Ri Ferrier is Managing Director of Heart Based Living Initiative CIC, a non-profit dedicated to bringing more calm, connection and wellbeing to people across the whole of the UK.

What inspired you to launch and what is the end goal?

We feel strongly that wellbeing is a fundamental basic human need and not a luxury – that it should be available to all people, from every sort of background.  This is why we decided to offer a mobile teaching space that could go right into the centre of communities that need it most.  The Heart Bus is a tailor made space that will provide many opportunities for connection and learning.

Our end goal is to impact as many people’s lives as possible – to bring sustainable, every day, practical tools to help to antidote the stress and strain of the pandemic. 

How do you set yourself apart from other businesses in your industry?

A very personable and human approach to wellbeing is what sets us apart primarily.  We’re building a vibrant community, knowing that the journey to wellbeing is much easier when you are on it with others (much like physical exercise).  All of our sessions are facilitated live and we blend listening spaces, mindfulness techniques and the science behind mindfulness to reach as diverse an audience as possible.  The Heart Bus is fitted out with bio-feedback sensors that show in real time the impact of mindfulness sessions on heart rhythms.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as an entrepreneur?

Dare to dream!  Accomplishing projects like this takes a big vision, boldness and courage – and a great team.

What are your thoughts on failure?

Nobody likes failure; it puts a dent in our egos! However, I feel I’ve learnt more from the failures in my life than from the successes.  Time graces us with hindsight to appreciate how the failures were stepping stones in the bigger adventure of life!

Do you have a morning routine or ritual to get your day started on the right foot?

Yes, absolutely – mornings are very important to set the tone of the day.  I will normally do a 15 minute work out at home, shower and then do a 15 minute qi gong practise before breakfast and hitting my to-do list for the day.  At the end of each work day, I also have a clear idea of priorities for the next day so I can start the day without trying to work out what to do first!

If you could be in a room with 4 entrepreneurs, who would they be and why?

Richard Branson for starters – I studied him as part of my Business Enterprise degree when I was in my twenties and his story inspired me (especially his mum throwing him out of the car aged 5 to find his own way home!). I would also choose my son. He started his own business aged 17 and is constantly inspiring me with the depth of his knowledge and determination.  I’d love to meet Oprah Winfrey because I feel she is so accessible to people. Her rags to riches story is also an inspiration! And my final choice would be Sir David Attenborough. I’m not sure whether you’d class him as an entrepreneur, but I do. He has built a legacy that will impact many generations and it would be an honour to be in his presence.

What are your top tips for entrepreneurs wanting to get their business out there?

Spend some time looking at your self belief and insecurity issues!

Visualise what you want to achieve – make it as clear and detailed as possible.

Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who support you, no matter what.

Make time every day for self care – the better your internal resources, the more impact you will have each day.

Act as if you’ve already succeeded.

What’s the most important question entrepreneurs should be asking themselves?

What legacy are you wanting to leave behind?

What are your responsibilities as a business owner?

The key responsibility is that the company is operating in line with its core values and delivering on its promises.  Taking care of the wellbeing and safety of the team and walking our talk within the company culture is also incredibly important.  As we work in the area of wellbeing, it is also crucial to have policies and support in place for members of the community who need further mental health support.

How does your company help the community?

All of our offerings help the community – whether it be the free online mindfulness sessions, listening spaces or courses – or the soon to be launched Heart Bus that is going direct to the heart of communities to bring free teachings. Wellbeing practices aren’t available for everyone.  We want to change that with the Heart Bus – which will enable us to travel and connect with as many diverse groups as possible, within their own communities.

Any moments where you thought you’ve bitten off more than you can chew?

Of course! I’d say that is a regular occurrence if I’m honest – but then you take a deep breath, expand some, and get on with it!