Episode 19 - Steve Kirby- From the Digger to Life Coach: Steve Kirby's Story

Episode 19 - Steve Kirby- From the Digger to Life Coach: Steve Kirby's Story

Author: Stuart Wallis November 5, 2025 Duration: 58:03

Takeaways


Steve transitioned from construction to life coaching after a life-altering incident.

He emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry.

Steve's accident led to a deep exploration of his mental health struggles.

Therapy played a crucial role in Steve's recovery journey.

Mindfulness and meditation helped Steve manage his anxiety and PTSD.

He believes in the power of personal stories to inspire others.

Steve advocates for open discussions about mental health, especially among men.

He encourages individuals to take control of their narratives and beliefs.

Steve's journey highlights the importance of resilience and self-belief.

He aims to help others through coaching and sharing his experiences.



Summary


In this episode, Stuart Wallis interviews Steve Kirby, a former construction worker turned life coach, who shares his transformative journey following a life-threatening incident on the job. Steve discusses his early career in construction, the traumatic accident that changed his life, and the subsequent struggles with mental health. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, mindfulness, and self-belief in his recovery process. Through his experiences, Steve aims to inspire others to share their stories and prioritize mental health, particularly in the construction industry. He advocates for open discussions about mental health and encourages individuals to take control of their narratives and beliefs.


Sound bites


"I left school with no GCSEs."

"I was trapped underwater."

"I was broken by that point."

Keywords


Steve Kirby, life coaching, mental health, construction, mindfulness, recovery, personal development, trauma, resilience, storytelling




Chapters


00:00 Introduction to Steve Kirby's Journey

02:52 From Construction to Life Coaching

05:27 The Incident: A Life-Changing Moment

10:14 The Aftermath: Physical and Mental Struggles

16:41 The Path to Recovery and Self-Discovery

22:36 Helping Others: The Birth of SK Life Coach UK

33:10 The Struggle with Mental Health

37:20 The Journey to Seeking Help

38:16 Understanding Trauma and Therapy

44:42 The Power of Mindfulness and Meditation

48:46 The Connection Between Stress and Illness

53:13 Believing in Yourself and Manifestation

57:41 Transforming Pain into Purpose



Stuart Wallis has spent a career at the intersection of people and industry, and in Hard Hats and Head Space with Stuart Wallis, he brings that entire world to the microphone. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a series of real conversations drawn from Stuart's own network, featuring guests whose experience is as diverse as it is deep. You'll hear from figures in construction and recruitment, sure, but also from unexpected quarters like egg-farming and publishing. Each episode digs into the tangible connections between work, personal wellbeing, and the dynamics of the modern workforce, deliberately sidestepping fluffy jargon and corporate speak. The discussions are grounded, often challenging, and designed to pull practical insight from every story. By focusing on the human elements behind the job titles, this podcast reveals how different paths can offer surprising lessons for leadership, resilience, and finding purpose. Tune in for candid talks that feel more like a coffee with seasoned professionals than a formal interview, always aiming to leave you with a clearer perspective on your own work and headspace.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

Hard Hats and Head Space with Stuart Wallis
Podcast Episodes
Episode 2 - Osereimen (Ose) Akhilele [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:48
SummaryIn this episode of Hard Hats and Headspace, Stuart Wallis interviews Ose Akhilele, an inspiring leader in the construction industry. Ose shares his journey as an assistant site manager, his experiences navigating…
"What About Ye?" boys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:52
Keywordsworkforce wellbeing, mental health, night shift, neurodiversity, health education, nutrition, productivity, construction industry, employee support, workplace safety, mental health, nutrition, hydration, ATP proj…
What About Ye? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:50
Keywordsnight work, mental health, hydration, nutrition, construction industry, employee well-being, support, education, health initiatives, Adam Taylor ProjectTakeawaysThe importance of sharing personal stories to inspi…
Teaser Trailer! Hard Hats & Headspace with Stuart Wallis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:38
Welcome to my new podcast where I will be talking work, wellbeing and managing workforces. I looking back over my career with people I have worked with and those who want to come and talk about theres. Fundamentally this…