“I got to hear Zoe speak at WAEXPO and she is the most incredible storyteller. I was there every step of the way while she was sharing more about her passions and the challenges she has faced and overcome. She was engaging, down to earth, relatable but also inspiring. So much so, I knew I had to get Zoe on the Tough Girl Podcast so that more people could hear her story! A beautiful soul, with a passion for getting more people outdoors and active. Thank you Zoe.”
Sarah Williams
– Founder of Tough Girl Challenges and the double award winning Tough Girl Podcast
“We are always looking for ways to encourage our students to grasp opportunities, build resilience and step out of their comfort zone. Having been recently inspired by reading “The Salt Path” by Raynor Winn, I was delighted to discover that Zoe had not only completed the same challenge (and much more) but that she was up for leading assemblies with the whole school and sharing her story. Her thoughtful and well-planned delivery captivated over 300 11 to 18 year olds at a time and illustrated the possibilities available to them in both small steps and big challenges – and everything in between. She has also gained some serious kudos with the boys in her Year 11 classes!”
Phil Keen
– Headteacher (and cycle tourer!), Corfe Hills School
High Expectations, Exceptional Individuals
“I took inspiration from hearing about Zoe’s #100ScaryDays challenge and her willingness to put herself out of her comfort zone today, by going to watch her speak in a house assembly. It is the first one I have been to since a fainting episode 8 years ago in front of the whole school, which left me with anxiety and a real fear of being in crowded (particularly quiet) situations. I can now tick that one off my list!
She also smashed the assembly and inspired a number of our students to face their fears, no matter how small. Thanks Zoe!”
Tash Diamond
– Technology Technician, Corfe Hills School
High Expectations, Exceptional Individuals
“Best assembly yet, I now am more likely to tackle fears or challenges straight away rather than procrastinating… very inspirational!”
Louis
– Year 12 student
“The way you decided to complete this massive challenge independently really inspired me to make more decisions for myself and also push myself to do more challenges.”
George
– Year 11 student
“I liked Mrs Wathen’s assembly because she got across the point she was trying to make about how fear sets you back and how to overcome it. In addition, I liked it because she shared a story about her very long walk and the only thing that held her back was a knee-deep river. She also said about how she wanted to do the walk for over 15 years. I liked the karaoke that she did in the video at the end of the assembly.
Riley
– Year 9 student
“Mrs Wathen’s assembly on Tuesday, I personally thought was very exciting but in a different and fun way. Not only did she make the speech about something inspirational and relatable for many people, but she did it in such a fun and eye catching way. An assembly about facing your fears isn’t always the most interesting and exciting subject, but when Mrs Wathen did hers, it caught everyone’s attention. The way she included her own story, pictures and videos showed everyone the adventurous and less scary side of facing your fears and having no limits to what you want to achieve. The lip syncing video towards the end was definitely a way to get people more entertained! It was a way to see the subject in a more funny and positive way. Overall I thought, along with many others, that Mrs Wathen’s assembly about facing your fears and achieving the most was something that’s memorable, enjoyable and presented it in the best way possible!”
Jenna Hughes
– Year 9 student
“Zoe was such an inspirational speaker. I remember her explaining how she rationalised her fear regarding new challenges. Zoe’s talk inspired me to sign up, train for and complete the Bournemouth Pier to Pier (1.4 mile open water swim) which I now think is my greatest achievement. Without Zoe’s motivation I would never have overcome the endless ‘what if’ questions. Her passion and message instilled a confidence and belief in myself that I didn’t realise I had, allowing me to challenge myself and achieve more than I thought was possible.”
Lindsay Curry
– Teacher of Physical Education, Parkstone Grammar School
for Girls
Commitment, Courage and Compassion
Zoe came to our Tangent club to give us a most enjoyable talk about her walking expeditions. What made it especially interesting is the way the talk was set out. It was not in chronological order but in topics such as sleeping arrangements, encounters, equipment etc. Long after Zoe’s talk, members were still saying how they had enjoyed it.
Sabine Fairhall-Gaillard
– Speakers’ Secretary (2017 – 2018), Tangent Ladies Club, Bournemouth
of Tangent Clubs
“An unwavering positivity and unshakeable spirit for a challenge, Wath’s optimism is utterly contagious. Her fun, comedic anecdotes are bound to inspire and spur a smile. Speaking on her experiences, you are spirited away on an adventure right alongside her and left itching to do exactly what she’s put on the tin – to head right out!”
Hannah Sharland
– a Parkstone Grammar School alumnus
“Zoe’s interview on the Tough Girl podcast made me realise I should give the path a go! She made it sound so amazing but also achievable. ️ I’m loving it all so far, every day is a bit different and I’ve seen so many spectacular places. I really mean it about the podcast, I think my thought process was a little similar to Zoe’s; I knew about the path and thought it sounded like a cool thing to do, but until I listened to her talk about it, I didn’t really think it was something I would be able to do! Zoe made it sound very doable, and when I found out my job contract wouldn’t be renewed I thought it was an excellent opportunity for some thinking time!”
Dr Julia Tratt
– Plant biologist, blogger and Tough Girl Podcast listener
