Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur.

In this episode, we explore ADHD, business, creativity, AI, education, philosophy, children’s futures, writing, and why one-size-fits-all thinking simply does not work. From naming her childhood teddies after philosophers to building a publishing business, Ameesha shares a refreshingly honest view on how different minds work, why books still matter, and whether AI is helping us think better — or helping us avoid thinking altogether.

Key takeaways

* ADHD can be both a creative advantage and a practical challenge.

* Self-awareness matters more than forcing yourself into broken systems.

* One-size-fits-all education does not serve every child.

* AI can be a sparring partner, not a replacement for thinking.

* Books still have the power to pass wisdom between generations.

* Entrepreneurship is rarely linear — sometimes you build by saying yes.

* Writing can help turn ideas into impact.

Keywords

Ameesha Green, ADHD, neurodivergence, AI, creativity, philosophy, books, publishing, entrepreneurship, The Book Shelf, book shepherd, education, children’s future, critical thinking, Stoicism, business ownership, self-awareness, Wit + Grit.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Neurodivergence in Business

02:46 The Role of Stoicism in Entrepreneurship

05:03 Philosophy and Its Impact on Decision Making

07:35 The Importance of Open Conversations with Kids

10:33 Political Engagement and Community Involvement

13:18 The Power of Books to Change Lives

16:17 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Children's Books

25:33 A Meandering Journey to Business

28:56 Transitioning to Hybrid Publishing

30:49 Learning from Authors and Their Stories

33:03 Navigating Challenges as a Business Owner

36:03 The Importance of Side Hustles

38:10 Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

39:31 The Role of AI in Publishing

42:00 The Benefits of Writing

45:05 Reflections on Personal Growth

46:21 Wit and Grit in Business

Former police officer Hannah Bailey spent years working in high-pressure frontline roles, telling everyone she was fine while quietly carrying trauma, stress and undiagnosed PTSD.

In this powerful episode, Hannah shares how a cancer diagnosis brought unexpected relief because it meant she no longer had to go back to work, why real resilience is not the same as silence, and how she rebuilt her life through treatment, therapy, humour and a completely new understanding of wellbeing.

This is a conversation about trauma, workplace culture, cancer, PTSD, leadership, laughter, and what it really means to be well long term.

Key takeaways

* Looking “fine” on paper can hide deep emotional and mental exhaustion.

* High-pressure cultures can train people to stay silent until they break.

* Real resilience is not invincibility; it is knowing when to ask for help.

* Leaders need to notice changes in people, not just performance.

* Humour and connection can help the brain feel safe again.

* Wellbeing support must be proactive, genuine and led from the top.

Keywords

Mental health, PTSD, trauma, policing, cancer survivor, resilience, workplace wellbeing, burnout, leadership, psychological safety, therapy, BWRT, Blue Light Wellbeing, stress, high-pressure work, police officer, emotional health, workplace culture.

Chapters List

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey

00:20 The Relief of a Cancer Diagnosis

01:52 The Impact of Workplace Culture on Mental Health

04:21 The Struggles of a Police Officer

06:33 The Identity Crisis of a Police Officer

09:22 The Journey Through Cancer Treatment

11:47 The Role of Support Systems

14:06 Finding Hope in Alternative Treatments

16:51 The Power of Mindset and Resilience

19:00 The Importance of Long-term Wellbeing

24:39 Healing Through BWRT: A Personal Journey

29:14 Understanding Trauma: The Role of the Amygdala and Hippocampus

34:10 The State of Mental Health in Organisations

36:19 Recognising Symptoms of Mental Health Issues

42:12 Addressing Concerns: How to Approach Colleagues

45:23 Wit and Grit: The Power of Humour and Resilience

The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared.

In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Brookes and Liv Roden from Aston University to unpack what it’s really like to be a student right now, and what employers might be getting wrong.

We explore the growing gap between education and employment, why “entry-level” roles now expect experience, and how students can stand out in a world of AI-generated CVs and identical applications.

From “power skills” and emotional intelligence to hiring for potential over perfection, this is a practical, honest conversation about the future of work - and how both students and employers need to adapt.

If you’ve got kids heading into the world of work, or you’re hiring the next generation, this one matters.

Key Takeaways

The graduate market is tougher than ever — but opportunity still exists

Differentiation is everything (and it’s not just about grades)

Employers should hire for potential, not just experience

AI is changing entry-level work, but human skills matter more than ever

“Power skills” (leadership, AI, innovation, emotional intelligence) are the real advantage

Students aren’t lazy - they’re navigating a completely different world

Your personality, passion, and story are what set you apart

Themes

• Future of work

• Early careers / graduate market

• AI & employability

• Emotional intelligence

• Identity & confidence

• Social mobility

• Hiring & leadership

Keywords

graduate jobs, early careers, Aston University, employability, Gen Z workforce, hiring graduates, AI in recruitment, power skills, soft skills, student careers, internships UK, graduate market UK, career advice, emotional intelligence at work, leadership skills, entry level jobs UK

Chapters

00:00 Meet the Employer Engagement Officers

01:40 Current Student Experience and Market Challenges

05:44 Understanding the Role of Employer Engagement Officers

08:56 Career Journeys of Kristie and Olivia

13:48 Aston University: Opportunities and Offerings

16:45 Power Skills and Student Preparedness

20:02 Perceptions of Young People in the Workforce

21:50 Emotional Intelligence in the Job Market

24:57 Demonstrating Passion and Personality

28:55 The Value of University Experience

33:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Career Paths