In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories with John Reynolds, John sits down with Nicola Rabson, partner at global law firm Linklaters, to explore what it really means to lead in high-pressure, high-stakes environments, without losing your humanity.

Nicola describes her work not simply as employment law, but as advising people through their most significant “people crises”: moments that keep leaders awake at night and test organisations at their core. From handling some of the UK’s most high-profile and sensitive cases, including major discrimination, cultural investigations, and reputational crises, to navigating personal illness, parenthood, and the relentless demands of senior leadership, Nicola reflects with striking honesty and humility.

She speaks openly about empathy as a professional strength, questioning rigid rules, embracing change (even when it’s uncomfortable), and the responsibility senior leaders have to support the next generation, particularly women, in the workplace. Nicola also shares her concerns about AI and the future of the legal profession, the mental and emotional toll of complex cases, and the importance of carving out thinking time in a world competing for our attention.

This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about resilience, perspective, leadership, and defining success not by titles or outcomes, but by staying true to who you are along the journey.

In this deeply honest conversation, John Reynolds talks to former Capital presenter and creator Rio Fredrika. Rio opens up about stepping away from external validation and rebuilding her relationship with herself.

Rio reflects on leaving mainstream radio, navigating life after a long career in broadcasting, and the profound self-awareness that came from recovering from an eating disorder in her teens and early twenties. She shares how curiosity, rather than judgment became the foundation of her healing, leading her from self-rejection to self-love.

Together, we explore confidence, social media pressure, phone addiction, breathwork, biohacking, slowing down, and what success really means when no one else is watching. Rio also talks about her new chapter: creating documentaries, building real-life communities, and learning how to live better in a world that rarely stops.

This is a powerful episode about identity, authenticity, and choosing fulfilment over applause, especially relevant for anyone questioning their path, their worth, or their definition of success.

In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Rory Sutherland.

Rory is a British advertising executive. He is the vice chairman of the Ogilvy & Mather group of companies and social media sensation.

Sutherland writes a fortnightly column in The Spectator and has written several books, including Alchemy: The Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense.