HEARTFELT Conversations with JAX

What an honour I had by being able to interview Paddy Upton. Much like Kyle Hermans, he travels the world extensively as the need for his expertise is in such huge global demand.

Best known as one of the world’s leading physical and mental conditioning coaches, Paddy has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, including the Indian cricket team that won the 2011 World Cup.

With four degrees and two masters in mental coaching, Paddy is now on a mission to help parents better understand and connect with their children.

Over the past 15 years, he has tirelessly researched what he believes is a major gap in how parents’ guide children through their primary and secondary school years.

Working together with kids, parents and their academic teachers and sports coaches, Paddy simply wants kids to thrive and be loved for their own unique talents.

Paddy Upton has authored a comprehensive and easy to read book about the first 25 years of his professional life called THE BAREFOOT COACH.

And – yes - An eventful and meaningful life it has been.

In this open and honest conversation, Paddy shares the five critical mistakes he believes many parents are making. If you have children under the age of 18, this is an episode well worth listening to.

 

Contact Paddy at www.paddyupton.com

Having experienced the horrors of anxiety, both mild all the way to what we term panic attacks, I just try to unpack what is understood by society and what we could do with it...or do about it.

All my kids still suffer through it fairly regularly and they all encounter and manage it in different ways. From anxiety to use the phone all the way to compulsive disorders and substance abuses that evolve through constant bouts of anxiety, we have experienced it all

As always, these are my thoughts verbalised, so please consult a professional if you feel that any symptoms are severely effecting your daily life.

BE COURAGEOUS was founded by Kyle and Jenna Hermans in 2017 as a global, digital-first business consultancy Kyle himself is an influential figure in global business, innovation, design thinking, and leadership.

I have known Kyle for almost 40 years and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity he has given us to get to the core of his belief. Kyle has overcome so much in his life and to see him as a global influencer, life coach to top executives and loving husband and father.

Kyle, Jenna and their kids live in California, U.S.A, however this interview was recorded while he was attending a corporate conference in NYC.

Get hold of Kyle below... https://bcrgs.com/ - IG: @kylehermans - Email address: kyle.hermans@oxfordleadership.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehermans/

It is now time to get back to the basics and remind ourselves of the impact that humane and God inspired thoughts and ideas can do for our mental well being.
In this episode of Heartfelt, we get to the truth from this renowned author and dermatologist, based in New Yordk.
We explore his background and the inspiration behind his book, The King’s Race.
While presented as a children’s book, it reveals layered, meaningful as well as critical and often forgotten life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages. We also unpack the hidden messages found in Spot’s adventures.
We hope you enjoy the discussion and consider purchasing this short but impactful book, available on Amazon.

Anthony and I have been parents since 2003, and the journey has been far from easy.

In this episode, I ask him to reflect on the most valuable mistakes and lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Parenting has always been a team effort, and while leading that team has brought its own challenges, I’m deeply aware of how much harder it can be for single mothers without a father figure present for their children.

 Our marriage has faced real strain after welcoming our three children, but with strong support we were able to mend those cracks—and ultimately grow closer as we celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in 2026.

The key takeaway is simple: don’t parent the way you were parented.

The world has changed, and your children face different challenges than you did. Take the time to truly know and understand each child—they need you, and you need them.

Even if “happily ever after” is a myth, aim to be a parent who is also a mentor, guide, and trusted friend to each child.