Episode 4

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Published on:

8th Dec 2025

Ep 4 - Harrison Ward - Fell Foodie - A Journey of Change, Purpose and Authentic Living

with Alec Pearson, Harrison Ward and Nick Sellers.

In this episode, Alec and Nick are joined by Harrison Ward — known to many as Fell Foodie — whose journey from addiction and depression to hiking, outdoor cooking and public advocacy has inspired thousands.

We delve into the real story behind his transformation: the hidden struggles, the turning point that changed everything, and the steady, intentional steps that led him back to purpose and health. Harrison’s journey stands as a true inspiration for all of us.

We discuss:

  1. What change looks like from the inside not the polished version, but the slow, uncertain, deeply human one.
  2. Why rock bottom isn’t a single moment and how Harrison rebuilt himself one decision at a time.
  3. The role of honesty, support and accountability when you’re trying to break old patterns.
  4. How journaling, reflection and small wins shaped his recovery and fuelled the creation of Fell Foodie.
  5. The power of authenticity and what happens when you finally stop wearing a mask.
  6. What Harrison's journey teaches us about workplace stress, stagnation and the fear of changing direction.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, Harrison’s story is a reminder that progress rarely arrives all at once, it grows from small steps taken consistently.

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About the Podcast

Beyond Leading
Beyond Leading is the leadership podcast for senior leaders and those building towards it — honest conversations about the real psychological and human experience of leading at the top. Hosted by executive coach and Non Executive Director Alec Pearson.
Most leadership content gives you frameworks and five-step plans. Beyond Leading goes somewhere different.


This is the podcast for senior leaders and those building toward that level, people who already know that leadership is harder and more human than any framework prepares you for.


Hosted by executive coach and Non Executive Director Alec Pearson, with regular contributions from fellow coaches Tiffany Barnard and Nick Sellers, Beyond Leading goes inside the real human experience of senior leadership. The pressure. The identity questions. The decisions that don't have clean answers. What's really going on beneath the surface when things get hard.


The conversations draw on SME business owners, corporate leaders and coaches who've been in the seat, people who'll talk honestly about what senior leadership cost them, what they got wrong, and what they'd do differently. No frameworks sold. No glossy success stories. Just the conversation senior leaders actually need.


We don't claim to have all the answers. What we do is ask the questions worth reflecting on, and give you the space to work out what they mean in your world.


If you're a senior leader, or someone building toward that level, this is your podcast.


Subscribe and join the conversation.


🎙 Let's go beyond leading — and everything in between.

About your hosts

Alec Pearson

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I'm Alec Pearson, Non-Executive Director, Board Advisor and Executive Coach, with over 30 years' experience across professional services, law, technology, manufacturing, transport and founder-led SME's.

I work with boards and senior leaders when decisions feel heavier than they used to, complexity is rising, and clarity really matters. My approach combines independent board-level thinking with a coaching lens: pragmatic, people-aware, and straight-talking.

Beyond Leading is the podcast I wish had existed earlier in my career. It's the honest conversation about what senior leadership actually demands, the pressure, the identity questions, and everything in between.

Tiffany Barnard

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I spent over 25 years leading teams and running a business in Tanzania, and those experiences shaped how I see leadership today. Now, I coach leaders around the world to communicate with impact, build trust, and lead in a way that feels true to them. The best part of my work is watching that moment when they realise what’s possible — and step into it. You can find me on LinkedIn if you’d like to connect.

Nick Sellers

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Even leaders need a helping hand to achieve their potential. I bring decades of corporate experience and a keen interest in people to my coaching and mentoring activities. And I really like to help those who want to grow and develop.
For more information, you can find me on LinkedIn and schedule a quick call.