This month on The Resilient Kid Podcast, we’re exploring a powerful theme: one person who made a difference in your life.

In this episode, Ashley is joined by friend of the show, Sarah Vogel, for a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation about the person who changed the direction of Sarah’s life — a colleague and dear friend, Dr Elaine Swan.

What started as one simple comment in a London department store in the late 1980s became the first domino in a chain of events that shaped Sarah’s future. From seeing herself differently, to going to university as a mature student, to building a life and career that has impacted so many others, Sarah reflects on the incredible ripple effect of being truly seen by someone.

In this episode, we cover:

The person who made a lasting difference in Sarah’s life
How one comment planted the seed for university and a completely different future
Why being seen by another person can change how we see ourselves
The ripple effect of confidence and encouragement
How Sarah now helps others see strengths they may not yet recognise in themselves
Why young people need real-life opportunities to build confidence
The importance of conversations, risk-taking, and resilience in growing up
How small moments of belief can create lifelong impact

About Sarah Vogel

Sarah Vogel is a coach, facilitator, mediator, and leadership expert who helps people and organisations have better, braver, and more effective conversations. Through her work with PDA, she supports leaders to build confidence, influence, accountability, and stronger relationships at work.

Sarah is also passionate about helping young people develop confidence, communication skills, and resilience early in life — so they can step into the world feeling more grounded, capable, and connected.

A note for parents and professionals

This episode is a reminder that you may never fully know the impact you are having on a child or young person.

A conversation.
A vote of confidence.
A moment of encouragement.
A belief they borrow before they can find their own.

It all matters.

And often, the things that feel small to us are the very things they remember for years to come.

Connect and share

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who has made a difference in your life — or with someone who may need the reminder that their presence matters more than they know.

And as you listen, maybe ask yourself:

Who was that one person for you?
And perhaps even more importantly…
Who might you be that person for now?

Teen Event Mention

Teen tickets are now on sale for Womanifest, where Ashley and Sarah will be hosting dedicated teen sessions focused on confidence, body positivity, resilience, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. - https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Crewe/Delamere-Events-Ltd/Womanifest-2026/41123458/

It will be a space for teens to feel supported, inspired, and equipped with tools they can take into everyday life.

We are building a community of people who want to be that person for more children, in more places. So if something in this episode has resonated with you, and you have ever felt that pull to make a difference not only in your own family but in your wider community too, that is exactly why we created our franchise - https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk/franchise

Links

Website: www.contactpda.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContactPDA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contactpda

Get “A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Resilient Kid”: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1739302605

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientkiduk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresilientkid

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/resilientkid

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theresilientkid957

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ashley-costello

Website: https://www.theresilientacademy.co.uk

The One Where I Felt Seen