North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose

Originally aired: December 2021
Episode Number: 115
Most people assume that success automatically brings clarity, balance, and peace of mind. Yet for many high performers, the opposite is true—the higher they climb, the more clearly they see the habits quietly holding them back.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer Daniel O'Reilly, aka Dapper Laughs, speaks about the pivotal decision to remove alcohol and drugs—and the profound impact that choice had on his performance, mental health, and family life. Discover the hidden cost of self-destructive patterns, why fear of loss can become a powerful catalyst for change, and how sobriety unlocks extraordinary focus, discipline, and momentum.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/danoreilly

Originally aired: December 2021
Episode Number: 114
Most people have taken a personality test at some point—Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, or one of the many models that promise to explain who we are. But for many, those systems feel overly complex or hard to relate to in everyday life.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, seasoned therapist, clinical hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and life and business coach Suzanne Davison shares a refreshingly simple way of understanding personality through four core shapes: heart, square, diamond, and circle. Discover how different processing speeds shape our behaviour, why people-pleasing and control often sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, and how recognising your dominant shape can improve communication, relationships, and self-awareness. 
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/suzannedavison

Episode Notes
AI Entrepreneur Reveals How To 10x Your Business: Why Most Startups Fail, How To Build Software That Sells & The Secrets To Learning Fast - Lee Russell | EP265
In this episode, I sit down with Lee Russel, a dynamic entrepreneur who has embraced a nomadic lifestyle while pioneering advancements in software, user experience, and AI for business. Together, we explore Lee's journey from a troubled teenager to an award-winning designer and tech leader, his philosophy on learning, and his innovative approach to solving problems through agentic AI and context engines. Discover practical insights into exponential growth, curiosity-driven learning, and how reimagining technology can unlock new value for customers and organizations.
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
00:01 - Lee Russell's Nomadic Life & Global Working
01:07 - Sacrifices and Realities of Nomadic Living
02:32 - Managing Challenges Abroad
03:33 - Escaping Danger: Fires & Falling Builders in Albania and London
05:04 - Teenage Aspirations: From Troubled Youth to Animator
06:58 - Obsessive Learning and Creativity
08:06 - Why Drawing Is Learning to Think
09:42 - Learning to Learn: Art, Science & Curiosity
13:14 - Following Curiosity and Gaining Unexpected Value
15:37 - Sliding Door Opportunities & Living in Alignment
16:23 - The Science and Magic of Exponential Learning
17:28 - North Star Thinking: Following Inspiration
18:05 - Operating in Your Zone of Genius—Growth Through Challenge
19:39 - Overcoming Boredom and Embracing Continuous Learning
20:50 - Transitioning from Art to Tech and Software
22:51 - Learning User Experience Design by Building Networks
24:46 - The Power of Being in the Right Room
25:43 - Paying for Proximity and Accelerated Learning
27:13 - Breaking Into EdTech & High-Stakes Software
29:36 - Designing Safety Technology for Children and Schools
31:57 - Moral Dilemmas and Leaving Corporate Leadership
33:52 - The Business of SaaS, AI, and Writing "Minimal Viable Launch"
36:22 - Building Products People Want: Fall in Love with the Problem
38:41 - Insights from Iconic Tech Brands: Basecamp & HubSpot
40:13 - Innovation, Disruption, and Simplification in Product Design
42:02 - Simplicity as Genius: Life Lessons from Art and Business
44:27 - The Rise of Agentic AI and Problem Scouting
46:17 - Cost Savers, Money Makers & Second Order Consequences in AI
50:54 - The Space Scientist Mindset: Big Picture Meets Detail
53:19 - Agents vs. Automations—Demystifying AI Micro-Employees
55:28 - Learning Languages: The Teletubbies in Italian Method
58:15 - How to Learn: Applying the Pareto Principle and Curiosity
61:13 - Goal Setting, Vision, and Stories We Tell Ourselves
67:12 - Lessons from Working Together: Speed of Decision and Action
71:46 - The Future: Context Engines and Personalized Business Growth
75:02 - One Question Lee Wishes More People Would Ask
77:42 - Where to Find Lee Russel and Get Involved
79:20 - Final Reflections and Call to Action
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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 Lee's AI Masterclass by clicking here: https://www.minimalviablelaunch.io/
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: November 2021
Episode Number: 113
Many people think transformation starts by fixing their body—cutting foods, adding workouts, and chasing a number on the scale. But lasting change usually begins much higher up.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Coach, Author and Guinness World Record holder Jamie Alderton unpacks why real transformation starts with mindset, not meal plans. Learn why understanding your emotional drivers matters more than restriction, how moderation outperforms extremes, and why sustainable progress comes from clarity, self-worth, and patience rather than quick fixes.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/jamiealderton

Originally aired: November 2021
Episode Number: 111
When your identity is built around performance, what happens when the spotlight disappears?
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, former musical theatre artist and creator of Wisdom From North Jannecke Øinæs shares about losing her voice, losing her sense of self, and the emotional unraveling that followed. Discover how self-love, curiosity, and meaning emerged from a dark period, why purpose can't be built on performance alone, and how an unexpected breakdown became the foundation for a life of deeper alignment and impact.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/janneckeoinaes