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I left school with one GCSE and a head full of doubts. People didn’t expect much from me, and if I’m honest, I didn’t expect much either. But deep down, there was always a quiet belief that I was meant for more, even if no one else could see it. That belief grew louder over the years. Watching my grandma reach 100 and seeing the care she received, both the good and the bad, made something shift in me. Then my mum and brother were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and suddenly it wasn’t just something I witnessed, it was something I lived. I saw how much the system matters, how leadership in care can change lives, and how often it falls short and the impact on services.  Now I’m doing a doctorate in community and social care, looking at how leadership affects recruitment, retent...

I’m Grania, the founder of MCR Content Studios – a vibrant creative hub in Greater Manchester designed to empower female entrepreneurs and content creators. What began as a simple studio for shoots has grown into a safe, supportive space where women-led businesses can create, connect, and thrive. At MCR Content Studios, we’re on a mission to make content creation more accessible and confidence-building for women at all stages of their business journey. From our themed studio sets (like the Girly CEO corner!) to our affordable co-working days and “Coffee & Content” networking mornings, every detail is built around community and collaboration over competition. We host masterclasses, branding shoot sessions, and content strategy support tailored to women who are balancing it all—bus...

By Dr Jan Macfarlane (May 2025) Would you press a magic button for constant happiness? Most of us, on reflection, would say no. Why? Because life’s full emotional range gives meaning to our experiences. It’s through joy, sadness, challenge and triumph that we truly grow. We are naturally wired to scan for threats—an evolutionary survival mechanism. But with intention and the right tools, we can shift our mindset. This is where positive psychology comes in—a scientific approach to wellbeing that helps us live more fulfilled lives. The Past – From Healing to Flourishing Positive psychology explores what makes life worth living. Although the term only gained popularity in recent decades, its foundations are rooted in ancient philosophies, including Stoicism a...