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Welcome to Inclusion Bites, your sanctuary for bold conversations that spark change. I'm Joanne Lockwood, your guide on this journey of exploration into the heart of inclusion, belonging and societal transformation. Ever wondered what it truly takes to create a world? Remember, everyone not only belongs, but thrives. You're not alone. Join me as we uncover the unseen, challenge the status quo and share stories that resonate deep within. Ready to dive in? Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or winding down after a long day, let's connect, reflect and inspire action together. Don't forget, you can be part of the conversation too. Reach out to jo,lockwood@seechangehappen.co.uk to share your insights or to join me on the show.

So adjust your earbuds and settle in. It's time to ignite the spark of inclusion with Inclusion Bites.

Today is episode 186 with the title From Textbook to Triumph and I have the absolute honour and privilege to welcome Scott Grates. Scott is a visionary entrepreneur and best selling author who harnesses relationship marketing to accelerate business growth whilst empowering students for real world success. When I asked Scott to describe his superpower, he said that it is transforming relationships into reciprocal success. Hello, Scott, welcome to the show.

Thank you, Joanne. I'm so excited to, to be here and have this conversation wherever it goes.

Yeah, no, it's phenomenal. I'm honoured. And you're joining us from over the other side of the Atlantic from me, so somewhere. Yeah, North America.

So I am in central New York and we were chatting a little bit before we hit record here, you know, New York, everyone immediately thanks. New York City, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building. That's about three hours south of where I am. I'm actually a little bit closer to Canada, Montreal, Canada, than I am New York City, but right smack dab in the middle of the state, about an hour west of the state capital of Albany.

Wow, I've never been that far north. I've been to New York City. New York, New York, yeah, the double barreled name. Yeah, I worked over there in the 90s, I think it was mid-90s I was there and yeah, I guess it's changed a bit. But yeah, I remember it being near Thanksgiving and then you had all the steam rising up from the under road, pipe work and stuff.

You know, people, a lot of people love the city. I'm a more of a country lover myself. You know, we're in the mountains and surrounded by beautiful lakes and in the fall it's just gorgeous when the foliage changes and all the different colours and you know the air just smells crisp and clean. Very different than the city. But we do like to sneak down there once in a while and catch a show or a ball game. The food is amazing and, but just a little, a little too busy. The older I get the, the, the more space I enjoy.

Yeah, no, I relate to that. I can relate to that. I, when I was working over there I, I spent two or three weeks in New York City, did a bit in Miami and then I, I flew across to the west coast and did a bit around la, San Diego, Beverly Hills area. And there's a real distinction between the New York City or very on top of yourself. Everything's fast paced. You get out of LA and everything's far apart. Place of life is different and it's incredible. I guess you get the difference between where you are upstate in that as you say in the mountains and the scenery.