Wit + Grit
Wit + Grit
Podcast Description
We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson - two dads, two mates, and two fellas who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media.
Between us, we've made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in.
That’s why we started Wit + Grit - a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection.
This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google.
Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen.
We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions.
How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet?
How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world?
What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond?
Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook.
🎧 Segments include:
“Stuff You Can’t Google” - Real-world lessons that only experience (or failure) teaches you.
“The Infinite Workday” - Honest chats about burnout, boundaries, and life beyond the 9 to 5.
“Wit Picks” - Quick-fire recommendations from our guests on books, habits, tools or people that’ve made a difference.
“What We Wish We Knew” – Our guests reflect on what they’d tell their 18-year-old selves.
If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise - this one’s for you.
Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter - with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon.
🧠 Connect with us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/
LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson
This isn’t just a podcast.
It’s a movement to bring back the human stuff - the wit, the grit, and the graft - in a world obsessed with speed and shortcuts.
Let’s get into it.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes related to emotional intelligence, resilience, and the skills essential for navigating a rapidly changing world. Episodes delve into topics like the challenges of raising children in a digital age, the impact of AI on the workplace, and personal experiences addressing issues such as burnout and interpersonal communication, with examples like conversations on organizational ethics and strategies for preparing kids for future jobs.
We’re PJ Ellis and Andy Dawson – two dads, two mates, who’ve spent our lives working across business, law, education, charity, and media.
Between us, we’ve made a lot of mistakes, asked a lot of questions, and raised kids who are about to walk into a world of work that’s nothing like the one we grew up in.
That’s why we started Wit + Grit – a space for real, human conversations about what it takes to thrive in a world full of AI, constant pressure, and curated perfection.
This podcast is about the skills you can’t Google.
Things like confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, how to fail well, how to bounce back, how to speak up, and how to listen.
We’re not here to give perfect advice. We’re here to ask better questions.
How do we prepare our kids for jobs that don’t exist yet?
How do we connect generations in a divided, digital world?
What makes someone truly employable in 2025 and beyond?
Each episode, we’ll chat with educators, grads, parents, leaders, misfits, mentors, and all-round brilliant people who’ve lived through the stuff that doesn’t come with a textbook.
If you’re a parent, a young person starting out, an old-head or experienced leader, or just someone trying to figure out how to be more human in a world full of noise – this one’s for you.
Follow us, subscribe, and let’s have the conversations that matter – with a bit of humour, a lot of honesty, and absolutely no corporate jargon.
You can connect with us at:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/107731497/
LinkedIn: PJ Ellis & Andy Dawson
Let’s get into it.
In this episode, Ben Williams shares his journey from a Royal Marines commando to a resilience coach, discussing the importance of resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
He reflects on his experiences in the military, his transition to civilian life, and his work with the England football team.
Ben emphasises the value of humour and grit in overcoming adversity and finding purpose.
Takeaways
- Resilience is built through challenging experiences.
- Leadership involves values-based decision-making.
- Personal growth often requires overcoming adversity.
- Humour can be a powerful tool in difficult times.
- Finding purpose is key to personal fulfillment.
- Military experiences shape character and values.
- Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging.
- Coaching can help others find their path.
- Shared adversity strengthens bonds and relationships.
- Self-compassion is crucial for mental health.
Keywords
Ben Williams, resilience, leadership, personal growth, Royal Marines, coaching, England football team, humour
Sound bites
“Resilience is an obvious one, isn’t it?”
“You leave as a boy and come back as a man.”
“Humour can be a powerful tool.”
“Finding purpose is key to fulfilment.”
“Shared adversity strengthens bonds.”
“Self-compassion is crucial for mental health.”
“Leadership involves values-based decision-making.”
“Coaching can help others find their path.”
“Military experiences shape character.”
“Transitioning to civilian life can be challenging.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben Williams’ Journey
11:30 The Impact of Military Service on Personal Growth
21:08 The Importance of Service and Belonging
21:59 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
26:17 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Leadership
27:46 The Transition from Military to Coaching
34:26 Shared Experiences: Lessons from the England Football Team
42:44 Bravery and Vulnerability: The Journey of Self-Discovery
48:42 Finding Purpose: Balancing Work and Personal Life
55:00 Introduction and Coaching Insights
Disclaimer
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