North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose

Originally aired: May 2025
Episode Number: 234
Going from feeling capable of anything to questioning your own confidence can be a difficult part of rebuilding yourself. 
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, On a Mission Podcast Host Ellie McKay explores her journey of rebuilding confidence after experiencing a dramatic change in circumstances. Discover why personal development is an ongoing process, the importance of authenticity and self-reflection, and how focusing on small, consistent improvements can help you become a stronger version of yourself.
Listen to the full episode here: 
https://kite.link/elliemckay

Originally aired: April 2025
Episode Number: 232
Strong relationships, shared values, and a willingness to evolve can create opportunities that go far beyond business. 
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, President and Founder of BITA Paul Whitnell shares the evolution of BITA, the relationships that helped shape its growth, and the importance of creating a culture built around integrity, trust, and shared values. Discover how BITA has expanded internationally, why controlling growth is essential for long-term sustainability, and how building the right network can create opportunities for people to learn, connect, and support one another.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/paulwhitnell

Episode Notes
In this episode, I sit down with Jacob Lockwood, a former soldier in the Coldstream Guards turned founder of Lockwood Clothing, a British-made outerwear brand built on military-grade design and an unshakeable commitment to UK manufacturing. We talk about the dark moment driving down the M4 that made him realize something had to change, the decision to leave the Army with just 12 months to make his business work, and the terrifying week he came four days from losing his house. Jacob shares the discipline and integrity he carried from 15 years of service into business, his belief that "no one has depression, they have feelings of depression," and why he'd rather keep his manufacturing British than sell his products for a third of the price overseas.
Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: soldier, entrepreneur, or fashion designer?
02:32 - Finding your North Star
03:15 - Growing up in a single-parent household in Middlesbrough
04:26 - Falling in with the wrong crowd and being sent to live with his gran
05:38 - The ultimatum that became his saving grace
06:58 - Seeing an Army advert and finding his path
07:34 - Joining the Coldstream Guards and the anti-tank platoon
09:38 - The military values that shaped who he is today, and why your word matters
11:52 - The dark moment on the M4 that changed everything
13:02 - Going home, speaking to his wife Ruth, and seeking help
13:53 - Deciding to leave the Army with 12 months to make it work
14:51 - "Nobody has depression, they have feelings of depression"
16:34 - The failed waterproof jacket that sparked the idea
17:31 - The Falklands story behind his first invention: casualty evacuation stretchers
19:20 - How Covid and the Ukraine war shaped that first business
21:27 - Why military contracts fell apart, and pivoting to clothing
23:41 - Describing Lockwood's products and British manufacturing
24:21 - The functional mushroom brand he launched and sold in 2022
26:19 - How new Trading Standards rules killed the product's core value
27:39 - Why he refuses to manufacture overseas, whatever the cost
30:40 - The debate around what "British made" really means
31:00 - Where he was when the Queen died
34:14 - How signing off from the Army created real urgency
35:43 - Putting his house on the line, and the four days he nearly lost it
37:36 - Asking for help, and getting rescued by his now business partner
39:23 - How to determine who's actually worth asking for help
42:13 - Why coaching matters more in business than in the military
44:01 - How to choose the right coach: four things to evaluate
46:15 - Why coaching, content, and community work best combined
48:50 - Daily habits: cold showers and weekly letters to the King
50:07 - Getting replies from the Palace, and being recognized by name
53:04 - The next 1-3 years, and the goal of becoming a British Ralph Lauren
54:18 - How to connect with Lockwood Clothing
55:11 - Final reflection: the question he wishes people asked him
57:12 - Why business ownership can be lonely, and the value of support groups
58:54 - Closing remarks
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Lockwood Clothing: https://www.lockwoodsmocks.com
Connect with Lockwood Clothing on Instagram: @lockwoodclothing
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: April 2025
Episode Number: 231
Business failures can teach you some of the most valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, forcing you to reflect, adapt, and rethink your approach.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and keynote speaker James Ashford shares how his first business failure taught him the importance of financial discipline, strong systems, mentorship, and building a company that isn't dependent on you. Discover how learning from setbacks, investing in personal development, and simplifying complex ideas can help you turn difficult experiences into the foundation for your next chapter.
Listen to the full episode here: 
https://kite.link/jamesashford

Originally aired: April 2025
Episode Number: 229
The toughest moments in life can force you to question everything and create a completely new path. What matters is how you choose to respond and what you build from the experience.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, entrepreneur and professional photographer Carmel Jane shares how overcoming major personal challenges forced her to rethink her business, embrace support, and build something that could grow beyond her own time and effort. Discover how resilience, surrounding yourself with the right people, and learning to delegate can transform a self-employed career into a scalable business built for long-term growth.
Listen to the full episode here: 
https://kite.link/carmeljane