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What happens when a corporate executive decides to break free from conformity at age 41 and build something meaningful? Pete Starr's journey from Manchester Council Estate to founding the Chilli Group reveals how purpose can transform both career and impact.

Growing up in a conservative household where his father wore a shirt and tie on beach holidays, Pete learned early to observe rather than disrupt. This quiet attentiveness would later become his entrepreneurial superpower, though he wouldn't recognize it for decades. After years at companies like Tesco, Coca-Cola, and the National Lottery, Pete took the leap into self-employment when a friend reframed the concept of risk: "If you have one employer and they drop you, you're left with zero. If you're freelance with multiple clients and one drops, you still have several."

The Pandemic brought both crisis and opportunity. As cancellations flooded in during March 2020, Pete faced uncertainty but emerged stronger, with a renewed commitment to environmental impact. Inspired by his children's concerns about plastic pollution and the collective power of small actions, he launched Wavy – dedicated to developing people skills within green organizations to accelerate positive environmental impact.

Pete's approach centers on emotional intelligence and presence. "You can have brilliant training design and an average trainer and you'll have an average training experience. You can have average training design and a brilliant trainer and you're more likely to have a brilliant training experience." This philosophy drives his work across both Chilli Group and Wavy, where he helps environmental organizations balance purpose with the profitability needed to sustain their mission.

For those considering their own entrepreneurial path, Pete offers refreshingly honest advice: "Just do it sooner" and remember that everyone's polished online presence is merely a shop window – "Every shop has got a back storeroom that's an absolute tip." His legacy isn't about business accolades but passing positive values through generations, creating ripples of impact that continue long after we're gone.

Discover how small changes and emotional intelligence can drive massive environmental impact. Connect with Pete and explore training opportunities at gochilli.co.uk and wayvie.co.uk.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
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Martin Parr opens a window into his extraordinary five-decade career documenting the eccentricities of British life and leisure, revealing the philosophy that has made him one of the world's most celebrated documentary photographers.

Taking us behind his lens, Parr shares how finding himself "in the right place at the right time" led to his breakthrough project "The Last Resort" in New Brighton during the 1980s – a collection so enduring it's now in its seventh edition. With refreshing candor, he confesses that most of his photographs are "rubbish" and considers himself fortunate to capture ten good images annually, highlighting the relentless pursuit of quality that defines true mastery.

Parr's unique ability to create photographs that provoke "ambiguous emotional reactions" – where viewers "are unsure whether to laugh or cry" – reveals the subtle power of his documentary approach. While acknowledging criticism of his work, his substantial following (700,000+ Instagram followers) and exhibitions in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Tate, Pompidou Centre, and Museum of Modern Art, confirm his profound impact on contemporary photography.

Beyond his personal achievements, Parr's commitment to preserving photographic heritage shines through his foundation, which houses not only his extensive archive but also collections from other British documentary photographers, alongside approximately 5,000 photography books. This cultural repository, combined with his mentorship of emerging talent, ensures his influence will extend far beyond his own remarkable body of work.

What truly emerges from this conversation is Parr's infectious enthusiasm for finding magical moments in mundane settings. "I'm happiest in a cliché," he admits, revealing how church village fetes and seaside holidays become portals to understanding British identity through his discerning eye. His legacy? "The folio of photos I've built up – an archive of my time in Britain over the last 50 years." A cultural treasure capturing our shared history one extraordinary ordinary moment at a time.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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Ever wondered what makes performers tick? Neil Bett – actor, facilitator, coach, and one-sixth of an acapella sextet – takes us on a fascinating journey through the moments that shaped his creative path.

Recorded in our brand new Future Leap Studios in Bristol, this conversation between old friends crackles with authenticity. Neil and host Chris Grimes trained together at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, giving them a shared language around performance and presence that elevates their exchange beyond mere reminiscence.

The heart of the episode centers on Neil's transformative moment at age 12 when, during a school improvisation, he portrayed a punk rocker stuck in a lift. The uproarious laughter that followed revealed something profound – the power to affect others through performance. This revelation would shape his entire career and approach to creative expression.

Neil's candor is refreshing as he shares wisdom gleaned from mentors like acting teacher Rudy Shelly, who bluntly told the cold-ridden student: "I don't give a shit how you feel, and neither does the audience." This lesson in professionalism remains a cornerstone of Neil's philosophy. Equally valuable was a colleague's advice to pursue opportunities that provide an "emotional kick" rather than just career advancement – a phrase that has guided Neil's decisions ever since.

Beyond performance insights, we discover delightful surprises: Neil's obsession with marmalade-making (continuing his mother's tradition), his fascination with birds of prey, and how the smell of pastries never fails to stop him in his tracks. His reflections on Shakespeare's "to thine own self be true" reveal a man who has found authenticity through both creative expression and family life.

The episode concludes with Neil's acapella rendition of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life" – a perfect musical embodiment of the conversation's themes. Whether you're a performer yourself or simply curious about the creative mind, you'll find something to inspire you in Neil's journey.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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What if we could build a world where human connection trumps credentials? Where seeing the gold in others becomes a superpower? In this illuminating conversation, collaboration catalyst Gill Tiney reveals the transformative journey that shaped her mission to connect good people globally.

Growing up in the multicultural East End of London in the 1960s gave Gill a unique perspective. As one of only two white children in her school, difference became something to celebrate rather than fear. "Different to me meant good. Different to me meant adventure," she shares, describing how this foundation shaped her entire worldview. This early experience crystallized into Collaboration Global's core value: "human beings first" – a refreshingly straightforward approach cutting through labels to focus on authentic connection.

The impact of Gill's work extends far beyond business networking. While members certainly experience economic benefits, she shares profound stories of lives transformed: addiction recovery, family reconciliation, and even suicide prevention. Perhaps most striking is her ability to see "gold threads" between people – recognizing complementary strengths and opportunities individuals themselves often overlook, like the surveyor and office supplies company who sat beside each other for months without realizing their perfect business alignment.

Gill's vision emerges as something extraordinary – an "online country" experimenting with collaborative approaches to global challenges. She draws inspiration from movements like Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion, valuing collective impact over individual recognition. Her guiding philosophy comes from anthropologist Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

For those feeling overwhelmed by global problems, Gill offers simple yet profound wisdom: connect with good people, celebrate small wins, and trust that your authentic self is exactly what the world needs. Experience this collaborative energy yourself by visiting https://www.collaborationglobal.org and discovering how your unique talents might interweave with others to create something truly transformative.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
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Every TV Sitcom yo've ever loved has been touched by this man's genius!

What does it take to shepherding some of the most beloved British comedy shows from idea to cultural phenomenon? Jon Plowman OBE—the executive producer behind The Office, Absolutely Fabulous, Vicar of Dibley, Inside No. 9, and countless other comedy classics—offers a rare glimpse into the creative chaos that birthed these iconic programs.

From surviving a motorcycle accident that landed him in the hospital (with a parade of celebrities visiting his bedside) to the surreal experience of being interviewed for Oxford University by candlelight during a power outage, Plowman's journey through British television is as unexpected as it is enlightening. His revelation about arriving at a meeting with French and Saunders three weeks before filming to find their "script" consisted of merely four Post-it notes on a wall surrounded by celebrity magazines speaks volumes about the creative genius he helped nurture throughout his career.

The most valuable lesson from Plowman's storied career might be his philosophy of "never shouting cut"—allowing the moments between scripted lines and official filming to capture spontaneous comedy gold. This approach led to some of the most memorable moments in shows like Absolutely Fabulous, where improvisation flourished in the spaces between what was written and what naturally emerged on set.

Beyond the humorous anecdotes—including the delightfully absurd story of settling a dispute between David Walliams and Matt Lucas about the appropriate size of a certain stain on a jacket lapel during a Little Britain sketch—lies Plowman's profound insight into recognizing and cultivating comedy genius. Whether championing Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's revolutionary mockumentary format for The Office or supporting Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton's anthology vision for Inside No. 9 against network pressures, Plowman's instinct for spotting innovation has shaped decades of entertainment.

Ready to discover how the most iconic British comedy shows made it from concept to screen? Listen now and learn from the man Matt Lucas dubbed "The Godfather of Comedy."

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
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Mike McCartney opens the door to his extraordinary life with warmth, humor, and profound insight in this captivating conversation. The renowned photographer, musician, and cultural storyteller shares intimate tales of growing up in post-war Liverpool, revealing how losing his mother at age twelve pushed him toward creativity as both salvation and expression.

With classic Liverpudlian wit, Mike recounts discovering photography through a failed attempt to capture "giant seagulls" with the family box camera, leading to a self-taught journey that would eventually see his work acquired by the National Portrait Gallery. Parallel to this, we hear the origin story of The Scaffold and their hit "Thank You Very Much," which became an unexpected royal favorite (though the Queen Mother might have misheard a Liverpool FC reference as a tribute to herself).

Between laughter and occasional moments of raw emotion, Mike illuminates the cultural revolution of the 1960s, describing how art confronted class divisions and opened minds. His stories meander through chance encounters with figures like Marlon Brando, Salvador Dalí's surrealist influence, and pivotal moments that altered his trajectory—including breaking his arm, which led to his brother Paul taking over his drum kit.

The conversation deepens as Mike reflects on legacy, suggesting that bringing joy to others through creative work may be our most meaningful contribution. His philosophy emerges: seek what you love, embrace serendipity, and never underestimate the power of gentle subversion—like hiding anti-war sentiment in a cheerful pop song that reached number four in the charts.

Discover the remarkable story behind the man who documented a generation while helping shape its soundtrack. Mike's upcoming limited edition photography book "Mike McCartney's Early Liverpool" and the Scaffold box set releasing in April promise to further preserve this vital cultural legacy.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
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From boarding school trauma to embodying one of fiction's greatest detectives, Michael Maloney's theatrical journey reveals how life's most difficult experiences often forge our greatest strengths. The acclaimed British Actor joins us from his dressing room in Birmingham—fresh from celebrating his 100th performance as Hercule Poirot in the touring production of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express"

With disarming honesty, Michael explores how being sent away from home at age 7 permanently altered his sense of belonging. "You cease to become a member of a family immediately," he reflects, describing how this early separation forced him into premature self-sufficiency while creating emotional wounds he would later need to address. This experience, along with his Roman Catholic upbringing, established complex foundations that would eventually serve his acting career in unexpected ways.

The conversation shifts to his transformative years at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where Michael found himself amidst theatrical royalty—Derek Jacobi, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, and a young Mark Rylance. Their anarchic creativity, set against the backdrop of early 80s punk and new wave, shaped his understanding of classical discipline and theatrical expression. "We were all over the shop," he laughs, "and enjoying ourselves."

Michael's reflections on the power of the spoken word reveal his deep appreciation for poetry and heightened language. He shares how sports provides a perfect metaphor for performance: some nights you win, some you lose, some you draw—but you always return to play again. This philosophy has helped him navigate the highs and lows of theatrical reviews throughout his career.

Now at 67, finding himself unexpectedly cast as Poirot, Michael approaches each performance with the discipline earned through decades of classical training. When asked about his legacy, his answer is characteristically straightforward: "A proper actor... of significance and stature." Join us for this intimate conversation with a performer who has continuously found new ways to transform life's challenges into art.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
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Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers and now chairman of We Fix London, shares his extraordinary journey from council estate kid to selling his plumbing empire for £140 million and starting again with a new venture.

What happens when a working-class kid with no qualifications sells a plumbing empire for £140 million, then decides to start all over again? Charlie Mullins, the unmistakable founder of Pimlico Plumbers (often compared to Rod Stewart), takes us on an exhilarating journey through his remarkable life story - from council estate beginnings to entrepreneurial legend.

Charlie's story begins with a chance encounter that changed everything. As a young boy growing up in a rough London neighborhood, he met Bill Ellis - a local plumber with a car, motorbike, nice clothes, and money. That moment planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion. "Where I am today is due to one guy just explaining to me what he does and how he makes his money," Charlie reflects. This early inspiration shows how powerful visible role models can be for young people seeking a path forward.

Despite leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, Charlie built Pimlico Plumbers into London's most recognized service company before selling it for £140 million. But rather than retiring to Marbella, his entrepreneurial spirit couldn't be contained. After a three-year non-compete clause expired, he launched We Fix London in October 2024, determined to outdo his former company with the personal touch and family feel he believes has been lost under corporate ownership. As Charlie puts it with his characteristic directness: "It's all about the relationship, stupid!" His "bish bash bosh" approach prioritizes transparency, quality, and personal service in a world increasingly dominated by automation and AI.

Charlie's refreshing philosophy challenges conventional wisdom about success. "You don't need brains to be successful," he insists, championing qualities like drive, enthusiasm, and work ethic instead. His passionate advocacy for apprenticeships and trades offers an alternative narrative to university education: "Get an apprenticeship with a trade, you'll never be out of work and you'll earn loads of money." Ready to fix your future? Charlie Mullins shows it's never too late to rise like a phoenix and build something extraordinary.

• How growing up on a council estate motivated Charlie to work hard and create a different life
• Boxing as a formative experience that taught discipline and resilience
• The value of apprenticeships and trades as pathways to success without academic qualifications
• Charlie's philosophy that "a man who never made a mistake never made nothing"

If you'd like advice from Charlie about starting or growing a business, reach out through his website or social

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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