On this week’s episode of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with the radiant and resilient Yvonne Reddin - a woman who embodies the message that it’s never too late to begin again.

Yvonne’s story is one of strength, courage, and reinvention. At the age of 49, after more than two decades as a stay-at-home single parent, she took a leap of faith and stepped into the world of freelance journalism, travel reviewing, and public relations. What’s even more inspiring? She did this while raising her 11-year-old twins - a testament to her unstoppable spirit and deep love for her children.

But Yvonne's journey wasn’t always paved with clarity or confidence. She openly shared the challenges she faced - the emotional, mental, and financial strain of single motherhood. There were many days when simply getting through was the goal. Although she was supported by family and friends, she reminded us that true understanding often comes from those who have walked a similar path.

What struck me most about Yvonne’s story was her courage to begin again - to return to education, to seek out new opportunities, and to allow herself to dream of a life beyond survival. Her passion for storytelling led her to travel writing and journalism, where she now thrives - using her voice to highlight the beauty of places, people, and experiences.

Yvonne also channels her love for books by offering PR support to new authors, encouraging others to share their stories — just as she so bravely has.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if it’s too late to start something new. It’s a heartfelt reminder that reinvention is possible at any age, and that our life chapters are not bound by age or circumstance, but by belief, passion, and purpose.

Yvonne’s message? "You can do hard things. You can begin again. And yes, you can thrive."

Tune in to this uplifting episode and let Yvonne’s story ignite something within you - because your next chapter might just be your most powerful one yet.

Here’s to you

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast

This week on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast I had the absolute joy of speaking with the remarkable Sile Walsh - a woman whose journey from childhood challenges to powerful leadership is both inspiring and deeply affirming of the human spirit.

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As a curious and bright 11-year-old with dyslexia, Sile didn't learn the way traditional education expected her to. Rather than being discouraged, she found a different path, one that led her into a kitchen, a very different kind of classroom. There, surrounded by the clatter of pots and the rhythm of a team in motion, Sile began to learn in a way that made sense to her. By the age of 16, she was already leading a section of that kitchen, showing not only resilience but a natural ability to lead, to adapt, and to grow.

That early environment - though unconventional, nurtured her. It allowed her to thrive in ways that traditional systems hadn’t. And it reminds us of something so vital: our ability to thrive depends not just on our willpower or talents, but on the environments we are placed in.

When we are seen, valued, and supported, we grow. When our strengths are nurtured instead of suppressed, our true potential shines.

Sile’s journey led her to specialise in leadership, development, coaching, and psychology. Today, she is an award-winning international best-selling author, with her most recent book Inclusive Leadership: Navigating Organisational Complexity becoming both an Amazon and Irish Times bestseller. Her passion lies in co-creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces where people don't just survive - they thrive.

Her voice in the diversity and inclusion space is not only knowledgeable but lived. She understands, deeply, that leadership is not about control but about creating environments where others can flourish. Where different ways of thinking, learning, and being are not only accepted but celebrated.

In listening to Sile speak, I was reminded again that the spaces we move through, whether in childhood, in workplaces, or in our communities - have the power to either stifle or support our growth. When we are part of environments rooted in understanding, compassion, and inclusivity, we begin to blossom into who we were always meant to be.

May we all be inspired, as I was, by Sile’s story, to reflect on the spaces we create for ourselves and for others. Are they nourishing? Are they safe? Do they encourage authenticity and potential? Because in the end, it’s not just about being in the right place - it’s about being in a place that’s right for you.

And that, I believe, is where true leadership begins.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Author, Speaker, Wellness Coach & Podcast Host