Inspire-Ability Episode 15

In the second part of our conversation with former Army Lieutenant Colonel Brian Penfold, we hear how he began his rehabilitation from a life-changing accident while on deployment. Never one to sit idle, Brian recalls that while recuperating he began his Masters in Aviation Safety Engineering alongside undertaking a 24/7 role with the Army’s Special Projects team.

During this busy period however, a routine blood test prior to further surgery led to a sudden diagnosis with a rare and incurable form of leukaemia. Brian is extremely forthright in reflecting on how his life was changed by the health anxiety prior to his diagnosis, and the importance of communicating with loved ones when the emotional turmoil has become too much to bear alone.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 14

The first episode of our four-part interview with retired Lieutenant Colonel Brian Penfold, whose Army career spanned nearly four decades and saw him become one of the most “trained” officers in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Brian talks us through his career, from joining the Army and learning the importance of teamwork and seizing opportunity, through to transferring to the Army Air Corps and applying to become a pilot. Along the way, Brian has overcome disappointment and failure, and we hear how he reflects on these setbacks and how to use these moments to succeed in the future.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 13

In the final part of our conversation with Neil Tucker, we hear the positive mental impact that flying has had on his day-to-day life, and the significance of having a passion to immerse yourself in. Neil describes how he has been able to combine his passion with a sense of duty to give back to the “aviation community centre” that helped transform his recovery: from his current role as a Trustee of Aerobility, to bringing “Eileen’s Dog” back from Australia.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 12

In this episode, Neil reflects on his recovery from a life-changing accident and the importance of focusing on incremental progress. With typical good humour, Neil describes how Aerobility gave his life its “sparkle” back, and how he overcame some of the challenges he faced when re-soloing. We also hear how a prescription for a “dose of PMA” was an unexpected success, and the subsequent role that mindfulness can play in managing chronic pain and disability.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 11

The first part of our conversation with Neil Tucker, a trustee of Aerobility and a self-described “propeller-head”. A life-long lover of aviation, it took 35 ‘gap-years’ and a serious motorcycle accident before he re-gained his wings with Aerobility. In this episode, we hear about how Neil overcame the initial adversity of his life-changing accident and subsequent disability, as well as how his response to failure has led to a “lifelong commitment to optimism”.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 10

In the final part of our conversation with Brian Jones, we hear how the team was received by the press upon landing. From oblivious dignitaries in Egypt to meeting astronauts, Presidents and royalty, Brian reflects with Harriett as to whether or not he was changed by the celebrity experience.

In an emotional retrospective, we hear how both Breitling pilots were affected by the disparity of their own privilege, and how this inspired Brian to make a change through charity: from vital work in Africa, to bringing the joy of balloon flying to disabled pilots in Europe for the first time.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 9

In this episode, Brian discusses some of the challenges and unexpected life-threatening situations that he and Bertrand Piccard faced during their record-breaking circumnavigation. He describes the importance of feeding off your team, and how Piccard later said of their flight, that there was “Three of us… there was Brian, there was me, and there was both of us. And it was both of us that made the decisions.”

Brian also shares how he dealt with decision-making under pressure, and why the team chose to continue across the Atlantic, despite a perilous fuel state.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 8

The first part of our interview with balloonist Brian Jones, who in 1999 was part of the Breitling Orbiter 3 team that was the first to circumnavigate the world by hot air balloon. In this episode, Brian describes his journey, from an inauspicious start in the RAF as a clerk with no O Levels, to a fully-qualified pilot, and how a chance encounter ignited a love of ballooning. Along the way, Brian explains the importance of Crew Resource Management to maintaining harmony within a team, the importance of trust and respect, and how these factors came into play during 3 weeks with Bertrand Piccard aboard the Breitling gondola.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 7

The final episode in conversation with adventurer and motivational speaker, James Ketchell. Following successful expeditions around the world, James overcame a trio of incidents that led to dramatic rescues from the middle of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, before conquering these setbacks to once again circumnavigate the globe, this time by autogyro. Hear how James handled these failures and dealt with his imposter syndrome, and how a “growth mindset” can help you overcome any adversity.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 6

In this third instalment of James Ketchell’s fascinating chat with Harriett, he reflects on how life changed (or didn’t) following his successful solo row across the Atlantic. He describes finding his “calling” in a life of adventure, despite a life-threatening ordeal descending from the summit of Everest. Tune in next week for the fourth and final episode with James!

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 5

Having successfully rowed across the Atlantic solo, James Ketchell’s life was changed forever when he became dedicated to a life of adventure and personal endeavour. From the isolation of the mid-Atlantic to the ice ladders of Mount Everest, James shares the importance of marginal gains and staying motivated, and how approaching challenges one day at a time can help you overcome any obstacle.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 4

Following a serious motorcycle accident, James Ketchell’s outlook on life was permanently changed. In the first of a four-part interview, James discusses how he went from a hospital bed to rowing across the Atlantic solo; along the way, he shares his secrets to staying motivated, and the importance of mentors and accepting help and advice.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 3

Having flown for the first time on her father’s knee at the age of 4, Suzy Morgan’s passion for flying really took off through her University Air Squadron, and has led to a trailblazing career from short-haul aircraft at British Midland, and becoming a Captain on the Boeing 777 for a leading British airline. Suzy discusses the role of women in aviation and the importance of diversity, as well as promoting a healthy discussion of the menopause and maternity rights in the airline industry.

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 2

Liz discusses her adjustment from active service to civilian life, and the mental health struggles that have affected her along the way. This frank and honest conversation sheds light on how she now has overcome the adversity that almost led to the loss of her life, and how changing your approach to failure can improve your resilience and help you move forward in life. Trigger warning: suicide and mental health (Samaritans 116 123, National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652, Veterans Crisis call 988 or text 838255).

Read More

Inspire-Ability Episode 1

The rebooted series of Inspire-Ability kicks off with a completely compelling interview with Liz McConaghy. From a small town in County Down to the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan, RAF veteran Liz McConaghy shares with us her journey to the front line, and 17-year career as a Chinook Crewman. As the only woman in her intake, and the youngest aircrew in Iraq, Liz has faced her fair share of adversity, and in this two-part interview she discusses the strengths of embracing diversity, and how being the “best person for the job” is what matters in a warzone.

Read More