-changing experience deeply impacted her outlook on adventure and life.
• Shared insights into the mental and physical challenges of high-altitude expeditions, and how these experiences helped her grow as a person.

Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt:

• Discussed how she overcame self-doubt, particularly during the early stages of her career when others made her feel incapable. Jo pushed herself through challenging expeditions to prove her resilience.
• Encouraged listeners to "feel the fear and do it anyway," stressing that self-confidence is key to achieving success.

2015 Earthquake Experience:

• Recounted her harrowing experience of being at Camp One on Everest during the 2015 Nepal earthquake, describing the devastation at base camp and the emotional aftermath of the disaster.

Resources

Website: www.jobradshaw.co.uk