Welcome to the FIRST episode of Season 2 of The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph!

We’re kicking off the new season with a truly inspirational conversation between Kieran and none other than Doug Wright, a powerhouse in business, community impact, and personal resilience.

In this premiere episode:

Doug shares what peace means to him and how it's guided his remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to high honours.

As CEO of a franchised restaurant company operating 26 McDonald’s across the West Midlands, Doug began his career with McDonald’s the day before leaving school in 1981 and became a franchisee in 2002.

He opens up about overcoming adversity, including a life-changing year in hospital at age 20 that continues to shape his outlook on life and service.

Doug reflects on his passion for charity work, his time as Chairman of Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, and his mentorship of young entrepreneurs through the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.

Hear his thoughts on leadership, legacy, and how he stays grounded despite achievements including the Fred L Turner Golden Award (2016), two Honorary Doctorates, EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2019), and an MBE awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours (2022).

Trigger Warning: This episode may touch on sensitive themes. If you’re affected, please seek support through Guardian Ballers or a mental health professional.

Learn more about Guardian Ballers, empowering young people through mental health and wellbeing: guardianballers.org

A Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

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Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio is Rumbi Bvunzawabaya, a guest whose passion for justice and deep empathy reflect a life shaped by resilience and transformative experiences.

In this episode, Rumbi shares her perspective on peace, drawing from her journey of migration to the UK, her role in founding and sustaining various ventures, and her unique vantage point on migration law.

With over 20 years as a practicing solicitor, Rumbi’s career includes influential work on the Supreme Court case “MM and others,” where she challenged the Home Office in 2017. Her dedication to representing marginalised communities as the founder and CEO of Tulia, alongside her ministry and authorship, highlights her profound impact.

This episode also delves into themes of race, resilience, and the role of faith in both personal and professional spheres.

If there are themes in this episode that any listeners find triggering, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our Socials at @thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Pursuit of Peace with Kieran Joseph

This is the podcast where we explore the depths of human experience, seeking insights, wisdom, and stories that illuminate the path towards peace, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Joining Kieran in the studio is Alethea Balbuena, a guest who operates in ‘influential spaces’, who is raising the profile for ‘less familiar faces’.

Throughout the episode, we explore what peace means to Alethea as she journeys in Mental Health, Charitable and Society-Shaping Spheres.

As the Deputy CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, Alethea centres her work within her Christian Faith, with a heart for equity which drives her to “Level the Playing Field”, especially in areas of Racial Identity, Gender and Poverty. As the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate for her “Contributions to Mental Health Services and Social Justice”, her insights and perspectives breath wisdom.

This episode also explores themes of representation, family dynamics and servant leadership.

If there are themes in this episode that any listeners find triggering, please head to https://guardianballers.org/ for further advice and support.

So, sit back, relax, and join us as we embark on The Pursuit of Peace.

To keep up to date with behind-the-scenes action, head to our Socials at @thepursuitofpeace101

This podcast is brought to you by Guardian Ballers, a mental health and wellbeing service that exists to empower young people to become happy, healthy and community-transformers! To find out more about the incredible work they do and to find out how you can get involved head to https://guardianballers.org/

This podcast is a Twentytwo Productions original podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.