The Pocket Dojō
The Pocket Dojō is hosted by Asha Singh and Paul Crick. In 2019, Forbes reported that $366BN was invested globally in leadership training and yet, as consulting firm McKinsey reported, most of these leadership programs fail to create the desired results. There is a disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and what happens on the field of play in our teams and organisations. Most of us want real leadership more, yet want the leaders we have less particularly as the majority of our organisations continue to play finite games in a world where the resources available are not. The P...
Mon, October 28, 2024
S2 Ep 23: The Finale
Welcome to the last episode of this podcast co-hosted with Asha Singh and myself. Wow! What a learning curve it's been for us both. From getting to grips with all the technology and learning how to build, edit and publish an episode with scripts, visuals and library music to get over ourselves and out in front of the camera. It’s been a great deal of fun, and based on the feedback we’ve received, we’ve produced something that seems to punch well above its weight and sit alongside some of the more established and well-known online voices. Throughout the process, we both feel we have found our voices and managed to navigate the healthy and natural creative tensions that have arisen successfully and with a good sense of humour. In this episode, we reflect on the common themes that have emerged over the various conversations in Series 2. We originally planned the theme to be ‘The Spaces In Between’ and the conversations have been richer and more diverse embracing many points beyond that, and for the better. We’ve had some brilliant guests who have offered a wide variety of knowledge, wisdom and perspective to the conversations about regenerative leadership. It comes down to the need for a shift in societal mindsets and finding ways beyond the limitations of current economic models to move beyond the ‘do no harm’ mantra of sustainability activists to recognise the need to repair the damage we have done (and continue to do) to the planet and its people. Moving forward, we are both using our skills and experience to embark on new projects, ones that light us up and play to our strengths. In this episode, we share a little bit of where we’re up to next. To everyone who has watched or listened to one or more episodes, thank you. To our wonderful guests who gave up their time to share their wisdom, thank you. And from me to Asha , thank you for being my partner in mischief over the two series. This is a body of work I know we are both rightfully proud of and will, I’m certain, remain relevant for years to come. I will still be publishing here on Substack and have a new short-form biography series in the works about senior women leaders once they reach the peak of their careers and how they transitioned beyond that, how they redefined success and went on to do work that lights them up. 📖 To read more of Asha's writing about regeneration and the regenerative economy and society, follow this link to her Substack and you can connect with her on LinkedIn here . Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at <a href="https://thepocketdojo.sub
Fri, October 25, 2024
S2 Ep 23 : The Finale
In the final episode of Series Two of the Pocket Dojo Podcast, hosts Asha Singh and Paul Crick reflect on the series' evolution, discussing themes like "spaces in between," early life experiences shaping decisions, and transformative journeys. They highlight the need for a shift in societal mindsets and the limitations of current economic models. They discuss plans, emphasizing personal growth, sustainable practices, and the importance of community support. This is the last episode of the podcast, as both Asha and Paul are shifting their focus to new projects. Thanks to everyone for watching on YouTube and for listening online. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, October 14, 2024
S2 Ep 22 : In Conversation With Bessi Graham - Profit with a Purpose: Revolutionising Business for Social Impact
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo Podcast, host Paul chats with Bessi Graham about integrating purpose and profit in business. Bessi shares her journey and philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the importance of merging money and meaning. She discusses her work with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to create sustainable business models that benefit society. The conversation highlights the need for practical leadership training and an understanding of the business context. Bessi advocates for focusing on SMEs in environmental and social responsibility discussions, urging businesses to adopt ethical practices to drive positive change. The episode underscores the potential of businesses to foster a sustainable and equitable world. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, October 14, 2024
S2 Ep 21: In Conversation With Bessi Graham
The episode delves into the intersection of purpose and profit in business, emphasizing the potential for organisations to create positive social impact while achieving financial success. Bessi Graham is an entrepreneur, business owner, Angel / VC / Impact Investor, Philanthropist, Coach, Advisor, and founder of Benefit Capital . She shares her journey, philosophy, and actionable insights on leadership, business practices, and the importance of context in driving meaningful change. Bessi’s Journey and Philosophy Bessi Graham's career is a testament to her commitment to questioning the status quo and merging the concepts of money and meaning. From a young age, she wondered why society often forces individuals to choose between doing good and making money. This curiosity has shaped her career and led her to develop a "both-and" mindset, encouraging people to integrate purpose into their business practices without sacrificing profitability. Key Takeaways: A ‘Both-And Mindset’: Embrace the idea that businesses can achieve both financial success and social impact. Questioning the Status Quo: Continuously challenge existing norms and explore innovative ways to merge purpose with profit. The Challenge of Leadership Training Paul raises a critical point about the significant investment in leadership training worldwide, questioning why many leaders still struggle to navigate complex challenges. Bessi agreed, highlighting that leadership is often studied in isolation from real-world experiences. She believes that effective leadership requires practical experience, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the context in which one operates. Things You Can Do Now : * Think Like a System, Act Like an Entrepreneur: Leaders should zoom out to see the bigger picture while being grounded in practical applications. * Real-World Experience: Seek opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Apprenticing with the Problem One of the key concepts Bessi introduces is the idea of "apprenticing with the problem." This means immersing oneself in the context of the issue at hand before attempting to design solutions. Bessi shares her experiences working in various settings, from high-level advisory roles to grassroots initiatives in places like Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Things You Can Do Now : * Immerse in the Context: Spend time understanding the local environment, culture, and specific challenges. * Collaborative Approach: Work with local stakeholders to co-create solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable. The Importance of Context Bessi stresses that context is everything when it comes to designing effective business solutions. Understanding the local environment, culture, and specific challenges i
Mon, September 30, 2024
S2 Ep 21 : In Conversation With Thomas Schindler - How Can We Create a Better World Through Community and Agency?
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo Podcast, host Paul introduces co-host Asha and her guest Thomas Schindler to talk about how we create a better world through community and agency. Thomas shares his unique upbringing in a household of natural scientists and his aspirations to be a rock star, which shaped his innovative approach to life and work. He discusses his software engineering company that invests heavily in initiatives aimed at creating a "heliocentric civilisation," where life is prioritised over GDP. The conversation explores themes of community, personal agency, and systemic change, emphasising the importance of coordination, vulnerability, and rethinking the role of money in fostering a better world. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, September 30, 2024
S2 Ep 20: In Conversation With Thomas Schindler
Thomas Schindler is a man of many talents and stories, and in this episode shares his unique perspective on life, work, and the vision for a better world. Recognising the Larger Tapestry Thomas begins by addressing a fundamental question: how can we make a meaningful impact in a world that often feels overwhelming? He emphasises the importance of recognising that while we may not witness the fruits of our labour, our contributions are part of a larger tapestry that future generations may benefit from. This acknowledgement is crucial for maintaining motivation and a sense of purpose. Assessing Your Radius of Effectiveness Thomas encourages listeners to assess their "radius of effectiveness," which refers to the scope of their influence. For some, this may mean focusing on family and friends, while others might have the resources to extend their impact further. The key is to be clear about what one can realistically achieve and to embrace the agency that comes with that understanding. Things You Can Do Today * Identify Your Sphere of Influence: Reflect on the areas where you can make the most significant impact, whether it's within your family, community, or professional network. * Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals that align with your capabilities and resources. * Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate the small victories along the way to stay motivated. The Power of Community A significant part of the conversation revolves around the idea of community. Thomas suggests that one of the first steps toward making a difference is to find a community where individuals can contribute their unique skills and resources. He clarifies that he is not advocating for intentional communities but rather for existing communities—like villages—where people can come together to support one another and work towards common goals. Amplifying Efforts Through Collaboration Asha reflected on her own journey and the importance of being part of a community that aligns with one’s values. She emphasises that while individual agency is vital, collaboration and connection with others amplify our efforts and create a more significant impact. Things You Can Do Today * Join Local Groups: Participate in local community groups or organizations that align with your values and interests. * Build Relationships: Foster strong relationships within your community to create a support network. * Collaborate on Projects: Work with others on community projects to leverage collective skills and resources. Navigating Challenges in Systems Change Thomas shared insights into the challenges faced in systems change work. He highlights that while many people are eager to contribute to positive change, accessing the necessary resources—both financial and otherwise—can be a significant barrier. He notes that the current economic system often com
Mon, September 16, 2024
S2 Ep 20 : In Conversation With Dan Norenberg - Navigating Leadership Challenges: Building Stronger Teams in Turbulent Times
In this podcast episode, Paul speaks with author and team coaching expert Dan Norenberg to delve into the evolving dynamics of leadership and team collaboration in a post-pandemic world. Dan highlights the critical importance of vulnerability and trust within leadership teams. He emphasises a collective approach to learning and transformation, moving beyond individual coaching. The discussion explores strategies for facilitating open conversations to address underlying issues and improve team collaboration. Dan also underscores the significance of recognizing and leveraging individual strengths within teams, advocating for a culture where all voices are valued and innovative ideas can flourish. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, September 16, 2024
S2 Ep 20 : Leadership and Team Dynamics in a Post-Pandemic World: Insights from Dan Norenberg
In this podcast episode, Paul chats to author and team coach, Dan Norenberg. Together they delve into the evolving landscape of leadership and team dynamics, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Dan, a leading voice in coaching, shares his expertise on the challenges that leadership teams face today, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, trust, and collective learning. This blog post will break down the key themes and insights from their conversation, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to guide leaders in navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic world. Shifting from Traditional to Inclusive Leadership Dan begins by reflecting on traditional leadership structures, where job descriptions and performance profiles often dictate advancement within an organization. He suggests that we are moving towards a more inclusive understanding of leadership, where everyone has the potential to lead and contribute. This shift encourages a culture where all voices are valued, and innovative ideas can emerge from unexpected sources. Useful Tips * Encourage Open Dialogue: Create forums where team members at all levels can share their ideas and perspectives. * Recognize Contributions: Acknowledge and reward innovative ideas, regardless of the source. * Foster a Culture of Inclusion: Implement policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion within the team. The Importance of Collective Intelligence The conversation emphasizes that the best solutions often arise from collaborative discussions. Dan notes that sometimes the most insightful contributions come from quieter team members who may not typically voice their opinions. This highlights the need for leaders to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. Useful Tips * Facilitate Inclusive Meetings: Use techniques like round-robin discussions to ensure everyone has a chance to speak. * Create Safe Spaces: Establish a culture where team members feel safe to express their ideas without fear of judgment. * Leverage Diverse Perspectives: Actively seek out and incorporate diverse viewpoints in decision-making processes. Navigating the Space Between Roles Dan introduces the concept of "the space" between individual roles within a leadership team. He describes how executives often identify strongly with their functional areas (e.g., supply chain, marketing) but must also embrace their responsibilities as members of the executive team. This duality can create tension, especially when decisions that benefit the organization as a whole may negatively impact a specific function. Dan stresses the importance of defining this space and engaging in open conversations about commitments and obligations as a cohesive unit. Useful Tips * Clarify Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define
Mon, September 02, 2024
S2 Ep 19 : In Conversation With Dr Claudine Perlet - From Financial Services to Regenerative Systems
In this podcast episode, the host converses with Dr. Claudine Perlet, an expert in regenerative system design and transformative change. Dr Perlet shares her journey from a 20-year career in financial services to exploring personal development and regenerative economics. The discussion highlights the challenges of implementing regenerative practices within extractive systems, the need for supportive legal frameworks, and the importance of combining inner and outer work for systemic change. She offers practical advice for leaders seeking to shift towards sustainable models and emphasizes the significance of finding purpose and supportive communities in driving transformative change. To find out more about Dr Perlet's work, visit her website 🔗 https://claudineperlet.com/program/ Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, September 02, 2024
S2 Ep 19 : In Conversation With Dr Claudine Perlet
In a world increasingly aware of its environmental and social challenges, regenerative leadership is gaining traction. In this episode of The Pocket Dojō, Asha engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Claudine Perlet, a leader in regeneration system design and transformative change. Dr. Perlet, with her extensive background in law, consulting, and coaching, shares her journey and insights on how leaders can drive systemic change within corporate environments. Her journey is a testament to the power of personal transformation and its impact on professional endeavours. With over 20 years in financial services, and holding various leadership positions globally, Dr. Perlet experienced a pivotal moment in 2017. She felt a profound realisation that something was fundamentally wrong in the world, prompting her to embark on a deep learning journey. This journey led her to explore personal development, trauma work, and regenerative economics, with the ultimate goal of reintegrating this knowledge into the financial sector. Systemic Barriers to Regeneration One of the core themes of the conversation is the challenge of achieving regeneration within a predominantly extractive system. Dr. Perlet reflects on her experiences and the limitations she faces in making meaningful changes. While she can alter her personal consumption patterns and lifestyle choices, systemic barriers often hinder broader change. For instance, she questions the availability of regenerative food sources and the implications of globalization on her ability to connect with others. Legal Frameworks and Regenerative Practices Dr. Perlet emphasizes the need for a legal framework that supports regenerative practices. She suggests the idea of claiming a right to do no harm but acknowledges the current limitations of legal systems in this regard. While there are emerging trends in climate litigation and the rights of nature, practical enforcement remains a challenge. Raising awareness and campaigning for these issues, as well as fostering a cultural shift in perception, are crucial steps toward achieving systemic change. Designing Programs for Transformative Change Dr. Perlet shares her experiences in designing programs for leaders who are dissatisfied with the status quo and seek to implement transformative changes in their organisations. She highlights the importance of combining inner work with outer work, as personal transformation is essential for creating meaningful change in the business context. Overcoming Resistance to Change Asha and Dr. Perlet discuss the resistance many leaders face when attempting to shift towards more sustainable practices. Despite acknowledging the need for change, there is often a reluctance to take action due to fears and uncertainties. Dr. Perlet emphasises the significance of finding supportive communitie
Mon, August 19, 2024
S2 Ep 18 : In Conversation With Suzie Lewis
‘You can stop it ( regenerative practice ) from becoming a buzzword by constantly doing three things: one, giving it meaning; two, making it real; and three, constantly bringing people back down to earth on it.’ ~ Suzie Lewis In this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast, Asha and Suzie Lewis delve into the intricacies of regenerative leadership and organizational development. Suzie, a seasoned practitioner in leadership and digital transformation, shares her journey and profound insights on fostering innovation, collaboration, and meaningful leadership practices. What is Regenerative Leadership? Regenerative leadership is about adopting a mindset that goes beyond traditional leadership practices. It involves understanding the systemic nature of challenges and fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive. Susie emphasizes that regeneration is not just a buzzword but a meaningful practice that requires self-awareness and a deep understanding of the organizational context. Key Elements of Regenerative Leadership Self-Awareness : Leaders must engage in self-reflection to understand their inner systems—how they think, feel, and react. This self-awareness is crucial for navigating the complexities of transformation. Contextual Understanding : Leaders need to understand the unique challenges and dynamics of their organizations. This involves engaging in sense-making to navigate complexity effectively. Meaningful Definitions : To avoid regeneration becoming an empty concept, organizations must define what it means in their specific context and connect it to their pain points and projects. Actionable Tips for Leaders 1. Foster Self-Awareness Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. It helps leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, and triggers, enabling them to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment. Actionable Steps: * Engage in Regular Reflection: Set aside time for self-reflection to understand your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. * Seek Feedback: Encourage feedback from peers and team members to gain different perspectives on your leadership style. * Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling to enhance self-awareness. 2. Create a Culture of Open Communication Open communication fosters collaboration and innovation. When team members feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas, it leads to a more dynamic and creative work environment. Actionable Steps: * Establish Clear Boundaries: Communicate what is acceptable and create a foundation for open dialogue within teams. * Encourage Feedback: Create spaces for team members to provide feedback and share their ideas. * Model Vulnerability: Show vulnerability as a leader by acknowledging areas for improvement and bei
Mon, August 19, 2024
S2 Ep 18 : In Conversation With Suzie Lewis - Unpacking the Myths: What Regenerative Leadership Really Means
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast, Asha and Suzie Lewis discuss regenerative leadership and organizational development. Suzie shares her journey from a corporate career to founding her own organization, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and understanding context in leadership. They explore the challenges of fostering innovation and collaboration in complex environments and the need to prevent buzzwords like "regeneration" from losing their meaning. The conversation also covers the role of technology in leadership and the significance of human connection. Susie highlights the importance of personal growth and offers advice on navigating leadership challenges. To find out more about Suzie and her work follow this link https://transformforvalue.com/ Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, August 05, 2024
S2 Ep 17: In Conversation With Nicky and Dave Schauder
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo Podcast, I am lucky enough to get to chat with Nicky and David, co-founders of Permaculture Gardens. Together we delve into permaculture principles, sustainable gardening, and their personal journey from conventional food systems to creating a thriving food forest. Permaculture is an approach to designing and maintaining sustainable human settlements and agricultural systems that mimic the relationships and patterns found in natural ecosystems. The term "permaculture" comes from a combination of "permanent" and "culture," reflecting its focus on creating sustainable systems that can endure over time. Permaculture is based on three main ethical principles: Earth Care : Taking care of the Earth and its ecosystems because all life depends on a healthy planet. People Care : Supporting the health and well-being of individuals and communities, as social systems are key to sustainable living. Fair Share : Sharing resources fairly so everyone in the community has what they need while ensuring future generations can also access these resources. Permaculture practitioners use design principles to build sustainable systems based on these ethics, including: - Observing and learning from nature - Designing for efficiency and resilience - Valuing diversity - Using local and renewable resources - Building community connections - Recognizing the links between all parts of a system Permaculture isn't just about farming or gardening. It can be applied to all parts of human life, including energy, transport, waste, and social structures. By using permaculture principles in our daily lives and communities, we can create more sustainable, resilient systems that benefit both the planet and its people. As true regenerative leaders, Nicky and Dave discuss overcoming some of the challenges they’ve had to face including food allergies in their children and gardening failures, emphasising the importance of daily observation and community education. The episode also introduces their new permaculture gardening app, SAGE, designed to help users manage their gardens effectively. The conversation highlights resilience, community, and the transformative potential of permaculture practices. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, August 05, 2024
S2 Ep 17 : In Conversation With Permaculture Pioneers Nicky & Dave Schauder
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo Podcast, host Paul Crick chats with Nicky and David Schauder, co-founders of Permaculture Gardens. They delve into permaculture principles, sustainable gardening, and their journey from conventional food systems to creating a thriving food forest. They discuss overcoming challenges like food allergies in their children and gardening failures, emphasizing the importance of daily observation and community education. The episode also introduces their new permaculture gardening app - SAGE - designed to help users manage their gardens effectively. The conversation highlights resilience, community, and the transformative potential of permaculture practices. To discover more about Nicky and Dave and their work you can visit their websites 🌎 https://permaculturegardens.org/ and https://www.permaculturegardens.org/sage You can also follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/permaculture_garden Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, July 22, 2024
S2 Ep 16: The Power of Storytelling in Filmmaking: A Conversation with Riccardo Sai
In a recent podcast episode, Asha sat down with Riccardo Sai, a talented filmmaker, director, and producer, to delve into his journey, passion for storytelling, and the unique challenges and rewards of his work. Riccardo's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking and the power of stories to inspire change. Here, we break down the key themes and tips from their conversation, providing actionable advice and in-depth explanations to guide aspiring filmmakers and storytellers. Background and Early Career Riccardo grew up in Italy and moved to London over 20 years ago. His career in the creative industry spans several decades, during which he has always viewed his work as a paid hobby. This passion for creativity and storytelling has been a constant driving force in his life. Transition to Ethical Storytelling The pandemic prompted Riccardo to reevaluate his career and focus on projects that align with his values. This led to the creation of his company, "Storo," which specializes in moving stories for ethical and sustainable brands and organisations. This shift represents a new adventure for Riccardo, one that he is deeply passionate about. The Allure of Moving Pictures The Dynamic Nature of Film Riccardo's love for film stems from its dynamic nature. Moving pictures combine various elements such as audio, art direction, styling, set design, and more, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling. This complexity and the collaborative effort required in filmmaking fascinate him, whether he's working with large crews or handling projects solo. The Power of Collaboration Filmmaking is inherently collaborative, involving numerous talents and skills. He enjoys the flexibility of working with both large and small teams, appreciating the diverse expertise each member brings to a project. This collaborative spirit is essential in creating compelling and impactful stories. The Essence of Moving Stories Riccardo shared a personal story to illustrate the concept of moving stories. He recounted a day when he was rushing to find a yoga mat and ended up sharing the cost with a stranger, thanks to the suggestion of a kind cashier. This random act of kindness and the connection it fostered among three people encapsulates the essence of moving stories—stories that inspire action, connect people, and reveal the beauty of humanity. Inspiring Change Through Stories Riccardo's goal with his company is to tell stories that inspire change, educate, and connect people. He believes in the power of storytelling to create a positive impact, one story at a time. This philosophy drives his work and the types of projects he chooses to undertake. Balancing Commercial Work with Purposeful Storytelling Building Relationships Riccardo emphasises the importance of relationships
Mon, July 22, 2024
S2 Ep 16 : In Conversation With Riccardo Sai - The Power of Telling Regenerative Stories
In this podcast episode, Asha and filmmaker Riccardo Sai delve into Ricardo's journey in the creative industry, his passion for storytelling through film, and the evolution of his career. Ricardo shares his background, moving from Italy to the UK, and discusses his company, "Storo," which focuses on creating impactful stories for ethical and sustainable brands. He emphasises the power of storytelling to inspire change and connect people and also highlights recent projects, including documentaries and collaborations with sustainable companies. To discover more about Riccardo and his work you can visit his website 🌎 https://www.mistersai.uk/director and connect with him on LinkedIn at 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardosai/ ********* 📖 To read more of Asha's writing, follow this link to 🗞 https://ashasingh.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv 📖 To read more of Paul's writing, follow this link to his Substack at 📖 https://thepocketdojo.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv Find out about Paul's work here: 📎 https://linktr.ee/theelevatepartnership Find out about Asha's work here: 📊 https://www.learningthroughdoing.com We hope you enjoyed this episode. Thanks for listening. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, July 08, 2024
S2 Ep 15 : Regenerative Minds: Innovating in the Construction Industry
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast, it's Paul's turn to lead the conversation and today he speaks with Justin Murray, Founder of Qube Buildings Limited. Justin is the brains, passion and driving force behind a business that leads the way in regenerative practices innovating and making building materials poised to disrupt the building industry worldwide. His innovation, the Bio-SIP™️ panel, enables the industry to provide accessible eco-friendly building materials and educate and inspire others to embrace sustainable construction practices. Bio-SIP™️ is a heroic story and celebration of what happens when one person’s vision is brought to life through courage and an undaunted willingness to step up, take on the consensus view and entrenched practices to be the embodied change in the world we need. Justin is passionate about regeneration and making a difference for future generations. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, July 08, 2024
S2 Ep 15: In Conversation With Justin Murray
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast, it's Paul's turn to lead the conversation and today he speaks with Justin Murray, Founder of Qube Buildings Limited. We wrote about Justin and his work here . Justin is the brains, passion and driving force behind a business that leads the way in regenerative practices innovating and making building materials poised to disrupt the building industry worldwide. His innovation, the Bio-SIP™️ panel, enables the industry to provide accessible eco-friendly building materials and educate and inspire others to embrace sustainable construction practices. Bio-SIP™️ is a heroic story and celebration of what happens when one person’s vision is brought to life through courage and an undaunted willingness to step up, take on the consensus view and entrenched practices to be the embodied change in the world we need. Justin is passionate about regeneration and making a difference for his children and future generations. Want to be inspired? Consider blocking some time out this week and have a listen to see what comes to mind for you. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Tue, June 25, 2024
S2 Ep 14 : In Conversation With Simon Hampel
Hello Pocket Dojo Community, I’m delighted to bring you some exciting highlights from our latest podcast episode, where I had the pleasure of hosting a heartfelt conversation between Asha and Simon Hampel. This episode is brimming with wisdom, personal stories, and insights that I believe will resonate deeply with you. Here are some key takeaways and intriguing points we discussed: Key Lessons and Ideas: Leadership and Purpose : Simon shares his journey from running businesses in his 20s and 30s to leading NGOs across Africa and India. He talks about transitioning from traditional leadership to purposeful leadership and how this shift has shaped his life. Personal Growth and Resilience : Simon opens up about the challenges he faced, including losing businesses and dealing with guilt and shame. He emphasises the importance of resilience and learning from these experiences. Balancing Life as an Older Dad : With three young children, Simon discusses the joys and challenges of being an older parent and how it keeps him young and grounded. Building a Community : Simon talks about creating Sarsen, an organisation aimed at fostering a community that supports personal and collective growth. He highlights the importance of having a council of trusted individuals who can provide guidance and support. The Power of Presence : We delve into the significance of being present in our lives, despite the overwhelming distractions. Simon shares practical tips on how to cultivate presence through simple practices like walking in nature, meditation, and even chopping carrots! Curiosities and Intriguing Points: Experiential Learning : Simon's work with Global Leaders Quest focuses on growing wise, compassionate leadership through experiential learning. He shares fascinating stories from his time leading expeditions and living in remote parts of the world. Trust and Letting Go : One of the most profound insights Simon offers is about the power of trust. He encourages us to let go of control and trust the process of life, which can lead to unexpected and powerful outcomes. Purpose and Energy : Simon discusses how our sense of purpose evolves over time and how connecting with our true purpose can energise and motivate us. Creating Safe Spaces : We explore the importance of creating environments where people feel heard and safe. Simon shares practical advice on how to foster trust and open communication within any organisation. I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and inspire you to listen to the full episode. Simon's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and community. Tune in to hear more about his incredible experiences and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Thank you for reading The Pocket Dojō. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Mon, June 24, 2024
S2 Ep 14 : In Conversation With Simon Hampel
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast, Asha speaks with Simon Hampel, Founder of Sarsen Limited. Sarsen exists to create greater connection, balance and harmony with ourselves and the world around us. It gives us the wisdom to answer our inner yearning, the safety to be our authentic selves, and the space in our hearts to love openly, fearlessly and joyfully. Simon is also a Partner at Leaders’ Quest based in London. Leaders' Quest works with global companies and institutions to help catalyse the transformational change required to meet today’s challenges. Simon spent 1993 to 2001 as a serial entrepreneur, building companies in Europe, the US and Canada in the fields of financial services, leisure, consultancy and technology. Simon delves into his leadership and personal development journey, reflecting on his extensive experience managing businesses and NGOs, as well as his role at Global Leaders Quest. He underscores the critical importance of trust, purpose, and mindfulness in both professional and personal spheres. Additionally, Simon elaborates on his current initiatives, which focus on the convergence of consciousness, energy, and technology to drive transformative change. The conversation underscores the value of cultivating supportive communities and explores practices that enable individuals to reconnect with themselves and others. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, June 10, 2024
S2, Ep 13 : In Conversation With Katherine Long
In this first episode of Series 2 of the Pocket Dojo podcast, Asha is in conversation with Katherine Long, a renowned regenerative practitioner in leadership and organizational development. Katherine shares her journey from teaching English in Japan to focusing on cross-cultural communication and coaching. She discusses the principles of living systems, the concept of regeneration, and the importance of intuition in her work. The conversation explores healing as an ongoing process, the relational dynamics within systems, and the need for a holistic approach to change. Katherine also reflects on the impact of technology on regenerative practices and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Katherine dives deep into the concept of regeneration and its ties to living systems principles. She and Asha explore how understanding the seasonal cycles of regeneration and degeneration can guide us in our roles within the larger context of the earth. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, June 10, 2024
S2, Ep 13: In Conversation With Katherine Long
In this first episode of Series 2 of the Pocket Dojo podcast, Asha is in conversation with Katherine Long, a renowned regenerative practitioner in leadership and organizational development. Katherine shares her journey from teaching English in Japan to focusing on cross-cultural communication and coaching. She discusses the principles of living systems, the concept of regeneration, and the importance of intuition in her work. The conversation explores healing as an ongoing process, the relational dynamics within systems, and the need for a holistic approach to change. Katherine also reflects on the impact of technology on regenerative practices and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Katherine dives deep into the concept of regeneration and its ties to living systems principles. She and Asha explore how understanding the seasonal cycles of regeneration and degeneration can guide us in our roles within the larger context of the earth. Katherine’s insights highlight the importance of surrendering to a sense of purpose and tuning into our natural rhythms. The conversation also embraced the essential idea of healing as a vital approach to regenerative change. Healing isn't a fixed destination; it's a continuous journey of integration and evolution. Katharine shared her perspective on healing as an innate capacity of living systems, including humans. She stressed the importance of partnering with this natural healing ability through core principles and a holistic approach. 'Even the most depleted soils and rivers, and even our own bodies and communities, given the right conditions, have the capacity to heal and reliably so.' She points the way for scaling regenerative practice by noting that when we understand how to partner with the power of healing, it Her words remind us that, with the right conditions, profound healing and change is possible and point the way for scaling regenerative practice in our organisations, communities and families. 📖 To read more of Katherine's writing, follow this link to her Substack 🔗 Connect with her here on Linked In where you can subscribe to her newsletter: 🌎 To find out more about the specifics of her work follow this link to her website 🌱 If you’d like to explore opportunities to work and learn new skills on organic farms around the world follow this link. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms | WWOOF Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, June 03, 2024
Series 2 - What's It All About?
In series 1, Asha and I tackled several topics about leadership practice, the challenges of team working and the wider context of shifting from the idea of the need for sustainable practices in business to that of regeneration. Woven through this was the simple idea that significant, avoidable costs erode profit where there is misalignment, miscommunication and unresolved conflict. It was an opportunity for us to find our voices and learn the art of preparing, recording and publishing a podcast together consistently every two weeks. Thank you to everyone who took the time to listen or watch one or more episodes. In Series 2, the theme is ‘The Spaces In Between’. We’re going to be paying attention to gaps in our knowledge, our practices and each other in the ways we choose to lead ourselves and each other. The difference this time around is that we are having conversations with practitioners, thinkers and artists to develop a deep and well-rounded perspective on the idea of regenerative leadership practices for individuals and teams. All of our guests have a unique perspective to share and our initial conversations, as expected, offer unique insights. So, consider diving in to this episode which sets the scene on Series 2. We can’t wait to bring you the first conversations from June 10th onwards. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, May 20, 2024
Ep 12 : Developing Leaders Regeneratively
Welcome to the final episode of Series 1. Thank you to everyone who has watched or listened to one or more episodes. We hope it's been thought-provoking and helpful to you. In this episode: 🔑 Key Lessons & Ideas: Principles of Practice: We took a deep dive into the art of practice and how it's the backbone of leadership development. Remember, it's about being patient, mindful, and dedicated to your growth journey. The Grace Framework®: The framework helps you navigate emotions and life's hurdles with more... well, grace. It can be a game-changer to accelerate the process of developing personal mastery. Learning Through Doing: Asha, shared her insights on collective team development. It's all about action, reflection, and refinement. Collective Leadership Assessment: We also touched on assessing leadership effectiveness, not just individually but as a cohesive unit by taking a litmus test of your team's culture. It's about the power of 'we' over 'me.' 🎙️ Special Guest Wisdom: Finding Your Voice: Jennifer Hamady graced us with her expertise on authenticity and self-expression. She's a beacon for anyone striving to be their truest self in the workplace and beyond. 🌱 Creativity & Team Development: Creativity in the Workplace: We discussed the hurdles to creativity and how to cultivate an environment that breathes innovation. Frameworks for Teams: Asha brought to light how observing, exploring, and experimenting can lead to robust team leadership, especially in diverse and complex settings. This episode is more than just a conversation; it's a toolkit for anyone ready to elevate their leadership and team dynamics. So, if you're curious about transforming your leadership practice, finding your voice, or fostering creativity where you work, tune in to this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast. ********** 📖 To read more of Asha's writing, follow this link to 🗞 https://ashasingh.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv 📖 To read more of Paul's writing, follow this link to his substack at 📖 https://thepocketdojo.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv ********** Find out about Paul's work here: 📎 https://linktr.ee/theelevatepartnership Find out about Asha's work here: 📊 https://www.learningthroughdoing.com We hope you enjoyed this episode. Thanks for listening! Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at <a href="https://thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm
Mon, May 20, 2024
Ep:12 Developing Leaders Regeneratively
Welcome to the final episode of Series 1. Thank you to everyone who has watched or listened to one or more episodes. We hope it's been thought-provoking and helpful to you. Regenerative leadership is an approach to leadership practices that focus on creating positive, long-term impacts for both people and the planet. It’s about moving beyond simply doing less harm or minimising negative impacts to actively regenerating and restoring the systems we rely on to support how we live in future. Put succinctly, the pursuit of sustainability is no longer sustainable . Whilst it’s an important first step in raising awareness and beginning to change our behaviours, the planet remains on a trajectory to becoming uninhabitable. Legacy sustainability refers to what most of us heave become familiar with and refers to mainstream practices such as footprint reduction, net zero goals and carbon offsetting. It applies to a small share of all the industries present today and there is a need to alter our course to make life on our planet possible for future generations. Regenerative leadership practices are achievable in our modern business world, and it requires significant changes in mindset, structures, and practices. It requires us to shift from extractive to regenerative, to being willing to conserve natural resources, repairing degenerated ecosystems and rewilding to increase the planet’s capacity to reverse existing damage, renewing and revitalising the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere Here are some reasons why regenerative leadership is achievable: * Changing Consumer Expectations : Consumers are increasingly demanding that businesses prioritise social and environmental responsibility, and the adoption of regenerative leadership practices can help meet these expectations. * Technological Advancements : Advances in technology, such as renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and circular design, are helping to create new opportunities for businesses to create a positive impact (e.g. Dyson Farming in the UK) * Competitive Advantage : Businesses that embrace regenerative leadership can and do differentiate themselves from competitors and attract customers, employees, and investors by walking their talk and looking for ways to work in harmony with our ecosystems * Collaborative Networks : Networks of businesses, NGOs, and governments are emerging to promote regenerative practices and support businesses in their transition towards regenerative leadership. However, there are also some challenges to implementing regenerative leadership in the modern business climate: * Short-term Pressure: The pressure to deliver short-term profits and meet shareholder expectations is familiar and can make it difficult for businesses to prioritise long-term sustainability and regeneration.<
Mon, May 06, 2024
Ep 11 : How Can Leadership Practice Regenerate the Natural World, Society, and the Economy?
In this episode, Paul and Asha, revisit the concept of regenerative leadership and its importance in today's rapidly changing world. They discuss how martial arts principles can inform leadership, the role of technology in supporting life, and the need for leaders to reconnect with nature and integrate mind, body, and spirit. The episode also touches on the unique challenges senior women leaders face and the potential for future discussions with experts on technology's impact on leadership. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal change and the interplay between our inner and outer worlds. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, April 22, 2024
Ep 10 : Recapping The Highlights of Series 1
In this episode of the Pocket Dojo podcast, host Paul Crick and Asha Singh recap previous discussions on leadership, regenerative practice, and team development frameworks. They explore the evolving concept of leadership, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the face of change and the importance of nurturing relationships and learning through doing. Asha introduces the idea of regenerative practice as creating conditions for life to flourish and discusses the role of technology and AI as tools to support this goal. They also touch on the need for honesty and confronting uncomfortable truths about resource consumption and societal issues. The episode concludes with a practical framework for team development, focusing on observation, dialogue, and experimentation. The upcoming podcast series - Series 2 - promises to delve deeper into regenerative practices with expert guests. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, April 22, 2024
Ep 10: The Highlights From Series 1
We’re coming to the end of Series 1 of The Pocket Dojō podcast . If you’ve taken the time and trouble to download and a listen to any of the episodes, both myself and my talented co-host, Learning through doing appreciate you. Thank you. It’s been fun to learn what it takes to put a podcast together and to find our podcast voice in the process. In this episode (and the upcoming final two episodes) we wanted to underline and summarise the key themes and topics that are evolving and coming to the fore during these uncertain and turbulent times. The Essence of Leadership in Today's World Leadership is a term that's been dissected and discussed for ages, and yet it remains as elusive as ever. In 2019, Forbes magazine highlighted the staggering $366 billion spent annually on leadership development worldwide. Despite this investment, we continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities that leadership presents. In our conversations, we've come to understand leadership not just as a set of qualities or skills but as a dynamic process of learning and adapting in real time. The complexity and rapid pace of change in our world demand that we evolve our understanding of leadership from problem-solving to creative exploration. Regenerative Practice: A New Paradigm During our discussions, Asha and I delved into the concept of regeneration, which can mean different things to different people. For me, regeneration is about fostering conditions that allow life, in all its forms, to thrive. It's about people and place, evolving together over time. We drew parallels with natural ecosystems, where species must adapt quickly to survive. This adaptability is something we must emulate in our organizations and teams, especially in the face of technological advancements like artificial intelligence. The Role of Technology and AI Technology, including AI, should serve as tools that enhance biological and social life rather than control it. While AI currently focuses on narrow goals, we must consider its broader impact on the systems it's meant to help. This is a topic we plan to explore further in future episodes of the Pocket Dojo podcast. Nurturing Relationships and Learning Through Doing One of the key insights from our podcast is the importance of nurturing relationships. We are social creatures, and even those of us who are introverted or solitary cannot exist in isolation. Our relationships shape us, and we shape them in return. Art emphasized the value of diversity and the need to learn from people with different perspectives. Although this can be challenging, it is essential for developing resilience and adaptability. Truth-Telling and Cultural Shifts Another critical area we discussed is the importance of t
Mon, April 08, 2024
Ep 09 : Frameworks For Developing Teams
In this Pocket Dojo podcast episode, hosts Paul Crick and Asha Singh delve into frameworks for team development. Paul introduces the "Leadership Circle Collective Leadership Assessment," a data-driven tool used in senior leadership teams, while Asha presents "Learning Through Doing," a three-part process for collective team growth. They discuss the significance of trust and peer feedback, with Paul sharing the Naikan process. The episode touches on various frameworks for different team challenges and concludes with a preview of the next series, focusing on the interplay between individuals and teams. The conversation highlights the value of frameworks in fostering team dynamics and driving organizational change. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, April 08, 2024
Ep 09 : Frameworks For Developing Teams
Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, March 25, 2024
Ep 08 : Developing Teams
The Hopi Indians have a saying, which is 'one finger can't lift a pebble', and it is perhaps self-evident in our complex world that the role of teams has never been more important today. Our reference points for what makes a great team often come from the world of elite sport and yet, in spite of the lessons to be taken from this context, there appears to be significant room for improvement in how well teams in our workplaces work together. Misalignment, miscommunication and conflict often derail the best of intentions and erode company or business unit profits. These costs are significant, hidden and avoidable. Perhaps now is a good time for us to revisit and explore the idea of a team. What sorts of teams are out there in the world? What are some of the challenges in teams today? How do teams need to change in future to become better? This episode of The Pocket Dojō offers some answers to these questions and shares some of our experiences over the last 20 years of working with different types of teams all over the world. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Fri, March 22, 2024
Episode 8 : Developing Teams
The Hopi Indians have a saying, which is 'one finger can't lift a pebble', and it is perhaps self-evident in our complex world that the role of teams has never been more important today. Our reference points for what makes a great team often come from the world of elite sport, and yet, in spite of the lessons to be taken from this context, there appears to be significant room for improvement in how well teams in our workplaces work together. Misalignment, miscommunication and conflict often derail the best of intentions and erode company or business unit profits. These costs are significant, hidden and avoidable. Perhaps now is a good time for us to revisit and explore the idea of a team. * What sorts of teams are out there in the world? * What are some of the challenges in teams today? * How do teams need to change in future to become better? I'm delighted to share with you the latest insights from our Pocket Dojo podcast. This time, we're diving deep into the world of team development. As your host, I've had the pleasure of exploring this topic with my co-host, Asha Singh, and we've uncovered some fascinating challenges and opportunities that teams face today. 🚀 The Evolution of Teams : We've come a long way from traditional team structures. Today's teams are diverse, dynamic, and often virtual. We're seeing problem-solving teams forming on the fly, self-organising groups without direct managers, and cross-functional teams bringing diverse expertise together. Each type has its unique set of challenges, from managing remote work to balancing competing priorities. 🌐 Global Teamwork and Technology : Virtual teams are becoming the norm in our increasingly connected world. But how do we navigate the generational divides and varying work styles? We're tackling these questions head-on, sharing stories from the trenches of global organizations and the push towards standardizing processes and technology. 🤝 Leadership and Alignment : Leadership isn't just about driving results anymore; it's about enabling and fostering collaboration across different departments. We're redefining what it means to lead in a 'team of teams' and how to align on a shared vision, especially in a post-pandemic world. 💡 Real-World Experiences : We'll share our personal experiences, successes, challenges, and those 'aha' moments when a team truly comes together. 🔍 The Heart of the Matter : Sometimes, the problem a team thinks it has isn't the real issue. We delve into the art of uncovering the true challenges and facilitating those breakthrough moments that lead to real change. This episode is just the tip of the iceberg, and I can't wait for you to join us as we explore these topics in more depth. Whether you're leading a team, part of one, or just fascinated by the dynamics of teamwork, there's something here for you.</
Mon, February 26, 2024
Ep 07 : Introducing Regenerative Practice
In this episode we begin to turns the lens on to the broad topic of regenerative practice on @mypocketdojo . Regeneration is a topic that is gaining ground in conversations in the corporate world and beyond as we face into addressing the large scale, environmental challenges presented by the causes of climate change. We consider the topic from a wider lens beyond regenerative agriculture to include the more human elements of these practices. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Tue, February 13, 2024
Ep 07: Leading As A Practice
Most of us have a different idea of the 'what' of leadership is but not enough of the 'how to' do it. In this episode, we share some ideas on the 'how' and in particular looking at why leading ourselves and others is a practice. Too often we turn verbs in our patterns of language use into nouns - we nominalise them - and as a result, the original meanings of words are diluted as they become overused. For example, when we speak of having a difficult relationship with someone in our workplace, what we really talking about is a difficulty in the process of relating between two people. It may sound a little weird when we say that out loud, but that’s because we’re so conditioned to verbalising the noun - relationship - rather than the verb - relating. So what? It sounds a bit pedantic and outlandish. Does it matter? Words make worlds. We know this from our own experience. So, I suggest it does because when we look deeper into the behaviour and language patterns we can pinpoint where there is a misalignment of intentions and understanding in communication that reduces our ability to connect and work well together. The consequences are added cost for a business. Costs that are significant and avoidable. In Episode 6 we speak to the idea of leading as a practice. It’s something we don’t take time out to do. We tend to learn ‘on the job’ with mixed results and enlist the help of coaches and mentors to help course correct our practice to become more effective as we work together with others. We also introduce and begin to unpack the last two elements of the GRACE Framework® which is a practical framework to help us actually practice leading ourselves and others. The last two elements are: - * C REATE - how to do this with less fear and harnessing wisdom and intuition * E MBODY - how to be more aware of how work with our body when we work Lastly, we share more on the idea of regeneration shifting it from something that is interesting to talk about to something we can actually do to make a difference and have an impact. Feedback Corner We intend to make content that is thought provoking, relevant and helpful. If there’s a topic you’d like to introduce, please email us at podcast@theelevatepartnership.com If you’d like to be a guest on one of the upcoming livestreams, please do get in touch. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, February 12, 2024
Ep 06 : Leading As A Practice
Most of us have a different idea of the 'what' of leadership is but not enough of the 'how to' do it. In this episode, we share some ideas on the 'how' and in particular looking at why leading ourselves and others is a practice. We introduce the last two elements of the GRACE Framework® which is a practical framework to help us actually practice leading ourselves and others. The last two elements are: - C REATE - how to do this with less fear and harnessing wisdom and intuition - E MBODY - how to be more aware of how work with our body when we work Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, January 29, 2024
The Quicky From Cricky 004 : Now or Not Now?
What's the difference between listening to the inner voice of fear versus listening to our intuition. Learn how from world record breaker, Faith Dickey. Faith holds all of the womens' world records and an incredible list of achievements including being the first woman to pass the 100 meter mark on a slackline and being the only woman who regularly free solos highlines. As Shakespeare’s Hamlet would say, “To be or not to be, that is the question.” ~ Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1) Watch her world record breaking highline walk here . Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, January 29, 2024
Ep 05 : Series 1 Recap - Handpicked
Paul and Asha look back on the episodes created in 2023 as part of Series 1 of The Pocket Dojō podcast and pull together some of highlights to start the year. We revisit the backstory of how we met and why we're partnering together in producing this podcast and the Leadership Retreat for Women Who Lead. We playback the wonderful interview with Jennifer Hamady all about finding your voice. We recap why thinking about why thinking about our inner and outer nature is an important part of the process of regenerative leadership. We also look at embodied practice as part of leadership practice and explore the martial of aikido and its relevance. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We can't wait to see how 2024 unfolds. Hosted on Captivate.fm . See Captivate.fm privacy policy for listeners for more details Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, December 18, 2023
Ep 04 : The Importance of Inner & Outer Renewal
The latest episode from the The Pocket Dojo video podcast explores the idea of renewal from several different angles. First, we look at how renewal on the inside interweaves with renewal on the outside and how we can't have one without the other. Secondly we speak with Cameron Chapman, the General Manager at Broughton Sanctuary to understand more about its history and the role that renewal plays in their work and his daily life. We also share the reason behind why we chose this as the location for the renewal retreat for women for lead. Lastly, for a little bit of 🎄seasonal fun 🎄, we share a short reel of bloopers made during the recording of the episodes to date. It's been quite a steep learning curve for both Asha and me to learn how to put each episode of the podcast together and get this far. The amount of work that goes into pre-production, recording, editing and distribution is significant and it’s brilliant fun. We owe Andy Greenhouse a huge thank you for his Selfie Video School and 30 day challenge to get ourselves in front of the camera. Whilst we know we can always improve, we know we’ve learned a great deal about how to get out of our way and some important lessons about putting video together. So, it was inevitable in our first outings in Series 1 that we were going to make some mistakes and we wanted to share them with you to put a seasonal smile on your face. Vote for your favourite here: Vote for your favourite here. (No email required). We hope you enjoy them! To everyone that has watched, listened and commented on the first four episodes, thank you. Please consider sharing this episode with others who may find it informative and useful. Many thanks. Resources: To find out more about the Renewal Retreat For Women Who Lead next April, follow this link 🪴 To find out more about Broughton Sanctuary and the renewal work that Cameron Chapman stewards with his team of fellow custodians, follow this link To read more of Asha's writing, follow this link to 🗞 Learning Through Doing Substack Find out about Paul's work here : 📎 The Elevate Partnership Find out about Asha's work here: 📊 Learning Through Doing </p
Mon, December 18, 2023
Ep 04 : The Importance of Inner & Outer Renewal
The latest episode from the @mypocketdojo explores the idea of renewal from several different angles. First, we look at how renewal on the inside interweaves with renewal on the outside and how we can't have one without the other. Secondly we speak with Cameron Chapman, the General Manager at Broughton Sanctuary to understand more about its history and the role that renewal plays in their work and his daily life and the reason behind why we chose this as the location for the renewal retreat for women for lead. Lastly, for a little bit of fun we share a short reel of bloopers made during the recording of the episodes to date. It's been quite a steep learning curve for both Asha and me to get this far and it was inevitable we were going to make some mistakes. We hope you enjoy them! Vote for your favourite at this link (No email required). To find out more about the Renewal Retreat For Women Who Lead next April, follow this link 🪴 subscribepage.io/XHIw4t To read more of Asha's writing, follow this link to 🗞 https://ashasingh.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv To read more of Paul's writing, follow this link to his substack at 📖 https://thepocketdojo.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, December 11, 2023
Ep 03 : The Renewal Retreat For Women Who Lead
Sarah Puello is a remarkable woman leading a multi-disciplinary team in a remarkable place, the Avalon Wellbeing Centre at Broughton Sanctuary here in the UK. She is the first in a series of guest interviews with the team that brings the vision of regeneration and renewal to life. In this episode, she describes her role as a custodian, someone who aims to help the people around her rise to their full potential to support the ground breaking work of regeneration and renewal being done by the team at Broughton. We also share some of the details of our approach to designing specific elements of the retreat. We take a look at the GRACE Framework, what it is and how it offers an advancement in developing leadership practice and developing leaders. If this episode piques your interest, you can find our more about the Renewal Retreat for Women Who Lead at the website . Join the conversation As always we’re keen to hear your feedback and to take any questions you may have. Please leave us a voice message here or scan the QR code below. There’s no charge and we’ll answer your questions in the next episode. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, December 11, 2023
Ep 03 : The Renewal Retreat For Women Who Lead
In this episode we share an interview with the fantastic Sarah Pullos who leads the team at the Avalon Wellbeing Centre at Broughton Sanctuary in West Yorkshire in the UK. We find out about her background and her outlook and philosphy on the themes of renewal and regenerative leadership. Broughton Sanctuary is where the Renewal Retreat for Women Who Lead is being held in April 2024. We take you behind the reasoning for the retreat and how and why it's been designed the way it has as an antidote to traditional leadership development training for women. For example, we share an overview of the GRACE Framework and explain why adapting the principles of aikido out on the Yorkshire moors help women reconnect and rediscover their voice. More details about the retreat can be found here subscribepage.io/XHIw4t We're at the halfway point in Series 1 and appreciate everyone who has taken time to watch, listen and comment on what we're up to. If you have a question you'd like to ask about anything we've covered in the episodes to date, please leave us a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/ThePocketDojo #leadership #humanresourcesmanagement #tips #retreats Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Fri, December 01, 2023
The Quicky From Cricky #001 - My Big 'But'
If you read around the topic of leadership long enough, you come to the conclusion that: (i) it’s one of the most widely studied and written about topics, (ii) we still have a long way to go to making leading clear and common place (iii) from time to time, it’s all a bit worthy and serious. The Quicky From Cricky is a series of short, fun videos that aims to be practical. No pontificating here. For now, this content is free to all subscribers. Let me know what you think and what you’d like to see in future Quicky videos. For now, have a watch. Give it a try and let me know how you get on. Want To Join The Conversation? If you have questions or request, leave me a voice message by scanning the QR code below. It’s free to use and there’s no catch. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, November 27, 2023
Ep. 02 Finding Your Voice And Reconnecting To Personal Power
The theme of the first series of The Pocket Dojō is women who lead and what really needs to change to support them in the workplace. As we shared in Episode 1, it was very clear from speaking to senior women leaders that what was required was not something that would ‘fix’ them. In the book, " How Women Rise " by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith write about and discuss the challenges that women face in the workplace and how to overcome them. Unsurprisingly they echo the voices of the women we spoke to and found that rising to take on more senior roles in organisations was found to be easier where womenL * Learned to speak up and take credit for their accomplishments. * Developed the ability to self-promote and advocate for their own interests. * Overcame the tendency to downplay their achievements and minimise their contributions. * Built a network of mentors and supporters. * Learned to navigate gender-based stereotypes and biases. In this episode of The Pocket Dojō podcast, we take a deeper dive in to this topic and, from a positive perspective, look at two important ideas that we sense form the foundation of bringing about positive change. If speaking up, taking credit, self promoting and self advocating are what contributes to women thriving and elevating their career to reach senior roles, this suggests that they need to find their individual and collective voice. We speak with our guest, Jennifer Hamady , who is a seasoned practitioner, author, coach, counsellor and subject matter expert on the subject of Finding Your Voice . Jennifer speaks far beyond the traditional cliché that is 'the expression to ‘find your voice’, to a series of ideas and practical exercises that help you do just that. The second idea is concerned with how we manage our state. And in this context state means how we think how we feel and how we behave in a specific context. This becomes important when we consider Marshall and Sally’s lesson around navigating gender-based stereotypes and biases in the workplace well. I think there's a real skill in being able to celebrate our differences and navigate them well rather than simply identify label them are stereotypes and biases. Yes they exist, but if we simply stay with those labels then our ability to make progress beyond them is perhaps restricted. We need a practice to help strengthen our ability to thrive rather than strive. We’ll share a simple exercise called ‘Recovering Your Centre’, created by Sensei <a target="_bla
Mon, November 27, 2023
Ep 02 : Finding Your Voice And Reconnecting With Your Personal Power
Welcome to Episode 2 where we begin to share some of the key ideas and content that we'll be working through at the Renewal Retreat For Women Who Lead in April, 2024 at Broughton Sanctuary, here in the UK. Today we are exploring two key topics: Finding Your Voice Reconnecting With Your Personal Power Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Hamady who is one of the world's leading experts on the art and science of Finding Your Voice . She is on hand to explain what this sometimes clichéd phrase really means and offer some simple exercises that help you find your voice. Similarly, we look at the idea of personal power and share a simple practice to help you reconnect with your personal power. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, November 13, 2023
Ep 01 The Challenges Women Leaders Who Lead Face In The Workplace
In this episode we share some of the research - our own and others - about the challenges women who lead face in the workplace. The lived experiences of men and women at work are significantly different. Despite being aware of the gap, organisations are still a long way from closing it. Many organisational techniques have focused on mending the women rather than the organisation, encouraging them to be more demanding, to lean in, to be more like men. Despite the obstacles, there are women in these institutions who are thriving. What we think you'll find interesting is the differences in the language used in the conversations from our own research and the language that social media platforms and business publications use. We also share more about Broughton Sanctuary, our own backgrounds and examples of the work we have done and the work were planning to do there in April 2024. You can watch the video version of the podcast here (highly recommended) or download it from wherever you usually get your podcasts from. title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> We love to receive your questions and answer them on each subsequent episode. To ask your question, please leave us a voice message here Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, November 13, 2023
Ep 01 : The Challenges Women Leaders Who Lead Face In The Workplace
In this episode we share some of the research - our own and others - about the challenges women who lead face in the workplace. What we think you may find interesting is the differences in the language used in the conversations from our own research and the language that social media platforms and business publications use. We also share more about Broughton Sanctuary, our own backgrounds and examples of the work we have done with women who lead. We also begin to share more about the work were planning to do there in April 2024. Find more our about Asha's work here and find out more about Paul's work here . Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, November 06, 2023
The Pocket Dojō: The Launch Episode Is Live
Welcome to the launch episode of The Pocket Dojō podcast. The practical steps needed to cut the real, invisible business costs of not working well together requires leaders and teams to improve how they lead themselves and each other. Leadership is a set of skills that can be learned and practiced and a dojō is simply a place to learn and practice how we learn how to lead ourselves and each other better. The Pocket Dojō is a place to learn and practice the skills needed to: - have better conversations - ask better questions - create better connections with your peers and colleagues to solve your business problems. Every time you choose to do one or more of these things, one or more invisible costs within your business is cut and often cut significantly. In this podcast our intention is to share what these individuals and collectives have learned and how they apply these lessons in their businesses. We'll bring you interviews, panel discussions and tools that help you develop your own individual and collective practices to improve the financial prosperity of your business and how everyone works together. You’ll find the video version on our You Tube channel which will build step by step each week with interviews, panels as well as sharing some of the content we teach in our workshops and retreats that aim to enable participants to build leadership capacity and practices for our current times. We’re just getting started on and looking forward to our 5 year journey to becoming an overnight success. Thanks for listening/watching. Join The Conversation… If you’d like to join in the conversation and shape the direction of conversation in future episodes, please consider asking a question by leaving us a voicemail on our voicemail page here . We’d love to hear from you. Thank you for listening to The Pocket Dojō Podcast. Consider sharing it with others. Thanks. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
Mon, November 06, 2023
Welcome To The Pocket Dojō Podcast
Thank you for choose to step on to the mat for the first time. The Pocket Dojō is a place where we build our capacity and capabilities to lead ourselves and each other. Whilst most would agree that by most measures there is a disconnect between what is taught about leadership and how it is actually applied. Set against that are exemplars of how leadership practice has successfully evolved to achieve a new standards and apply new approaches. In this podcast our intention is to share what these individuals and collectives have learned and how they apply this in their day to day lives. We'll bring you interviews, panel discussions and tools that help you develop your own individual and collective practices. In addition, we'd like to invite you to help shape the conversation. You can ask us a question by leaving us a voice message and we'll answer it in next episode. Ask a question by following this link . Note: The tool we use to record questions works with the latest versions of Chrome and Firefox on Android devices. It also now works with IOS and Safari too. Consider finding out more about our ideas and the work we're doing at The Pocket Dojō on Substack and Learning Through Doing . Thanks for listening! Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
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