#369 Stephen Ridley - Radical Reinvention
Real Talk with Zuby
Zuby
4.8 • 1.2K Ratings
🗓️ 26 June 2025
⏱️ 98 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Stephen Ridley is a professional pianist who has performed in dozens of countries. He shares the deeply personal journey that led him away from a high-powered banking career towards a life of creativity and authenticity. From the early days of musical training to the devastating loss of his father, Stephen recounts the key moments that shaped his path. He talks about overcoming fears, the joy of street performance, and the freedom found in following one’s passion. For the first time, he also publicly shares the story of his kidnapping in Brazil.
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:50) Stephen Ridley's Musical Journey Begins
(02:28) Formal Training and Losing Passion
(03:38) A Turning Point: The Loss of a Father
(06:13) Complex Relationship with His Father
(15:16) Struggles and Determination
(17:31) The Banking Career and Realization
(29:11) The Decision to Leave Banking
(32:50) A Life-Changing Moment
(33:38) Seeing the World with New Eyes
(34:24) Exploring New Opportunities
(34:37) First Major Decision
(35:25) The Adventure Begins
(36:05) Street Performance and Stage Fright
(37:14) Facing Fears and Finding Freedom
(39:18) The Turning Point
(41:47) From Street Performer to Global Musician
(49:48) The Power of Saying Yes
(54:20) Performing Around the World
(54:53) Cultural Reflections and Favourite Places
(57:48) Kidnapped in Brazil
(01:02:09) Arrival in Rio: First Impressions
(01:03:34) Meeting Eva: A New Connection
(01:04:11) Beach Volleyball and Brazilian Culture
(01:07:47) Night Out in the Favela
(01:08:40) Kidnapped in Rio
(01:15:46) Stockholm Syndrome and Escape
(01:24:58) Reunion with Eva
(01:29:10) Future Plans and Reflections
(01:29:18) Outro
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Transcript
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| 0:53.6 | it's about keeping everything secure on. It's about keeping |
| 0:54.4 | everything secure. Let's talk about something that might be keeping you up at night. Cyber security. |
| 1:01.5 | According to Vanta's latest state of trust report, it's the number one concern for UK businesses. |
| 1:07.2 | That's where Vanta comes in. Whether you're a startup, growing fast or already established, |
| 1:12.9 | Vanta can help you get ISO-2701 certified and more without the headaches. And Vanta allows your |
| 1:19.7 | company to centralise security workflows, complete questionnaires up to five times faster, and |
| 1:24.6 | proactively manage vendor risk to help your team not only get compliant, |
| 1:28.5 | but stay compliant. Stop stressing over cybersecurity and start focusing on growing your business. |
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| 1:43.1 | slash go for $1,000 off. Because when it comes to your business, it's not |
| 1:47.8 | just about keeping the lights on. It's about keeping everything secure. I'm going to tell this |
| 1:52.5 | very unfiltered. I've never told this before. I've told this friends in dinner parties. I've never, |
| 1:56.7 | it's never gone on the internet. So I'm just going to tell it. And I'm going to really, |
| 1:59.8 | really hope that if the people involved in this watch it, |
| 2:03.8 | I really hope this doesn't backfire. |
... |
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