Beautiful Mess

Hosted by Isabel Pollen

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to ”Beautiful Mess,” a unique podcast that serves as a junction where entrepreneurship, personal development, and mental health and well-being conversations converge. This show is a celebration of the transformative power of life’s beautiful chaos, hosted by the astute Isabel Pollen. With a rich background in Theatre/Film and as a seasoned coach, Isabel brings a wealth of insights to the table. ”Beautiful Mess” is more than just a podcast; it’s a journey through the complex tapestry of personal and professional growth. Isabel masterfully intertwines her myriad talents into the show, guiding you through awe-inspiring tales with entrepreneurs, personal development coaches, mental health and wellness advocates, and parents who’ve spun their chaotic moments into beautiful narratives of resilience. The focus here isn’t merely on success stories but on the principles of kindness, integrity, gratitude, and curiosity. It’s about honoring the pursuit of purpose and meaning in every facet of life, from business to parenting. Whether you’re an entrepreneur carving your path, a parent navigating family life, or a solopreneur seeking balance, ”Beautiful Mess” is your steadfast companion. This show invites you to engage in profound conversations that honor the journey of creating, leading, thriving, and evolving as individuals and professionals. By subscribing to ”Beautiful Mess,” you gain access to inspiring narratives, expert insights, and practical tips that embody the values of kindness, boundaries, integrity, gratitude, and curiosity. Dive into this beautiful mess with us, and discover the profound beauty that unfolds when we navigate life’s challenges with intention and authenticity.

Listen to episodes

35 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 4123 min

EP35 Vanesa Pazos "...we're backing businesses that are doing things differently...I'm very ambitious, but I'm ambitious for the things I don't know..."

I've known Vanesa for just over a year...and I'm so grateful for every day we've shared since. I'm also very proud to be a founding voice of her community "EmpowerHer" and I'm also now partnering with her incredible organisation NoBa Capital. Co-founded with Kevin Fuller. I LOVED our conversation!! Vanesa is the Founding Partner of NoBa Capital, an early-stage venture firm backing founders who are reshaping how we live and work. From AI-driven workforce platforms to tools for wellbeing and inclusion, NoBa invest in ideas that are global from day one — and support founders hands-on as operators who’ve built, scaled, and learned themselves. What defines Vanesa professionally: 💡 Entrepreneurial drive - having founded and grown businesses, I know the grit it takes. 🤝 Community building - whether through NoBa Connect, Elevate, or EmpowerHER, Vanesa believes in creating platforms where people can collaborate, learn, and belong. 📈 Backing women and underrepresented founders - ensuring capital, networks, and opportunities reach those too often overlooked. 🌍 Long-term vision - building ventures and communities that outlast us, leaving real impact. Vanesa's values:freedom and trust - they guide every decision she makes. Linkedin

April 21, 2026Episode 3830 min

EP34 Kelly Swingler "...it was the death of my replacement after my second burnout that really began to include burnout as part of my work..."

Loved this conversation with Kelly!! Although a few months have passed since we recoreded (I hold myself completley accountable for the gap!)...this topic is live and kicking throughout generations of work places and the people within them...Kelly is in demand! Kelly Swingler has an amazing story to share and I was so excited to have her share it on "Beautiful Mess"... As Kelly herself says, "I'm daring to imagine a world of work where Burnout is no longer a badge of honour. Where leaders actually lead - without sacrificing themselves. Where coaches are Burnout Aware and Trauma Informed. And where success is measured by impact, not exhaustion. My work in the field of Burnout and Burnoutology isn’t a trend. This is the future". Linkedin

April 6, 2026Episode 4022 min

EP33: Ruth Tuthill "...I think it's probably the permission to be human...the permission that we're not all polished, that we're not all perfect...that yes I am dyslexic..."

This conversation with Ruth is such an inspirational insight into what can happen when we build our work out of our intrinsic sense of purpose whilst giving others that very "human permission" to change too. (we're also both passionate marathon runneres!) With over a decade of dedicated experience in education and wellbeing, Ruth has honed her expertise in crafting and leading initiatives that promote holistic health. As the Founder and Director of Looking After Me, Ruth's mission resonates with the organisation's ethos of nurturing individual wellness. Ruth's work is driven by a commitment to innovation in health education, ensuring her strategies align with her culture of care and empowerment. At Looking After Me, Ruth has been pioneering wellness programs since January 2022, leveraging her background in nutrition and sports science. Her role encompasses designing and implementing comprehensive wellbeing curricula, drawing on her previous experience. Her team's approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, aiming to transform lives through personalised support and education. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed creating it! Linkedin Looking After Me

April 3, 2026Episode 3917 min

EP32 Peter Markey ”...so I think the story is about new models of marketing, with the right technology...but all built on the same foundations”.

Pete Markey's stats are extremely impressive!! Pete is a results driven commercial leader responsible for driving 17 quarters of consecutive market share growth, a +3m increase in the loyalty base and a 10 fold profit increase in retail media. Drove a 30% improvement in profit ROI to over £2.50 for every pound spent. Winner of five Marketer of the Year awards, two marketing team of the year awards, three diversity champion awards, an Honorary Doctorate from Solent University and a Fellow of The Marketing Academy, CIM and The Marketing Society. Pete is also an amazing leader and class A human! Having the opportunity to share a "Beautiful Mess" conversation with Pete was such a highlight for me...I hope you enjoy tuning in.  So many gems here...   Linkedin

March 29, 2026Episode 3725 min

EP31 James Gamble ”...and I love story, and I love narrative...and those types of things have always captivated me...”

This conversation was such a privelege to host. Most moments are a mic drop!  James is an exceptional leader and there is so much incredible insight in all he shares. Namely the "51%" belief...this alone is AMAZING!  I'm very grateful to the team at Campfire for introducing me to Digistream, and so... to James Gamble and his legacy as a leader.   Tune in and enjoy! (ps. Please invite James to more podcasts ...he is a dream guest!!)  James Gamble

December 24, 2025Episode 3628 min

EP30 Robert Paylor "...and I can't breathe and I can't eat and it's 3am and a doctor is asking to come and slam me on my chest ..."

I cannot think of a better episode to release to the world for Christmas 2025...not only has Robert just become a dad!! ...he is one of the most inspriring, real and courageous humans I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with. This beautiful mess conversation speaks for itself ... catasrophic injury, faith, recovery, the power of mindset, the relationships in our lives that lift us up and day by day relentless dertermination and beyond incredible spirit to move forsward. Robert's website Robert's book Linkedin

December 22, 2025Episode 3418 min

EP28 Michelle Hartley "...essentially I feel like 'beautiful mess' is just my life..."

Michelle is on a mission to be the HR person she never had and use her experience to transform HR teams from beige to brilliant. She believes in HR with a passion, and wants to share that passion with the world in the form of coaching and mentoring, and human resources training. I loved our conversation, and learnt so much about her passion for HR, her experience of how critical it is to have fun at work, her deep learning from her experience of burn out ...and her drive to make a difference. Enjoy!! Website Linkedin

October 20, 2025Episode 3321 min

EP27 Emily Craig OLY MBE "...trying to find my new normal ...and trying to find out how much I can tolerate ...and find out how much I want to tolerate".

Emily first discovered rowing through the British Indoor Rowing Championships at the age of 12. After winning a silver medal she decided to go to her local rowing club, Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, and almost immediately set her sights on competing at the Olympics one day. Emily first represented GB at the U23 World Championships in 2013 whilst studying History of Art, winning bronze in the lightweight quadruple sculls. After completing a Masters in East Asian Art in 2015, Emily joined the senior GB Rowing Team full time. She made her Olympic debut at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games in the lightweight women’s double sculls, setting a World Best Time in the heats but missing the podium in an agonising 0.01 second photo finish, the picture of which has been on her wall as a driving force ever since. Already a three times World Champion and two times European Champion, Emily became Olympic Champion at Paris 2024, in the Lightweight Women’s double sculls with Imogen Grant. I am extremely excited to share this conversation with the world and so grateful to Emily for giving me her time to share these phenomenal insights into her Olympic amd every day mindset. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-craig-oly-mbe-890421223?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

September 3, 2025Episode 3219 min

EP26 Phil Wilkinson ..."Sport has the power to change the world..."

Phil Wilkinson and I only met for the first time two months ago. Phil is a highly talented and dedicated global PR and communications professional and mental fitness coach. As Head of PR and Communications at World Rugby for the past seven years, Phil was responsible for implementing and driving World Rugby’s communications strategy, as the sport seeks to continue its successful growth and inspire a new generation of fans. He has worked across external and internal communications, events and fan-engagement in a leading Olympic sport with a global fanbase of over 800 million. Wilkinson was previously employed by the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, where, as International Media Manager, he led the development and execution of an international communications strategy to engage a global audience of over four billion.  Previous to these roles, he's had highly influential and senior roles within the world of international sport. Our conversation just fizzed along!!   I loved hearing Phil's perspective on beautiful mess his own experience with mental health and his passion about empowering others with this same deeper level of awareness around mental fitness. Enjoy, share and tell us what you loved!

August 12, 2025Episode 2929 min

EP25 Aoife O'Brien..."hard as it was at the time to accept what was going on...it is what has spurred me on to do what I'm doing now..."

Aiofe O'Brien is the founder and host of the award winning "Happier at Work" podcast. I have so much to learn from Aiofe and tuning into her podcast is one of my treats when travelling or needing to plug into something that This conversation offers so much about what inspired her to do the work she's continuing to create. This story is an amazing example of a "beautiful mess" and Aiofe loves the analogy! I loved our conversation and cannot wait for you to hear it too!! Linkedin