Leadership, resilience, and the moments that change everything.

I first met Michael Conway in November 2024 on the padel court. An experienced tennis and padel player, Michael made an immediate impression on me. His confidence, positioning, self-awareness, and ability to read the game gave me the confidence to trust my own instincts and elevate my performance.

As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that many of the qualities Michael brings to the court are the same qualities that have shaped his success as a business leader.

In this episode of the Nodding Dog Podcast, Michael shares his entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the highs, lows, and pivotal "sliding doors" moments that have influenced both his career and business. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, he offers valuable insights into leadership, decision-making, resilience, and what it takes to build and grow a successful company.

We also explore Michael's approach to leadership today, including how he has learned to step back, trust his team, and empower others to make decisions that drive the business forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Leadership and decision-making
• Building resilient businesses and teams
• Empowering people to take ownership
• Mindset under pressure
• The importance of listening and reading situations
• The pivotal moments that shape success
• Lessons learned from more than 30 years in business

This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, and anyone interested in personal growth and professional development.

Michael is the founder of Clothes2Order, one of the UK's leading customised clothing businesses.

Michael's Business:
https://www.clothes2order.com/

Michael's LinkedIn:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-conway-15175918

Michael's Business Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/clothes2order/

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a rating to help others discover the show.

From branding and business growth to creativity, relationships and resilience, Jamie Brown's story is full of insights for anyone building something meaningful.

When I first met Jamie, he was simply a friend of a friend who I would occasionally say hello to. It wasn't until I started my own business that our mutual friend suggested, "If you need help with branding and a website, why don't you speak to Jamie?" That conversation marked the beginning of an 18-year friendship and working relationship that continues today.

In this episode of the Nodding Dog Podcast, I sit down with Jamie Brown, Creative Director and Founder of twoboys, to explore his journey from working as a sole trader to leading a creative agency in the heart of Soho, London.

Jamie shares his approach to branding, explaining why he sees his role as helping businesses discover and bring their true identity to life. We also discuss the entrepreneurial journey, the creative process, building lasting client relationships, and the importance of collaboration when creating work that has genuine impact.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jamie's journey from freelancer to agency founder
• Why branding is about much more than a logo
• Creativity and the process behind great ideas
• Building strong relationships with clients
• Entrepreneurship, resilience and business growth
• Helping businesses find their authentic identity

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, or business owner looking to build a meaningful brand, this conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections from someone who has spent years helping others bring their ideas to life.

Jamie's agency:
https://twoboys.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/twoboysdigital/

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a rating, it helps more people discover these conversations.

Starting in a co-working space with nothing more than an idea, David Bloom left the security of his career as an Intellectual Property solicitor to build a business from the ground up. More than a decade later, his company has helped businesses protect their intellectual property and valuable assets while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Nodding Dog Podcast, David shares the realities of starting a business, overcoming uncertainty, and staying committed to a long-term vision.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The decision to leave a secure career and become an entrepreneur
• Building a business from scratch
• The importance of community and collaboration
• The highs and lows of the founder journey
• Lessons learned from over 10 years in business
• How to build a company with purpose and resilience

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone considering taking the leap into starting your own venture, this episode offers honest insights into what it really takes to build something meaningful.

David's business:
https://safeguardip.com/

Instagram:
@safeguard.IP

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and follow the podcast for more conversations on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and inspiring founder stories.

In this episode of the Nodding Dog Podcast, we explore what meditation really is, why it has been practised for thousands of years, and how it can positively impact your mental health and overall wellbeing.

Many people think meditation is simply about relaxing, but it goes much deeper than that. In this episode, I explain the difference between relaxation and meditation, how our minds naturally settle when we stop resisting our thoughts, and why a regular meditation practice can help reduce stress, improve focus, and create a greater sense of calm in everyday life.

Using the simple analogy of a snow globe, I illustrate how meditation allows the mind to become clearer as we learn to sit with stillness rather than constant distraction.

Whether you're completely new to meditation or looking to strengthen your practice, this episode offers a straightforward introduction and a gentle challenge to experience the benefits for yourself.

What you'll learn:

• What meditation actually is
• The difference between meditation and relaxation
• How meditation can reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing
• Why focusing on the breath helps calm the nervous system
• A simple way to begin your own meditation practice

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a rating—it really helps others discover the show.

I first met Manish through the padel community, and it quickly became clear that his calm presence and thoughtful approach to life extend far beyond the court.

Manish is a professional life coach, author, and trainer who has spent years helping people gain a deeper understanding of how their minds shape their experience of life. In his book, You Don't Have to Believe That, he shares a simple yet powerful perspective that helps people break free from limiting thoughts, reduce stress, improve relationships, and find greater ease and happiness in everyday life.

Over the years, Manish has worked with a diverse range of clients, including Olympic athletes, CEOs, teachers, teenagers, and many others, helping them navigate challenges and perform at their best.

In this conversation, Manish generously shares insights from his personal and professional journey, exploring how our thinking influences our wellbeing, why we often get in our own way, and what becomes possible when we see our thoughts differently.

Outside of his work, Manish places great importance on family life and enjoys spending time with his partner and teenage daughter. He is also a passionate tennis and padel player and a qualified padel coach.

Manish’s book:

You Don’t Have to Believe That: Disempower Your Negative Thoughts and Live With Freedom https://amzn.eu/d/0i5fCtWk

Book recommendations:

Loving What Is, Byron Katy https://amzn.eu/d/0inp2sSu

The Nodding Dog Podcast is introduced with the belief that everyone has a story worth hearing. The host shares his privilege of meeting people from various walks of life, emphasizing the uniqueness of each person's story. The purpose of the podcast is to share real stories and conversations that inspire and provide perspective.

Takeaways

• Everyone has a unique story worth sharing
• The podcast aims to share real stories and conversations that inspire and provide perspective.