Fearless food
The Courage to keep doing what you believe in.
Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week my guest is Mandy Barber founder of Incredible Vegetables, who is fulfilling her dream to help people eat healthily for the long term, to future-proof food security and to regenerate the planet's biodiversity.
"I feel like you just have to keep doing what you believe in, even though, you're up against it. And also it's like really the feedback I get is what sort of spurs me on. Like sometimes you get up in the morning and go, am I doing the right thing? This is too hard. I'm just going to go and get a normal job somewhere, but then you go and speak somewhere to, big group of people and it's like a light bulb going on and then you realize what you're doing, because I live in the nerdy world of perennial vegetables. It's just like completely normal to me. And then you realise it's not like nobody knows about these things. So you realise, Oh, actually, I'm one of the people trying to put it out there. So I think it's just believing in following your passion. And also, yeah, if whatever age that comes out or whatever stage of your life don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Mandy Barber's journey with Incredible Vegetables is more than a story about plants; it's about the courage to follow a dream against all odds. When Mandy decided to focus on perennial vegetables, she faced numerous challenges. The idea of growing plants that live for years, as opposed to the traditional annual crops, was not widely understood or accepted. Many doubted her vision, but Mandy pressed on, driven by her passion and a deep-seated belief in the benefits of her approach.
Her path was not easy. Mandy often questioned her decisions, especially on tough days when the results seemed elusive. The temptation to abandon her unique pursuit for a more conventional career was real. Yet, she found strength in the feedback and support from those she inspired. Every time she spoke to a group of people and saw the spark of understanding in their eyes, she was reminded of the importance of her work. This reinforcement was crucial, helping her see the value of her efforts and pushing her to continue.
Mandy's courage is about more than just personal resolve; it's about a commitment to a greater good. She understands that her work with perennial vegetables is pioneering, and she embraces her role in educating others. Her courage is evident in her willingness to challenge the status quo and advocate for a sustainable way of farming that benefits the environment and future generations.
For Mandy, courage also means recognising and nurturing one's passion, regardless of age or stage in life. Her story reminds us that it's never too late to pursue what truly matters to us. By following her passion, Mandy not only found personal fulfillment but also created a ripple effect, inspiring others to think differently about food and sustainability.
Dare to do things differently, for the greater good.
Ten Top Tips on Courage Inspired by Mandy Barber
Stay True to Your Beliefs: Hold on to what you believe in, even when facing opposition.
Draw Strength from Feedback: Let the encouragement and feedback from others fuel your determination.
Persevere Through Hardships: When you face difficult moments, remember why you started and keep pushing forward.
Share Your Passion: Educate and inspire others about your work, creating a supportive community.
Embrace the Challenges: View obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.
Maintain Your Passion: Let your love for what you do be the driving force behind your actions.
Be Flexible and Innovative: Adapt to new circumstances and be open to change.
Exercise Patience: Understand that significant achievements take time and consistent effort.
Think Beyond Yourself: Align your goals with a broader purpose that benefits others and the environment.
Pursue Your Dreams Regardless of Age: Don’t let age or any stage in life hinder your pursuit of what you love.
Mandy Barber's story is a powerful example of courage, resilience, and passion. Her journey with Incredible Vegetables teaches us that following our true passions, despite challenges, can lead to personal fulfillment and broader positive impacts.
PS. Does Mandy's experience resonate with you? As your Creative Transformation Coach, I support and guide you through your challenges, stress & fears and give you the tools to create the life you want.
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