I've Got Your Back

Hey pal, and welcome back to I’ve Got Your Back the podcast.This week’s episode is a special one. I'm taking you right back to where it all began - my journey with Arbonne. It’s been sixteen years since I first said yes, and I honestly can’t believe it!!To help me mark the moment, I asked my dear friend Meg McLean put me in the hot seat. It felt only right - she was the one who first reached out to me about the business all those years ago.We also recorded this one in a real-life studio for the first time, which made it all the more special. Huge thanks to Mark Edwards at @flatwhitemusic for making us feel so welcome and at ease!We cover a lot in this episode. The early days. The doubts. The desire. The handwritten vision boards. We talk about what made me say yes, why I kept going, and what this business has taught me - not just about leadership and consistency, but about people, purpose, and trust.Inside, we explore:How a chance message turned into a sixteen-year careerWhy saying yes came down to a gut feeling I couldn’t ignoreBuilding a business before social media was really a thingWhat happened when people doubted me - and why that pushed me furtherThe decision to treat Arbonne like a business (not just a hobby)Building in seasons - and learning to lead through the tough onesThe retreat that brought everything full circleWhat it means to create something that genuinely puts people firstThis episode is an honest look behind the scenes - not just of a business, but of a life shaped by the decision to say yes before I knew what that yes really meant!Connect with Meg:Follow @megmcleanuk and check out the She Can Podcast.Watch the YouTube Video HEREAll the good stuff 🙌Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly WellnessJoin my "I've Got Your Back" communityDownload my free Yoga Nidra Practice Let's chat over on InstagramMichelle's Website + Book a chatDownload my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal! Welcome back to I’ve Got Your Back the podcast.🎉 Two years. 34 episodes. Over 2,000 downloads across 8 countries. 🎉What a journey it’s been.We’re celebrating a big milestone on the pod – and to mark the occasion, I thought it was time to flip the script and put me in the hot seat for once! For this special anniversary episode, I was interviewed by the amazing @megmcleanuk – my dear friend and host of the She Can Podcast. If you don’t already know her, go check her out. She’s a total gem.It was also my first time recording in a professional studio (can you believe it?!). Huge thanks to Mark Edwards at @flatwhitemusic for making us feel so welcome, relaxed, and completely at ease.In this episode, Meg and I dive into:How the idea for the podcast first sparked (on a bus in Sydney, of all places!)My very wobbly beginnings, the nerves, the handwritten scripts, and that iconic first “hey pal”What “I’ve Got Your Back” really stands forHow intuition has shaped this podcast (and my life) — and what happens when we finally slow down enough to listenThe incredible guests who’ve joined me along the way — from friends and mentors to strangers who became soul connectionsThe South Africa trip that changed everything and sparked some of my favourite episodes yetDreams for the future — from monetising the pod to giving back to grassroots communities doing powerful workWe also talk about fear — the kind that shows up when you're about to do something brave. We explore what it really means to take a first step (even a tiny one), the importance of asking for help, and the magic that unfolds when you just keep showing up.This space was always about something bigger than downloads or charts. It’s about creating a place where you feel seen, safe, and encouraged to take that leap — whatever it looks like for you.It’s for the ones who are figuring it out. For those standing at the edge of something new. For anyone who’s ever wondered, can I really do this? I promise, you can. And I’ve got your back while you do.Whether you’ve been here since episode one, or this is your first listen — thank you. Truly. You make this all worthwhile.Connect with Meg:Follow @megmcleanuk and check out She Can Podcast @shecanpodThank you for tuning in! If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come chat with me over on Instagram.All the good stuff 🙌Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly WellnessJoin my "I've Got Your Back" communityDownload my free Yoga Nidra Practice Let's chat over on

Hey pal! Welcome back to I've Got Your Back the podcast.In this episode, I'm absolutely delighted to be joined by Thobile Chittenden, a powerhouse in social entrepreneurship, youth development, and community impact. Thobile and I first connected through our shared passion for purpose-driven work, and I knew I had to bring her on to share her incredible insights with you.Thobile is a dedicated Community Builder, BMW Foundation Responsible Leader, and TEDx speaker who believes in the power of creativity and the arts to inspire social change. As Network Co-Lead at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, she advocates for an economy that centres people and the planet. She also serves on the boards of Makers Valley Partnership and CityKidz, working to foster community-led transformation and expand access to education. With a background in Integral Economics and Social Entrepreneurship, Thobile combines ethical economic insights with practical action to create meaningful impact.In this conversation, Thobile shares her journey of leadership, resilience, and impact. We explore:The role of education in breaking systemic barriers and creating generational change.How mentorship and community support shape young entrepreneurs.The importance of self-belief and stepping into leadership with confidence.How businesses can play a role in uplifting and empowering the next generation.The personal experiences that fuel her passion for youth development and advocacy.Thobile’s wisdom and energy are truly inspiring, and this episode is packed with powerful takeaways for anyone looking to create meaningful impact.Connect with Thobile:Follow her on LinkedInThank you for tuning in! If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come chat with me over on Instagram.All the good stuff 🙌Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly WellnessJoin my "I've Got Your Back" communityDownload my free Yoga Nidra Practice Let's chat over on InstagramMichelle's Website + Book a chatDownload my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hey pal! Welcome back to I've Got Your Back, the podcast.In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Pepe Marais, an incredible thought leader on purpose, creativity, and leadership. Pepe and I met at Farmhouse 58 in South Africa, where I was co-hosting a purposeful leadership immersion with my pal Tom. From the moment Pepe spoke, I knew I had to bring him on to share his wisdom with you.Pepe is the founding partner and Group Executive Creative Officer of the brand and communications group Joe Public. He’s ranked as the number one creative leader in the South African advertising industry, holds a doctoral degree in Business Management focused on organisational purpose and conscious leadership, and is a published author. But at the core of all his work is a deep passion for unlocking human potential through purpose.In this conversation, Pepe takes us on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and personal growth. We dive into:The power of finding your ONE word for life and how it can serve as your guiding principle.How childhood experiences and unconscious beliefs shape our purpose.Why stepping into your full potential requires facing your deepest fears.The connection between purpose, leadership, and creating meaningful impact in the world.His return to exploring spirituality and faith, and how that has influenced his journey.Pepe’s insights are truly transformative, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to step into their highest self.Connect with Pepe:Grab a copy of his bookLinkedInThank you for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, come chat with me over on Instagram.All the good stuff 🙌Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly WellnessJoin my "I've Got Your Back" communityDownload my free Yoga Nidra Practice Let's chat over on InstagramMichelle's Website + Book a chatDownload my free Become B Corp Certified guide

Hi Pal! Welcome back to I've got your Back!In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Appleton, a senior psychotherapist with extensive experience in adult and childhood mental health services within the NHS. Michael has worked as a clinical lead for MIND and consulted for British Airways and Go Crisis on mental health. His documentaries, including Facing the Enemy and Shrinking Childhoods, have been featured on BBC, PBS, Channel 4, and The History Channel, and his work has been published in The Observer, The Business Telegraph, The Washington Times, and United Press International.Michael shares his perspective on the current mental health crisis, how shame plays a hidden role in anxiety and depression, and why so many people feel the need to mask their struggles. We discuss the importance of real human connection, how community can help people feel seen and understood, and what we can do to create spaces where vulnerability feels safe.We explore:The rise in anxiety and depression post-2020 and why so many people still feel isolatedHow shame stops us from opening up and creates a cycle of self-judgementThe neuroscience behind emotions, self-compassion, and why we are often our own worst criticsThe differences in mental health approaches between Scotland, Northern Ireland, and EnglandHow honest conversations can shift our perspectives and help us break free from self-criticismMichael’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the way we talk about mental health and the small shifts we can make to feel more connected and supported.All the good stuff 🙌Subscribe to Michelle's Weekly WellnessJoin my "I've Got Your Back" communityDownload my free Yoga Nidra Practice Let's chat over on InstagramMichelle's Website + Book a chatDownload my free Become B Corp Certified guide