Wholesome Chats — Episode 6 with Alpesh
This article serves as a hybrid of a script and list of questions from episode 6 of tHe podcast, Wholesome Chats. You can either read through the questions or listen directly to the podcast episode.
Covered in this episode:
- Sustainability
- Candour
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Kindness
Introducing the episode
I’ve read a lot about running successful podcasts. One of the simple rules is to release episodes often and with a predictable rhythm.
Wholesome Chats for me, isn’t a commercial endeavour. I’ve come to accept that. It’s a logbook of conversations with some of my favourite conversationalists.
Introducing the guest
Alpesh was the very first person I ever met at the mental health Charity Samaritans. I remember speaking to him when we were both there for what at the time was called the information day. An information day is where they tell you what to expect from being a Samaritan.
I remember Alpesh wearing a smart shirt. At the time he was a product manager. We briefly spoke about tech – given I’m a product designer. At the time, I remember being intrigued by Alpesh’ confidence and directness. It seemed to be paired with this kindness about him that was hard to describe, otherwise he likely wouldn’t have been in that room.
Opening questions
One thing I’ve never asked you about is the moment you decided to volunteer for Samaritans – or perhaps volunteer at all.
- What drew you to charitable giving?
- Walk me through the life events and decisions that led to you and I being in the same room, exploring being a Samaritan?
- Would you describe yourself as someone that tries their best to be kind?
I wanted to explore that a bit more since in our time volunteering together, becoming friends, I’ve seen what feels like you coming closer to your values.
You’ve said to me that Samaritans had a positive effect on you:
- Help me understand how volunteering has changed you and your life, if at all?
- Do you think these changes would’ve happened even if you hadn’t volunteered?
One of those changes has been to see you not only became a business owner, but running multiple businesses:
- What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
- To an unknowing audience, what would you say have been the hardest parts of running the businesses you’ve been running?
- One of your businesses is a number of refill stores called Refill Therapy, a business with sustainability and environmental responsibility intertwined with its purpose. Tell us more about Refill Therapy, what does it mean to you?
- When did sustainability become an important subject for you?
Running multiple organisations requires a great deal of collaboration to make things happen. Along the way, clear communication must be fundamental. You’re one of the most direct people I know, I can always trust that you will speak your mind:
- Have you always been comfortable voicing your opinion and perspective freely?
- I’ve never actually asked you this, has your honesty ever gotten you in trouble?
- What role does kindness play for you when sharing feedback with people?
- How do you generally respond when people share constructive feedback with you about yourself?
Thank you for making the time to speak to me today, Alpesh, I’m really grateful you made some time to be here and share your thoughts with us today. Last but not least, I will ask you the same question I ask every guest of this podcast:
- What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life, that is worth sharing? (something unique to you)
