
62 segments available
This weeks episode entitled 'Mary Portas: How To Stop Living A Life That Isn't True To You' topics: 0:00 Intro 3:24 Your early years 14:26 Your most painful moments 25:30 Remote working 37:15 Losing myself in the madness 48:22 Labelling your sexuality 51:05 Listing to your intuition 53:48 Advice for the younger generation 59:43 So you don’t get excited either? 01:06:37 Making businesses kinder 01:13:54 What does it mean for businesses to be kinder? 01:18:15 Meditation 01:19:52 Have you struggled with relationships because of business? Mary’s book - Rebuild: How to thrive in the new Kindness Economy - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08V85WGNK Mary: https://twitter.com/maryportas https://www.instagram.com/maryportasofficial/ Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-by-steven-bartlett/id1291423644 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-bartlett-56986834/ Sponsor: https://uk.huel.com/ https://fiverr.com/ceo
Mary Portas reflects on her life filled with achievements and the feeling of losing herself amidst the chaos. She discusses the blind consumerism that has harmed the planet and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in living a fulfilling life.
"i like a really good life and i have a very good life i knew i was a bit different as well though you know you felt different i did feel different i was doing tv shows radio shows i had my own collect..."
Mary shares insights from her childhood, growing up as one of five siblings in a mixed-religion family. She discusses how her upbringing shaped her identity and the feeling of not being special, which led her to seek attention through mischief and pranks.
"through public scrutiny in the press she has emerged as an incredibly outspoken honest humble intellectually challenging and stimulating humorous inspiration leader entrepreneur and public figure i la..."
Mary recounts the sudden death of her mother when she was 16, describing her mother as the center of her world. This loss forced her to mature quickly and take on responsibilities that altered her family dynamics and personal identity.
"probably is the case um i was one of five kids but i was the fourth out of five um and uh we were my parents were irish had come over in their late 50s from ireland my father was a protestant my mothe..."
Mary discusses her experience with grief after losing her mother and later her father. She reflects on how she managed her emotions and responsibilities during these challenging times, revealing the long-lasting effects of unprocessed grief.
"of um encephalitis when i was 16. and she was the center of you know the world and um just by the the place where i was in the family my eldest siblings my elder brother michael was at university and ..."
Mary explores how her unprocessed grief manifested as anger and a quick temper. She shares her journey towards understanding her deeper sensitivities and the importance of emotional acceptance through practices like meditation.
"had this huge void of independence i became super naughty breaking into my school yeah all sorts of stuff i set far to mine that was by accident i thought i could do a little bonfire on the wooden ste..."
Mary reflects on her relationships, particularly the challenges of navigating family dynamics after her father's remarriage. She discusses the emotional toll of these experiences and her perspective on forgiveness and acceptance.
"to the new wife of nine months so we were all out on our own really after that and that i think i look back now i look back now and i didn't look back for a long while didn't look back at all but i lo..."
Mary emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in her life. She discusses how her public persona often masked her true self and the journey to embrace her softer side while navigating the pressures of success.
"how did that impact you um thereafter and also not processing that grief well i think i had a lot of anger yeah i mean my temper was very quick i don't have that now i've done a lot of work on it it's..."
Mary shares her thoughts on resentment and regret, particularly regarding her father's second marriage. She expresses a sense of peace with her past and highlights the extraordinary nature of her life's journey despite the pain.
"part of my success you know being quick-witted i mean fiery doing things fast which is you know being a part of my work but i think i didn't ever discover the deeper sensitivities and there were times..."
Mary reflects on the most painful moments of her life, particularly the loss of her mother and the emotional struggles that followed. She describes the heaviness of grief and how it shaped her perspective on life and relationships.
"family home that he built are you still resentful about that yeah no were you at the time no that's another thing i don't feel resent i don't know all we wanted was for dad to be buried with mum becau..."
Mary Portas shares insights on how pain and suffering are integral to the human experience. Drawing from Rumi's teachings, she discusses the concept of 'bruises' as a means of personal growth and resilience. This segment encourages listeners to confront their pain rather than avoid it, highlighting the transformative power of grief.
"pain deep inside you um and both separations i've been you know uh in two big relationships where i've been married and that that when you split up a family and i'm a family person when you have to si..."
Mary reflects on coping mechanisms for unexpected grief, whether from personal loss or professional setbacks. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging grief and allowing it to flow through the body, rather than suppressing it. This segment offers valuable insights into navigating life's uncertainties and the healing process.
"sufi perk roaming the bruises and how we learn from those bruises tell me about that well he's just one of my great i've discovered him um a 13th century sufi mystic and he talks about the bruises tha..."
In this segment, Mary discusses the wisdom of accepting that 'this too shall pass.' She shares how philosophical teachings have helped her find resolve during difficult times, particularly during the pandemic. This segment highlights the importance of connecting with one's inner self and the strength that comes from acceptance.
"the best or only approach well there is the wonderful line of this too shall pass and it does [Music] for me i have found great great resolve from some of the great teachings and the philosophers who ..."
Mary emphasizes the significance of aligning with one's inner strength and essence. She discusses how disconnection from this inner truth can lead to stress and anxiety. This segment encourages listeners to reconnect with their true selves through practices like meditation and mindfulness, fostering resilience in the face of challenges.
"resource and so that for me has been and i've tried to guide my children on that and actually found that that has been i wish someone had done that a little bit more it was it was shrouded in religion..."
Mary shares her personal experience during the pandemic, detailing the shock of losing clients and the financial uncertainty that followed. She reflects on the feelings of fear and disappointment, but also the moments of joy found in family connections during lockdown. This segment illustrates the duality of hardship and gratitude in challenging times.
"had my back put out i've been laid low because it's in there so i've i've learned to do that i had you know first when covered hit it was shocking for me i mean all my clients in my business which has..."
In this segment, Mary discusses the unexpected joys that emerged during the pandemic, particularly the time spent with her children. She reflects on the importance of cherishing these moments and finding magic in everyday life, even amidst chaos. This segment serves as a reminder to appreciate the small joys during difficult times.
"there was a great interview i heard and i can't remember who it was and i can't remember i'd like to think but i remember he was a he was a a philosopher and he and he said we're talking about money a..."
Mary and Steven discuss the evolving landscape of work post-pandemic, particularly the debate around remote working. Mary expresses concerns about the mental health implications of remote work and the loss of community that comes with it. This segment highlights the need for businesses to prioritize employee well-being in the new normal.
"it always works you said during the pandemic you you felt it almost was as if you were saying you felt shame that you weren't good enough i wanted to get more detail on what you mean by that no what i..."
Mary emphasizes the value of human connection in the workplace, arguing against the complete shift to remote work. She shares her belief that the office environment fosters community and collaboration, which are essential for mental health. This segment advocates for a balanced approach to work that includes in-person interactions.
"bam like that like that oh my god what has happened here so i was a bit disappointed that i wasn't more you know arm baby really okay i was like sort of done a lot of work on myself but i got it back ..."
In this segment, Mary discusses the need to reinvent the traditional office space to better serve employees' needs. She reflects on her own office environment, which promotes flexibility and openness. This segment encourages businesses to create spaces that enhance well-being and foster genuine connections among employees.
"so if i and you you have in your agency you have pretty much all high street players right so i can't imagine and so i want to know when you say you were spiraling what does that mean uh well for exam..."
Mary shares her feelings of fear and uncertainty regarding financial stability during the pandemic. She reflects on her past successes and the sudden shift in her business landscape. This segment highlights the emotional challenges of navigating financial insecurity and the importance of resilience in overcoming such obstacles.
"i like sharing it out so i was never i've gone ahead i've got never that i like a lovely life and and so suddenly this was like that might not be the case and you are the young lad that you've got to ..."
Mary discusses her journey towards acceptance during the chaos of the pandemic. She reflects on the initial panic and uncertainty but ultimately finds solace in the moments spent with her family. This segment emphasizes the importance of embracing change and finding peace amidst life's unpredictability.
"this isn't going to happen again you know and there were times where they were just out in the grass playing around with us together and that's that's the magic you know that's the magic for that litt..."
Mary Portas discusses the critical role of community and connection in enhancing mental health and well-being in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for flexible, non-hierarchical office environments that foster genuine interactions among employees, contrasting them with traditional, rigid office structures.
"by a glass illuminated screen i worry and we have had people sat in the chair from mental health psychologists and all sorts and the the consistent theme for them has been if you can give someone comm..."
Portas reflects on the necessity of rethinking office spaces to prioritize mental health. She shares her experiences of creating an inviting office atmosphere that encourages laughter and connection, highlighting the detrimental effects of remote work on social interactions and overall well-being.
"and be reinvented but i wanted to get your take on that well i think you said it i think you know i think i think there's a lot of businesses jumping on the bandwagon thinking how can we you know save..."
In this segment, Mary Portas draws parallels between social interactions in urban environments and office settings. She references Jane Jacobs' insights on the importance of casual encounters and community connections, arguing that these interactions form a vital social infrastructure that enhances our humanity.
"where you listen to a podcast or you listen to a piece of music or you read something or you bump into someone on the street and say morning do you fancy your coffee yeah where's that gone out of our ..."
Portas advocates for a workplace culture that values human connection over mere productivity. She stresses the importance of creating environments that foster community and flexibility, arguing that businesses must adapt to meet the needs of younger generations seeking meaningful work experiences.
"same now i started in my office was saying you've got a baby you can bring it in bring dogs in this was like 10 years ago what you know we need to ease up and realize that we need more of this in our ..."
Mary Portas encourages younger generations to assert their power in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of community and connection in business, urging millennials and Gen Z to advocate for environments that prioritize their well-being and social interactions.
"government intervention i know tories don't want to intervene and it's a free market and all that crap transports one our high streets are one our national health service is another and the way we wor..."
In this segment, Portas discusses the evolving dynamics of the workplace, where employees are increasingly choosing where to work based on community and connection. She critiques superficial leadership approaches and emphasizes the need for genuine engagement and support within organizations.
"of um employees choosing where they want to spend their time and where they want to work and so my objective here isn't to so what i what i tend what i feel like i saw was these kind of fragile dare i..."
Mary Portas introduces the concept of the 'kindness economy,' advocating for businesses to prioritize humane practices and community building. She discusses the importance of fostering environments where employees can be themselves while maintaining strong ethical guidelines.
"figure that out and you'll go back but yeah and that's my [ __ ] yeah that's what i think i think it's a competition of like the anatomy i'm with you you know it's it's look you as i say you're young ..."
Portas highlights the risks of isolation associated with remote work, particularly for younger employees. She stresses the need for businesses to recognize the importance of social interactions and community, warning against the detrimental effects of sacrificing human connection for productivity.
"when you're in an office and you hear that and it's not difficult this stuff you know it's all about when you feel as confident as you do you're able to give up that control yeah that's what you're gi..."
In this powerful segment, Portas calls for a transformation in business practices to prioritize human connection and well-being. She reflects on the mistakes of previous generations and emphasizes the responsibility of the current generation to advocate for a more compassionate and connected workplace.
"socializing and even things like exercise and movement for increased productivity and um i think it's time to you know i do i think the government would be effective in intervening i mean oh i've give..."
Mary Portas reflects on her chaotic life filled with work, family, and public expectations, revealing how she lost herself amidst the demands of success. She shares her exhaustion and the societal pressure to maintain a perfect image, leading to a moment of self-realization during a yoga retreat.
"i just didn't get that joy you know i just was on this i was doing tv shows radio shows i had my own collection i had the business i had two kids it was it was crazy and and i was the nature i was the..."
During a transformative experience at a spa, Mary Portas encounters Eckhart Tolle's 'A New Earth,' which shifts her perspective on life. She discusses how this book helped her reconnect with her true self and sparked the beginning of her journey towards authenticity.
"to truly connect truly connect with me and i remember i went away um to some very expensive spa place where it was all on shanty and downward dogs and eating stuff and everyone's all this you know you..."
Mary discusses the dangers of living outwardly to please her ego and persona, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one's true spirit. She reflects on how societal expectations can lead to a loss of self and the realization that true joy comes from being authentic.
"wrong and that was a start of my journey it took many years i'm still you know getting still partly hybridizing that life i'm never going to sit in an ashram but i i discovered how to connect back tru..."
In this segment, Mary Portas and Steven Bartlett explore the journey of self-discovery and the struggle against societal pressures. They discuss how many people either abandon their true selves or feel despair in the process, highlighting the importance of embracing one's identity for true happiness.
"you believe all of that you talk about you thought you'd become a bit of a caricature oh for sure but i also milked that that was very profitable but you know i knew it was brand mary the red bob the ..."
Mary shares poignant insights on the regrets of the dying, emphasizing the importance of living a life true to oneself. She reflects on the societal pressures that lead individuals to suppress their true identities and the profound impact this has on their well-being.
"accept who you are yes i think you know the thing is it's you know it's knowing what the truth is it doesn't mean that we're not going to have on this we are truly connecting on a truth here i don't t..."
Mary discusses her approach to parenting and education, encouraging her children to pursue their truths rather than conforming to societal expectations. She shares a personal story about her daughter's desire to follow her passion instead of chasing financial success.
"and there are times when you have to be as i say performative and be i'm mary portas you know going out i'm working i'm writing a piece or i'm doing a course but i'm rooted in who i am deeply and i th..."
In this segment, Mary Portas reflects on her experiences with sexuality and the pressure of societal labels. She discusses the fluidity of identity and the importance of not being confined by labels while still wanting to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community.
"and find in life now your truth probably was that you know you wanted to get to that place where you were able to say i did this because that's the truth that was important to you because everyone els..."
Mary shares her journey through relationships with both men and women, emphasizing the complexity of her identity. She discusses the societal expectations surrounding labels and the importance of being true to oneself without being confined to a specific category.
"i want my life brony ware talks about the same thing she interviewed people on their palliative patients i think it's called on there who does this brony ware she was a an australian palliative nurse ..."
Mary Portas discusses the significance of intuition in her life, reflecting on past mistakes that arose from ignoring her inner voice. She emphasizes the importance of being in tune with oneself and how intuition can guide decisions in both personal and professional realms.
"remember you know saying to my sister she was like but you're not a lesbian i said well i don't know what i am do i have to put a label to it and the interesting thing is when i did and you know and m..."
In this segment, Mary Portas shares her insights on the significance of intuition in decision-making. She recounts personal experiences where ignoring her gut feelings led to mistakes in relationships and business. Portas advocates for trusting one's instincts as a vital component of creativity and innovation.
"i know intuition hmm topic i've heard you talk about a lot you'd said previously that the biggest mistakes in your life had come from not listening to your intuition [Music] what comes to mind when i ..."
Mary Portas highlights the importance of creativity in business, arguing that logic and data often overshadow instinct and innovation. She calls for a return to valuing creativity and emotional connection in business practices, particularly in the context of revitalizing high streets and community engagement.
"something deeply know that that's right and you can get people that can analyze put data behind it logic and i've listened to them in the past and i've let things go ah not regret but oh that you know..."
Portas reflects on the challenges faced by the younger generation in the age of social media. She discusses the duality of social media as a platform for change and a source of unrealistic beauty standards. Portas offers her perspective on how to navigate this landscape while encouraging authenticity and self-acceptance.
"that open up so much more certainly in my area of business i reckon we ended up with such so many crap businesses because logic data and systems overtook instinct creativity and innovation and we need..."
In this segment, Mary Portas addresses the societal pressures placed on young people, particularly regarding beauty and lifestyle. She critiques the unrealistic standards perpetuated by influencers and the impact on self-esteem. Portas advocates for a shift towards more authentic representations and a focus on inner value rather than external appearances.
"i think you know the there's the good and the bad and the ugly isn't there i mean i think it's i think it's a really tough world to be in that you are always on that's a very tough place to be um and ..."
Mary Portas discusses the detrimental effects of consumerism and social media on self-esteem. She likens the influence of celebrities like the Kardashians to holding self-worth hostage, where individuals feel pressured to conform to unattainable standards. Portas calls for a revolution in consumer behavior towards more ethical practices.
"and and 40 pluses i look at some people on facebook and i think really you're still doing this [ __ ] you need to go out there and show what new shoes you've bought or what you had for brunch and wher..."
In this segment, Portas elaborates on the cycle of consumerism driven by marketing tactics that exploit insecurities. She reflects on her past experiences in marketing and the need for a shift towards promoting self-acceptance and sustainability. Portas emphasizes the importance of challenging the status quo in consumer culture.
"they're pinned back by the financial incentive but i you know when i was doing my research in my book and looking at the spend on the pressure on young people who follow the kardashians to get the new..."
Mary Portas shares a personal anecdote about experiencing joy in simple moments with her family. She contrasts this genuine happiness with the fleeting excitement often sought in material possessions. Portas encourages listeners to appreciate the small, meaningful experiences that bring true fulfillment.
"exactly what i wrote about i was part of that when i was creative director at harvey knicks i was i sold this stuff to people thank you yeah bloody brilliant look i'm gonna make this sexy and and uh a..."
In this reflective segment, Portas and her host discuss the concept of excitement and anticipation. They explore how past experiences shape one's ability to feel excitement and the importance of being present. Portas shares her perspective on maintaining emotional stability amidst life's ups and downs.
"really good maybe that's it because my friends get excited about small things and big things well i've got dinner table at brat and you're like great but it doesn't it doesn't excite me yeah i don't k..."
Mary Portas concludes with a discussion on the significance of being present and finding joy in everyday moments. She emphasizes that true happiness often comes from simple experiences rather than grand expectations. Portas encourages listeners to cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the beauty in the now.
"yes and you've probably not had a ton of time to sit but then also also i have to say the privilege of having had so many great experiences yes you know so there's not really a restaurant you've not b..."
In this segment, Mary discusses the significance of meaningful connections, recalling a moment spent in silence with her sister that brought her joy. She emphasizes that life's trivial moments, like laughter and shared experiences, are what truly enrich our lives and contribute to our happiness.
"where you where you feel you're an elect i can feel it now right the way you can put it and you can feel your energy going through your body which is beautiful and i would rather have that than this e..."
Mary Portas explores the concept of excitement and how it differs from genuine joy. She questions societal expectations around excitement and suggests that true fulfillment comes from deeper, more meaningful experiences rather than superficial thrills. This introspection leads to a discussion about the importance of understanding one's true feelings.
"always let me be like she was three years older but she was always like you know when she was 18 and i was 15 she'd take me out to the clubs like no one's done it you know like she was like come on an..."
Mary shares her transformative journey towards creating a kinder business environment. She reflects on the emotional experience of her son's transition to university and how it prompted her to reassess her business practices. This segment highlights her commitment to fostering compassion and sensitivity in the workplace.
"focused a lot on them as you say like making businesses kinder and it seems to be much more philanthropic than it's ever been before why why does that matter i don't know just came to me it's one of t..."
In this segment, Mary discusses the suppression of feminine qualities in business and society. She advocates for recognizing and embracing sensitivity and compassion as essential leadership traits. Mary emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards valuing these qualities in the workplace.
"do because i don't know because i'm doing economics it goes and i suppose i'll end up going into finance in the city and i was like i just remember this like this deep and i remember sitting there and..."
Mary outlines her vision for a 'kindness economy' that prioritizes well-being over profit. She critiques traditional capitalist values and advocates for a business model that supports social progress alongside financial success. This segment emphasizes the potential for businesses to contribute positively to society.
"started looking at this and i started i never saw myself as a feminist because i'd you know look at me i looked at my life why do i need to be that you know and i started to go what are we doing with ..."
Mary discusses the importance of aligning business practices with the well-being of people and the planet. She argues for a holistic approach to business that considers the broader impact of corporate actions. This segment highlights her commitment to fostering a more humane and responsible business culture.
"and i thought what am i going to talk and it just kept them coming up this theme so i talked on when i called it we need the kindness economy we need an economy that isn't about growth that isn't abou..."
Mary Portas discusses the importance of redefining the purpose of businesses to create a kinder world. She emphasizes the shift from individualistic approaches to collective responsibility, highlighting how businesses can inspire their people and connect with customers through a shared truth. This segment explores the idea of prioritizing people and the planet over profit.
"wokeness going on and well yeah our purpose is to make the world better no you know what is your true purpose as a business and now once you start to work on that and your self and i've done it throug..."
In this segment, Mary Portas stresses the urgency of addressing environmental issues while acknowledging that the planet will continue to exist without humanity. She advocates for a humane approach to commerce that fosters social progress alongside financial success, urging businesses to adopt kinder practices that benefit both society and the environment.
"business that's not siloed it's not individualistic you move from me to we so everything that you do you are thinking that bit wider than yourself it's like being a mother or a parent in any sense und..."
Mary Portas highlights the fundamental social work needed to enable people to focus on environmental issues. She discusses how individuals struggling to meet basic needs, like feeding their families, cannot prioritize saving the environment. This segment emphasizes the need for a supportive framework that allows for broader societal change.
"and it'll regenerate it's done that as we know i said whatever but we can make that change happen we can do it by being more humane by being kinder and by creating commerce that feeds and gives social..."
Mary Portas introduces the concept of moving from traditional status symbols to valuing experiences and connections. She argues for a cultural shift where being generous and connected to life is prioritized over material possessions. This segment challenges the audience to rethink what constitutes true status in society.
"because i don't begrudge or blame anyone that can't feed their kids that that isn't thinking about saving the environment you know what i mean because i would be taking course you know so there's a bi..."
Mary Portas shares her personal journey with meditation, explaining how it helps her clear her mind and connect with her energy. She describes her daily practice and the benefits it brings, including the ability to pause and regain focus during busy moments. This segment highlights the transformative power of meditation in personal and professional life.
"massive move and we need to look at the brands we need to look at power in business and that's where i'm starting i wrote down earlier because you said the word and it's been something i've been very ..."
In this segment, Mary Portas reflects on her experiences with relationships, discussing the challenges faced by career-driven individuals. She shares insights on her past marriages and emphasizes that they were not failures but part of her journey. This segment offers a candid look at balancing personal life with professional ambitions.
"and i clear and any time a little thing comes in that says i go thought and then i laugh at it i don't get annoyed i just go and i laugh at the me that's the thought that just tells you all this [ __ ..."
Mary Portas opens up about the emotional journey following her divorce and the changes in her life. She discusses the grieving process and the challenges of being single during a tumultuous time. This segment provides a heartfelt perspective on personal growth and resilience in the face of significant life changes.
"i don't think i have i mean i don't think it looks particularly great that i've got two um failed marriages but actually they there were some brilliant years i knew they were long and they created bea..."
Mary Portas shares her thoughts on manifesting new relationships after a period of being single. She reflects on the importance of being ready for new connections and how she opened herself up to possibilities. This segment encourages listeners to embrace change and be open to new experiences in their personal lives.
"no but i'm not going to tell you who is that'll be a nice headline [Music] who are you with i i i sound fair to them you know because it's just no no one in the public eye and order would they want we..."
In the closing segment, Mary Portas and Steven Bartlett discuss the value of honesty in conversations. Mary emphasizes the importance of being genuine and authentic, which resonates with audiences. This segment wraps up the episode with a reminder of the significance of truthfulness in both personal and professional interactions.
"patience i guess or you know you talked about manifesting well probably one of the most toughest three years of my life at least three years i i grieved first of all the loss of your marriage yeah you..."