How does a mountain climb transform into a mission for mental health advocacy and community support? In this podcast episode, Chloe and Jeff Smith recount their remarkable journey that began with scaling Mount Kilimanjaro and culminated in the creation of Big Moose Coffee Co., a non-profit coffee shop aimed at providing training and employment opportunities for the homeless and those grappling with mental health issues.
The adventure began in 2010 when Chloe, then 15, and her father Jeff decided to climb Kilimanjaro. The trek was not just a personal challenge but also a fundraising effort for Barnardo’s children’s charity. They managed to raise an impressive £15,000, which was directed toward a project supporting young mothers in Cardiff. This experience was transformative, igniting a desire in both Chloe and Jeff to make a lasting impact on their community.
In 2014, this desire to give back materialized into regular visits to a soup kitchen during the Christmas period. They partnered with local businesses to gather food and clothing donations. Inspired by the House of St Barnabas in London, they envisioned creating a supportive environment in Cardiff. Despite lacking hospitality experience and facing financial constraints, Chloe and Jeff were determined. They sought community support, crowdfunded through Kickstarter, and secured a commercial lease for a dilapidated building. Their relentless effort paid off, turning their vision into reality.
Social media’s impact on young people is another crucial topic discussed in the episode. Chloe and Jeff delve into the challenges of resilience and the overwhelming influence of social media on today’s youth. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries around screen time and promoting hard work, discipline, and resilience. Community spaces like coffee shops play a vital role in supporting mental health, offering safe, tech-free environments that foster human connection.
The episode also highlights the power of goal setting and understanding the “why” behind actions. Chloe and Jeff share their coaching principles, stressing the importance of creating systems to support mental health. They discuss their ambitious goal of raising a million pounds in a year, which they successfully achieved, raising 1.16 million pounds in 486 days. This achievement underscores the power of community and determination.
Influential books like Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” and Darren Hardy’s “The Compound Effect” have guided Chloe and Jeff on their journey. Understanding the “why” behind actions is essential for both business and personal growth. The episode also touches on the nine emotional needs fundamental to human well-being and how meeting these needs can support individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Lastly, the episode celebrates the inspiring story of Chloe and Jeff Smith from Big Moose. Their philosophy of taking risks and just going for it is emphasized, along with essential coaching principles like controlling the controllables, setting big goals, and embracing the 80-20 rule. Their work in suicide prevention is highlighted as truly impactful. The episode concludes with the idea of organizing a charity bike ride to support their cause and an upcoming Limitless Life Workshop on goal setting.
In summary, this podcast episode is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, purpose, and community support. Chloe and Jeff Smith’s journey from climbing Kilimanjaro to creating Big Moose Coffee Co. is an inspiring tale of turning personal challenges into a mission for mental health advocacy and community well-being. Tune in to hear their incredible story and learn valuable lessons on resilience, goal setting, and the importance of understanding the “why” behind actions.