In this episode, Kat sits down with Emily Gill (founder at Levra and recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Tech) for a real conversation about modern busyness, perfectionism, and the habits that protect human performance.

They unpack why we’ve become human doings, how tiny “basic” habits (sleep, breathing, movement) create outsized impact, and why human skills like empathy, connection and communication are becoming even more valuable in the age of AI.

What you’ll hear in this episode

• Why life feels like we’re being pulled in “50,000 directions” - and how to decide what deserves your energy today
• The perfectionism trap: “Sometimes good enough is enough”
• Kat’s take: we’ve shifted from human beings → human doings (and what constant consumption is doing to our brains)
• The habit most people ignore: the wind-down routine (and why we treat kids better than ourselves at bedtime!)
• Why we don’t do the basics… even when we know they work
• How Kat creates change in teams: pattern disruption + questions that help people see it for themselves
• The power of shared experience: real behaviour change happens when people realise they’re not alone
• Emily’s insight: human connection is what “fills up our soul” — and why loneliness is a real performance problem
• Why discomfort is part of growth (and why in-person connection is coming back)
• Phones, attention, and the impact on family connection (the restaurant moment that hit hard)
• Emily on AI: automation will rise - so human skills (empathy, conflict management, reading the room, asking better questions) become the differentiator
• A brilliant reframe: kids wear an Elsa outfit with full confidence… what would change if adults did life with that energy?

ABOUT THE GUEST

Emily Gill is the Co-Founder of LEVRA, an award-winning EdTech company solving Human Skills gaps for businesses by using psychometrics, and AI to measure and develop Human Skills, such as communication, teamwork and EQ. A former Finance Lawyer at Clifford Chance, she completed her MBA at the University of Oxford and has been recognised as one of the Top 50 UK Women in Tech. Emily is a Certified Coach (CPCC) and serves as Chair of School Governors at Harris Clapham.

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygilllevra/

ABOUT HOST KAT

Kat started her career as a teacher, before moving into Tech where she worked in different executive roles within teaching and consulting working across the globe, both in the public and private sector. Despite appearing 'successful' on the outside, she paid a heavy ‘life’ price. In 2016, her whole world collapsed. The reason? The compound effect of years of unhealthy and toxic habits that destroyed her health, relationship, and career.

She rebuilt herself by changing just one small habit and built a series of positive habits which has transformed her professional and personal performance, resulting in becoming the healthiest and happiest version of herself. She is a positive habits international keynote speaker and teacher, giving talks and delivering high impact programmes to organisations across the globe.

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

https://www.instagram.com/the_morning_gamechanger

In this episode, Kat is joined by Bella - a rising talent whose energy “jumps off the page” on LinkedIn and into real life.

Together, they unpack the small habits that quietly build confidence, protect mental health, and shift your day from autopilot to intentional.

Bella shares how Atomic Habits introduced her to habit stacking, why music became her mood-reset tool during high-rejection cold-calling days, and how her current “kitchen disco party” habit (3–5 minutes while the kettle boils) sets her up for better focus and energy.

They also explore boundaries with social media (and why scrolling can feel like a trance), how to change your mindset by changing what you consume, and the powerful ripple effect of small daily choices - at home, at work, and inside teams.

Bella opens up about her work at Purple Story - a people-first business that improves performance by developing leaders and culture and the team habits and values that shape confidence and growth.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Bella Hacking is a Business Development Executive at Purple Story. She works in leadership and culture development at Purple Story, helping people and organisations grow through better communication and self-awareness. Coming from a hospitality background, she’s deeply interested in the habits, mindsets, and small daily choices that shape how we show up at work and in life.

Link to linkedin: linkedin.com/in/bella-hacking-281874107 Link to website: purplestory.co.uk

Link to youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurpleStory-DigitalLearning

ABOUT HOST KAT

Kat started her career as a teacher, before moving into Tech where she worked in different executive roles within teaching and consulting working across the globe, both in the public and private sector. Despite appearing 'successful' on the outside, she paid a heavy ‘life’ price. In 2016, her whole world collapsed. The reason? The compound effect of years of unhealthy and toxic habits that destroyed her health, relationship, and career. She suffered a severe breakdown and lost everything. In the middle of this she got headhunted for her first CEO role. She rebuilt herself by changing just one small habit and built a series of positive habits which has transformed her professional and personal performance, resulting in becoming the healthiest and happiest version of herself. She is a positive habits international keynote speaker and teacher, giving talks and delivering high impact programmes to organisations across the globe.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katthorne https://www.instagram.com/the_morning_gamechanger

In this episode of The Positive Habits Podcast, Kat speaks with Ian Burrell, the Global Ambassador for Rum, about carving your own path, building confidence, and developing the mindset needed to succeed.

Ian shares how his journey began behind the bar, eventually leading him to become the only global ambassador for an entire drinks category - a role he created through passion, persistence, and belief in himself.

The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, communication, positive habits, and overcoming limiting beliefs, as well as the challenges young people face today when building confidence and finding direction.

Ian’s story is a powerful reminder that opportunities don’t always appear - sometimes you have to build your own table.

This episode is about mindset, resilience, and taking ownership of your future - one positive habit at a time.

• Ian Burrell became the only Global Ambassador for Rum through dedication and initiative
• Opportunities often come from creating your own path
• Mentorship can transform confidence and direction
• Positive habits play a key role in long-term success
• Focusing on the best possible outcome builds resilience

ABOUT THE GUEST

Ian Burrell – also known as the Global Rum Ambassador – was voted the tenth most influential person in the World Drinks industry by Drinks International in 2020. He shares his infectious passion for rum and cocktails with the public the world over through masterclasses, seminars, speeches, and festivals.

https://www.instagram.com/therumambassador/?hl=en

ABOUT KAT

Kat started her career as a teacher, before moving into Tech where she worked in different executive roles within teaching and consulting working across the globe, both in the public and private sector. Despite appearing 'successful' on the outside, she paid a heavy ‘life’ price. In 2016, her whole world collapsed. The reason? The compound effect of years of unhealthy and toxic habits that destroyed her health, relationship, and career. She suffered a severe breakdown and lost everything. In the middle of this she got headhunted for her first CEO role. She rebuilt herself by changing just one small habit and built a series of positive habits which has transformed her professional and personal performance, resulting in becoming the healthiest and happiest version of herself. She is a positive habits international keynote speaker and teacher, giving talks and delivering high impact programmes to organisations across the globe.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katthorne https://www.instagram.com/the_morning_gamechanger