North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose

Originally aired: February 2025
Episode Number: 224
Success doesn't always begin with a clear passion or a perfect plan. Sometimes it comes from being willing to learn, take opportunities, solve problems, and keep moving forward when the path becomes difficult.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, award‑winning accountant‑entrepreneur and owner of the Pocknells Group John Holliday shares the unconventional journey that took him from wanting to become a professional footballer to building and leading a successful accountancy practice. Discover how embracing risk, developing a problem-solving mindset, and learning through difficult experiences can turn unexpected opportunities into lasting growth, and why continually challenging yourself may be the key to building a career and business that keeps evolving.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/johnholliday

Originally aired: February 2025
Episode Number: 223
Building long-term financial security often means making decisions that don't deliver an immediate reward. The choices we make with money today can shape how much freedom, stability, and opportunity we have years from now.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, world and five-time British Hairdressing Champion Craig Hubert shares the importance of delayed gratification, strategic decision-making, and developing habits that allow wealth to compound over time. Discover why thinking beyond instant rewards, paying yourself first, and consistently investing even small amounts can create greater financial independence, while giving you the freedom to take risks and build the future you want.
Listen to the full episode here: 
https://kite.link/craighubert

Episode Notese
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Threadgold, a former GP turned entrepreneur who has built a portfolio of over 100 properties and now owns four businesses across healthcare, hospitality, and facilities management. We talk about growing up on a council estate near Manchester, the moment a well-intentioned favor for a grieving family triggered an 18-month GMC investigation that pushed him out of medicine, and the property deal that started with £50,000 borrowed from his father-in-law. Andrew shares his philosophy on personal growth over money, the real difference between mentors and "gurus," and why he believes most people never wake up to what they actually want out of life.
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
00:31 - Growing up on a council estate near Manchester
02:58 - Medicine as an escape from poverty, but ultimately limiting
07:46 - Was medicine ever about helping people, or just an escape route?
10:35 - The moment he decided he was done with medicine
10:46 - The cremation form favor that changed everything
13:10 - Referred to the GMC and 18 months of investigation
15:34 - Taking the warning, and vowing never to rely on medicine again
17:13 - Blind panic, and considering a hedge fund career
19:22 - His first property: borrowing £50,000 from his father-in-law
20:53 - Building a property portfolio and starting a podcast for access
21:08 - Leaving medicine and buying four businesses in six months
22:15 - Why none of his businesses are really about making money
23:26 - Personal growth as his real purpose, and avoiding "gold medal syndrome"
24:53 - What the next 5-10 years of growth look like for him
26:49 - Measuring impact vs. measuring meaning
29:24 - Twenty years of contribution before doing something for himself
30:22 - Why growth and contribution shouldn't be either/or
33:15 - Mentoring medical professionals into their next chapter
33:47 - Why medics are easy targets for unscrupulous "gurus"
36:11 - Mentorship as the best ROI he's ever had
37:38 - The real difference between a mentor and a guru
40:05 - Will's own Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn story
43:17 - How to evaluate any coach, mentor, or educator
44:55 - Advice for anyone stuck in a job they don't love
47:13 - How to connect with Andrew
47:33 - Final reflection: "Why did you leave it so long before you woke up?"
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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
Connect with Andrew on Instagram: @Andrew_threadgold
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: search "Andrew Threadgold"
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: February 2025
Episode Number: 222
Real leadership begins when we stop deflecting responsibility and develop the self-awareness to look at our own contribution.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, organizational psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Gallaher Edge Dr. Laura Gallaher explains how radical self-acceptance can reduce defensiveness, strengthen accountability, and create greater psychological safety within teams. Learn why taking responsibility doesn't mean taking blame, how understanding your own triggers can transform difficult conversations, and why leaders who are willing to look in the mirror can build stronger teams, deeper trust, and better performance.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/drlauragallaher

Originally aired: December 2024
Episode Number: 189
Capturing someone's attention is often the difference between being heard and being forgotten. In a world filled with distractions, your ability to communicate a clear and compelling message can determine whether people lean in or switch off.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, renowned communication expert Sam Horn reveals a simple three-step approach for creating messages that spark curiosity and make people pay attention. Learn how using powerful questions, vivid language, and credible evidence can transform presentations, pitches, and marketing messages into conversations that engage your audience, communicate your value, and make your ideas impossible to ignore.
Listen to the full episode here: 
https://kite.link/samhorn