Peace is a Choice

Peace is a Choice

by Natasha Wallace

Management Self-Improvement

Season 1

Finding Purpose Through Recovery with Ben Hewlett

What happens when you stop running from yourself? In this episode of Peace is a Choice, I’m joined by Ben Hewlett, Partner at Granger Reis; an Executive Search company that’s a certified B Corp and increasingly driven by purpose in the world of natural resources, utilities, infrastructure, and the circular economy. Ben shares his transformative journey towards finding peace and purpose, including his struggles with alcohol and the pivotal moment that led him into recovery. We explore the power of conscious awareness, how feedback can wake us up, and why vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Ben talks openly about the importance of self-acceptance, living authentically, and building a life around what really matters - from simplifying his day-to-day to leaning on a supportive community. This conversation is inspiring and heartfelt and will help anyone who has experienced a similar situation to Ben. Connect with Ben: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhewlett/ Granger Reis: https://grangerreis.ai/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Being Curious in Leadership with Paul Spiers

Why is it so important to stay curious in leadership? In this episode of Peace is a Choice, I'm joined by Paul Spiers, founder of the New P&L Brand Purpose Institute and host of the globally ranked podcast The New P&L® – Principles & Leadership in Business. Paul is a passionate advocate for principled, purpose-led leadership, and inspires leaders, teams, and organisations to align strategy with values and vision, equipping them to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the Future of Work. Together, we explore the importance of conscious leadership, the role of values and purpose in business, and how personal journeys shape leadership philosophies. Paul shares his experiences of launching the New P&L, how being curious can lead to greater levels of peace, and the need for constant innovation within organisations. The conversation explores themes of self-acceptance, the search for inner peace, and how cultural understanding can shape effective leadership. Connect with Paul: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulspiers/ The New P&L: https://www.principlesandleadership.com/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Exploring Happiness and Peace in the Workplace with Matt Phelan

Does happiness and engagement at work lead to peace? In this episode of Peace is a Choice, I’m joined by Matt Phelan, Co-Founder of The Happiness Index. Matt leads the strategic direction of the business, and he’s also the founder of The Happiness and Humans Community, host of The Happiness and Humans Podcast, and author of Freedom To Be Happy: The Business Case for Happiness and The Happiness Index: Why Today’s Employee Emotions Equal Tomorrow’s Business Success. Together, Matt and I explore the connection between employee happiness and inner peace. We talk about how The Happiness Index came to be, what really drives happiness at work, and why psychological safety and strong relationships matter so much. We also dig into the power of calm leadership, what truly motivates people, and the courage it takes to face uncomfortable truths in organisations. Connect with Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/ The Happiness Index: https://thehappinessindex.com/ Website: https://mattphelan.co.uk/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Peace through Acceptance with Jacqui Lloyd

In this episode, I sit down with Jacqui Lloyd, a senior global HR leader and passionate LGBTQ advocate. Jacqui opens up about her incredible career journey from facing challenges in education early on, to making her mark in both academia and the corporate world. She talks honestly about battling self-doubt, saying yes to opportunities that pushed her boundaries, and why diversity and inclusion matter so much in today’s workplaces. Together, we explore the evolving world of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I)—what's working, what’s still missing, and the emotional toll it can take on people who don’t feel free to be themselves at work. Jacqui speaks candidly about the mental weight of hiding parts of your identity and the freedom that comes with self-acceptance and being seen for who you truly are. It’s a heartfelt, inspiring conversation about authenticity, growth, and creating workplaces where everyone feels they belong. Connect with Jacqui: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquilloyd/ Website: http://www.theempowermentacademy.co.uk/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Making Peace with Childhood with Dr. Sarah Hill

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Hill. Sarah is the co-owner of Dialogix Ltd – a behavioural consultancy specialising in structural dynamics and dialogue-based interventions. She’s experienced in coaching everyone from powerful individuals such as CEOs and senior leaders, through to whole teams and organisations, with a view to helping them lead more impactful and effective conversations. In this episode, Sarah discusses how putting in ‘the work’ to understand our childhood story can help us to become more aware of our behavioural patterns. We discuss her book “Where did you learn to behave like that?”, a coaching guide focused on helping us to reflect and make peace with how our childhood experiences can shape our adult selves. Sarah and I both share how we came to terms with our own childhood stories and discuss why doing so has helped to illuminate our lives today, despite it being a challenging process. Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sarah-hill-9bb80457/ Website: https://dialogix.co.uk/ Books: Dare to… The Childhood Story Journal Where Did You Learn to Behave Like That? The Tao of Dialogue Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Creating Peace through Compassion with Steve Hargreaves

Today, I’m joined by Steve Hargreaves. Steve is an award-winning Executive Coach and Mentor, Author, of ‘The Compassionate Leader’s Playbook’, and the Founder and Director of The Compassionate Leadership Company - a coaching, culture, and leadership development company which specialises in helping organisations and their leaders to inspire, craft and sustain high performing, emotionally healthy, compassionate workplaces where everyone can thrive, achieve and stay well. In this episode, Steve shares his journey into compassionate leadership. We explore the importance of empathy and compassion in leadership roles, the necessity of creating a culture where individuals feel safe to speak up, and the challenges leaders face in navigating difficult conversations. Steve shares personal experiences that shaped his understanding of compassion and its impact on workplace dynamics, emphasising the need for leaders to engage in meaningful conversations to create a supportive environment. We discuss the importance of having difficult conversations with compassion, the necessity of clarity in leadership roles, and the role of self-compassion in sustaining effective leadership. Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-hargreaves-5b82b133/ Website: https://www.thecompassionateleadership.company/ Book: https://www.thecompassionateleadership.company/get-the-book Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Introducing Peace is a Choice with Sophie Milliken

Welcome to Peace is a Choice. A podcast where we explore the power of consciously cultivating inner peace and how it shapes the quality of our lives. We all have the ability to become more aware of who we are and why we feel the way we do. And when we do, we unlock the potential to transform our reality. In each episode, we'll sit down with guests to hear their personal stories; how they’ve faced challenges, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve found ways to experience and share more peace. We’ll also dive into the world of purposeful work, featuring those who are actively spreading peace and acceptance around the globe. In this very first episode, the tables have turned: I’m joined by fellow female entrepreneur, Sophie Milliken. Sophie is the founder and CEO of Moja Group, a company that helps entrepreneurs and senior executives amplify their personal brands and become recognised leaders in their industries. She’s a multi-award-winning businesswoman, a proud mum, and a dedicated advocate for the North East. Sophie supports Northern Power Women, co-founded City Ladies Networking, and serves as Chair of Smart Works Newcastle, a charity helping unemployed women with interview clothing and coaching. In today’s episode, Sophie will be interviewing me to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come in the upcoming season of Peace is a Choice. Connect with Sophie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken/ Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wallace-cs/ Website: https://www.natashawallace.com/

Peace is a Choice Trailer

Welcome to Peace is a Choice. A podcast where we explore the power of consciously cultivating inner peace and how it shapes the quality of our lives. I’m Natasha Wallace, a conscious leadership expert, executive coach, speaker, and author. I’m on a mission to help 100 million people to thrive through a conscious and peaceful approach to leadership and living. We all have the ability to become more aware of who we are and why we feel the way we do. And when we do, we unlock the potential to transform our reality. It’s not always easy—it takes practice, self-awareness, courage, and sometimes a fresh perspective. But making the choice to seek peace opens the door to a more fulfilling and harmonious life – and the potential to make a bigger difference in the world. In each episode, we'll sit down with guests to hear their personal stories—how they’ve faced challenges, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve found ways to experience and share more peace. We’ll also dive into the world of purposeful work, featuring those who are actively spreading peace and acceptance around the globe. Our conversations are relaxed and insightful, offering practical takeaways to help guide you toward greater calm, a better quality of life, and the positive impact you can make in the world.

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