At just 25 years old, Tate Smith (he/him) has recently launched his new business as a professional public speaker, Tate Smith Consulting Limited, and become a Company Director. This achievement has been in parallel with Tate's transition, which he began 5 years ago... and it all started with a simple lunch & learn talk at this workplace!

Tate is an incredibly insightful, talented and wise speaker and he covers a broad variety of topics from LGBTQ+ equality, transitioning in the workplace, his experience of the menopause, gender inclusive language and male privilege. He also consults with businesses & organisations on trans & gender inclusion policies. Keeping it simple and using his lived experience are two of his key principles. Combined with his drive & enthusiasm, Tate's future is looking bright and it's refreshing to hear someone own their success the way he does.

But it hasn't been easy. Little Tate was a lively, Disney-loving kid with a love of dressing up & imagination. Tate shares how growing up in a working class household in Essex with little money or encouragement, he felt he didn't fit in and wanted a different life. And despite setbacks with grades, he worked hard, took risks and pursued opportunities to get to where, and who, he is now.

All of this truly embodies the three words Tate uses to describe his origin story: Determination. Troubled. Excitement. The latter is very much how he's feeling at this moment in time thanks to his impressive determined attitude and harnessing the more challenging moments. This is such an inspiring listen... enjoy and hit Tate up if you're looking for a wonderful speaker!

"I choose me." These three simple words really hit me during this whirlwind episode of 'Pause. And Rewind..." with this bloody wonderful guest!

Thea Bardot (they/she) is the Founder of Lightning Travel Recruitment, a travel & lifestyle recruitment consultancy that proudly does things differently to your standard & - let's say it - boring ones. With powerful messaging including 'We treat people like humans' and 'We actually give a sh*t', it's bold, unique & authentic. And that's Thea to a tee.

Harnessing these traits along with sass & humour, Thea uses their lived experience & professional insights to educate people on many issues from queerness, trans+ & non-binary life through to neurodivergence, accessibility, gender equality, menopause, recruitment processes, best practice & more. They're a LinkedInfluencer don't ya know! Officially a Top Voice receiving well-deserved appreciation & recognition for what they're putting out there.

But it hasn't all been smooth sailing to get to where Thea is today and we'd both like to add a trigger warning to this episode as it contains discussions around suicide, mental health, family issues & life struggles generally.

Thea's origin story is something they sum up in these three words: Traumatic. Chaotic. Survivor. From bullying at school, a problematic home life & relationship with their parents though to a heavy focus on the need to success & striving to be themselves, when Thea says 'I choose me", I felt that deeply. We also dive into the importance of chosen family & storytelling, the surprise of getting their LinkedIn blue tick, internet friendships & their gender journey. Plus much more....

Again, take care of yourself whilst listening to this episode & enjoy all the fun, mutual love & sharing contained.

"My name is Calvin & I'm a nurse". It this guest's standard introduction that says so much about him.

Professor Calvin Moorley (he/him) is a Professor of Diversity & Social Justice at London South Bank University which is where we met. As a former colleague & very much a friend, Calvin has been fundamental in my journey of allyship, education & awareness - as he has been with so many other people.

We know each other well so I was excited to delve into his origin story to get to know him even better and it was such a joy, especially to hear about 'little Calvin' and migrant story. But growing up as a gay kid in Trinidad - a place where being LGBTQ+ isn't easy - has meant that Calvin has had to navigate cultural acceptance & sensitivities, religion & family expectations. Something we explore that Calvin has reconciled to find peace as well as belonging in London, which is very much home with his amazing husband Nick.

Calvin describes his origin story with the words 'Fighter, Caring & Smiley'. And he has all of these in bucket loads, particularly when it comes to advocating for nursing & midwifery professionals from marginalised backgrounds. We also explore the importance & influence of the women in our lives & gender equality - a mutual passion. Take care whilst listening and enjoy this brilliant conversation with this absolute legend!