Four People Rebuilding Their Lives: Travel, Recovery, Sustainable Christmas and 40 Years Behind the Camera

Not everyone on the bench is in the same chapter of life, and that is exactly what made this episode of The Legacy Bench so honest. Our host Princely was joined by Teni Abioye, a 23-year-old salesman about to go travelling; Oliver Shields, who has just left the British Army; Nicola Mattey, back on the bench with an update on her sustainable Christmas business; and Dave Sinclair, a veteran filmmaker who ended up in front of the camera as well as behind it.

Teni Abioye: stepping out of sales

Teni, from Manchester, has spent four or five years in sales, including two years of door-to-door work while studying business IT. He has saved up to travel around Southeast Asia, "mostly Bali, but semi wing it", and wants to move into something more creative afterwards, such as social media, acting or modelling. Why go now? "I think to be fair, it's been a bit too trapped," he said. A season working abroad gave him a taste of freedom he wanted more of.

Nicola compared the trip to the way university changes people, and another guest advised him to consider moving overseas if a good job came up: "It's something I regret not doing myself." Dave's practical tip: take a small pocket camera and record video diaries, so he comes home with content that is entirely his own. Princely added that building a personal brand through consistent posting makes it easier for other brands to trust you later. Teni was honest about the hardest part: "The first thing in your head is, 'Oh, what's everyone going to think?'"

Oliver Shields: "I just changed what I'm addicted to"

Oliver spoke openly about a cannabis addiction that began in a small town where, he said, "everyone's trying to feel good". The turning point came while helping look after his grandparents during COVID. His granddad lived with a serious lung condition for nearly 30 years, and seeing him on an oxygen tank made Oliver ask himself, "What am I doing?" He joined the British Army for a fresh start, discipline and fitness. "I didn't really stop being addicted," he said. "I just changed what I'm addicted to. And now I'm addicted to fitness."

Now out of the Army, his plan is to work in construction to fund courses in massage therapy and personal training, and longer term to study neuro-linguistic programming and one day open a holistic retreat where people can heal from addiction. Teni pointed out how much physical change helps mental health. Nicola suggested working with charities to reach people who are where he was eight or ten years ago, and Princely told him his story is his brand. Oliver's advice to anyone in his old shoes: change your environment and the people around you. "Selfish is good, within reason. We've got to look after ourselves, then we can look after people."

Nicola Mattey: renting Christmas instead of buying it

Nicola is an actor and performer who last year launched The Ornament Exchange Company, a seasonal side business that rents out curated Christmas decorations sourced from pre-loved sellers and charity shops, so people get something new each year without buying more plastic. Her first Christmas was quiet; she started in September or October, which was late. Conversations on the bench have since shifted her thinking from families towards local businesses such as hairdressers and pubs, where she could also offer installation. She also hopes to work with Play It Green, so purchases support tree planting.

The bench had plenty of ideas. The bench suggested expanding beyond Christmas to Halloween and Easter, and Oliver added Eid and other celebrations through the year. Princely suggested an online marketplace and a shorter name. Dave's advice was the most practical of all: approach local hotels that put up big trees in reception, decorate one for free, photograph it, and turn the results into a short branded PDF to send with every email. "If it's free, they'll probably invite you back," he said. Princely also recommended joining a referral network such as BNI.

Dave Sinclair: still advertising after 40 years behind the camera

Dave runs Corporate Motion, an independent film and photography company in Leicester. He joined the Army in 1978, bought his first camera in 1981 and filmed exercises and tours, including Bosnia. After retiring in 2004, a neighbour's introduction led to his first client, B&Q, for nine weeks of weekend filming. He has since worked on projects for the BBC, ITV and Sky, and made over 400 films. At 64, he is thinking about the next few years and leaning towards photography, which is lighter than carrying video kit.

His message was that every business still needs to advertise: "Virgin still advertises, Coca-Cola still advertises." The bench saw something more. Oliver said he could share his story and help young people pick up a camera, and Nicola suggested taking on a protégé: "Leave a legacy on The Legacy Bench."

The takeaway

• Changing your environment can change your life.

• Document your journey: it's content no one else can own.

• Give your first job away to get the proof you need.

• Pass on what you know.

Watch the full episode, and tell us which chapter of life you're in.