What do you want to be remembered by?

We’re often in awe of people who campaign for a cause. People who will leave this world having made a positive impact on those of us that remain.

If you’ve been following the Unmuted podcast series, you may have noticed that my guests are all people with a passion for an important cause. 

They’re improving care services, redefining politics and power, creating personal empowerment and breaking generational trauma. 

They all live with a strong sense of purpose. And they all talk about one thing above taking action - they talk about feeling. How invoking emotion and using emotional intelligence can be the greatest driver for action and understanding.

My guests are, like many change-makers, lone wolves, willing to stick their necks out and risk taking hits. It can be lonely; they’re cheered by onlookers but rarely joined.

David Wilson Wynne joined me in the Unmuted studio

Their outspoken passion can leave them open to critics, gaslighters, and keyboard warriors. It’s all part of the territory. It also takes resilience and bravery.

They fight with limited resources, against red tape and glass ceilings, championing often for people whose voices go unheard, on topics that affect us all. And often, they do this alone for a long time and for very little financial reward.

It takes quite some human indeed, to be a change-maker.

What happens then, if we choose to stand alongside them? This is how movements start and legacies are created.

I find it interesting that so many of the stories I hear from them include trauma later in life, leading to life-changing decisions.

Leaving jobs.

Changing values and behaviours.

Campaigning.

Finding themselves.

Being Curious.

Being grateful.

Cessation of chasing wealth and material goods.

Finding a God or higher power.

Finding a philosophy.

Sharing knowledge.

Writing a book.

A desire to leave their footprint on the world.

Unmuted guest Benjamin Perks and his book Trauma Proof

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the idea of legacy.

Some incredibly brave people, my guests amongst them, dedicate their entire lives to their cause. What happens when they can no longer campaign? Who do they pass the baton on to? Some have successors lined up, others don’t. 

There are two things to consider. First, if you’re a beloved campaigner, have a legacy plan. What will the future look like when you’re no longer leading? Who are your trusted captains and ambassadors? Who’s got your back? For your own sake, start delegating now, with both eyes on your health and happiness.

Second, if you admire someone whose beliefs and values align with yours, join them. Stop cheering from the terraces and get on the pitch.

If you're still in need of inspiration, here are some of the best quotes from my recent guests - whom of course, you can hear in full on the podcasts page of this website.

“We are all more feeling beings, than thinking beings”

Professor David Sheard – Professor of Emotional Intelligence in Care (and SO much more)

“Human beings are wired for connection and that’s what gives us health and happiness”

Dr Suzanne Zeedyk – Research Scientist (and SO much more)

 “If you look at culture wars in the UK, everybody’s speaking, but none of these people have changed anything in the world”

Benjamin Perks – Global Children’s Rights Advocate (and SO much more)

“Love is a big deal”

Marie Weir – Legendary International Hockey Coach (and SO much more)

“How do you not lose to the best chess player in the world at chess? I said don’t play the game” 

Carl Cashman - Leader of the Lib Dems in Liverpool (and SO much more)

I very rarely get women come to me who just want to go I love myself, I love my body and I want to celebrate it. I really wish that was the norm. It’s not.”

Victoria Baptiste- Body Positive Photographer (and SO much more)

“Nobody seems to realise that the social care function is pivotal to the success of the NHS”

Ron Taylor – Managing Director Parklands Care Homes (and SO much more)

“There are people that spend decades praying for the privilege of becoming a parent and we’re going to delegate that task to Peppa bleeding  Pig?”

Ellis Watson – (Very) Senior Media Executive (and SO much more)

“You can only make two choices in life, sink or swim”

Professor Scott Brady – Entrepreneur (and SO much more)