Island Influencers (Sharon Sutton)

From BMX, to mountain biking, to road cycling, my guest today is Manx Professional Cyclist Tom Mazzone.

Fresh from racing in The Tour Series last week, Tom joined me to chat about his professional cycling career with SAINT PIRAN, Cornwall’s First Elite Cycling Team.

Tom explains how he got into cycling and found an elite team to join, some of the challenges he needed to overcome in his career to date, and his big goal for next year.

Here’s this week’s conversation with Tom Mazzone in episode 58 of Island Influencers.

Our latest Island Influencer Amy Howse, grew up in Weston-super-Mare and started exploring the world on her own at 19.

Her adventures and curiosity inspired her to pursue a career in Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) while also fueling her passion for yoga and sound therapy.

Through Soundology, she uses sound therapy to encourage emotional healing and support mental health.

Her approach now includes combining sound with nature, especially in her role as the Biosphere Artist in Residence with the Manx Wildlife Trust.

In addition to sharing her story, Amy offers practical advice for new entrepreneurs.

She also speaks about her love for the Isle of Man and its beauty and reveals how she finds balance in her life.

Looking forward, Amy has big plans; enjoy this inspiring conversation with the incredibly talented Amy Howse in episode 120 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to the latest episode of Island Influencers, where experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders based on the Isle of Man are invited to share their stories with us.

I'm joined today by Dr Fenella Bazin.

Fenella has pioneered academic research into Manx music as director of postgraduate studies at the Centre for Manx Studies.

Her doctoral thesis on Manx music up to 1896 opened up areas of research for other students and helped put Manx music on the map. Without her work,  we would know little about the development of traditional music, West Gallery music, or even the National Anthem.

Fenella's expertise in the spirit of max music is internationally recognized.

She's contributed articles, papers, and chapters to leading publications, spoken at numerous conferences and led workshops. Her research has consistently promoted the Isle of Man and it's culture.

Fenella's accomplishments outside of academia are wide-ranging. She succeeded in making Manx music accessible to a wide range of people of all ages and has worked hard for festivals such as the Manx Music Festival and Yn Chruinnaght, which is now known as The Celtic Gathering.

She's also well known as an excellent musician; a fiddle player, a singer, and a pianist, as well as an arranger and composer and published author.

Fenella works hard for a local community of Ballaugh and she leads the church choir. She's a member of Ballaugh Heritage Trust and has acted as a governor for Ballaugh School.

And what's unique about Fenella is how she draws from all these achievements to be a major draw on prestigious heritage cruise ships throughout the world, particularly now into the Baltic and further North, promoting the story of the Isle of Man.

Here's my conversation with Dr Fenella Bazin in episode seven of Island Influencers.

At 16 years old, Jo Overty lived independently, working nights in a print factory to pay bedsit rent and support herself through sixth form.

After a couple of years working at an estate agent and a bank in Leicester, she followed her vocation and trained to be a journalist in Sheffield and benefited from tuition from national and regional newspaper editors. Winning the Esso Northern Young Journalist of the Year was a massive encouragement for this young reporter.

The sunny April of 1988 a journalist placement lured her to the Isle of Man, and a job offer at the end of it (coupled with her instant love for the island) and the community meant she stayed.

Then in 2006, she joined the Isle of Man Government initially in education in a diverse role (communications, events and new project management); then Cabinet Office, at the very heart of Government, in the communications team.

For the past three years Jo has been the project officer for the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. She oversaw the creation of the first ‘local’ strategy, complementing the three global aims and ambitions of Biospheres benefiting the Island’s economy, environment and community. In 2020 she gained an intensive qualification in Biosphere Management.

Jo demonstrates amazing resilience, is a Test cricket and football fan, keen amateur photographer, music lover and Radio 4 addict!

Here's this week's conversation with Jo Overty in episode 59 of Island Influencers.

This week my Island Influencer is a pretty rare find especially on the Isle of Man. Emma Lings is a furniture maker creating bespoke handcrafted furniture and naturally dyed textiles.

Emma explains that she has only just become self employed since returning to the island from Melbourne, Australia as the pandemic hit.

Throughout our conversation it became apparent that if Emma doesn’t know it, she learns it. Emma isn’t afraid to ask questions and shows great determination and hard work in everything she turns her hand to.

Do listen to Emma Lings amazing story in episode 81 of Island Influencers!

This week’s Island influencer Katie Nicholson (MBA), Director and Co-Founder of Founded Limited, was born on the island but then spent her early childhood in Cyprus. Her family circumstances changed, so she returned to the Isle of Man when she was nine years old.

Katie has over 12 years of professional business development, marketing, and management experience, gained from working in digital and early-stage investment industries.

In 2019, using her wealth of experience, Katie decided to go it alone and then Covid-19 hit. Nevertheless, her enthusiasm, dedication and drive kept her going, and she set up Founded.

Katie and her closely integrated team help pave the way for a new generation of startup founders with information, inspiration and opportunity to start, grow or sustain big ventures. She is an enthusiastic, dedicated and driven self-starter.  

Founded provides general business consultancy, finance, marketing, mentoring, and fundraising services. They also host regular events to bring our communities closer, creating a platform for startups, scale-ups and investors to connect on common ground.

Here's this week's conversation with Katie Nicholson in episode 52 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to Island Influencers, where we share stories of successful business owners, experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders based or with influence in the Isle of Man.

This podcast is brought to you by Thornton Chartered Financial Planners because great financial planning has the power to change your life.

My guest on the podcast today is Leigh Morris.

Leigh is the recently appointed CEO of the Manx Wildlife Trust, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to have him tell you his story so far.

It's a distinguished career in the pursuit of his true vocation; I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did, hearing about the lightbulb moments in his life and the pivotal part of his career which has brought him here to the Isle of Man.

Here's my conversation with Leigh Morris in episode 13 of the Island Influencers podcast.

This week’s Island Influencer is Debbie Scrimshaw, a Director/Owner of Paragon Recruitment and Workology.im - Employment, Careers & Outplacement Specialists.

Debbie and her family moved to join her grandparents on the Isle of Man when she was five years old. Having left school at the age of 15 and told that you have to work in a bank to succeed in life, so kitted out in her two Etam suits, that is what she did! Her substantial career in financial services, hospitality, and recruitment has taken her off the island and back again!

Debbie was able to buy her first house at 21. She had her own 'side hustle' businesses at 27. Then at 34, she grabbed the opportunity to buy Paragon Recruitment with a clear concept of how she and her business partner wanted a company to run—dictating their mission and purpose today.

In Lockdown one, Debbie saw a requirement for a different approach on the island. She has created 'Workology.im' an outplacement business specifically designed for the Isle of Man marketplace, providing career change and transition support for individuals and businesses, delivering much needed practical, emotional and financial support.

Most recently, Debbie began work with the coordination and delivery of services under the Manx Restart Scheme. The Manx Restart Scheme has been developed as part of the Government's Economic Recovery Programme to help individuals on the Isle of Man who have been unemployed for three months or more and support businesses who wish to grow to take on new staff.

What is evident in Debbie's story is that both a personal and professional pleasure for her is to have the opportunity to make a difference to individuals from school leavers to senior executives.

Here's this week's conversation with Debbie Scrimshaw in episode 38 of Island Influencers.

Join me this week as I chat with Personal Trainer Juan Cheung. Juan's story is deeply rooted in the Isle of Man; he was born in Douglas.

Growing up, his parents ran a successful local Chinese takeaway, instilling a solid work ethic and a sense of achievement in him.

From his experiences in high school sports to navigating the financial industry, Juan's journey eventually led him to become a personal trainer, bodybuilder, and entrepreneur.

He finds immense joy in witnessing his clients achieve their fitness goals and embark on transformative journeys like his own. Having a personal trainer like Juan has been indispensable for me—it's a stress reliever that keeps me committed to the gym three times a week, which is crucial for my mental and physical well-being.

Juan underscores the importance of perseverance and facing challenges head-on, especially in the most difficult moments. Additionally, he offers insights into his upcoming endeavours, such as developing a fitness app, and shares his invaluable seven rules for life. I hope Episode 106 leaves you enriched and inspired.

Useful links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juan.cheung.37

Instagram: @abf_juan_cheung_pt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-cheung-16b5b0254/

https://www.elitefitness.im/personal-trainers

James Clear - Atomic Habits

Matthew McConaughey - Greenlights

Mike Thurston Podcast, who's a fitness YouTuber influencer as well

Please subscribe, and leave a rating and review, on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts to help others find the show.

Island Influencers is produced by Bear Content & Social KEWS

Sponsored by Thornton Chartered Financial Planners

In this episode of Island Influencers, I sit down with the incredible Jason Bissell, Global AI & Data Executive, Strategic Advisor, and Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board.

From a small village in Somerset to leading global AI, tech, and data companies, Jason's career path and life story are nothing short of inspiring.

We talk about how his early experiences, including the influence of his stepfather, shaped his work ethic and drive. Jason shares insights from his pioneering work in AI, data analytics, and virtual reality, reflecting on the evolution of these industries and his transition from corporate leadership to strategic advising.

Now based on the Isle of Man, Jason serves as Chair of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man Board. He reveals what drew him to the island, his first impressions, and his vision for balancing economic growth with environmental and community well-being.

If you’re curious about career transitions, leadership, and sustainable innovation, this conversation is packed with inspiration.

https://www.thorntonfs.com/island-influencer-jason-bissell

This week’s Island Influencer is Sarah Comish, the newly appointed General Secretary of the Manx National Farmers Union.

Sarah talks to me about life growing up on her family’s farm on the Isle of Man, her love of art, horses, walking, and Elizabeth Taylor! She explains how travelling extensively around India changed her life, encouraging her to be “more confident and less cautious.”

Sarah shares stories of her ten years in the film industry within the set dressing and props department. Her favourite film to work on was ‘Waking Ned’ featuring her cousin’s pony!

Returning to the island when her Mum sadly passed away she decided to stay. Sarah has since raised a family whilst juggling several jobs including being One World Charity Challenge Project Officer, Secretary at IOM Southern District Agricultural Society running the Agricultural show, whilst also being on the local planning committee.

This episode provides a great insight into the agricultural and farming world and Sarah’s commitment and passion for sustainable development, and how that affects all of our futures.

Here’s this week’s conversation with Sarah Comish in episode 60 of Island Influencers.

South African born Guinness World Record holder Basil Bielich joins Sharon this week to share his fascinating life story.

Basil admits he "went to school to play sports" and confesses academics were not a focus; football, rugby and cricket were!

Having to join the National Service post-school, his journey took him from the navy to the marines to becoming an officer. Then after knuckling down at University and getting a degree, he became an accountant.

Basil explains how an introduction via his future father in law created career connections on the Isle of Man, leading to a holiday here. Basil felt a 'special connection to the island' (coupled with being a massive Liverpool supporter) and so he made a silent pact to return as soon as he could. Basil and his young family arrived in 1997 and are an Isle of Man asset to keep hold of.

In this episode Basil, and  ‘a man of many hats’ shares his vision for his recently merged business, Atla Group, and explains how he has swapped his rugby boots and cricket bat for golf clubs.

He is incredibly active in the Isle of Man community, serving as President of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association and Chair of the Manx Solidarity Fund to highlight just a couple!

Here's this week's conversation with Basil Bielich in episode 63 of Island Influencers.

In episode three of Island Influencers, I talk to Rebecca George, Chief Executive Officer of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce.

Rebecca has been a beacon of light for many island business owners during this recent Coronavirus Pandemic by providing outstanding leadership and communication throughout.

Becks is a born and bred Londoner. After a year of travelling the world with her husband, they decided that going back to London life wasn't for them.

Lucky for us, by then she'd visited the Island on a few occasions and had already fallen in love with the place. You know its beauty and pace of life, so it didn't take much persuading for her to come and live here. 

So they came to the Isle of Man for six months, assuming that it wouldn't suit them and they'd rush back to the city life in a heartbeat. But they are still here 15 years later. 

Her husband runs a successful international shipping company in the Isle of Man, another of our niches, and by her own admission, Becks has had amazing roles and opportunities which have led her to where she is now. 

She doesn't know if she'd had such a good quality of life if they'd stayed in London, but they do know that they don't spend hours of their day sitting in trains or in traffic.

They've got a house by the beach, their careers have flourished, and the children can safely walk to school. How many people living in the UK can say that? 

So let's listen to what Rebecca has to tell us as an Island Influencer, in episode four.

In this latest episode of Island Influencers, I delve into Sarah Mercer, co-founder of Earthscope’s remarkable story.

Originally from Liverpool, Sarah moved to the Isle of Man at age two, shaping her childhood along the island's shores and landscapes. Her academic pursuits in Physical Geography at Durham University sparked a deep interest in environmental issues, leading her to co-found Footprint, an annual environmental summit.

Returning to the Isle of Man, Sarah immersed herself in projects like 'Island Utopias', a lockdown documentary capturing community spirit, and 'Manannan's Charms', an app blending folklore with nature. All while living off-grid, making the film entirely using solar power.

She collaborated with the Isle of Play to engage children with nature. She explored sustainable practices across Europe with AimHi Earth, presenting alongside notable figures and partnering with impactful organisations globally.

Sarah's dedication culminated in co-founding Earthscope, driving carbon literacy initiatives, and advocating for sustainable practices.

She is an advocate, nature lover, filmmaker, and sustainability facilitator. Her journey is one of passion, purpose, and a relentless dedication to creating a more sustainable and harmonious world for all.

Here is episode 110 with Sharon Sutton in conversation with Island Influencer Sarah Mercer, co-founder of Earthscope.

My guest this week, Laura Cretney, has pursued an academic and professional career specialising in Middle East politics and culture. She has lived, studied and worked in the Arabian Gulf and speaks Arabic, Spanish and French.

Laura is the Director and MENA Consultant at Al Ishara Consulting, an Isle of Man-based consultancy offering insight and expertise for organisations working in the Middle East and North Africa. Providing bespoke political and cultural advice, project management and support, due diligence research and translation to organisations with projects or clients in the region, particularly in the field of international development.

She is also CEO of Pink Jinn, a socially conscious lifestyle brand inspired by the Middle East and North Africa, promoting cross-cultural interaction and supporting small businesses, victims of conflict and vulnerable women in the region.

Laura is a passionate traveller who believes that active learning and cross-cultural interaction will make the world a better place.

Here is this week's conversation with Laura Cretney in episode 54 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is a voice you may recognise, Sam Turton, a reporter at Gef The Mongoose. 

We talk from “the best office he has ever been in!” about life growing up, including his education journey. We debate the highs and lows of journalism, politics and his pandemic burnout.

Despite "unintentionally returning to live on the Isle of Man", Sam shares why he likes living on the Island and offers excellent advice on solving the challenges he believes the island is currently facing.

I think Sam’s LinkedIn profile sums him up - I write things for my own amusement and the enjoyment of strangers.​ ​So do listen to this week’s ​amusing ​conversation with Sam Turton in episode 76 of Island Influencers!

What a year 2020 has been! On top of the day job, I've had 33 conversations in 8 months for my podcast Island Influencers.

As December is here and we wave goodbye to 2020. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to look at all the conversations I've had and share with you some highlights.

Several themes pop up that are central to many of my conversations. In this week's episode, we talk about Covid 19 and the significant impact it has had on the Isle Of Man; it's businesses and its people (not forgetting our mental health). Charities started collaborating where they never had before, and the community came together to help each other. We all have a personal story that has got us to where we are today. Other than Covid 19 have you had a life-changing moment? My guests share some of theirs.

All of my guests had their own unique story to tell so do listen to the Island Influencers podcast series in full if you can at https://www.thorntonfs.com/podcasts/ or search for Island Influencers in your favourite podcast player.

Here's this week's episode of Island Influencers  - 2020 highlights (part 1)

This week, Sharon records live from the vibrant and cosy setting of Wine Down, the Isle of Man’s cherished restaurant and wine shop, with Anne Harrison, its co-founder.

Years before opening the doors to Wine Down, Anne thought of the name while out on a run—where she does all her best thinking—and dreamed of one day owning her own business. That vision became a reality when she partnered with the talented chef Roy Macfarlane, the other half of Wine Down, to create this unique hybrid concept.

From her early start working in German vineyards (with her Dad) as a teenager to navigating the challenges of the hospitality industry during the pandemic, Anne brings a wealth of experiences and insights to the table. We’ll uncover the inspiring story behind Wine Down, discuss the importance of mentoring young talent, and dive into Anne’s personal philosophy on good wine, hard work, and good living.

Anne will also reflect on what makes the Isle of Man a special place to call home. Whether you’re a local or simply a lover of good food, wine, and inspiring stories, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the island’s top restaurants—and certainly one of the busiest we've come across.

Here is the conversation with Anne Harrison in episode 124 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is Bettina Roth, Chief Executive, Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.

Bettina has an extensive background in the financial services industry, boasting a wealth of international experience gained from her impressive career in both the regulatory and private sectors. With a strong track record of professional achievement, Bettina has held senior positions in various jurisdictions, including the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market, and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

With such an impressive background and an array of accolades, Bettina Roth is undoubtedly a leader in the field of financial services. Her appointment as CEO of the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority came at a pivotal stage in its development, as the organisation strives to protect consumers, combat financial crime, and maintain confidence in the financial services sector through robust prudential supervision.

During our conversation, we delve into Bettina's insights and gain a deeper understanding of her vast experience. We explore her remarkable journey, discuss her vision for the future, and uncover valuable insights into the world of financial services regulation. Additionally, Bettina aims to inspire other women to pursue senior roles and continue spearheading innovation within the Isle of Man's regulatory landscape.

So, here is my conversation with Bettina Roth in episode 93 of Island Influencers

I'm delighted to introduce as my guest on episode two of Island Influencers, Beach Buddies Isle of Man hero, Bill Dale.

Is there anything this guy can't do?

If there's anyone who epitomizes where success comes from, it's Bill, who started Beach Buddies alone for years before the real scaling effect got traction.

From one individual, and of course his dogs, in 2007, to now having over 20% of the population of the Isle of Man involved so far.

Beach Buddies objective is to provide a longterm, effective, efficient, and sustainable operation using teams of volunteers to keep beaches and foreshores of the Isle of Man free from litter.

Beach Buddies survives entirely on donations and is sponsored by numerous companies, societies, organizations, and individuals.

Bill's vision has had such an impact that, in 2016, the Isle of Man was given the prestigious honour of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; we're the only nation in the entire world to achieve this distinction.

Beach Buddies was highlighted during the award ceremony as its excellent example of beach cleaning methodology in 2019, and he was subsequently invited to become a member of the Isle of Man government's biosphere committee, which promotes worldwide the Isle of Man special award.

It runs approximately 200 beach cleaning events each year and collects around 200 tons of rubbish from beaches - or did do before having to scale down operations to follow Government Social Distancing Rules!

Bill was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Manx Marine environment in 2017.

Here's my conversation with Bill Dale with episode two of Island Influencers, recorded before the recent Coronavirus Pandemic had us all self-isolating.

Tune in for Bill’s uplifting story as an Island Influencer.

Welcome to the latest episode of Island Influencers. My guest this week is Gail Yeowell, the Owner and Managing Director of Smart HR Solutions Limited (SmartHR). 

Since setting up SmartHR in 2010, she has developed a reputation for being an award-winning, leading provider of multi sector HR consultancy, outsourcing and Training Solutions. Gail is a highly experienced HR professional with 25 years’ combined HR management consultancy experience. 

Gail talks to Sharon about growing up in a hotel, how passionate she is about her business, family, rugby, volunteering and much more.

Here's this week’s conversation with Gail Yeowell in episode 32 of Island Influencers.

My guest on Island Influencers today is Martin Sewell.

Martin is a Henley Management College and Templeton College, Oxford graduate. He's also a Freeman of the City of London.

He's a proven high achiever at all levels, having worked across the public, private and third sectors.

Martin has completed a number of worldwide assignments, visiting more than 30 countries in 15 years.

He's a former marketing consultant to blue-chip businesses such as Sainsbury's, M&S, Tesco, IBM, Cathay Pacific and British Airways, and even the Scottish Prison Service.

On the Isle of Man, Martin has put his effort into fundraising for Sailing for the Disabled, and Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled.

He's been a regular and generous contributor over the years, sharing his ideas, free advice and good practice with many local businesses, governments and Manx charities.

Here's my conversation with Martin Sewell in episode five of Island Influencers.

My guest on the podcast today is Adam Owen, Curriculum and Training Director at NextGen Planners in the UK.

Adam is currently President of the Personal Finance Society, the largest professional body for retail financial advisers in the UK with more than 40,000 members and the largest issuer of Statements of Professional Standing for financial advisers.

Adam joined the profession in the mid-1990s, and he held advisory roles within direct sales and the IFA sector providing technical compliance support to both directly authorised firms and networks.

He was a founding Director of the support provider EQI Consultancy and held a variety of senior compliance and supervision positions.

More recently, he's focused on developing career pathways throughout the profession, becoming a Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society accredited trainer.

And indeed, this year he is the President of the Personal Finance Society, where his leadership is training up the next succession of leaders within the profession.

Here’s my conversation with Adam Owen in episode 14 of Island Influencers.

This week on Island Influencers, my guest is Mike Boulton, who many Isle of Man born and bred Northerners like me will no doubt know and remember fondly from the time they spent at Albert Road School in Ramsey. 

Mike started his career teaching at Albert Road School in 1968 and didn't retire until 1998. 

During that time, he taught and influenced so many of us whether it was in the classroom learning maths, or if you were being trained to be a Commonwealth Games swimming competitor. 

He was one of the founders of the Northern Athletics Club, and he was also a musician and founder of one of the many folk music ensembles he put together. 

Mike's had a huge impact on the revival of Manx culture, particularly in music. 

Mike also taught star pupil Mera Royle who won the Young Folk Musician of the Year award in 2018. 

I hope you enjoy listening to my podcast and will be impressed, like me, by how incredibly humble Mike is.  

His skills and qualities make him such an inspiration for so many primary school children during the formative years of their lives. 

Here’s my conversation with Mike Boulton in episode 15 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to this week’s episode of Island Influencers.

My guest this week is an entrepreneur and multiple business owner professional and also a community leader.

I refer to, of course, Dave McLean, who was one of the key people behind the Peel Centenary Centre’s restoration and behind the successful Our Island: Our World festival held in 2019.

But sadly not this year due to current circumstances, or is it?

Make sure you listen to the end to hear what Dave’s current thinking is about the festival and also to learn all about him and to hear his story.

So let’s meet Dave McLean, in episode 17 of Island Influencers.

Steve grew up in Glasgow; he had a keen interest in pharmacy so he studied it at university. Whilst studying, he admits, he was distracted by politics. Becoming a chairman of the Scottish Young Liberals and even standing for the general election as a Liberal candidate.

Following his time at university, Steve managed a pharmacy in Bermuda and made many Manx friends while he was there who spoke highly of the Isle of Man. When his time in Bermuda was ending, he took a "bit of a gamble" and applied for a pharmacist job in Laxey, Isle of Man. Steve got the role and also bought the business! He and his family were then naturally embedded into the heart of the community.

On arrival, Steve had no intention of getting involved in Manx politics. Steve explains how 'Operation Clean Sweep', a 1994 government campaign led him into the Laxey Commissioners, how he became the president of Tynwald and he highlights how honoured he was to receive an OBE for service to the Isle of Man!

In this episode, Steve shares his greatest achievements within politics and at home. Explaining, although he has retired, he is just as busy as ever, but the difference being, he is only as busy as he wants to be!

Here's this week's conversation with Steve Rodan in episode 61 of Island Influencers.

In this latest episode, I'm excited to welcome Island Influencer Carol Ann Kinley-Smith, an extraordinary force in criminology, forensic science, and investigative security.

Carol Ann is committed to leveraging her diverse experiences to enrich society. She brings a wealth of expertise from her extensive career, operating at the highest levels in both investigative and intelligence capacities.

Originally from the Isle of Man, Carol Ann returned from the UK in 2021 after a distinguished career that included heading Corporate Security and Investigations at the BBC and leading the Royalty Protection Command Team within the Metropolitan Police Service. Her roles have ranged from safeguarding the British Royal Family to spearheading teams assessing threats to high-profile figures.

Currently, Carol Ann shares her wealth of knowledge as a lecturer at University College, where she teaches Forensic Science and Criminology. Her dedication to empowering students with industry insights promises to inspire future generations of professionals.

Carol Ann's academic achievements are remarkable, especially as she admits she wasn't academically inclined during her school years. She earned a Distinction in an MSc in Legal and Criminological Psychology from Cumbria University. Her dissertation, which has recently been published and focuses on the experiences of policewomen navigating menopause, underscores her strong advocacy for women's support and resilience in demanding professional settings.

Here is episode 111 with Island Influencer with Carol Ann Kinley-Smith.

Our Island Influencer this week is Ged Power, owner of Isle of Man Golf Holidays and Powerwheels, tourism and private hire service. 

Ged is also a specialist in cruise ship tours, farm tours, cycling holidays and other active pursuits. He lives in Port Erin on the Isle of Man. He says himself "life is a bit of a journey at times."

In this week's episode, he takes us on that "journey" with him. He shares some fascinating stories of his dedicated 25 years of service to the Isle of Man Constabulary. 

Ged has suffered great personal losses but still remains upbeat and optimistic offering some really inspiring life tips throughout the conversation. 

He loves “am-dram” and is a long time member of Rushen Players, having performed in several productions. Ged has even written his own original one-act play, 'Knot Guilty' and other pieces. He has also played golf at county level for the Isle of Man and Bolton Golf Association.

Here’s this week’s conversation with Ged Power in episode 70 of Island Influencers!

Welcome to Island Influencers, our brand new audio podcast from Thornton Chartered Financial Planners. This podcast is all about telling the stories of successful business owners, experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders based or with influence in the Isle of Man.

Our aim with this show is to highlight these people and their businesses and what good they’re doing in our community. By sharing their stories, we're hopefully bringing you an awareness of what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.

David Doricott grew up in Blackburn with a great love of the outdoors. In 1976 David read Forestry at Bangor University and during his degree course, he discovered an unexpected understanding and interest in computing. This led (after about seven years in Forestry and Horticultural management) to David in the early 80s, starting a computer business in Scotland called AFD Software Ltd.  

Then, in 1997, David moved the business to the Isle of Man. In 2015 David adopted the derelict Island Film Studios site in Lezayre. A stunning rural location, with views of the famous Mountain Course. David has pioneered the 25-acre site as a multi-use technology park, known as Mountain View Innovation Centre (MVIC), one of the most resilient technology parks in the world.

MVIC houses a vast community – including a vibrant bistro, multiple small and start-up businesses, the most significant events space on the Isle of Man and even a kindergarten.  

The MVIC renewable energy project has meant that the site is entirely self-sufficient in using Solar Energy from April to October each year.  During which time, it is a net exporter of power to the Manx Grid, whilst also the principal charging source for the company's fleet of 14 electric vehicles.

David and his team at AFD have flourished a core, long-held objective "to generate profits, and to use them creatively in the relief of suffering, the improvement of society and furtherance of the Christian gospel."

The business has been able (through the nominations of its staff members) to provide millions of pounds in funding for a wide range of relief and development work throughout the world.

Here's this week's conversation with David Doricott in episode 56 of Island Influencers.

Chatting to me this week on Island Influencers is Sarah Ingrassia, Managing Director at Boston Multi-Family Office.

Sarah left school with no intention of going back! She admits she fell into banking and shares her extensive experience in the trust and corporate industry, in a career spanning three decades with blue-chip companies such as Barclays Private Bank and Trust and Ernst and Young. Experiencing “many high highs and low lows” both professionally and personally along the way. 

Listen carefully as Sarah drops in so many fantastic golden nuggets of insights throughout our conversation. From life as a working Mum (in a male-dominated environment) including top management tips to providing a wonderful positive viewpoint on battling breast cancer and much more. 

Sarah admits she has learnt so much about herself and wants to help others by sharing her story as much as she can. 

So do listen to this week’s conversation with Sarah Ingrassia in episode 71 of Island Influencers!

Chris Quine set the Isle of Man 1500m record at the age of 20 and has been able to take part in nine Island Games.

Prior to retiring in April this year, Chris Quine was Sports Performance Coordinator at Isle of Man Sport Aid. Prior to that he worked for Zurich International (formerly Eagle Star) for 10 years.

The Isle of Man Sport provides the Island's high performing athletes with the support, training and facilities necessary to realise their full potential.

In 2009 they opened a purpose-built facility - Isle of Man Sport Institute - at the National Sports Centre. Chris oversaw the launch of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy (13-16 year olds) which is an innovative educational programme for around 60 athletes from 12 sports, supported with private sector funding. 

Chris has had the opportunity and privilege to work with many of the best sportsmen and women that the Isle of Man has produced through to World and Olympic champions. 

Here's this week's conversation with Chris Quine in episode 55 of Island Influencers.

This week’s Island Influencer’s life story is nothing short of jaw-dropping. I am only scratching the surface with this introduction.

Boakesey Closs, the IXth Manx Bard, embodies resilience in every word she weaves. Born amidst unexpected circumstances in London during her mother's return from Nigeria, Boakesey's life path defies convention from the outset.

Raised in North Wales, she navigated a childhood marked by unique challenges. She exhibited remarkable intellect from a young age, mastering calculus and delving into Tolkien's epic tales in "Lord of the Rings" at a mere eight years old.

Throughout the conversation, Boakesey candidly shares her experiences navigating through various trials, including caring for her grandmother battling Alzheimer's while embracing single parenthood and pursuing a degree in biochemistry.

She speaks openly about her battles with mental and physical health, finding solace and healing through creative expression. A dedicated teacher, Boakesey finds joy in shaping young minds. She recounts personal stories of her students' successes and her own reading and watercolour painting pursuits.

Despite facing financial hardships, Boakesey remains undeterred. She eagerly anticipates new projects and ventures as a writer and facilitator and is steadfast in her mission to uplift and support others.

Join us in episode 109 of Island Influencers, where we celebrate the triumphs of the human spirit with Boakesey Closs. 

Welcome to the latest episode of Island Influencers, where my guest today is Jane Prescott.

Jane is a Chartered Landscape Architect and she's worked on various projects in the public and private sector over the years, including involvement with the Chelsea Flower Show Medal-Winning Gardens in 1984 and 1986.

She's the first person I've ever heard of outside of Warner Bros Studios to have a herbology diploma, so I hope you enjoy hearing her story.

Here's my conversation with Jane Prescott in episode 21 of Island Influencers.

My guest this week is Ealish Greggor, an independent specialist speech and language therapist working with both children and adults on the Isle of Man. 

Having grown up taking a caring role within the family for her brother, Ealish has always been driven to provide a service that brings best practice and provides a compassionate and listening ear to families and carers without judgment. 

Whilst shadowing an inspiring mentor at college Ealish knew then that she wanted to be a speech and language therapist, but initially, she faced several barriers getting into university. 

Since the age of 18, Ealish has been working in care settings building up such a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has always been enthusiastic about supporting each individual to reach their potential and be treated with dignity and respect.

Do listen to Ealish's inspirational story of how she found her pathway to providing such an essential and valued service in the Isle of Man. 

Here's this week's conversation with Ealish Greggor in episode 39 of Island Influencers.

We kick off Island Influencers 2022 with Manx born Phil Craine’s life story. He takes us on a journey of many twists and turns, personally and through his career. 

Phil’s path starts studying economics/commerce in Liverpool, then working at IBM, qualifying as an accountant and one day deciding to hitchhike to Israel! 

He takes us through his time working at KPMG, taking him to Pakistan in the mid 80s, China, and sharing many memories working at Christian Aid in London and Africa. All of his stories highlight how quickly your life can take on a new direction and provide such liberating experiences.

Phil loves walking and helping visitors discover the Isle of Man's beauty for themselves. While also raising awareness of global issues, poverty, human rights, and climate change, which provide him with great fulfilment. He is a great advocate of taking time to listen, to be with nature and to reflect. Or, perhaps, take a breath to work out what to do next.

Here’s this week’s conversation with Phil Craine in episode 66 of Island Influencers!

My guest this week on Island Influencers is a local osteopath and business owner Sarah Gartland of Follan Natural Health Centre.

Sarah attended the British School of Osteopathy in London, and she was the first Manx woman ever to qualify, returning to the Isle of Man to open her first clinic in North Quay until 2006, before working from home with her two children.

Through her encouragement, a second - and then a third local woman followed in her footsteps.

They came back to the island to help her open and run the Follan Natural Health Centre in 2016.

The centre is the first of a new type of multi-disciplinary health practice, based on the Tromode Industrial Estate, helping bridge the gap from private health care into the private sector.

So let's meet Sarah Gartland, in episode 16 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is Roy Moore from Manx Radio TT fame, star of the Mountain Memories series and Isle of Man Golf Champion.

Starting out with ambitions to be a gardener, Roy’s life along with the race track has taken many twists and turns. Along with his wife of 46 years, he has raised two boys and his love of the Isle of Man is obvious. 

Roy shares some fabulous memories from across the decades. 

For all you TT fans out there. Listen out for some special TT commentary coming to you from Roy Moore at Ramsey Hairpin on lap 3 of the lockdown.

Roy Moore and the rest of the team are deeply saddened by the loss of Murray Walker.

Here's this week's conversation with Roy Moore in episode 42 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to today's episode of Island Influencers, Sharon’s guest this week is John Shakespeare. John is a 'man of many hats', and if he isn't doing something, he is asleep! 

He is Managing Director of property & facilities management consultancy, Gatehouse Management Limited. An enthusiastic and engaging manager and tour guide at Visit Mann Tours (qualified Blue Badge driver) and most recently the role of domestic event fund coordinator for the business agency of the Department for Enterprise.

Listen to John taking Sharon on a bespoke "John Shakespeare entrepreneurial life tour." Sharing his school day stories as a friend of Jeremy Clarkson to building an ice cream van/mobile shop empire (and his colossal VAT bill!), racing rally cars and creating an entire Viking village. John's passion for the Isle of Man and its opportunities is evident.

Here's this week's conversation with John Shakespeare in episode 33 of Island Influencers.

This week Sharon has a "gin wag" with Island Influencers Paul and Tiffany Kerruish, owners of The Fynoderee Distillery in Ramsey.

The idea of starting up a Manx gin distillery had been with Paul and Tiffany Kerruish for several years. As enthusiastic and knowledgeable gin drinkers, they had become increasingly frustrated that there was no small-batch gin producer on the Island when the botanical landscape and biosphere is so well suited to producing an original and high-quality product.

When they met Gerard,  who worked for a successful small-batch distiller in England, their pipe-dream became a reality; a spirits brand with genuine Manx roots and heritage was born! They are committed to using Manx grown or locally foraged botanicals, collaborating with local businesses and the community wherever they can.

In this episode entrepreneurs, Paul and Tiffany share their life and brand stories, highlighting valuable lessons learnt along the way and their vision for the future.

They open up about the, at times, terrifying impact of Covid and lockdowns on their rapidly growing business. They explain how Fynoderee pivoted immediately into producing World Health Organisation-approved hand sanitiser 'Fynitiser' for charities, businesses and organisations, and the Island's essential services.

Here's this week's conversation with Paul and Tiffany Kerruish in episode 62 of Island Influencers.

Kevin Furlong, co-owner of Elite Fitness' passion has always been athletics. Since joining a local athletics team as a teenager, he represented the Isle of Man in the Commonwealth Games, UK Nationals and Island Games. 

Kevin's story starts growing up on a farm in Ireland and then in 1989 he visited the Isle of Man for a holiday and decided to stay! His engineering and gym machine maintenance background coupled with his athletics gave him a great understanding of the mechanics of the human body and how to train for optimal performance, injury prevention, and injury rehabilitation. 

Kevin and his business partner Stefan set up Elite Fitness seven years ago. They know every one of their members by name and along with their team provide advice and guidance to help them reach and maintain their goals and realise their health and fitness ambitions. 

Here's this week's conversation with Kevin Furlong in episode 35 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is Donna Thomas, the owner & founder of the Heavenly Beauty Empire.

Donna is one of six children who grew up on the island. She tragically lost her Dad when she was 15 years old and has worked incredibly hard to provide for her family ever since. 

Heavenly Beauty is a family run business and has been established for over 11 years. She has made it her mission to make Heavenly Beauty a place of not only impeccable service but somewhere people feel part of her family. 

She has recently added the beauty salon at Tynwald Mills to her business portfolio, it looks amazing. 

Donna Thomas shares her wonderful life story in episode 72 of Island Influencers!

Sharon's guest this week on Island influencers is Manx Credit Union, Chairman/Treasurer David Talbot. 

Together with his wife Ravina of 50 years, David has been a leading light in the Manx community, from his business involvement in Manx and Overseas to his third sector leadership in the church. Plus the Patrick Commissioners and, most recently, the successful launch and running of the Manx Credit Union.

The Manx Credit Union is a mutual, community-based operation set up on the Isle of Man. Credit unions are non-profit member-owned financial co-operatives who exist to help their members with financial services.

David loves politics, ManU and chocolate brazils!

Here's this week's conversation with David Talbot in episode 45 of Island Influencers.

My guest this week is Chris Callow.

Chris is a former Isle of Man advocate, but a change of tack to include the running of a French ski chalet and volunteering for Manx National Heritage and the Leonard Cheshire Disability Centre are just some of the things he's done on his journey towards his pathway to running and owning Island Heritage Tours.

Chris is a qualified Blue-Badge Tourist Guide with a first class honours degree in history and heritage, offering bespoke tours of his beloved Isle of Man.

Carol Glover in her own words is a Manx born, ginger, punk-inspired, Disruptive Leader, Speaker, Coach, Mentor, Podcaster and Edutainer.

Carol is passionate about helping leaders and founders live their best lives, she co-creates with them, to build confidence to set free the talents, superpowers, and potential they were born with.

Via her Maverick Maker business she Coaches and Mentors, Founders, Leaders, Boards, Teams and Businesses to lead in turbulent times, thinking differently, increasing personal and business productivity and creating opportunity out of challenge, change and connections.

Ultimately Carol is unlocking their "Leadership Mindset for Success".

As a CEO, Board Member and generalist leader in a range of dynamic, forward-looking organisations, sectors and roles, Carol's past corporate career means she already "wears the shoes" of so many of her clients.

Recently, she co-created "Encoded Potential" working with some of the world's biggest businesses helping emerging leaders and entrepreneurs unleash world-class latent skills and potential for themselves and their teams.

She has also produced the Entrepreneur Development Strategy for IOM Chamber of Commerce. Generating over 150 small business members and more importantly, a strong and growing mutually supportive community on the Isle of Man.

Here's this week's conversation with Carol Glover in episode 41 of Island Influencers.

This week's Island Influencer is Janna Horsthuis, Managing Director of Robinson’s. 

Robinson’s, established in 1886 as a small market stall has evolved over five generations into one of the Isle of Man’s best-known companies. Having taken over from her father, Janna is excited to be taking the family business into the future.

Janna has worked in the business since 2002 and has been involved in all areas over the years. She loves to stay involved in talking to customers, and they treat their team and customers as they wish to be treated themselves. 

As the only female director, Janna talks candidly to Sharon about how getting to this position took lots of hard work and dedication. No two days are the same, especially true during COVID. So listen to how she manages her work-life balance whilst raising two boys and how you can learn from your mistakes and give everything a go. 

Here's this week’s conversation with ​Janna Horsthuis​ in episode 28 of Island Influencers.

Today’s Island Influencer is Stefanie Kerwin, a Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and Homoeopath.

Stefanie has over 14 years of experience as a Naturopathic Clinician both in Australia (Brisbane) and Great Britain (Isle of Man); she has attracted many clients worldwide.

Stefanie has lived with significant health issues since birth. She is a living example of her work. With a particular interest in mental health, female health and complex conditions, Stefanie focuses on bringing traditional wisdom and evidenced-based medicine together. She uses proven effective prescribing to help her clients meet and manage their health needs.

Stefanie also has a particular interest in 'getting back to basics', strongly advocating that stress management, food as medicine, safe and effective detoxification and obtaining and maintaining an optimal pH balance is fundamental to health. She loves inspiring her clients to live healthier and more joyful lives.

Stefanie is the creator and operator of two busy Natural Health Businesses. Aurora Wellness which she co-owns with her husband, Paul Kerwin, an Acupuncturist, and 18 Day Cleanse. Her three Naturopathic Cleanse Programmes, including the more recent 18 Day Cleanse, have benefited thousands of people around the world.

These programmes harness all the basic naturopathic principles of cleansing techniques, lifestyle choices, dietary guidance, self-care and include world-class naturopathic medicines to support safe and effective detoxification and rebalance a stressed system.

Stefanie also provides mentorship to Nutritionists and Medical Herbalists throughout the UK.

Here's this week's conversation with Stefanie Kerwin in episode 44 of Island Influencers.

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Island Influencer Greg Ellison, the founder of AI Strategy Ninja.

With an illustrious 25-year career in the financial services sector, including the last 15 years at the helm as CEO, Greg is now channeling his expertise towards helping businesses harness the exciting opportunities of AI.

A lifelong advocate of continuous learning, Greg embarked on his educational journey with a Business Studies degree from Swansea University, followed by an MBA from Henley Business School.

He's a distinguished Chartered Director and has enriched his knowledge with courses at Oxford Said Business School. Most notably, he recently completed the 'AI and Business Strategy' program at MIT in America.

Greg's professional life brought him (and his wife and children) to the Isle of Man in 2006 when he assumed the role of Head of Banking at Barclays Wealth, overseeing operations in Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

In 2021, he launched the island's inaugural digital bank, Capital International Bank, while achieving an impressive threefold growth in the Group's profits.

I hope you enjoy our conversation as Greg delves into his entrepreneurial aspirations, shares his career's pinnacle moments, his most significant sources of inspiration, and his visionary plans for AI Ninja—ultimately, “embedding AI into the heartbeat of IT systems.”

Just hit that play button to hear Island Influencer Greg Ellison's valuable insights in episode 97.

Useful links:

Website: https://www.aistrategyninja.com/
LinkedIn personal page is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregellison/
Company LinkedIn page is: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98147338
YouTube is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCTw_daLdOxLKlQ_Th1Ouag
https://www.facebook.com/AIStrategyNinja

Podcasts: The Good, the Bad and the rugby, which is James Haskell and Mike Tindall
AI podcasts: McKinsey & MIT
Book recommended: Never Finished by David Goggins

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Nicola has lived and practiced on the Isle of Man since 2001 and runs a successful boutique firm of Chartered Accountants in Laxey, serving local businesses and individuals. Along with her small and loyal team, Nicola offers a realistically priced personal service to each client.

Nicola also acts as a director for a few select clients who need a closer relationship and more guidance for the board than a typical accountancy practice can provide.

Nicola clearly loves what she does! Should Nicola have any downtime, she loves being out and about on the island. Either cycling on or off the road or running, from Saturday morning park runs to half marathons, and in 2019 she completed the Manx Mountain Marathon.

Here's this week's conversation with Nicola Bowker in episode 48 of Island Influencers.

This week I talked with one half of the husband and wife duo who founded the sparkling winery and bar here on the island - Foraging Vinters.

MaryBeth Coll is from the east coast of America, with a background in art school and law! She explains how she travelled a lot as a child with her father's job and then continued to do so after meeting her Australian husband, Ian, who was in the army.

She shares with us how finally settling on the Isle of Man helped them not only avoid hurricanes! but also fuel their idea to produce non-grape based varieties of sparkling wine, ciders, ginger beer and a range of rum. The island community has embraced the seaside winery, and it is a magical place to relax and unwind with a fantastic view, rain or shine!

Listen to MaryBeth Coll’s enlightening life story in episode 78 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is Will Draper, a professional middle distance Triathlete living and training on the Isle of Man.

Will started out as a cyclist winning the British National Championship when he was 12 and then the British National Madison championship on the velodrome when he was 16. For many years Will loved racing his bike.

However, Will started to feel like he never felt like he got what he was working for. So at the end of the 2017 season, Will took a step back. He looked at where he was; and where he wanted to be over the next 2 – 10 years. That’s when he decided to become a triathlete. In 2019 Will won the under 21 - Sportsman of the year in the Isle of Man.

Will is now in his second year racing as a triathlete and not a cyclist. It is also the third year Thornton Chartered Financial Planners have supported him.

Everything still feels very new, in an ever-changing environment! but Will is confidently moving forwards towards his ambitious career aspirations.

Here's this week's conversation with Will Draper in episode 43 of Island Influencers.

My guests this week need little introduction. They are husband and wife team Pippa and Miles Pettit of Noa Bakehouse.

Noa Bakehouse is the sourdough baking, pastry shaping, doughnut filling, flat white slinging, coffee roasting, pizza stretching, local living, community loving bakers based in an old furniture warehouse in the centre of Douglas.

I hope you enjoy listening to how they've come to set up their fabulous bakery business and hear all about their path to fulfilment of a great work-life balance.

To celebrate the Island Influencers podcast first birthday and the 50th episode, the spotlight has changed this week.

Adam Owen, Curriculum and Training Director at NextGen Planners in the UK, agreed to interview Sharon Sutton, the host of Island Influencers. 

For those who don't know Sharon, here is a chance to get to know her a little bit, and for those that do know Sharon, here is an opportunity to discover a little bit more!

Sharon shares some authentic childhood stories, explains what drives her including her desire to surround herself with people on a similar journey and her long-term love of sports and music. 

Sharon also offers some excellent advice for small business owners and shares some of the challenges she faces today and her hopes for the future.

Here's this week's conversation with Sharon Sutton in episode 50 of Island Influencers.

Another lockdown, another new season of Island Influencers! This week's guest is Neil Morris, Managing Director of Manx Birdlife. In his spare time, Neil also continues to act as Secretary of the Qatar and Manx Bird Records Committees.

Neil graduated from Bristol University with BSc (Joint Hons) Botany and Zoology, after which he pursued a marketing career with the National Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). 

A job opportunity for his wife coupled with a desire for a change of life came at just the right time and Neil and his young family moved from London to Qatar, where he indulged his passion for nature conservation, photography and ornithology in the desert. 

Luckily for us, he then moved to the Isle of Man in 2014, and we truly benefit from his knowledge, expertise and passion.

Listening to Neil's life and business lessons should set us all on the right path for 2021! 

Here's this week's conversation with Neil Morris in episode 34 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is Sarah Corlett, owner of Sarah Corlett Town Planning Consultancy Ltd. 

After recently retiring from the Isle of Man Government as a Principal Planner, Sarah has established her own Town Planning Consultancy practice. 

Having been involved in literally thousands of development proposals - big and small - during her time as a planning officer with the Isle of Man Government, Sarah fully understands how a potential development can affect the quality of life of those around it.

Sarah offers town planning advice on all aspects of planning on the Isle of Man. She believes in providing honest, professional advice - always.

Sarah is the first female Chairman of the Isle of Man Badminton Association and the first female Chairman of Isle of Man Sport.

Here's this week's conversation with Sarah Corlett in episode 57 of Island Influencers.

This week I have a slightly different Island Influencers episode for you.

The legend Roy Moore, from Manx Radio TT fame who was my Island Influencer in episode 42, asked me if he could possibly interview my husband, Julian Sutton, who is a bit of a local golf legend himself! 

Roy and Julian reminisce over their love of golf (so apologies to any non golf fans!). However, if you are a golfer, you are going to love it! They will amuse you with their stories, sharing personal experiences of key matches and tournaments in golfing or local history and fabulous memories from across the decades. 

Julian Sutton started playing golf when he was about ten years old. After 30 years of dentistry as principal of a dental practice, in 2007, Julian decided on a career change into financial services. Finance Director and Head of Compliance at Thornton Chartered Financial Planners. 

Julian is an eight-time winner of the Isle of Man Golf Championship with a golfing career highlight of playing in the Seniors British Open at Turnberry in 2006; he likes trying to keep fit by cycling and playing golf, of course! 

Here’s this week’s conversation between Roy Moore and Julian Sutton in this special golf-influenced episode (65) of Island Influencers!

This week's guest is Neil Taggart, the co-owner and director of one of the Isle of Man's most iconic and long-established estate agents, Chrystals.

Manx man Neil grew up on a dairy farm moving off the island for a few years to study Rural Estate Management at University and then gaining a wealth of experience including his Chartered Surveyor qualifications working for an industry-leading national property firm.

In 2004 Neil was lured back to the island and returned to Chrystals where he undertook his work experience/Saturday job at 14 years old! Neil is always keen to help clients achieve the best from their property and has a great passion for the Isle of Man's success.

We recorded this episode in December 2020, just a few days before his uncle Geoff Taggart's untimely death. Our condolences to the family.

Here's this week's conversation with Neil Taggart in episode 36 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to the new episode of Island Influencers, where my guest is Dr Breesha Maddrell, the Director of Culture Vannin.

Breesha works closely with the IOM Government agencies and members of the public to develop strategies and policies for the advancement of Manx culture and heritage.

Before Breesha joined Culture Vannin in 2008, she worked for six years as a lecturer at the University of Liverpool’s Centre for Manx Studies.

An active musician, singer and composer, Breesha has a BA in Music and Germanic Studies from the University of Sheffield, an MLitt in 20th Century German Literature and Society from the University of St Andrews and a PhD in sociolinguistics and Manx Studies from the University of Liverpool; her thesis looking at aspects of cultural revival in the Isle of Man.

She started playing traditional music at school, learning Manx Gaelic on her return to the Island in 1996. Breesha is an authority on key figures in Manx cultural revival such as Sophia Morrison and Mona Douglas.

Breesha plays flute and whistles and sings with groups including Caarjyn Cooidjagh and Clash Vooar.

She has served on the IOM Arts Council for eight years and has helped organise various festivals and events nationally and internationally.

Here’s my conversation with Dr Breesha Maddrell in episode 20 of Island Influencers.

My guest today on the Island Influencers podcast is Paul Hotchkiss.

Paul is managing director of Hotchkiss Associates and is one of the founders of the Manx Solidarity Fund.

Born of Manx parents, Paul is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser, Chartered Director, and also a Trust and Estates Practitioner.

Throughout this episode, there are valuable lessons and stories that you can apply to many aspects of your life or business, as good practice generally, but especially as we now live in lockdown.

And don't forget to listen to the end where Paul shares his perspective of the main challenges the Isle of Man faces, but crucially the opportunities.

Welcome to episode 107 of Island Influencers!

Chatting with Fiona Fitzpatrick, an esteemed International Business Development Consultant, Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker is my absolute privilege.

With a wealth of experience, Fiona specialises in empowering food companies to achieve growth through strategic brand optimisation, people development, and innovative thinking.

In this episode, Fiona shares her life story, beginning with her childhood in Dublin, where she reflects on the profound impact of her early Montessori education and the guidance of mentors who shaped her path.

Delving into the transformative power of love, Fiona recounts how it brought her to the Isle of Man alongside her partner Juan. She candidly discusses her career trajectory, from her roles at Nestle and Premier Foods to her dynamic experience at Gü, where she played a pivotal role in business growth despite the challenges.

Throughout our conversation, Fiona opens up about the highs and lows of her career, including her courageous battle with breast cancer and the resilience she discovered in the face of adversity.

We also explore the unique challenges and opportunities present on the Isle of Man. Fiona looks ahead with optimism, eager to apply her extensive international expertise to foster growth and innovation locally.

Here is episode 107 with Island Influencer Fiona Fitzpatrick.

Useful links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionafitz/

Website: https://www.fionafitzconsulting.com/

Instagram: @brandgrowthheroes

Podcast: https://www.brandgrowthheroes.com/

Brand Growth Heroes Accelerator Programme: Overview | LinkedIn

Book: All The Broken Places: The Sequel to The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas 

Brand Growth Heroes is proud to be launching the Brand Growth Heroes mini MBA powered by Alantra. Running from April 29th to July 5th 2024, the mini MBA is open to ambitious founders of scaling challenger brands of consumer packaged goods products. To find out more about the mini MBA and apply for your place please click here.

Please subscribe, and leave a rating and review, on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts to help others find the show.

Island Influencers is produced by Bear Content & Social KEWS

Sponsored by Thornton Chartered Financial Planners

I’m delighted to launch our new audio podcast series, Island Influencers, with a conversation with my first guest, Bob Jeavons.

Bob is a well-known businessman on the Isle of Man.

Until recently, the owner and chairman of Tynwald Mills, Bob joins me for this episode to discuss his vast experience and the great work he is doing as a leading light of the Island’s business community.

Bob is founding director and current chairman of Manx BirdLife, with extensive experience serving in the commercial, public and not for profit sectors.

He’s trustee of several Isle of Man charities, including St John’s Mill, where our office is located, and where Bob brings his expertise in fundraising, recruiting and volunteer relations.

Bob is keen to point out that, because St John’s Mill is a conference centre, the coronavirus crisis has resulted in a loss of bookings. They are hoping to offer catering and food collection for anyone who would care to order, with more details to follow as they formulate a plan.

Here’s my conversation with Bob Jeavons in episode one of Island Influencers.

This week’s Island Influencer is Dick Welsh the Director of DW Maritime Limited - providing consultancy and registration services for one of the world's leading maritime centres - the Isle of Man.

Dick talks to Sharon/me about his lifelong career in Maritime. From a merchant navy cadetship to a serving engineer officer, he came ashore to study Mechanical Engineering and become a Marine Surveyor, where he worked in Liverpool, Denmark, and China before returning home to the Isle of Man to work for the Island’s growing Ship Registry.

After 25 years of developing the register to become one of the World’s most advanced and influential registers, he retired in 2019 and established DW Maritime Limited as a consultancy.

It draws on Dick’s experience and skills to provide services to the maritime industry on Flag State matters, maritime regulation and registration services; to assist the Isle of Man's maritime cluster and provide support services to the valued clients of the Isle of Man Ship Registry.

Dick is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institute of Directors. In the Queen’s New Year’s Honours in 2020, he was awarded an MBE for services to maritime.

Here’s this week’s conversation with Dick Welsh in episode 69 of Island Influencers!

This week's guest on Island influencers is Paul Craine, currently the Data Manager at Ballakermeen High School. He is currently working in his 6th decade of education, but he is on the cusp of retiring for the 2nd time!

Paul was born and raised on the Isle of Man. He left the island to study Geography at Liverpool University, where he met his wife and then returned to raise his own family. 

Paul is incredibly passionate about Population, Climate and International Development and is also a Methodist lay preacher, leading over 900 services so far.

Paul loves playing with maps and exploring data and has written and produced The Isle of Man Population Atlas. Through more than 130 imaginative maps and graphs, he has captured and presented the Isle of Man's population, offering an authoritative commentary on a wide range of population issues. 

He has attended nine consecutive Island Games and shares some fascinating stories of his time growing up and his predictions for the future in this week's conversation, episode 46 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to episode 98 of Island Influencers!

This week we have Island Influencer Lyle Krause, a man with a fascinating journey from South Africa to the Isle of Man.

Lyle arrived on our shores back in 2018 and he and his wife have really thrown themselves into our island community.

Lyle, a devoted father of two, is also an accomplished account and relationship manager. His unwavering drive, motivation, and ambition for whatever he puts his mind to is evident.

During the conversation, you'll hear Lyle's optimism for the boundless opportunities that await young professionals and families here on the island. We'll also explore a shining example of Lyle's natural entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking - the KLEvR Desk, he really does think outside of the box!

Lyle is an outdoor enthusiast. From rugby and water polo, where he once represented South Africa in his youth, to golf and mountain biking. Who knew saunas on the beach are the latest trend?

So, join us for a captivating conversation with Lyle Krause, Global Relations Manager at Atla Fiduciaries Limited. He's an authentic Island Influencer who's leaving a lasting impact right here on the Isle of Man.

Useful Links

Instagram – @lylekrause
X - @lylekrause
LinkedIn
Facebook
Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot
Books: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Podcasts: The Tim Ferriss Show, The Four Hour Body, The Four Hour Workweek, The Four Hour Shift and The Daily Stoic.

Micky Swindale is well-known in the Isle of Man’s business community. She was the 1st female President of the Chamber of Commerce and 1st female partner at KPMG here on the island.

Micky has been a champion for inclusion and diversity, particularly gender diversity. A keen sportswoman, the opportunity to help drive diversity in sports attracted her to get involved (as Vice President) with the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association.

Micky is from the Isle of Man and has always thought of herself as someone from the island. However, she was born and brought up in Nigeria until she was 19. Micky shares her wisdom and life story from her alternative education, life in Manchester, Gibraltar, and participating in triathlons with me! Plus her plans for the future.

So what makes Micky Swindale tick? You can find out in episode 86 of Island Influencers; please enjoy.

This week, I am thrilled to introduce Island Influencer Catherine (Cath) Robertshaw, Chief Operating Officer, Eyesea, a nonprofit organisation with a mission to map global pollution and maritime hazards.

Born in Wales (yes, she's a big rugby fan!) Cath grew up in South Africa, where her love for the ocean and beaches blossomed. After returning to the UK for her studies and teacher training, she embarked on an incredible journey to Asia. There, she spent years working, teaching, and raising her three boys in the vibrant cities of Shanghai and Singapore.

We delve into her personal experiences and emotions on returning to the Isle of Man (for the second time) after 15 years in Singapore. We explore Cath and her team's pioneering efforts with the Eyesea app, harnessing technology to monitor and reduce marine and land pollution.

Listen to the end to hear all about Cath’s favourite trip ever story. Let’s just say she is a lifesaver in more ways than one!

Here is Cath Robertshaw in episode 114 of Island Influencers.

Have you ever wondered if you’d be happier and healthier eating more plants? Josh and Ali owners of Veg and Vitality did too! 

After taking the leap and realising you could lose weight, feel more energised and help save the planet all at once, they set out on a journey to share this great feeling.

They’ve teamed up to bring the Isle of Man community the flavours they want and the convenience they need. Their goal is to prove the best-tasting food is in fact grown in the ground. 

Chef Ali handcrafts dishes and Josh sends them straight to our doors. 

All of their ingredients are sourced locally. As we all know our planet is precious, so they do their absolute best to keep all packaging as eco-friendly as possible. 

Here's this week's conversation with Josh and Ali in episode 51 of Island Influencers.

Sharon's guest on the Island Influencers podcast this week is Jackie Bridson. Chief Executive of an independent Manx charity, Live at Home. Passionate about providing lots of ways for their members to live happily at home for as long as they can. 

They talk openly about growing up in Liverpool, the impact of lockdown and how a girl's weekend on the Isle of Man changed her life and how exercise and golf help with her work-life balance. 

Jackie is mum to a teenage daughter and a mad Vizsla dog called Biscuit, has a love of travelling and campervans, and her current hero is Juergen Klopp.

Here's this week’s conversation with Jackie Bridson in episode 27 of Island Influencers.

Welcome to this week's episode of Island Influencers. I am excited to introduce you to Sacha Horsthuis, a dynamic marketeer and a keen sportswoman. 

Although Manx born, Sacha spent most of her childhood and adolescence in beautiful North Yorkshire in the UK and lived briefly in Saudi Arabia. Sacha returned to the Isle of Man 9 years ago. 

Sacha and her husband Mark co-own Cycle 360, the Island’s first combined cafe-bike shop and unique events space.  Attracting roughly 500 customers every-day through its stand-out timeless brick work, convenience and warm, thought-out interior, Cycle 360 is undoubtedly the busiest and most vibrant daytime venue on the Isle of Man. It has been a staple to so many since its doors opened in 2018. 

Sacha’s role, in particular, was to create a brand, to attract global bike brands to the brand-new bike shop and, importantly, to attract talented people to work for the company. 

In episode 90, Sacha shares her journey as a working mother and a “marketing fanatic” who is driven, ambitious, and a self-proclaimed perfectionist. She talks about her mission to constantly absorb knowledge, step outside her comfort zone, and innovate to continue growing professionally.

Finally, when I interviewed Sacha, she was still 29. So join me in wishing her a very happy 30th birthday as we dive into this week's conversation with Sacha Horsthuis, whose abundant positivity shines through in everything she does.

Axe throwing is taking the world by storm and has been brought right to the heart of the Isle of Man by this week’s Island Influencer Sean Moffatt.

Before axe throwing Sean was senior management at Barclays Wealth Management, and was at Lloyds Bank in various roles before that! So why an axe throwing business? Listen to this week’s episode with Sean Moffatt to find out!

Here’s episode 73 of Island Influencers!

Welcome to Episode 104 of Island Influencers! 

Today, we delve into the captivating life story of Jeroen Wats, a remarkable Island Influencer and inventor whose lifelong passion for the sea has shaped his life. 

Learn about his pivotal moment in 2003, when his team won the transatlantic race from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, covering a staggering 4,000 nautical miles in 20 days and raising considerable money for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.

Fuelled by a passion for sustainability, Jeroen has shifted gears, transitioning from boat production to pioneering recyclable materials for wind turbines. In this episode, we unravel his commitment to positive environmental impact. 

Despite living in six countries, Jeroen discovered an unexpected connection with the Isle of Man. What began as a single-day visit became a life-changing decision to call the island home. 

He seamlessly integrates into the community, bringing diverse experiences, knowledge and a passion for environmentalism. 

I hope you find our conversation as enjoyable and enriching as I did. Here is episode 104 with Jeroen Wats, Chief Innovation Officer at ExoTechnologies. 

Useful links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeroenwats/

https://exo-tech.com/

@JeroenWats

Please subscribe, and leave a rating and review, on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts to help others find the show.

Island Influencers is produced by Bear Content & Social KEWS

Sponsored by Thornton Chartered Financial Planners

Laura McCoy is a Curator of Natural History at Manx National Heritage, Isle of Man.

After acquiring a Bachelors and Masters in biological and ecological sciences at university and working in field ecology, Laura McCoy retrained in museum conservation, specialising in natural science collections.

Laura shares her fascinating life story with Sharon. She started her career at The Natural History Museum in London. She has worked in several institutes in the UK and abroad, including South Africa and Israel.

Laura moved to the Isle of Man in 2017 to take up the post of Natural History Curator. She feels fortunate to work in a field that sees her learning something interesting every day and thoroughly enjoys sharing her passion with others hoping that they will be encouraged to save and repair this small blue dot we call home.

Here's this week's conversation with Laura McCoy in episode 40 of Island Influencers.

This week’s Island Influencer Shelley Langan-Newton grew up in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, where she passed her 11 plus one year early. She moved to the Isle of Man when her son (now 18) was six years old.

Shelley admits that she has a going-with-the-flow philosophy which has permeated throughout her career, describing herself as “a strategic, organised, and collaborative executive leader with a passion for empowering people, clients, and partners to achieve their potential.”

Her LinkedIn profile reads, “Building kinder organisations to grow with conscience and purpose in the digital world.”

This really intrigued me. So I want you now to know what I do about who Shelley is and how she got to where she is today and then share it with you.

So here’s my conversation with Shelley Langan-Newton in episode 83 of Island Influencers!

Kicking off season 4 and our first podcast episode of 2023 is Island Influencer Tracey Brodie, Belief Coding® Trainer & Coach.

Tracey Brodie grew up in North Wales, her Dad died when she was just 14. From 16, Tracey trained and worked as a beauty therapist for many years, before obtaining a teaching degree and teaching beauty.

Her husband Tom’s job enticed them to the Isle of Man and although they were initially only coming for two years they have stayed for over 20, raising three children on the island. I can say that Tracey “arrived here with bells on.”

In episode 82, Tracey explains how belief coding changed and saved her life forever. She admits that she was “lost and broken” a year ago and how at 51 she has become her own best friend. Starting out trying to heal herself, and then, along the way, she realised she had a “superpower” to gift to others. It is glaringly obvious that making people happy makes Tracey happy.

This week’s conversation with Tracey Brodie will get you thinking and inspire you to turn the mirror on yourself and try to live your best life every day.

Dr Chloë Woolley was brought up in Maughold and attended the Dhoon School and Ramsey Grammar School. She studied piano, singing and played violin in the Manx Youth Orchestra. 

Chloë has a BMus in Composition and Performance from the University of Huddersfield and an MMus in Composition and Ethnomusicology from the University of Edinburgh. Chloe went on to study for a PhD at the School of Scottish Studies in Edinburgh and graduated in 2004 with her thesis, ‘The Revival of Manx Traditional Music: From the 1970s to the Present Day'. 

Chloë returned to the Island in 2004 to take up the position with Culture Vannin. 

As Manx Music Development Officer, Chloë Woolley works to promote and support Manx music within the community and the Island's schools by providing information and resources, organising events and by leading workshops. 

She works with classroom teachers, peripatetic instrumental teachers, extra-curricular groups, the Youth Service, and the general public to encourage a greater awareness of Manx music and culture within the Island and beyond. 

As well as running the extracurricular Bree youth movement, she helps organise the annual Manx Folk Awards and Yn Chruinnaght inter-Celtic festival. Chloë is also a Trustee of the Soundcheck charity. 

Here's this week's conversation with Dr Chloë Woolley in episode 53 of Island Influencers.

This week Sharon talks to Island Influencer Louise Whitelegg, Christian Aid Isle of Man, Co-ordinator aka “Mrs Marshmallow lady!”

Louise addresses her life, growing up in poverty and being the beneficiary of other people's kindness. She fought hard to get into university and gained an Environmental Health degree. In this week’s episode, Louise provides a fascinating insight into the astounding work that she and her colleagues at Christian Aid do. 

In episode 77 of Island Influencers we find out what makes Louise Whitelegg tick. She shares her wealth of experience and knowledge through wondrous stories, painting vivid pictures of her “harshest, awful, best and most brilliant” life experiences from exploring the world. She reminds us to push our personal and professional boundaries and not take anything for granted.

Angela Clucas, the owner of Next Level Nutrition Isle of Man, is a university-qualified nutritionist with over six years of experience coaching people to achieve their weight and health goals.

She is passionate about helping people regain control of their health and happiness by prioritising their needs so they can feel in control.

Angela is friendly, non-judgemental, and passionate about helping people make life-long changes.

Angela describes her life story to me:

"I like to make some pretty bold changes, and I have never been afraid of change... it has been a bit of a journey in getting to where I am now."

So here is Angela Clucas' journey, in her own words, in Episode 87 of Island Influencers.

This week’s Island Influencer Gary Cobb, the Airport Director at Isle of Man Airport, joins me to share his life story from growing up in a small mining town, gaining a chemical engineering degree to aviation leadership, including roles at Gatwick Airport and Highlands and Islands Airport.

Gary, along with his wife and cat, has been a resident of the Isle of Man since 2022. His passion for aviation and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of his work.

In this episode, Gary opens up about his career path, the challenges and triumphs of airport management, and the pivotal moments that shaped his professional and personal life.

When not overseeing operations at the Isle of Man Airport, Gary immerses himself in science fiction and fantasy literature and enjoys relaxing walks. He also shares a remarkable personal story about how he narrowly missed the devastating Boxing Day tsunami in Changi. As a member of the board of Visit Isle of Man, Gary is also dedicated to promoting the island’s unique selling points, including its diverse geology and rich history.

Gary is an inspirational, enthusiastic, results-driven leader. His extensive experience and leadership in the industry make episode 117 of Island Influencers a must-listen.

Thank you for joining us on this week's episode of Island Influencers. I hope you enjoyed hearing Gary Cobb's story and insights into the aviation industry. If you found this episode inspiring, please share it with your friends and leave us a review.

I wanted to take this opportunity – eight months on from launch, the end of a monumental year – to share some insightful moments from my Island Influencers stories.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I set out on this podcast journey. I knew I would be aiming to talk to lots of people about all aspects of their life and how great it is living on the IOM! 

It's certainly true that I have chatted to a diverse group of people, successful business owners, experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders all with so much knowledge, many memories, all passionate about what they do and the life they live.

2020 highlights - Episode 1 focused on Covid 19 and the significant impact it has had on the Isle Of Man; and included some of my guest's fantastic snippets of their personal stories/life-changing moments that have got them to where they are today. 

This week's episode highlights some of my guests business and life tips and their earliest memories of money. The more conversations I had, the more it became apparent, we spend a lot of our time on this planet working so we should try and enjoy it! 

All of my guests had their own unique story to tell so do listen to the Island Influencers podcast series in full if you can at https://www.thorntonfs.com/podcasts/ or search for Island Influencers in your favourite podcast player. 

Here's this week's episode of Island Influencers  - 2020 highlights (part 2)

This week’s Island Influencer is Jamie Lewis, Founder at COURTESY, helping hospitality brands build, transform and communicate.

In addition, Jamie is the Managing Director of Extra Fancy, Co-Founder of Table of Two and Director & Trustee of Isle of Pride.

Jamie grew up in Chesterfield during the “new Labour years” with a big focus on education and a big focus on getting people from disadvantaged backgrounds into University. He went to Sheffield University, admitting he “burnt the wick at both ends”, working 20-30 hours a week and partying, Jamie still graduated with a 1st degree in
sociology and politics.

Although he was (and still is) fascinated by politics and what is happening in the world, most of Jamie’s experience is in the hospitality industry. Jamie has created businesses today steeped in values learnt through working for McDonald’s
and Disney in his teens and twenties.

Like many of my Island Influencers, Jamie thought he would come to the Isle of Man for a few months and ended up settling here!

I particularly enjoyed his chicken nugget – Usain Bolt at the Beijing Olympics, yarn…

Here is my conversation with Jamie Lewis in episode 84* of Island Influencers.

Apologies for the sound quality throughout Jamie’s episode. Jamie is a very busy man, and I had been trying to chat with him for a long time, the easiest way to arrange this sooner
rather than later was over Zoom. Unfortunately, the sound quality is a little different from what you’d expect from the Island Influencers podcast, however, it is not an episode to be
missed.

Welcome to episode 19 of Island Influencers, where my guest is David Roberts.

David was born and raised in Guildford, Surrey. 

The son of a policeman and school teacher, David started his career by working as part of the marketing team for BP and Shell.

He progressed for 30 years where he was involved on the marketing side in a whole variety of different activities.

When the price of electricity was sky high on the Isle of Man because Shell was overcharging and over profiteering, David saw an opportunity to compete with Shell by approaching Total to become a fuel supplier on the Isle of Man. 

This led to a £2 million reduction in cost for fuel to the Isle of Man within one year. What a contribution to our Island's economy! 

David is currently retired and involved with many charities including Scripture Union, Care in Mann, Junior Achiever and the Isle of Man Beekeepers Federation. 

Here’s my conversation with David Roberts in episode 19 of Island Influencers.

This week's Island Influencer is Chris Gregory, Chief Executive of Isle of Play, a charity dedicated to promoting, providing, and advocating for every child on the Isle of Man to fulfil their ‘Right to Play.’

Chris was born and raised in Newton-le-Willows, a small town situated between Wigan, Warrington, and St. Helens. Growing up in a hard-working, working-class family, he witnessed firsthand the challenges his parents faced in providing for the family. Their perseverance and dedication instilled in Chris a strong work ethic and values that have shaped his career and approach to life.

In 2006, after meeting his partner at university, who is from the Isle of Man, Chris decided to make the move to the island—a pivotal moment that set the stage for his incredible work. In this episode, we discuss everything from his recent Wallaby attack to his impressive collection of Blue Peter badges and his time studying architectural glass. However, it’s through his role as the founder of Isle of Play that Chris truly found his calling.

With the support of a dedicated team, Chris built an organisation that now provides play opportunities for over 1,000 children weekly through innovative programmes. He is passionate about giving children the freedom to play, a simple yet powerful concept that fosters creativity, community, and personal growth. His vision for a more child-friendly Isle of Man continues to inspire his efforts to enrich the lives of young people across the island.

Here is episode 119 of Island Influencers, in which Chris Gregory shares his fascinating life story and the profound impact Isle of Play has had on the local community and its children.

Welcome to today’s episode of Island Influencers, my guest this week is Howard Parkin, astronomer, teacher and director of the Manx Retirement Association.

Howard has been an astronomer most of his life, inspired by the “Space race” back in the 60s, he has been an avid astronomer and space enthusiast ever since. For many years Howard has been giving talks and lectures on the subject in the Isle of Man, the UK and abroad.

The Manx Retirement Association was formed in 1998; it is a volunteer charitable organisation that has grown steadily. Howard and the team aim to provide a comprehensive range of social and cultural activities for the benefit and enjoyment of retired residents (couples and singles) on the Isle of Man.

Howard shares many fascinating stories with Sharon, including how we literally took the Isle of Man into space. 

Here's this week’s conversation with Howard Parkin​ in episode 30 of Island Influencers.

This week my Island Influencer is self-confessed “geek”, Chris Kissack, currently the Business Development Manager at Affinity (Isle of Man) Limited.

Chris is a lifelong gamer and esports solution specialist who is driven by a passion for problem-solving, thinking outside the box and a love for the video game industry.

In this episode, Chris takes us on a whistle-stop tour of his life and career and through his fantastic story helps demystify esports.  He explains that he has always been looking for ways to  “embrace the geek opportunity.”

Chris was an esports advisor to the Isle of Man Government and has a wealth of knowledge, experience and a wide network of connections across not only the esports industry but also the corporate, financial and emerging tech sectors. 

His mission is to support the local esports ecosystem here on the Island but also raise the Island's profile as a trusted, beneficial and authentic place to do esports business. 

Chris believes in building meaningful, long-lasting relationships that create value and opportunities, which drive innovation in new opportunities and ideas. 

Here's this week's conversation with Chris Kissack in episode 64 of Island Influencers.

My Island Influencer this week is self-funded entrepreneur Jo Cutsforth, her desire in life is to make ‘you and your people shine’.

Jo left her home in Warrington at the age of 17 with just £25 in her pocket and a desire to ‘go off and do her own thing’. So she took a ‘hop skip and a jump’ one-way ticket to the Isle of Man.

Her story is one huge life lesson for us all. There is no doubt that Jo has suffered hardship, she talks of living at a homeless refuge with her two small children and only being able to start her career at the age of 32. However, Jo doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her she says, “I'm not getting the violins out. I'm just telling you the story.”

She just wants to encourage everyone to keep learning and get behind people and help them be valued. Jo’s independence, resilience and positive attitude have helped her survive.

Do listen to this week’s conversation with Jo Cutsforth in episode 80 of Island Influencers!

My guest this week is Joff Whitten, an intelligent and creative education leader with over 25 years of experience working in cultural and learning settings.

Joff has managed and delivered a diverse and exciting range of successful learning and engagement projects working with organisations of varying sizes, supporting those with little opportunity, especially children and young people, to find the joy and opportunity they need to reach a place of success.

He is the Chief Executive Officer at the Children’s Centre (Isle of Man), an entirely independent Manx charity turning difficult life experiences into brighter futures for children, young people and their families. They are based on a farm located just outside of Douglas, offering all sorts of amazing things to the people they work with. Joff is responsible for driving forward a new chapter for the charity, creating and delivering long-term strategies and placing the charity in the hearts and minds of everyone on the island.

Joff, who is also a talented musician and artist, says he tries his hardest “to get the best out of people every day.”

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Joff Whitten in episode 88 of Island Influencers.

"Due to a technical issue in the studio, on this occasion, we could not capture every one of Joff's answers to my usual questions to the standard that we at Island Influencers would feel comfortable putting out. That said, we did manage to learn about the journey that Joff's life took, taking him to where he is today. So please enjoy!"

Welcome to a special edition of Island Influencers! We've hit the incredible milestone of our 100th episode! 

From its humble beginnings, born during the challenging times of the pandemic, the  Island Influencers podcast has grown and flourished, and it's all thanks to the unwavering support of our remarkable island influencers and the fantastic Isle of Man community. 

A heartfelt thank you to each of you who has been a part of this project.

As we celebrate this milestone, I'm stepping out of my usual role as the host. I am the interviewee, the Island Influencer of the week! 

I'm a proud Manx native, and in this episode, I delve into my my childhood memories, relationships, my love for sports and music, which have all been a significant part of my journey. 

From navigating a career in a male-dominated world to taking leaps of faith, I share the highs and lows that have shaped me into who I am today. 

It's a candid exploration of my life not forgetting the people who have helped me all the way. Most of all my family and my business family at Thornton Chartered Financial Planners.
 
But this episode isn't just about me. It's about the incredible stories we've shared on this podcast from athletes to entrepreneurs. 

Episodes are brimming with not just knowledge and inspiration, but genuine stories that will have you laughing one minute and perhaps shedding a tear the next. 

It's been a privilege for me to hear these stories and an absolute honour to share them with you. 

Looking ahead, I've got exciting plans for the future, not just involving bagpipes and greenhouses! 

But I do have an overarching deep passion for helping people. So here's to the next 100 episodes, filled with more knowledge, inspiration and fun. 

Today I'm joined by Dr Richard Arning, Vice President of Business Development, and Director of Satellite Leasing Limited, part of SES, which is one of the world's leading satellite owners and operators.

I was curious to learn what brings a rocket scientist to the Isle of Man, but also to find out more about Richard's various roles here.

Richard works as a business angel, is co-founder of IsleofMedia, and a non-executive director of the Digital Isle of Man Executive Agency, part of the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise.

Here's my conversation with Richard Arning in episode six of Island Influencers.

This week’s Island Influencers conversation is with Conor Cummins aka Conrod, motorcycle road racer of TT fame, barista and entrepreneur.

Conor talks frankly (over a delicious cup of coffee) about life on two wheels, learning at a very young age the value of money and how a strong determination has kept him going. 

Conor has applied many lessons learnt from his professional motorbike racing to becoming an entrepreneur, opening his coffee shop and pizzeria business. He loves racing bikes, he loves coffee, and he loves pizza - a winning combination! 

Here's this week’s conversation with Conor Cummins​ in episode 31 of Island Influencers.

My guest on the Island Influencers podcast this week is Andy Cooper.

Andy is originally from the North East of England and moved to the Isle of Man having been a General Brand Manager for Whitbread.

Sometime later, he found himself in the role as General Secretary of the Manx National Farmers' Union, which may seem a strange step.

But do listen to his story to hear how this impassioned individual is making a positive change within the farming community in the Isle of Man.

Here's my conversation with Andy Cooper in episode 12 of Island Influencers.