Sphere of Success

In this episode, today’s guest is Katie Geddes, Founder and Director of The Dance Studio Leeds, one of the city’s most inclusive and vibrant creative wellbeing hubs.

Katie is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer based in Leeds, and the owner of The Dance Studio Leeds Ltd. Since opening the studio in 2009, she has built a thriving community focused on dance for body, mind and connection, offering adult dance classes, team building, choreography, events, wedding dance lessons, studio hire and workplace wellbeing programmes.

Katie is deeply passionate about making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience or confidence. Her mission is to empower people through movement, helping them improve mental health, build confidence, reduce stress and reconnect with joy through dance.

 

In this episode, we explore:

• How Katie built The Dance Studio Leeds from a single idea into a multi-studio business
• Why dance is such a powerful tool for mental health and emotional regulation
• How movement and music reduce anxiety and boost confidence
• The science behind dance, dopamine and stress relief
• Why businesses are using dance for team building and workplace wellbeing
• How dance helps hybrid and remote teams reconnect
• Creating inclusive dance spaces for all ages and abilities
• Using dance to improve creativity, problem solving and communication
• Katie’s personal journey with anxiety and how dance helped rebuild confidence
• Why it is never too late to start dancing
• How small “exercise snacks” like lunchtime boogies improve daily wellbeing
• The role of dance in memory, mood and nervous system regulation
• Why shared experiences create stronger teams and lasting memories

This conversation is an inspiring reminder that dance is not about being perfect. It is about connection, confidence, joy and feeling good in your body.

Guest Contact Details

Website: thedancestudioleeds.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegeddes1/

Instagram (Studio): dance_studio_leeds

Instagram (Personal): katiegeddesdance

YouTube & Instagram: Lunchtime Boogies (free movement videos)

Katie also offers a free downloadable PDF with simple tips for anyone nervous about dancing or wanting to build confidence on the dance floor.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with someone who could benefit from movement, wellbeing and a little more joy in their life.

Your support helps the podcast reach more people and keeps these conversations going.

In this episode, today’s guest is Katie Geddes, Founder and Director of The Dance Studio Leeds, one of the city’s most inclusive and vibrant creative wellbeing hubs.

Katie is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer based in Leeds, and the owner of The Dance Studio Leeds Ltd. Since opening the studio in 2009, she has built a thriving community focused on dance for body, mind and connection, offering adult dance classes, team building, choreography, events, wedding dance lessons, studio hire and workplace wellbeing programmes.

Katie is deeply passionate about making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience or confidence. Her mission is to empower people through movement, helping them improve mental health, build confidence, reduce stress and reconnect with joy through dance.

 

In this episode, we explore:

• How Katie built The Dance Studio Leeds from a single idea into a multi-studio business
• Why dance is such a powerful tool for mental health and emotional regulation
• How movement and music reduce anxiety and boost confidence
• The science behind dance, dopamine and stress relief
• Why businesses are using dance for team building and workplace wellbeing
• How dance helps hybrid and remote teams reconnect
• Creating inclusive dance spaces for all ages and abilities
• Using dance to improve creativity, problem solving and communication
• Katie’s personal journey with anxiety and how dance helped rebuild confidence
• Why it is never too late to start dancing
• How small “exercise snacks” like lunchtime boogies improve daily wellbeing
• The role of dance in memory, mood and nervous system regulation
• Why shared experiences create stronger teams and lasting memories

This conversation is an inspiring reminder that dance is not about being perfect. It is about connection, confidence, joy and feeling good in your body.

Guest Contact Details

Website: thedancestudioleeds.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegeddes1/

Instagram (Studio): dance_studio_leeds

Instagram (Personal): katiegeddesdance

YouTube & Instagram: Lunchtime Boogies (free movement videos)

Katie also offers a free downloadable PDF with simple tips for anyone nervous about dancing or wanting to build confidence on the dance floor.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with someone who could benefit from movement, wellbeing and a little more joy in their life.

Your support helps the podcast reach more people and keeps these conversations going.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jackie Collier, ethical property investor and co-director of Airworth Property Ltd, who is on a mission to create real impact — not just for her clients, but also for the animals she rescues.

 

Discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of building income through socially responsible property investment, and how Jackie helps professional sports people build a legacy beyond their career. She shares how social housing isn’t just a smart strategy — it’s a powerful way to create homes and hope.

 

But that’s not all. Jackie also runs a dog rescue charity, Happy Paws UK, saving dogs in Bosnia from cruel fates. Learn how she funds this mission through property and how you can help — or even adopt a loving dog who’s desperate for a home.

 

Jackie's Contact Details 

 

Email: aireworthps@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-collier-aireworth-property/

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Jackie Collier, ethical property investor and co-director of Airworth Property Ltd, who is on a mission to create real impact — not just for her clients, but also for the animals she rescues.

 

Discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of building income through socially responsible property investment, and how Jackie helps professional sports people build a legacy beyond their career. She shares how social housing isn’t just a smart strategy — it’s a powerful way to create homes and hope.

 

But that’s not all. Jackie also runs a dog rescue charity, Happy Paws UK, saving dogs in Bosnia from cruel fates. Learn how she funds this mission through property and how you can help — or even adopt a loving dog who’s desperate for a home.

 

Jackie's Contact Details 

 

Email: aireworthps@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-collier-aireworth-property/

In this episode, today's guest is Kenneth Merritt.

Kenneth Merritt is the Founder and Managing Partner of Merritt Advisory Group. He is a strategic leader with a unique combination of broad enterprise strategy expertise, deep functional prowess, and world-class financial acumen. Kenneth has worked extensively in financial services, consumer & industrial products, and private equity, and has served as an advisory leader at Korn Ferry, Deloitte Consulting, and Accenture.

 

- ‎Kenneth’s journey to becoming the CFO Whisperer and why he is passionate about developing CFOs

- What CFO whispering is: aligning enterprise strategy, stakeholder expectations, and CFO capabilities

- How to select the right CFO and nurture their growth for long-term success

- Essential skills for CFOs: technical, interpersonal, professional, and leadership competencies

- The impact of AI on modern finance and preparing CFOs for the future

- Balancing multi-generational teams and fostering collaborative leadership

- Practical strategies to modernise finance and empower teams

 

Connect with Kenneth Merritt:

 

Website: meritt-advisory.com

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

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

In this episode, today's guest is Kenneth Merritt.

Kenneth Merritt is the Founder and Managing Partner of Merritt Advisory Group. He is a strategic leader with a unique combination of broad enterprise strategy expertise, deep functional prowess, and world-class financial acumen. Kenneth has worked extensively in financial services, consumer & industrial products, and private equity, and has served as an advisory leader at Korn Ferry, Deloitte Consulting, and Accenture.

 We talk about:

- ‎Kenneth’s journey to becoming the CFO Whisperer and why he is passionate about developing CFOs

- What CFO whispering is: aligning enterprise strategy, stakeholder expectations, and CFO capabilities

- How to select the right CFO and nurture their growth for long-term success

- Essential skills for CFOs: technical, interpersonal, professional, and leadership competencies

- The impact of AI on modern finance and preparing CFOs for the future

- Balancing multi-generational teams and fostering collaborative leadership

- Practical strategies to modernise finance and empower teams

 

Connect with Kenneth Merritt:

 

Website: meritt-advisory.com

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

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!

In this episode, today’s guest is Frances Akinde, a neurodivergent educator, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience across primary, secondary, special, and local authority education. Frances is a qualified SENCO, former headteacher of a secondary special school for learners with autism, and a workplace inclusion advocate. She is passionate about creating environments where every learner and employee can thrive.

 

In this episode, we discuss:

 

• How adversity can be transformed into leadership growth and personal resilience
• The importance of psychological safety and belonging in schools and workplaces
• Frances’ personal journey discovering her neurodivergence and hearing impairment
• Strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees and fostering inclusive workplaces
• The concept of intersectionality and why diverse perspectives matter in organisations
• Practical steps businesses can take to improve productivity and retention through accommodations
• How visual profiles and small acts of kindness can foster connection and engagement
• Lessons on balancing mental health, avoiding burnout, and thriving under pressure

 

Connect with Frances Akinde:

 

Website: https://www.inclusionht.com/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xpnCrSp3sSYp74kbayJYK

Book: https://amzn.eu/d/jlIAeCU

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your engagement helps us reach more people who want to thrive through adversity and inclusion.

In this episode, today’s guest is Frances Akinde, a neurodivergent educator, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience across primary, secondary, special, and local authority education. Frances is a qualified SENCO, former headteacher of a secondary special school for learners with autism, and a workplace inclusion advocate. She is passionate about creating environments where every learner and employee can thrive.

 

In this episode, we discuss:

 

• How adversity can be transformed into leadership growth and personal resilience
• The importance of psychological safety and belonging in schools and workplaces
• Frances’ personal journey discovering her neurodivergence and hearing impairment
• Strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees and fostering inclusive workplaces
• The concept of intersectionality and why diverse perspectives matter in organisations
• Practical steps businesses can take to improve productivity and retention through accommodations
• How visual profiles and small acts of kindness can foster connection and engagement
• Lessons on balancing mental health, avoiding burnout, and thriving under pressure

 

Connect with Frances Akinde:

 

Website: https://www.inclusionht.com/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xpnCrSp3sSYp74kbayJYK

Book: https://amzn.eu/d/jlIAeCU

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Your engagement helps us reach more people who want to thrive through adversity and inclusion.