Secrets From a Coach - Debbie Green & Laura Thomson's Podcast
Ideal for your commute, lunch break or even a well-deserved moment of self-care and development, our 25 minute episodes focus on positive actions to help you thrive and maximise your potential in the ever-evolving workplace, and in life. Join Debs and Lau, your positive cheerleaders bursting with energy and insight to maximise your confidence and success in the changing workplace. Leave feeling motivated, supported and armed with the tools and practical skills you need to maximise success as we experience the biggest shift in how we work in our lifetimes. We lift the lid on the real foundations for success in...
S19 E232 · Fri, April 18, 2025
232 Leading People Well Through Change
Send us a text In this third episode of our 4-part focus on Inspirational Leadership we explore what it means to lead people well through change. Lau takes the helm on this episode and takes us through leading change rather than just managing change and how to communicate well to keep a calm and focused environment. She shares practical tips for holding steady along the rollercoaster ups and downs and the impact even just the smallest conversations can have on team morale, engagement and belonging and keeping eyes up on the horizon ahead. A practical listen for those wanting a quick refresher on change leadership, and remember: no feeling is final, in a few week's time todays dramas will feel like yesterday's news so keeping perspective is key for personal wellness as well as others.
S19 E231 · Fri, April 11, 2025
231. Making the Move to First Time Leadership
Send us a text In this second episode of our 4-part focus on Inspirational Leadership we focus on making the move into your first leadership role. It’s exciting… and if we were to be honest, a little daunting too - so lets not forget that leaders are humans too. In this episode, we break down five essential tips to help you step into leadership with confidence and clarity. From shifting your mindset from “doer” to “enabler,” to leading with consistency (not perfection), we’ll guide you through what it really takes to lead well—right from the start. We also explore how to navigate the tricky dynamics of managing former peers if you’ve stepped up internally, and share practical ways to tackle any feelings of doubt or imposter syndrome that can creep in when you’re finding your feet. Whether you’ve just stepped into a leadership role or you're preparing for that next big step, we share real-world advice for making the first 90 days a success. A reassuring listen for anyone new into to leadership or is considering making the move. The world needs good leaders!
S19 E230 · Fri, April 04, 2025
230. Timeless Leadership Skills - The Stoic Approach
Send us a text Welcome to our new 4-part mini-series all about Inspirational Leadership. It can be so easy to judge leaders in an organisation as its easy to forget that leaders are humans too. As anyone who has recently moved into leadership, its not for the faint-hearted as we head towards 2030 - but this is the reason to lean in, not shy away from - taking the leadership reins. In this first one we dive into ancient Stoic wisdom and modern insight (from Dolly Parton) to help leaders thrive during these transformational times. Rather than taking setbacks and challenges as personal failings, the Stoics believed that these are the realities of life and the reason why we need leaders in the first place. We explore 5 Stoic lessons for strong leadership: Control What You Can (focus on actions, not outcomes), Lead by Example (character over charisma), Embrace Adversity (obstacles are opportunities.), Practice Emotional Mastery (stay calm in chaos) and Serve a Greater Good (leadership is service). An uplifting lesson for a leader who may be feeling a bit faded or jaded, and an inspiring one for those considering to move into leadership (in whatever form that takes - it could be organising a charity event or a birthday celebration). As Epictetus said over 2000 years ago: “It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Fri, March 28, 2025
229. Book Club - Compassionate Leadership - Balancing People With Profits
Send us a text In this final in our 4-part series where we review 4 of the recent books that have made an impact on us, we explore Steven Hargreave's brilliant 'The Compassionate Leader's Playbook' from 2021. His book demonstrates how leading with compassion is great for business, culture, and the bottom line, and how when we lead with compassion everyone benefits. We love this book because of the core belief that runs through it, that a successful modern workplace is one where relationships, connectivity, wellbeing, and purpose. Whether you are a formal leader with a Big L or an everyday leader with little L looking to make a difference, this is about bringing renewed energy, enhanced kindness, integrity, and empathy to our worklife. During this second half of the 2020's as we head towards 2030 what people need and want from their leaders has changed; its about creating commercial, tangible, measurable success through creating the optimal conditions for everyone to be their best and to do their best.
S18 E228 · Fri, March 21, 2025
228. Book Club - Livewired Brain - Increase Your Adaptability Via Everyday Learning
Send us a text In this third in our 4-part series where we review 4 of the recent books that have made an impact on us, we explore David Eagleman's inspirational 'Livewired' book from 2021. From new ways of looking at why we dream, to how we can maintain our problem-solving and decision-making skills, this brings a fresh and empowering way to view intelligence and what it means to be smart. Rather than intelligence being 'hard-wired' in as being something you have or haven't got, this focuses on how our brain changes and reshapes every day based on the information it is processing and the sensory data it is processing. Actively seeking opportunities to learn and develop is not only good emotionally for our confidence, identity and mindset - but neurologically too, as our brain creates new neural pathways and strengthens the popular pathways and prunes away the unused ones. In fact, daily reflection is a way to influence your memory stores as it is a way to recode random moments into purposeful events. The brain stores what is perceived as valuable - indicated by the amount of times it is recalled. The more fresh info we can it, the more balanced and healthy that 'real estate' is. Just like introducing solids to a toddler, the wider the palate, the safer and easier a diet later. What are you to learn this week? Just because.
S18 E227 · Fri, March 14, 2025
227. Book Club - Trauma Informed Coaching - Flags for Everyday Conversations
Send us a text In this second in our 4-part series the books that have made an impact on us, we explore The Trauma Informed Coach written by Joanna Harper. What happens when someone shares their trauma with you at work? Do you freeze, try to fix it, or change the subject? We unpack the delicate art of navigating difficult conversations with compassion and boundaries. Trauma doesn't always look like what we expect. From poorly delivered feedback to public embarrassment, even seemingly small workplace incidents can create lasting limiting beliefs that hold people back from promotions, new challenges, and fulfilling careers. This episode offers practical guidance for creating safe spaces where people can share without judgment, while maintaining appropriate boundaries when you're not a therapist. Discover powerful questions that shift focus from past trauma to future growth: "What strengths did you develop from that experience?" and "Is that belief true for you now?" Learn simple grounding techniques for moments when someone becomes distressed, and explore the belief shift model for transforming limiting beliefs into empowering ones. The transformative potential of addressing trauma properly is immense. Debs shares stories of clients who've moved countries, built houses, launched charities, and found dream careers after breaking free from trauma-based limitations. As she powerfully notes, "your trauma has shaped who you are today, but it's not holding you there." Whether you're a coach, leader, or colleague, these trauma-informed approaches create workplaces where people feel safe to share and empowered to grow. Remember: the past is for reference, not for residence. What could become possible when you or someone you know breaks free from limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences?
S18 E226 · Fri, March 07, 2025
226. Book Club - Scary Smart - Using AI Intelligently
Send us a text Welcome to the first in our new 4-part series where we review 4 of the recent books that have made an impact on us. Ideal for those who find it tricky to get the time to read but want the benefits of learning in an easy-listen way with tangible takeaways weaved in. Mo Gawdat's Scary Smart book is as much a call to action as it is a good read for those interested in all thing Artificial Intelligence. Mo takes a creative look at AI and rather than us humans as unknowing consumers, we are unwitting creators in how AI is learning and adapting the more we use it. You can purchase the whole book here , or join us for a 30 min romp through the main bits as we mix in practical tips and ideas to bring this into everyday actions. If the AI game was changed back in Feb 2017 with Deepmind's AlphaGo, we now have an 18-year old artificial intelligence which is not only coming of age, but we've handed it the keys to the self-driving car. But parenting doesnt stop at 18, we can still make a difference to how AI develops - and we discuss Mo's thoughts on how to do this. Enjoy!
S18 E225 · Fri, February 28, 2025
225. Time to Talk About Coercive Control in the Workplace
Send us a text In the final of our 4-part 'time to think' mini-series, we shine a light on one of the darker aspects of working relationships: coercive control. Whether this is an unhealthy manager/team member dynamic or between colleagues we explore what it means, what to watch out for and how to break the cycle. Many face the silent struggle of feeling manipulated or undervalued by their bosses or colleagues—a dilemma that is not often openly discussed but profoundly impacts workplace morale. We dive deep into the characteristics of coercive control, exploring how it subtly manifests itself through micromanagement, gaslighting, or emotional manipulation. A good listen for anyone feeling undervalued and controlled at work and wants practical tips for spotting these behaviours and empowering yourself.
S18 E224 · Fri, February 21, 2025
224. Time to Plan and Prioritise You
Send us a text In the third of our 4-part 'time to think' mini-series, we focus on the importance of not just prioritising yourself, but to hold it as a core value to ensure a healthy balance in how you interact with people and the world at large. If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything (Katy Perry, song ROAR) so it boosts our confidence, purpose and energy. We focus on the body/mind link and what a realistic approach to a good life/work balance looks like in practice. We refresh the drivers/over-drivers concept to increase self-awareness about what might get in the way of putting ourselves first and how to reverse the psychology for positive power! If you know you are a perfectionist, make a perfect self-care plan. If you are a people-pleaser at heart, book in self-care with an accountability buddy that you know you wont want to let down. A useful listen for those wanting to remind themselves/inspire others to practice self-care.
S11 E132 · Fri, February 14, 2025
132. Book Club - Surrounded By Idiots? How to Work Well With People
Send us a text Handling tricky people continues to be a hot topic, particularly if you are working in a hybrid setting where misunderstandings can arise due to judgements and perceptions. So this week we dip into the brilliant bestseller 'Surrounded By Idiots' written Thomas Erikson in 2014. It offers a simple method for assessing the personalities of people we communicate with - in and out of the office - based on four personality types (Red, Blue, Green and Yellow), and provides insights into how we can adjust the way(s) we speak and share information. As well as a quick digest of the book, we share practical tools and strategies for applying these in our everyday working life and is a useful refresher for those looking to increase tolerance and productivity with people. This is the first in our Mindful Manager Book Club series - a skills refresher for busy people. Whether you are a formal manager or not, we all need to manage our relationships whether in our professional or personal lives. Learning keeps us fresh and open-minded, so be inspired by an amazing book per week to spark your thinking and boost your confidence. Fancy a deeper dive? check out these relevant episodes from our library: Ep126 Empower With Everyday Curious Conversations - examples of structure and questions Ep111 Accountability for Communication - Who's Responsible? - enabling lean and clean conversations that get understood Ep95 Positive Impact and Influence - core foundations for great relationships and your reputation
S18 E223 · Fri, February 14, 2025
223. Time to Work Well With Your Boss
Send us a text In the second of our 4-part 'time to think' mini-series, we focus on the element that has a huge impact on our performance wellbeing at work: the relationship with our boss. According to Gallup, managers (more than any other factor) influence team engagement and performance. 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager (Gallup, 2021) but not all managers are easy to engage with! We are thrilled to be joined by Jill Walker, author of the 2007 book Is Your Boss Mad? Jill is passionate about teaching people to deal with bosses who are bullies or who let us down. She shares tips to identify, from the interview process onwards, what sort of boss we may be letting ourselves in for. Always practical, she shares some great tips to improve communication skills, boundary management and actions which are useful to reset an inappropriate power dynamic. Bosses are humans too, so this also has some great tips to focus on getting the best out of a challenging boss who may be under pressure themselves. A useful and uplifting listen for anyone who is finding leadership dynamics a challenge at the moment. Bringing this to the modern realities of AI, hybrid working and intergenerational differences, through understanding what might be going on beneath 'mad boss' behaviours we can reclaim our power and take steps to redress the power balance. You can find Jill's wildly entertaining (as well as empoweringly practical) ‘Is Your Boss Mad?’ book here
S18 E222 · Fri, February 07, 2025
222. Time to Think About Your Mind Health
Send us a text Welcome to our latest 4-part mini-series where we invite you to 'take time' to think about 4 important topics that underpin a thriving work-life in the 2020s. In this episode we explore the essential need for us to prioritise our mind health - for our own personal wellness as well as collectively as part of a thriving workplace culture. (PLEASE NOTE: This episode has references to suicide) We are honoured to be joined by Professor Tim Marsh (author of ‘Talking Safety’, ‘Handbook of Organised Wellbeing’ and other books) who shares the stark research demonstrating the very real impact that poor mental health is having on the workplace. Tim was one of the team leaders of the original UK research into behavioural safety in the early 1990s and has played a significant role in making workplaces safer over the last 30 years. We explore the realities, challenges and opportunities surrounding mind health in this decade and why it is so important to take time to prioritise this topic. We also discuss the impact of gender and generational differences and what this means for how we approach this topic with colleagues. A powerful listen, as Tim says 'you never know that you might have prevented' by having a kind word. (PLEASE NOTE: This episode has references to suicide) You can connect with Tim via his LinkedIn profile here He is the co-founder of Anker & Marsh (providing a full series of safety, health and wellbeing training, assessment and consultancy services) alongside Jason Anker You can purchase the book he mentions here Details about the life-changing On Trial event that we discuss can be found in Tim's write up here and by contacting P2BS
S18 E221 · Fri, January 31, 2025
221. Working Well With Your Opposite - Yin/Yang
Send us a text In the final episode of our 4-part series exploring how to reduce drama in our work lives, we explore the how to work well with people who have an opposite approach to how they work to yourself. Those who prefer detail vs big picture, who needs facts vs stories, who appreciate advanced thinking time vs enjoy brainstorming in the moment. As nature reminds us, there are huge advantages by balancing the yin to the yang, and as sure as day becomes night, being able to work across these differences is a useful skill that leads to collaboration as well as harmonious relationships. A useful listen for anyone who knows they have an 'opposite' in their team and wants to benefit from this in the year ahead (rather than 'cope' with it!)
S18 E220 · Fri, January 24, 2025
220. Reducing Negative Team Friction
Send us a text In the third of our 4-part series exploring how to reduce drama in our work lives, we explore the difference between negative and positive team friction and the skills to address friction in a positive way. Using practical examples from the world of workplace mediation we highlight the language, tone and intent that can help shift friction from a negative (leaving a mark) to a positive (creating a spark). It can be tempting to use 'battle' language to describe frictions between people, but this can lead to a sense of not wanting to 'back down' and so engaging a conversation may bring with it a sense of defeat or giving in. We explore the impact it can have reframing this as a chance to 'step up' and be an act of courage and strength to want to engage and resolve frictions and challenges. A useful listen for anyone who is sensing that frictions are rumbling between people and wants to shift things on before it becomes irreparable. It is human to experience conflicts, and unpleasant as it can feel in the moment - can lead to the greatest working relationships through the bond that is created when its worked through.
S18 E219 · Fri, January 17, 2025
219. Spotting Organisational Saboteurs
Send us a text In the second of our 4-part series exploring how to reduce drama in our work lives, we focus on identifying and handling saboteurs around us. We are joined once again by the inspirational Lindsey Thompson who simplifies the complicated world of organisational ‘scripts’. From the moment someone joins an organisation they can’t help but be subconsciously influenced by the script (eg ‘it’s hard to sell around here’ or ‘we are busy’) which underpins the culture (deflated, pressured). She shares tips for spotting saboteurs and to not mis-label people who are ‘wounded’, worried around change or inhibited by power politics playing around them. It also might be a genuine ‘saboteur’ but actually a really healthy challenge to hold a mirror up to a culture. So this is a good listen for those wanting to change things in their everyday workplace practices but doesn’t want to be branded negative or ‘saboteur’. Is your organisation ‘anxious’ as a collective? Lindsey shares practical tips for understanding what might lie beneath surface behaviours and the organisational script which may limit success and engagement. It’s an optimistic reminder that anyone can change, things can be made better - with awareness as the enabler. NB: Lindsey refers to ‘scripts’ which are our unconscious beliefs around how to be in the world in order to keep us safe and successful. She also uses the term ‘strokes’ which are the moments where we experience validation, acknowledgment and reassurance. And ‘games’ refer to the unconscious behaviour patterns with an intended outcome.
S18 E218 · Fri, January 10, 2025
218. Reduce Workplace Drama - Less Snakes, More Ladders
Send us a text As January 29th marks the new Chinese Year of The Snake, this new 4-part series explores how to reduce drama in our work lives. The Snake is celebrated for being the spirit of transformation and charm - with the gift for shedding old habits to make way for new ones. Is it time to step up and away from the drama or games in your work? In this first episode we take a big picture look at drama at work - how to spot it, how to avoid playing a role in it and most importantly: practical tips for not getting caught up in the gameplay. Lots of transferable examples to refresh your intention for the year ahead, plus useful ideas to share with others if you can see drama taking up too much time when there is much to do.
S17 E217 · Mon, December 30, 2024
217. Essence of Successful Leadership: Relationships
Send us a text In this fourth and final episode in our latest mini-series looking at the essence of success in 4 specific areas, this one is all about leadership. Whether with a 'big L' ie you have leadership in your job title, or 'little l' -the million small acts of leadership that happen every day in both work and personal lives. People ask you for advice, help, support or guidance? You're a leader my friend! Having been in-room with over 1,700 leaders in 2024, we can summarise what sets the successful leaders apart from the rest: the ability to create and sustain effective relationships. Dialling up emotional intelligence in those moments where it would be so easy to vent, rage, process externally or unsettle people with passing wobbles - being able to take a breath and be intentional about the desired impact is what makes the difference. We discuss the fine line between authenticity and carelessness and practical tips for taking the lead in the big and small areas of life. An ideal listen for anyone debating to take a leadership role and needs a bit of reassurance how leaders come in all shapes and sizes. And you don't need to have the word leader in your job title to be a successful leader. People ask you to help organise events? You're a leader my friend! This is the final episode of 2024, we are hugely grateful for your support and love. We are taking a week off and will be back in action from Fri 10th Jan 2025 with brand new topics and guests to support and cheer you along the ever-evolving world of work.
S17 E216 · Fri, December 20, 2024
216. Essence of Successful Collaboration: Respect
Send us a text In this third episode in our latest mini-series looking at the essence of success in 4 specific areas, this one is all about collaboration. A hot topic of our time, we see around us the one aspect that makes the difference: respect. Originating from the Latin word ‘respectus’ meaning ‘to hold in regard’ could the magic spell of ‘respectus collaboratus’ be the levels of mutual respect in and between teams? We explore the principles for respect at work and how to role model this to others when they join a team to shift from them to us. Taking a look at collaboration when working hybrid, we share practical tools to bring respect to everyday life in the small and big moments. A useful listen for anyone wanting hints and tips for a cleaner working environment in their team.
S27 E215 · Fri, December 13, 2024
215. Essence of Successful Teamwork: Care
Send us a text In this second episode in our latest mini-series looking at the essence of success in 4 specific areas, this one is all about teamwork. Out of the million of words written about what makes a team successful, we think it probably be distilled down to one word: care. Using our CARE acronym, we explore concepts and practical examples around great Communication that means we check in on each other, practising Acceptance of each other rather than judging, being Ready to listen and shift from transactional to relational, and showing Empathy to each other. Whether virtual or in-person, keeping a good team going or looking for ways to improve things, we take a practical look at the role caring for each other has in getting the best work achieved. Particularly if it feels there is just not enough time to care, then our call to action is to prioritise it as a performance enabler.
S17 E214 · Fri, December 06, 2024
214. Essence of Successful Decision-Making: Confidence
Send us a text Our latest mini-series takes a sparkly look at the essence of success in 4 specific moments that can lead us towards a happier, healthier worklife. This first episode looks at the essential ingredient for successful decision-making which could probably be distilled down to one word: confidence. Whether resolving stay/go dilemmas, should I/shouldnt I moments, or steeling yourself to making a life adjustment, we take a look at why decision-making is such an important skill now and into the future. We share 4 practical tools for removing drag, thinking big picture, scanning for the best option and borrowing the approach an Air Traffic Controller brings to making decisions. We then take a coaching approach to guide yourself (or mirror with someone else) with confidence and compassion into taking the first steps towards making the decision come to life. An ideal listen for those looking for a space to think, plan and set your intent for the year ahead in an empowered way.
S17 E213 · Fri, November 29, 2024
213. Abundant Mindset: Motivating a Lethargic Team
Send us a text In the final of our 5-part 'mid-decade culture round-up' series we explore the very real topic of creating an abundant mindset within a team especially through times of ongoing change and transformation. Could it be that many workplaces are requiring above average levels of energy, innovation and collaboration from their people, at the very point in the decade where morale and optimism is lower than average? Rather than focusing on the cause (we guess its a complicated mix of post-pandemic fatigue, trading challenges, juggling personal responsibilities alongside work) we take a practical look at what enables an abundant mindset to become a positive reality within a team. We share our on PAR tool (thanks Sarah Walker) and examples from real life of what has worked to cheer up a team and focus on an optimistic future (e,g, the Care Label idea)
S17 E212 · Fri, November 22, 2024
212. Enabling Intergenerational Teamwork Through Compassion
Send us a text As part of our 'mid-decade culture round-up' focus we take a look at intergenerational working and how to embrace the opportunities that diversity of age and experience can give. There are currently 5 generations who are in the 2024 workplace, meaning that great-grandchildren could be part of a team potentially for the first time in history. So what does 'working hard' mean to you? Potentially we are influenced by the messaging in our early years in school and work which can lead to some differences in how each generation perceives another in what they bring to the workplace. We explore the barriers, enablers and benefits from enabling early/mid/late career people working well together. With compassion as the enabler, we look at practical ways to navigate differences in perception that may exist e.g. around work ethic, life/work balance, adhering to authority figures and patience for promotion. A useful listen for anyone who has influence over hiring decisions, we also give examples of where purposefully seeking different generations to work together can bring increased levels of innovation, collaboration and energy.
Fri, November 15, 2024
211. Reclaiming Self-Confidence After a Toxic Team Experience
Send us a text In the third in our 5-part season on the hot topics around workplace cultures in reality we explore how to reclaim confidence and positivity after a negative or toxic team experience. We are joined by the inspirational Dave McCabe who shares his experience and advice for bringing the learns but not the baggage when leaving a negative team to make a fresh start. Not an easy topic, we hope this helps anyone who is wanting a confidence boost after leaving a toxic team - or is debating whether to or not. You can connect with Dave McCabe via his LinkedIn profile
S17 E210 · Fri, November 08, 2024
210. Overcoming Bad Boss Trauma
Send us a text In the second in our 5-part season on the hot topics around workplace cultures in reality we explore how to handle the trauma of having a bad boss. Whether a current reality or dealing with a past experience, we are joined by the inspirational Angie Carter who shares her advice for handling or overcoming a bad boss. Angie is a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor who is seeing increasing numbers of people come to her therapy room wanting help as a result of having a bad boss experience. From knocking our confidence, to feeling like an imposter, she shares her ICE approach to reclaiming power and self-worth. Not an easy topic, we hope this helps any of those who have had a bad boss experience themselves, or for those bosses out there who really want to do it the right way in their leadership style and interactions with people. You can connect with Angie Carter via her counselling profile Curious? You might like some of these earlier episodes: 204. Confidence to Speak Up and Call Out Inappropriate Behaviour 141. Handling Self-Doubt 79. Handling the Impact of Others
S17 E209 · Fri, November 01, 2024
209. Workplace Reality: Accepting Uncertainty and Surfing Chaos
Send us a text Join us in our 5-part season where we take a mid-decade moment to reflect on the hot topics around workplace cultures in reality (the good, the bad and the ugly). Taking a practical 'how to' approach we take a behind the scenes look at the modern realities of working life and what this means to thrive in the second half towards 2030. This first episode takes a look at the growing reality that there may not be a 'settling down' phase soon. Rather than that reality cause further stress, let’s reframe and accept it and remind ourselves of what we can do. We explore how it is part of human nature to want to be able have certainty in our lives in order to predict circumstances and therefore increase our chances for survival/success. The challenge is that most industries, professions and sectors are still in a state of flux - or are about to head into further change. With change comes challenge as well as opportunity; and although we may know this on a logical level, it can affect us deeply at an emotional level. As many engagement surveys are suggesting, uncertainty can impact our sense of belonging, trust and willingness to continue putting in effort. We share our FAR approach for helping self and others to keep focused on the long game, and to remind ourselves that the quicker we can accept something for what it is, the easier things will be for us. What's important is to maintain our personal standards and ethics as it is our reputation that will endure long after the current wave of change. Rather than fighting the waves, grip onto that surfboard and remind ourselves just how valuable each day is. Curious? You might like some of these earlier episodes: Ep. 183 Career Diversity Gives You Choices Later Ep. 165 The Stoic Approach for Success During Changing Times Ep. 148 Managing People Well on the Change Rollercoaster
S17 E208 · Fri, October 25, 2024
208. Embracing Outgoing Moments for Non-Outgoing People
Send us a text In this 4-part mini-series we explore how to bring a bit of OOOO to your work life: Optimism, Opportunity, Organisation & Outgoing. Four different topics, we explore the mindset, behaviours and tips that bring these to life in everyday practice. In this fourth episode we explore how to feel confident in scenarios that need us to be outgoing. From interviewing, to networking, to collaborating with new people and putting ourselves 'out there' - we share tips for people who wouldn't describe themselves as naturally outgoing. We are joined by the amazing Charlie Ryan, who in her years placing thousands of candidates in her recruitment business, shares practical ways to set yourself up for success. From tips to preparing for a networking event, or prepping for talking about yourself in an interview - if these are the types of scenarios that cause a sense of dread, then this is about embracing the preferences of being more of an introverted person. Introducing to a few people at once rather than a huge group, having a purpose to initiate small talk, and she shares handy phrases for handling situations where you are stepping out your natural behaviour patterns. As Charlie says, own your strengths and recognise that there are benefits from being 'non-outgoing'. Know what you are, know what you are not - and that's ok. And remember - other people can see what you are feeling! Curious for more? Here are some of more relevant episodes: Ep.191 Shift From Tell to Ask: Coaching Unlocks Connection Ep.54 Power Up Your Networks with journalist Marina Gask Ep.5 Helping Introverts and Extraverts to Thrive
S17 E207 · Fri, October 18, 2024
207. Organise to Liberate Your Workload
Send us a text In this 4-part mini-series we explore how to bring a bit of OOOO to your work life: Optimism, Opportunity, Outgoing & Organisation. Four different topics, we explore the mindset, behaviours and tips that bring these to life in everyday practice. In this third episode we explore what being organised looks like in practice. When we are feeling busy or overloaded with commitments, a sense of being organised is essential for keeping well amid times of pressure or change. It means different things to people (eg having a strategic vs operational preference) and will be different for different people within a team (having an introvert vs extravert preference) which can lead to disorganisation moments when working with different people. Taking a ‘one size fits one’ approach we take a fly-through Dr Stephen Covey’s classic ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ and bring it up to date with current topics around hybrid working, transformational change and industry pressures. A useful listen for anyone who knows they have a pressuring time ahead with competing priorities- or wants a shared language to get better organised as a team. Organisational mindset a useful topic for you right now? Here are some relevant past episodes: 174. Prioritising Workload and Managing Expectations 170. Realistic Time Management for Hybrid Working 178. Thriving in a Busy Worklife
S17 E206 · Fri, October 11, 2024
206. Focusing on the Opportunity During Company Cutbacks
Send us a text In this 4-part mini-series we explore how to bring a bit of OOOO to your work life: Optimism, Opportunity, Outgoing & Organisation. Four different topics, we explore the mindset, behaviours and tips that bring these to life in everyday practice. In this second episode explore how to look after yourself and others when there are cutbacks, redundancies and a 'shrink' mentality in your workplace. As we discuss, this can create very unsettling and upsetting emotions. Not only for those who are at risk of redundancy, but also those who remain in their role who might be sad to see a colleague depart, and worried about increased workload. We take a practical look at how to keep focused on the opportunity, remembering that as one door closes another could be about to open. No feeling is final, and sometimes upon reflection, an unwanted change due to a company cutback, can be the start of a better career path ahead. A useful listen for anyone who has a stretching period ahead of them, or who is managing a team during a round of redundancy. Opportunity mindset a useful topic for you right now? Here are some relevant past episodes: Ep. 202. Pursuing a Career Dream Ep. 181 Looking for Everyday Opportunities to Learn & Develop Ep. 165 The Stoic Approach for Success During Times of Change
S17 E205 · Fri, October 04, 2024
205. Stretching Your Comfort Zone With Optimism
Send us a text Welcome to our new mini-series where we its all about bringing a bit of OOOO to your work life: Optimism, Opportunity, Outgoing & Organisation. Four different topics, we explore the mindset, behaviours and tips that bring these to life in everyday practice. In this first episode we are joined by the inspirational Emily Cook who shares her thoughts on how it is keeping a sense of optimism that has enabled her to stretch outside her comfort zone . A great listen for anyone who has a stretching period ahead of them, Emily gives us an uplifting reminder of the role of optimism plays to keep well on the easy and hard days. You can connect with Emily Cook via her LinkedIn profile. Optimism a useful topic for you right now? Here are some relevant past episodes: Ep. 179. Keeping Successful Whilst Your Job Is Transforming 167. Keeping Optimistic During Challenge 140. Keeping an Optimistic Mindset
S16 E204 · Fri, September 27, 2024
204. Confidence to Speak Up and Call Out Inappropriate Behaviour
Send us a text In this final episode of our Confidence Enables Success mini-series we focus on having the confidence to speak up, have a voice and address difficult or inappropriate moments. In particular, situations that require someone to call in or call out something that may be said or done that is not inclusive or mindful of difference. Joined once again by the inspiration Nzinga Orgill who works with organisations to change cultures to make them more inclusive. Her focus is on action and doing the right thing and she shares her thoughts on how to avoid being a bystander and generate the confidence to speak up and have a voice. A great listen for those looking for a practical approach to bystander training and all things EDI. Still the only Nzinga Orgill online, Nzinga can be contacted through LinkedIn and her profile is a treasure trove of resources to inspire and support you in making a positive difference. Want more? Here are our other episodes featuring Nzinga: Ep. 158 What is EDI and Why Is It Important? Ep. 76 Embracing Diversity of Opinion Ep. 161 Inclusive Communication - Talk The Talk, Walk The Walk (Debs & Lau)
S16 E203 · Fri, September 20, 2024
203. Just Shoot The Shot: Inspire Your Career Story
Send us a text In this third episode of our Confidence Enables Success mini-series we focus on having the confidence to take the shot in those moments that inspire a new direction in our careers. We are honoured to be joined by our guest Mo T who shares his passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers to have the ambition and confidence to build their career. Having created a huge online community with his videos and and insights as The Airport Guy, Mo is now travelling the world and working with the UK government to engage and attract talent in new and inclusive ways. Mo shares his experiences of building a engaged community of followers via TikTok to attract apprentices and his advice for handling fear, negativity from others and the benefit from being 'ready'. An inspirational listen for those looking to encourage self or others to step up, step out and take the shot for an opportunity. Useful listen for anyone for whom online community or attracting apprentices is relevant. Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 85 Inspiring Confidence in the Next Gen Workforce Ep. 115 Savour Success for Self-Confidence Ep. 108 Inspiring Others to Succeed Ep. 149 Maximising Your Performance Potential
S16 E202 · Fri, September 13, 2024
202. Pursuing A Career Dream
Send us a text In this second part of our Confidence Enables Success mini-series, we explore the idea of taking a 'second mountain' in a career. As many mid-lifers find themselves re-evaluating their career journey it can be inspiring to remember that it is never too late to listen to our true self and pursue an inner calling. Rather than squeezing yourself to fit in, maybe its about having the confidence to expand and step out. We are thrilled to be joined by Pippa Winn (aka Pippa Winner) who shares her experiences of pursuing her dream career as a curve model and actor at age 55. Having achieved huge success in her stellar career in beauty, she describes how inside she was feeling broken and knew something had to change. From working through significant life events and overcoming health setbacks, Pippa shares some hilarious and heartfelt moments (gold jumpsuit, anyone?) as a reminder that sometimes in our careers, the best is yet to come. Pippa reminds us that no matter our age of experience, to dream BIG (we call this Bold, Inquisitive & Goalposts can move). She talks about the life-changing exercise of asking the big 4 questions (we summarise this at the end, but here is the original book: Ikigai Discover Your Purpose and Passion in Life A reaffirming, funny and feelgood listen for those whom may resonate with the topics of handling health challenges, recently-diagnosed ADHD or a sense of feeling lost in their career. Follow Pippa on her adventures via insta @pippawinner or @pippawinn on LinkedIn Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 162 Owning Your Success Story Ep. 157 Making a Mid-Life Career Shift Ep. 84 Unlocking the Secrets to Confidence Ep. 143 Supercharge Your Self-Belief: Knowing What You Want
S16 E201 · Fri, September 06, 2024
201. Preparation Empowers Confidence
Send us a text Welcome to our new mini-series where we explore how Confidence Enables Success. What does confidence mean to you? We define it as a general sense of capability in how we face new challenges and self-belief to keep focused on success during life's up and downs. In this first episode we focus on the impact feeling prepared has on how confident we feel inside. The opposite of the 'fake it til you make it' approach, we take a look at the benefits of taking the time to practice and invest the hours in the preparation process. Whether preparing for an interview, presentation, tricky conversation or renegotiating a boundary - doing the homework of purposeful prep empowers you to hold your nerve in that moment. If cockiness shouts, then confidence whispers and it can be inspiring to acknowledge that behind most success stories there has been hours of practice to enable and sustain that performance. As AI becomes mainstream in reducing task workload, sometimes there are benefits of going the long way around a challenge. Putting in the prep gives you the depth and self-belief that you know your stuff; even if unsuccessful in that moment, it may enable you to 'wing it' in a similar situation later. A useful listen for those looking to step up their confidence and empower themselves in their role, or boost others towards fulfilling their success. Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 144 Shift From Imposter to Empower Ep. 141 Handling Self-Doubt Ep. 117 Relaxed Readiness Enables Agility Ep. 1 Shedding the Imposter Syndrome (our very first one!)
Fri, August 30, 2024
200. Summer Happy Hour: Energy shot: Grin and Tonic
Send us a text Come join us for a 15 min shot to refresh and reset your intention, delicious content mixed with some cool beach bar music vibes. And this week’s cocktail no5 is Grin & Tonic featuring a double shot of sparkling guests. We are honoured to be joined by Burnout Prevention coach Alexis Neighbour and NLP teacher Melanie Yea. In their own distinct styles, they share a a blend of practical ideas for keeping energised in our work life. Whether for yourself or your team, this is a reviving mix of two shots of effective habits with a dash of wellbeing- served with a slice of boundary management. Ideal sundowner for those wanting a supportive and inspirational pep talk. Liking the summer vibe? Check out our GROWTH Summer School from 2022: Ep. 97 G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 98 R is for Relationships Ep. 99 O is for Optimism Ep. 100 W is for Wellness Ep 101 T is for Teamship Ep. 102 H is for Harmony
Fri, August 23, 2024
199. Happy Hour: Communication shot - Expressive Martini
Send us a text Welcome to our Summer Happy hour - where learning is free and there’s enough for everyone! Come join us for a 10 min shot to refresh and reset your intention, delicious content mixed with some cool beach bar music vibes. And this week’s cocktail no4 is Expressive Martini where we are joined by Cognitive Behavioural Expert Lindsey Thompson. She mixes us a blend of practical ideas for effective and impactful communication in our work (and home) life. Whether for yourself or your team, we mix a shot of individual differences with a dash of structure and served with a bowl of emotional intelligence on the side. 'I'll just' and think: TED. An ideal sundowner for those wanting a supportive and inspirational pep talk. Liking the summer vibe? Check out our GROWTH Summer School from 2022: Ep. 97 G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 98 R is for Relationships Ep. 99 O is for Optimism Ep. 100 W is for Wellness Ep 101 T is for Teamship Ep. 102 H is for Harmony
Fri, August 16, 2024
198. Summer Happy Hour: Performance shot - Aperformance Spritz
Send us a text Welcome to our Summer Happy hour - where learning is free and there’s enough for everyone! Come join us for a 10 min shot to refresh and reset your intention, delicious content mixed with some cool beach bar music vibes. And this week’s cocktail no3 is Aperformance Spritz features the inspirational confidence coach Karl Green who serves us a sparkling blend of practical ideas for bringing clarity and focus on performance in our work life. Whether for yourself or your team, we mix a shot of goal-setting with a dash of measurement and tracking and served with a slice of vision and values. Ideal sundowner for those wanting a supportive and inspirational pep talk. Liking the summer vibe? Check out our GROWTH Summer School from 2022: Ep. 97 G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 98 R is for Relationships Ep. 99 O is for Optimism Ep. 100 W is for Wellness Ep 101 T is for Teamship Ep. 102 H is for Harmony
S16 E197 · Fri, August 09, 2024
197. Summer Happy Hour: Compassion shot - People Colada
Send us a text Welcome to our Summer Happy hour - where learning is free and there’s enough for everyone! Come join us for a 10 min shot to refresh and reset your intention, delicious content mixed with some cool beach bar music vibes. And this week’s cocktail no2 is People Colada which is a blend of practical ideas for bringing or creating more compassion in our work life. Whether for yourself or your team, we mix a shot of creating belonging with a squeeze of emotional intelligence and served with a slice of colleague engagement and retention. Ideal sundowner for those wanting a supportive and inspirational pep talk. Liking the summer vibe? Check out our GROWTH Summer School from 2022: Ep. 97 G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 98 R is for Relationships Ep. 99 O is for Optimism Ep. 100 W is for Wellness Ep 101 T is for Teamship Ep. 102 H is for Harmony
S14 E169 · Tue, August 06, 2024
169. Knowing Your Personal Saboteurs
Send us a text In this final part of our 4-part focus on Opportunity Mindset, we explore the concept of saboteurs - the things that can hold us back, sabotage our success and impact our confidence and overall sense of wellness and satisfaction in what we do. In all aspects of life, understanding how to ensure the things that motivate you (e.g. helping others) doesnt slip into the 'dark side' of self-sabotage (e.g. people-pleasing to the detriment of looking after yourself) we share tips for noticing, managing and adjusting to a happier healthier view of yourself. Useful for our own mindset, its a great framework to help others too. Lots of organisations are focusing on the benefits of kindness at work - and this is a practical way we can be kinder to ourselves and in turn to others (less judgement, more compassion). We pick off the top 9 saboteurs - take a listen and see which one/s may be holding you back without even knowing you do it to yourself. More info? We reference this site: www.positiveintelligence.com Curious? Take a deeper dive in one of our relevant episodes: Ep. 163 Empower Yourself to Shine Ep. 142 Saying No in a Positive Way Ep. 137 Keeping Well in a Corporate - a TA Perspective Ep. 114 Savour Success for Self-Confidence
S16 E196 · Fri, August 02, 2024
196. Summer Happy Hour: Motivation shot - Mojo Mohito
Send us a text Welcome to our Summer Happy hour - where learning is free and there’s enough for everyone! Come join us for a 10 min shot to refresh and reset your intention, delicious content mixed with some cool beach bar music vibes. And this week’s cocktail no1 is Mojo Mohito which is bursting with practical ideas for boosting or sustaining motivation. Whether for yourself or your team, we mix a shot of Freud with a spritz of compound effect and served with a slice of daily habits. Ideal sundowner for those wanting a supportive and inspirational pep talk. Liking the summer vibe? Check out our GROWTH Summer School from 2022: Ep. 97 G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 98 R is for Relationships Ep. 99 O is for Optimism Ep. 100 W is for Wellness Ep 101 T is for Teamship Ep. 102 H is for Harmony
S16 E195 · Fri, July 26, 2024
195. Shift Your Service Culture via Your Stroke Economy
Send us a text In this final part of our 3-part focus on service, this one is all about dialling up your internal and external service experience by focusing on the concept of the Stroke Index. We are thrilled to be joined again by our close colleague Lindsey Thompson who is an expert in Transactional Analysis and Team Dynamics. She shares powerful insights into how to clean up the internal atmosphere to create a shiny experience for your customer. If no-one is looking out for each other within or between teams, then this impacts even the most hardened of us at a fundamental level - our human need to know 'I matter' which creates belonging and commitment. Lindsey explains the concepts of Stroke Economy as part of your team health-check and how looking at your Stroke Index is the place to start when looking at building an internal sense of service. A stroke is a unit of recognition - think of it like a behavioural calorie that fuels our relationships. And when everyone is busy, it is even more valuable when we take even just a minute to check-in with each other. If you want to give a customer experience of time, care and respect - then this has to be felt inwardly between teams in order to keep providing this externally. For leaders (both formal and informal) this is a good reminder of the need to shift from transactional to relational interactions - getting to know your people beyond a superficial level. If leadership was all about just tasking and powering through a do-do list, then you wouldn't need leaders. (NB: Here is the link to the analogous story that Lindsey references - the Warm Fuzzies ) Lindsey Thompson is owner of LTW Coaching Ltd and as a trainer, professional coach and Emotional Intelligence Practitioner she specialises in TA and Team Dynamics. You can contact Lindsey via Linked In Curious for more? Here are some of our related episodes: Ep. 98 Summer School: R is for Relationships Ep. 137 Keeping Well in a Corporate - a TA Perspective (with Lindsey Thompson) Ep. 128 Teamship - Minimise Politics, Maximise Pace
S16 E194 · Fri, July 19, 2024
194. Creating a Culture of Internal Customer Service
Send us a text In this second episode in our latest 3-part miniseries looking at customer service we look at benefits and steps to creating an internal customer service culture.
S16 E193 · Fri, July 12, 2024
193. Customer Service Excellence - Think NeuroService
Send us a text In our latest 3-part miniseries we take a look at customer service and the role it is playing in enabling organisations to thrive now and into the future. As more service experiences are becoming automated or augmented with eg AI-enabled chatbots, the human is fast becoming the premium service differentiator. So how can we maximise every moment when providing a service experience with a customer, client, patient, passenger, student or internal stakeholder? This first episode takes a fresh look at the decades-old thinking around customer service. We explore what the growing world of neuroscience can show us makes the difference when one human interacts with another in a service scenario. We’ve coined the phrase ‘neuroservice’ and shares top tips to bring this to life for tangible results. From the link between touch and value-perception, to the role imagination plays in creating intrigue and commitment.. let’s be inventive in our approach to service experiences. Now is the time to maximise our human edge in ourselves and our customer-facing teams. Curious for more?
S15 E192 · Fri, July 05, 2024
192. Mid Year Reflection - Pause to Process
Send us a text We mark the mid-year point with a reminder of the power of taking a moment to pause, process and reflect on the past 6 months to set up well for the next. A good listen any time of the year, we also explore the benefits of processing for a team on the lessons learned, rather than leaping from one task to the next. We hear a round-up from this years guests so far with the secrets they wanted to share with us all. The Stoics practised the art of 'savouring' our past successes as a way to boost confidence, endurance and energy to face the future challenges and opportunities. Curious for more? Check out our relevant past episodes: 180. Learning Prepares Us For the Future 136. Mid-Year Maintenance Check with guest Matt Vale - a physical wellness lens 97. Summer School: G is for Growth Mindset 69. Self Motivation: Shift Your View
S15 E191 · Fri, June 28, 2024
191. Shift From Tell to Ask - Coaching Unlocks Human Connection
Send us a text In this final part of our 4-part focus on Maximising Human Touch we take a practical look at how to unlock moments of connection. In a time-poor world, being listened to has even more premium and is the most powerful way to connect with people during uncertainty and transformational change. Making the simple shift from telling someone what to do, to asking them what they would like to do is probably the easiest way to get into the habit of coaching. We share simple ways to bring a coaching approach to life whether it be professional, parenting, partnering or friendship role. It also gives a way to gently steer conversations away from negativity and pessimism as coaching is all about enabling and empowering people to think about what might help them in that moment. A useful listen for anyone looking for practical tips to bring coaching to everyday practice, or a healthier way to handle the impact of others if they are immersed in lots of change and disruption. Curious for more? Here are some of our relevant episodes: Ep. 66 The Gift of Attentive Listening Ep. 94 Everyday Coaching Skills Ep. 121 Team Empowerment Through Delegation
Fri, June 21, 2024
190. Human-Centric Selling Approach
Send us a text In this third episode of our 4-part focus focusing on Maximising Personal Touch we look at how to bring a human edge to sales and customer interactions in an increasingly automated world. We discuss the value of positive mindset, behaviours, and using the skills to build relationships and provide exceptional service. We share top tips for active listening, effective questioning and creating momentum in sales conversations. We also discuss the different personality types and the importance of adapting and flexing to meet the needs of others. We give practical advice on the BIDs questioning technique and the power of listening and building relationships. As well as gathering information and understanding needs, its an effective way to build relationships based on trust. A good listen for anyone wanting practical tips on encouraging repeat business and customer loyalty - or who wants a reminder on the human skills that underpin selling success. Curious? Check out our previous relevant episodes: Ep. 93 Hybrid Presentation Skills Ep. 108 The Power of Storytelling to Connect Ep. 116 Relationships Last Longer Than Emails
S15 E189 · Fri, June 14, 2024
189. Maximise Your Cognitive Potential - Simple Strategies for Complicated Thinking
Send us a text In this second episode of our 4-part focus focusing on Maximising Personal Touch we look at how to think clearly when faced with complicated situations. Many workplaces are demanding quicker and deeper levels of innovation, focus, creativity and problem-solving. As Apple unleashes AI in 1 billion smartphones across the planet (reported 11 June 2024), what role human thinking in the ever changing world of work now and into the future? We explore practical tips for looking after your ability to think clearly (use it or lose it) and strategies for helping self and others to process information to apply accurately and flexibly. A good listen for anyone who wants to think clearly through overwhelm, or take a colleague or team through some practical exercises that enable us to simplify complicated situations. As AI powers up around us, remaining empowered in our ability to think and bring our human edge to a situation is vital for personal wellness, team morale and industry confidence in how we navigate these new human/machine pathways ahead of us. Curious? Check out our previous relevant episodes: Ep.165 The Stoic Approach to Success During Times of Change Ep. 172 Making In-Person Moments Count Ep. 176 Protecting Yourself and Others From Burnout
S15 E188 · Fri, June 07, 2024
188. Being Human in an AI Workplace - Maximising Personal Touch Moments
Send us a text In this first episode of our 4-part focus focusing on Maximising Personal Touch we look at how to balance the tasks we complete with the impact we create. In a world that is becoming increasingly automated, and Artificial Intelligence now an everyday term we explore how to remain empowered, confident and making time for the human moments where we bring our personal touch to the interaction. Whether client, patient, customer, student, colleague, contact or friend - it is the personal touch that makes the difference. We explore the 3 Human Edge skills that enable the personal touch moments to happen. Not only benefitting our roles right now, but also our health and wellbeing for the future too. We are human beings, not human doings, and how we work today serves as a lesson or a warning for future generations. We share simple everyday tips for creating personal touch moments: etiquette, engagement and empathy. Curious? Check out our previous relevant episodes: Ep.125 Engage With Everyday Collaborative Conversations with Dr Trudi Taylor Ep. 123 Connect With Caring Conversations Ep. 116. Relationships Last Longer Than Emails Ep. 95 Positive Impact and Influence: Relationships and Reputation
S15 E187 · Fri, May 31, 2024
187. Nourish Your Network to Flourish Your Career
Send us a text In this final episode of our 5-part series on Redefining Careers, we are thrilled to welcome Siobhan Anderson, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming academic self-doubt through mentorship and skill enhancement. Siobhan's experiences emphasise the importance of self-belief in addressing academic gaps and leveraging work experience. We explore how continuous professional development and nourishing relationships can propel your career forward. In a world that is becoming increasingly automated, meeting a wide range of people keeps our options open and all the research shows the mental health benefits of regular quality human interactions. Authenticity is at the core of building enduring professional networks based on genuine connection. Siobhan shares her tips for overcoming self-doubt to open up opportunities. We delve into the crucial role of supportive home networks and offer practical advice for those without such backing or who are working in remote or hybrid work settings. As we close this series, we set the stage for our next topic on balancing technology with human touch in an AI-driven world. Curious? Check out our relevant past episodes: Ep. 164 Knowing Your Worth, Defining Your Intangibles Ep. 157 Making a Mid-Life Career Shift - with guest Damien Hoadley-Brown Ep. 140 Keeping An Optimistic Mindset Ep. 53 Power Up Your Networks - with guest Marina Gask
S15 E186 · Fri, May 24, 2024
186. Set a Skills Fit-Bit to Track and Empower Your Development
Send us a text This fourth episode in our Redefining Careers series looks at the benefit of reframing how we look at our day to day to track how we are developing our skills. Like how fitbit-type trackers have transformed how we view our daily physical activity through monitoring data e.g. step count, there is a parallel when we apply this to our professional activity. It enables us to view 'the hassle of having to walk up the stairs' to being of benefit to our body and therefore shifts our mindset in that moment which lifts our sense of wellbeing. Setting up a 'skills fit-bit' enables us to view 'the hassle of having to talk to all these stakeholders' to being of benefit to our career options and therefore shifts our mindset in that moment which lifts our sense of confidence and empowerment. Nothing complicated - simply taking a fortnightly check-in on your skills-count and a quarterly check-in on your skills/time priorities can transform how we view our current day to day. Sometimes the benefit of the difficult work days are not realised until years later when we see how useful that skill or experience was in enabling us. Curious? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep.154 Supercharge Your Development With a PDP (a practical how-to) Ep.167 Keeping Optimistic During Challenge Ep. 162. Owning Your Success Story Ep.155 When Familiarity Breeds Contempt - Keeping The Spark In Long Service
S15 E185 · Fri, May 17, 2024
185. Career Uncaged - Shifting From Employee to Solopreneur
Send us a text This third episode in our Redefining Careers series takes a look behind the scenes on the realities of leaving a corporate job and setting up on your own. Joined by the inspirational Matt Sims, he shares his experience of leaving his role where he had been for 8 years, to become a solopreneur focusing on his passion and purpose. Lots of freedom and space to focus on the things you want to, equally lots of tasks that need to be done in a self-sufficient way. He also reassures us that many of the aspects that can appear daunting - finance, marketing, time management etc - actually are not as tough as you might think. The essence for success as a solopreneur can be defined as self-belief along with a positive network of people to support and empower you. An ideal listen for anyone feeling trapped and wants a reminder of the big wide world of work that is out there; or has a glimmer of an idea for self-employment at some point in the future and wants to start building the dream vision. You can contact Matt through his LinkedIn profile Matt Sims and his fab Ever-So-Lean podcast is both educational and fun to listen to (great ideas for bringing Continuous Improvement mindset to everyday life). Curious for more? Check out our relevant podcasts from our library: Ep.130 Empowering People For Matrix Working - more with guest Matt Sims Ep.103 Redefining What Success Means For You Now - when life changes your aims Ep. 89 Finding the Time to Be Proactive - practical tips for building a side-hustle Ep.178 Protecting Yourself and Others From Burnout - balancing ambition & wellness
S15 E84 · Fri, May 10, 2024
184. Creating Career Lightbulb Moments
Send us a text Our latest series is all about Redefining Careers and this second episode looks at the power a 'lightbulb moment' can have on the choices and options that open up to us. We discuss just how many skills are transferable and therefore we can keep empowered in the knowledge that you can shift industries or levels if you want to. Your technical expertise will only get you so far, at some point you have to be able to work with people, and this lightbulb moment can liberate ourselves to realise we always have a choice. By sharing our observations on the career conversations we see happening in coaching and on workshops, we discuss practical steps to break the HERD mentality that might be holding you back. Take 5 mins to reflect on what makes you Happy, get Exposure to remind yourself of the big wide world that is out there, Realise your amazing skillset and then Do one thing that starts a chain of events. It might take you 10 years to arrive, but that is better than 10 years stuck full of regret. There is no one path, or one type of person who is more able to succeed at work than another. We all do it in our own way and it is never too late or too early to make the decision to make yourself happy in the work that you do. Curious for more? Ep. 178 Thriving in a Busy Worklife - with guest Alexis Neighbour - make time to think Ep. 169 Knowing Your Personal Saboteurs - recognise what might hold yourself back Ep. 162 Owning Your Success Story - shifting from actor to author creates self-belief Ep. 157 Making a Mid-Life Career Shift - hear how Damien turned Tai Chi into his job
Fri, May 03, 2024
183. Career Diversity Gives You Choices Later
Send us a text Our latest series is all about Redefining Careers and this first episode focuses on the benefits of having different experiences to enable more choice as you progress along your journey. Whether planned or unplanned, actively seeking new experiences gives us more resilience if options suddenly change (recessions, redundancies etc) and keeps us empowered and confident to leave if we are not happy in what we are doing. We are delighted this week to be joined by our amazing guest Andy Pule, who shares his advice for having different experiences. Now working at Director level in an organisation, it is inspiring to hear how often the blips become the opportunities that open up new job experiences. Relationships that form in the early days, can last for years as paths cross again. Its a great listen for anyone feeling stuck in their role and is worrying about leaving; to reassure yourself that the wisdom you have gained in your current role could be really useful in another organisation. As with so much in life, its about attitude. With a career blip, its about not letting it sit as a chip on your shoulder, but to flip it to a 'what, how, when can I do something about this?' to keep empowered and confident. Blip, chip, flip - its about valuing your unique skills and life is too short to stay stuck in a job that is not right for you. It may take a few years to create the safety net in your life to be able to have choices, but having that exit plan reminds you that you matter. Andy can be contacted via LinkedIn: Andy Pule Curious for more? Ep. 155 When Familiarity Breed Contempt - keep the spark going over the years in role Ep. 144 Shifting From Imposter to Empower - believing in yourself Ep.140 Keeping an Optimistic Mindset - how to take the blip and flip (not chip!) Ep. 137 Keeping Well in a Corporate - a TA perspective with guest Lindsey Thompson
S15 E182 · Fri, April 26, 2024
182 Benefits of Mentoring and Coaching to Everyday Life
Send us a text In the final of our 4-part focus on 'Future Ready, Today' we explore the benefits, skills and opportunities from bringing coaching or mentoring approach to everyday life. To have a 'coach' is now seen as an asset rather than something to be embarrassed about, so we share the top tips for coaching as well as practical examples for shifting from a tell-to-ask style of conversation. If training is about sharing knowledge, coaching is about enabling the other person to engage and commit to apply it in real life. Mentoring is a great way to share advice and wisdom - and adding in some coaching questions at the end keeps the conversation future focused. As well as enabling change and improvement in others, looking for moments and opportunities to coach people keeps us future-ready as well. Being able to question (with intuition), listen (with attention), adapt (with purpose) and empower others is a un-automatable human mix of skills likely to be premium for the future. NB: The ICF is seen the gold-standard for coaching and a good place to start exploring: via International Coaching Federation- Professional Coaching Association Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 154 Supercharge Your Development With a PDP Ep. 149 Maximising Your Performance Potential Ep. 105 Inspiring Others to Succeed Ep. 94 Everyday Coaching Skills (more explanation on the GROW coaching format)
S15 E181 · Fri, April 19, 2024
181. Looking for Everyday Opportunities to Learn and Develop
Send us a text In this second episode in our 4-part focus on 'Future Readiness, Today' we look at easy, everyday ways to seek moments to learn and develop ourselves. As the waves of change due to automation, digitisation and AI continue to wash through the world of work, now is not the time to copy and paste our way through the working day. Although efficiency helps today be easier, it could reduce our creativity, confidence and empowerment in the future. We take a practical and proactive look at what we can do today to set up well for the future. Taking Ownership for our CPD (continuing professional development) no matter where you are in/out an organisation. Practising Metacognition (thinking about your thinking) to get into the Habit of learning. Learning habits include setting a PDP and reviewing it monthly/quarterly (regardless of a line manager!), having visual reminders to keep learning new knowledge at the forefront of your mind. Mentoring, buddy groups and knowledge circles are great ways to keep learning fresh 'fibrous' info, alongside the pre-processed convenience -knowledge via google or an AI guide. Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 97 Summer School: G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 85 Inspiring Confidence in the Next Gen Workforce# Ep. 67 The Gift of Hard-Won Wisdom Ep. 34 To Adapt is to Flourish - with Tom Willis talking about moving across industries
S15 E180 · Fri, April 12, 2024
180. Learning Prepares Us For The Future
Send us a text In this second in our 4-part mini-series 'Future Readiness, Today' we look at the role of learning to set us up we for the future. Rather than something that happens in a school, college or just at the start of our careers, having a learning mindset enables us to flourish in our personal and professional lives. Its about balancing the amount of 'crystallised knowledge' that forms over time, with your 'fluid intelligence' to be able to see things with fresh eyes. Learning for fun keeps our brain healthier as we age, plus boosts our confidence though the unplanned jolts of change. As BB King said 'the wonderful thing about learning is that no-one can take it away from you' - no matter your background or CV, we can set an intent to learn, focus our attention on something purposeful and begin the momentum for change. We share top tips for prioritising learning moments amid the day-to- day, including the 4-stage learning process, the concept of 'neurobics' and remembering the mind-body link to learning. Just like any muscle: use it or lose it. Just 5 mins of learning a day could transform your confidence and future career options. Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 166 Setting Motivating Goals Ep. 154 Supercharge Your Development with a PDP Ep. 133 Book Club - 4000 Weeks - A Wake-Up Call for Time Management Ep.126 Empower With Everyday Curious Conversations
S15 E179 · Fri, April 05, 2024
179. Keeping Successful Whilst Your Job Is Transforming
Send us a text Welcome to the first episode in our 4-part focus on 'Future Readiness, Today'. As the waves of change due to automation, digitisation, hybrid working and AI continue to wash through the world of work, we take a practical and proactive look at what we can do today to set up well for the future. Back in 2018 McKinsey's Global Trends report predicted 14% of the world's workforce may need to switch occupational categories. Maybe you are a customer service expert who now needs to generate opportunities as part of your role. Or a finance person who is now expected to collaborate and be more of a business partner. Many of the classic 'vertical' professions are now required to work in much more holistic and creative ways as organisations reshape and transform. Its still you, but with small adaptations week by week to enable your evolution over time. We share practical tips for getting a GRIP on your mindset so you can maintain calm and empowered in all the noise. We focus on the power of networking to keep your radar on about what might be ahead that you could prepare for. And for those looking to influence their employer to invest in qualifications we share stats that demonstrate this is cheaper long term than having to hire in new people. We cannot control the waves of change but we can grab a surfboard and make best use of our skills and attributes. Curious for more? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep 165. The Stoic Approach for Success During Change Ep 156. Stretching Your Comfort Zone - Overcoming Nerves with Karl Green Ep 122. Vision Requires Visibility - getting out and about opens up opportunities Ep 166. Relationships Last Longer than Emails
S14 E178 · Fri, March 29, 2024
178. Thriving in a Busy Worklife
Send us a text This final episode in our 5-part series on Managing a Continuous Workload revisits the theme of preventing burnout. Joined again by burnout exec coach Alexis Neighbour, she explains the 4 reasons why burnout is on the rise, namely a general rise in worries and anxieties fuelled by the pandemic, technology, societal pressures and environmental concerns. Juggling work with caring commitments, health issues, attending appointments that are only scheduled in the 9-5 - it's the 'human' stuff that can all add up to create pressure moments that can take its toll (whilst trying to perform well in a role). We share real-life, practical tips for creating 'antidote' moments for ourselves and each other. Its reminding ourselves that our happiness, wellness and satisfaction is important - otherwise what is all the work for? We cant change the world, but we can change how we interact and impact the aspects of the world that we can influence. A useful listen for those who are having a tricky time balancing pressures in and out of work, or wants to support someone who is. You can connect with Alexis Neighbour via LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/alexis-neighbour-83b11830 or on email alexis@hygeiacoaching.com Hot topic for you? Take a deeper dive in our related episodes: Ep. 176 Protecting Yourself and Others Against Burnout (with Alexis Neighbour again) Ep. 162 Owning Your Success Story Ep. 139 Inner Wellness from an NLP Perspective (with guest Melanie Yea) Ep. 133 Book Club: 4000 Weeks - A Wake-Up Call for Time Management
S14 E177 · Fri, March 22, 2024
177. Tips for Delegating Regardless of Status
Send us a text This fourth episode in our 5-part series on Managing a Continuous Workload takes a practical approach looking at the skill of delegating. Delegation is not just for managers or senior people - it is sensible teamwork in action. As nature shows us, there is too much to do for one individual to safely carry it all alone - sharing workload and exchanging tasks is how success is sustained over time. (Even lone sharks share the tasks when hunting prey). We share tips for shifting our mindset around delegating - less guilt, more achievement - its about reminding ourselves that we have choices. Whether to delegate more to the machines in our life to free up your thinking/resting time, or asking a colleague to help you out on a busy day - its about taking a tactical look at workload. We share our exclusive BRACE conversation format (benefits, reason, ask, collaborate, exchange) to help develop your confidence and approach to the conversation. A useful listen for those who work 'unwatched' and need to even their load, or those who want to empower the ability to delegate for themselves or someone else. For the 'doers' amongst us, its about taking a bigger picture approach to how the do gets done. It might not be an easy conversation to start having, but in 6 months time it could have been a game-changer for your personal wellbeing and team success. Hot topic for you? Take a deeper dive in our related episodes: Ep, 168 Creating an Abundant Mindset as a Team Ep. 156 Stretching Your Comfort Zone - Overcoming Nerves with guest Karl Green Ep. 144 Shifting From Imposter to Empower Ep. 137 Keeping Well in the Corporate World - with guest Lindsey Thompson-Wright
S14 E176 · Fri, March 15, 2024
176. Protecting Yourself and Others From Burnout
Send us a text This third episode in our 5-part series on Managing a Continuous Workload addresses the alarmingly growing topic of burnout. Burnout is estimated to cost the UK £28.3 billion due to stress-related absence and is a growing problem impacting more people than ever before. We are privileged to be joined by Alexis Neighbour, who in her role as executive coach, now specialises in helping people resolve a sense of overwhelm, take back control of their lives and prevent the risk of burnout. She clearly explains the difference between stress, overwhelm and burnout and shares practical tips for noticing and catching it before it takes hold and creates permanent damage to our mental and physical health. Alexis shares her first-hand experience of feeling like she was just 'existing' and the steps she took to shift things on to a better path. A good listen for anyone who is feeling a bit snappier or less joyful than usual; a life-changing listen for those who know something is not quite right, but cant quite put their finger on it yet - whether for themselves or someone in their team. You can contact Alexis by email alexis@hygeiacoaching.com or via LinkedIn Hot topic for you? Take a deeper dive in our related episodes: Ep, 169 Knowing Your Personal Saboteurs Ep.103 Redefining What Success Means For You Now Ep. 139 Inner Wellness From an NLP Perspective with Melanie Yea Ep.157 Making a Mid-Life Career Shift
S14 E175 · Fri, March 08, 2024
175. Renegotiating Workload in a Win-Win Way
Send us a text This second episode in our 5-part series on Managing a Continuous Workload is about having 'a proper conversation' about the reality of a workload that is ever-growing. Hybrid working means workload share is less visible, and the leaner the team, the more likely there is a single job owner holding it all together. Less empathy and resilience can mean more pressure and stress and the more likely we are to stick with patterns of harder - not smarter - working. We share tips for how you can raise problems and challenges around workload, without looking like you are the problem or the challenge. We refresh the basic principles for a win-win conversation and how to prep your gold, silver and bronze outcome beforehand so both parties feel like they had a good outcome. We demonstrate the CAR format in action (Context, Action, Result) as a way to make your point, as well as highlighting the benefits of having your workload re-looked at. A good listen for those looking for tips for speaking up about their workload in a positive, proactive and personable way - or is mentoring someone who is. Hot topic for you? Take a deeper dive in our related episodes: Ep. 115 Savour Your Successes for Self-Confidence Ep. 111 Accountability For Communication - Who's Responsible? Ep. 107 Keeping Motivated When the Chips Are Down Ep.91 From Overwhelm to Ownership
S14 E174 · Fri, March 01, 2024
174. Prioritising Workload and Managing Expectations
Send us a text Our latest 5-part series is all about Managing a Continuous Workload, where we explore strategies for handling a busy workload that never seems to have a lull. This first episode is all about prioritising workload and communicating clearly to people so expectations - if not matched, are at least managed well. We share our CLAWS tool to decide who and how to update people, and the STROKE checklist for absolute clarity throughout a task or project. We demo an example of how to say no, and our number one top tip for handling even the most trickiest of stakeholders. And it involves paws. A good listen for those who are finding workload volumes a challenge at the moment, or want to support others with practical ideas to convert problems in to solutions. Hot topic for you? Take a deeper dive in our related episodes: Ep. 167 Keeping Optimistic During Challenge Ep. 113 Managing Expectations - Who's Job? Ep. 131 Reducing Blame Forming Within a Hybrid Team Ep.120 Employee Engagement is a Two-Way Street
S14 E173 · Fri, February 23, 2024
173 Creating an Exceptional Hybrid Culture
Send us a text In this final episode in our 4-part focus on Maximising Hybrid Working we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing HR expert Kate Maddison-Greenwell. She shares her research from over 700 leaders about the realities of hybrid working : the blockers and enablers and in particular how to make meetings and communication engaging and productive. Her research suggests 76% of managers do not feel equipped with the skills for hybrid working and takes us through practical tips for bringing a facilitative approach to conversations. Balancing flexibility with need to align and organise a team, Kate shares the 8 PE Framework that sums up the best practices that enable hybrid success. Useful listen for managers wanting to benchmark their hybrid working, or for those who want to have a conversation to explore options. Kate is the CEO of HR consultancy People Efficient. You can download the research here: https://linktr.ee/people_efficient - Connect with Kate via LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/katemg She always posts useful articles and insights in the ever-evolving world of hybrid work and is a good go-to person if you want clarity or support on the HR aspects. Curious? Take a deeper dive with our relevant episodes: Ep. 159 Creating the Right Culture for Inclusion (for more of Kate!) Ep. 90 Manage Expectations to Prevent a Blame Culture Ep. 94 Everyday Coaching Skills Ep. 152 Managing Performance Fairly During Change
S14 E172 · Fri, February 16, 2024
172. Making In-Person Moments Count
Send us a text In this third episode in our Maximising Hybrid Working mini-series we explore how to make the most of the days we are in-person. For those fortunate enough to have this option available, we share tips for planning ahead and balancing the workload of being in-person whilst your 'digital twin' is silently gathering more emails. If you use your in-person time to sit glued to the screen fielding emails then this is missing the benefit of face-to-face relationship-building, energy transmission and key culture-defining moments. We share our SSS concept - bring Synchronicity (align who and when is coming in) to enable Serendipity (chance, informal conversations and knowledge-sharing) and create Social Moments (eating together as a team could replace umpteen hours of meetings through closer bonds). We are the first generation of adults able to bring such flexibility to how we work, A useful listen for those finding their way with their hybrid working pattern, it also gives some language to help change or improve things if its not quite there yet. Curious? Take a deeper dive with some of our relevant episodes: Ep. 129 Keeping Hybrid Communication Lines Open Ep. 134 Book Club: How to Talk to Anyone - Tips for Easier Social Interactions Ep. 110 Gratitude Resets Your Attitude Ep. 93 Hybrid Presentation Skills
S14 E171 · Mon, February 12, 2024
171b Building and Sustaining High-Performance Remote Teams
Send us a text Ever felt like an island in the vast ocean of remote work? Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of remote team dynamics and reveal how to keep the collaborative spirit alive—even when you're miles apart. We dive into the struggle of maintaining that social butterfly energy in isolation, the art of communication without physical cues, and the bittersweet symphony of reuniting with colleagues after long spells of digital-only contact. Discover strategies to enhance your remote teamwork, ensuring that every virtual interaction is as meaningful and effective as if you were sharing a pot of coffee in the break room. As we navigate the model laid out by Patrick Lencioni, you'll learn the secrets to constructing a team that's not just functional but exceptional. We dissect the stages of team development, emphasizing the pivotal role of trust, conflict management, and accountability—all while keeping our eyes on the prize: collective results. You'll walk away understanding how to foster an environment where respect and understanding serve as the catalysts for a team's evolution from storming to performing. This is a trove of insights for anyone who is part of a team, leading one, or looking to build one from scratch. Are you ready to become the communication maestro of your team? Our final chapter doesn't just highlight the importance of dialogue—it gives you the baton to orchestrate it. We explore the profound impact of understanding your teammates beyond the screen, anticipating conflicts before they arise, and setting the stage for personal growth in a professional landscape. Learn how to bring your whole self to virtual meetings, engage actively, and contribute to a team culture that's as robust online as it is in person. So, tune in, turn up the volume, and get ready to amplify the harmony within your remote or hybrid team. p.s. this was created by AI as a contrast to our 'handmade' Ep 171 description. Which do you prefer?
S14 E171 · Fri, February 09, 2024
171. Tips for Maximising Remote Teamwork
Send us a text In this second episode of our 4-part series looking at Maximising Hybrid Working, we focus on how to enable effective teamwork. Whether fully remote, or mixing in working from home days with in-office days, successful teamwork makes the difference for sustaining success during the ups and downs of change or disruption, and for maintaining operational performance under pressure or setback. Feeling part of a team impacts retention, seeing the energy and buzz from a good team influences attraction and how a team interacts behind the screens with each other is the workplace culture in reality. The stronger the team relationships, the more challenge, innovation and collaboration is possible. If no-one really knows each other, then they cant trust each other. And as we discuss with Lencioni's 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, trust is the foundation for team success. We share top tips for enabling trust to form when working hybrid - a 5 min check-in chat can transform the quality of conversation that happens. We revisit Tuckman's Team Dynamic Model and re-purpose Beckhard's GRIP model to give a handy 'strip it back to basics' approach for those looking to bring a fresh clarity and energy to a team: Strategic: where are we heading as a team? Tactical: what does this mean for our now and near focus areas? Roles: who is doing what and does everyone know who the 'go-to' person is? Interactions: how and when will we meet/catch up as a team - SLA of expectations? Processes: how do we do what we do and is everyone clear (internal and external?) A useful listen for those wanting to focus on the team effectiveness, culture and external reputation. Curious? Check out our other relevant episodes: Ep. 104 Enabling Team Agility (with the brilliant Agile Coach, Simon Caudwell) Ep. 132 Book Club: Surrounded By Idiots? How to Work Well With People Ep. 128 Teamship: Minimise Politics, Maximise Pace Ep. 116 Relationships Last Longer Than Emails
S14 E170 · Fri, February 02, 2024
170. Realistic Time Management for Hybrid Working
Send us a text Welcome to the first in our 4-part series looking at Maximising Hybrid Working. With nearly 50% of workers working in some kind of hybrid pattern, the trial period is now over. With hot topics such as life/work balance, handling workload, avoiding burnout and creating an engaged workforce, now is a good time to check in on any temporary workarounds, before they become permanent fixed habits. We discuss the top challenges to watch out for and how important it is to shift from idealistic, to realistic plans for what can be achieved in a hybrid working day. We share our brand new SECURE set of top time management tips for hybrid working: Set clear expectations for the day/week ahead Establish a good routine Communicate in advance Use tech wisely (email is your tool to use, not the other way round) Regularly review what you are doing Empower yourself to set boundaries that work for you A useful listen to check in with our own habits, plus practical tips for sharing with others Curious? Check out our other relevant episodes: Ep. 37 Reducing Pressure, Overwork and Overwhelm - with Lindsey Thompson-Wright Ep. 89 Finding the Time to be Proactive 133. Book Club: 4000 Weeks - a Wake-Up Call for Time Management Ep. 138 Restoring Life/Work Boundaries -with Jim The Coach Guy
S14 E168 · Fri, January 19, 2024
168. Creating an Abundant Mindset as a Team
Send us a text In the third of our 4-part series focusing on Opportunity Mindset, we discuss what having an abundant mindset as a team means in practice. Abundance can be described as the belief that success is possible and that there are no set limits to opportunity. This creates a team environment where people are happy for each other's success, celebrate each other's wins and genuinely set out to collaborate for a collective win. The challenge is to keep this mindset during times of hardship or setback. A scarcity mindset is the belief that 'once it is gone, it is gone' and this lead to a team environment of gossip, negativity and setting out to compete for an individual win. Sometimes others in the team get a shout-out and acknowledgement and we wont - and that's ok. Part of being an adult is recognising that external factors are often out of our control; the one thing we can control is our mindset and our actions. We discuss real life examples that team members and team leaders can try to lift and shift energy and bring 'opportunity' language to everyday conversations and meetings. Curious? Take a deeper dive in one of our relevant episodes: Ep. 143 Supercharge Your Self-Belief - Knowing What You Want Ep. 131 Reducing Blame Within a Hybrid Team Ep. 128 Teamship: Minimise Politics, Maximise Pace Ep. 112 Managing Upwards: Who's "They"
S14 E167 · Fri, January 12, 2024
167. Keeping Optimistic During Challenge
Send us a text In the second of our 4-part series focusing on Opportunity Mindset, we explore the concept of optimism and the impact this has on individual wellness, team morale and keeping successful and performing during challenge. Rather than a pretence of everything being rosy when its not, we look at practical tips for keeping optimistic and using language that enables a realistic approach that keeps us empowered and out of the victim mentality. The placebo effect is proven in health outcomes, so too the negative equivalent: nocebo effect. If we think this will be a 'bad' month we potentially could make it so. If we think it will be a 'demanding' month then we are already geared up to bring the energy required to handle the challenge. Pessimism can be described as is a general outlook that the best has already happened and its downhill from now - this can impact morale and make future challenges feel impossible and meetings gloomy. Optimism is the general sense that the best is yet to come, that things will improve and at some point move on to a better place again. This creates an environment where challenge feels more possible, individuals feel more capable and meetings seem more hopeful. Will this be a good or bad year ahead for your team? You decide. Curious? Take a deeper dive in one of our relevant episodes: Ep. 55 Rough Seas? Make Time For You Ep. 110 Gratitude Resets Your Attitude Ep. 88 Keeping Energised During Challenges Ep. 99 Summer School: O is For Optimism
S14 E166 · Fri, January 05, 2024
166. Setting Motivating Goals
Send us a text In the first of our 4-part series focusing on Opportunity Mindset, we look at the ever-popular topic of setting goals. Goals need to come with a health-warning: when they are met they can be exhilarating and boost confidence and self-belief; if they are not met then it can be demoralising and depress our energy and self-esteem. We discuss the importance of setting goals that are appropriate to skill/resource level and the essential activity of reviewing first before setting any new goals. In order for goals to be motivating, you need to first know what motivates you, what will inspire you to keep focused and avoid derailing yourself. Taking 20 mins to reflect and review with our reflection questions means you can select your goals in a way that works for you. We then take you through the SPOT goal-setting tool (stetching and significant, positive, observable and timed). An ideal listen if you want to set or reset your goals in a meaningful, motivating and positive way. Good refresher for those who want to set motivating goals with their team for the year ahead. Curious? Take a deeper dive with some of our past relevant episodes: Ep. 71 Keeping Motivated Through Setbacks Ep. 69 Self-Motivation - Shift Your View Ep. 107 Keeping Motivated When the Chips Are Down Ep. 119 Start as You Mean to Go On - Set Your Intent
S13 E165 · Fri, December 22, 2023
165. The Stoic Approach for Success During Times of Change
Send us a text In the final episode in our Sustaining Your Sparkle series we explore the ancient philosophies of the Stoics first documented over 2000 years ago. As the waves of change ripple around our workplaces and society as a whole, looking after ourselves and each other is almost a job in itself. Reframing setback is key to personal wellness and team morale. The Stoics regarded obstacles as essential part of success, and a key ingredient of resilience as being able to handle obstacles, setbacks, failures and incidents. We share tips for handling the downs in life - to emerge confident and capable not in spite of setback – but because of it. We take you on a guided reflection of the past year - and rather than downplaying the setbacks, its about recognising the skills gained as a result. As the Stoics believed, having to build the broken bridge equips us with the skills needed for the other side. A good listen for those who have been through a lot this year in their role. As the Stoics believed: obstacles are not only to be expected but embraced as they are chances to test ourselves, learn and grow. They may not be comfortable, but every time we handle an obstacle we grow more capable. Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep.140. Keeping an Optimistic Mindset Ep.135. Book Club - The Obstacle Is The Way - Stoics and The Advantage of Adversity Ep.115 Savour Your Successes for Self-Confidence Ep.86 Building Your Personal Resilience
S13 E164 · Fri, December 15, 2023
164. Knowing Your Worth Defining Your Intangibles
Send us a text In the third in our Sustaining Your Sparkle series we focus on the soft aspects of performance excellence. Some roles are easy to link to hard measures like revenue, profit margins, customer feedback scores; making a performance conversation quite straightforward to know your worth and describe your value. But it can be a challenge to articulate what you’ve contributed if there are no direct measures. Lifting team morale, scheduling social events that encourage bonding, checking in on each other - these may be aspects that have no set KPI but are essential to creating a great culture where people want to join and stay. We share ideas for describing your value and demonstrating your worth. It’s about shining the light on the intangible aspects of work that enable the human element to come to life. As we see more tasks being automated or carried out by AI-enabled software, it will be important to support ourselves and others to take pride and satisfaction in how they work, not just ticking the boxes. Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep.54 Power Up Your Networks Ep.60 Summon Up Assertiveness Ep.68 The Gift of Genuine Belonging Ep.77 Maximising Your Personal Impact
S13 E163 · Fri, December 08, 2023
163. Empower Yourself to Shine
Send us a text In the second of our 4-part focus on Sustaining Your Sparkle we explore the concept of empowerment. A popular theme, we look at the practical aspects of being empowered e.g. speaking up, asking for what you want, challenging status quo etc. We balance this with the tools for empowering others e.g. letting others speak up, responding to requests and handling being challenged in a mature way. For those who want to nurture and develop untapped talent within themselves as well as their teams, this is a useful listen for anyone wanting to level up their impact and power without disempowering others. Time to empower yourself and lift your levels of influence? Want a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: 144. Shifting From Imposter to Empower 130. Empowering People for Matrix Working 126. Empower With Everyday Curious Conversations 121. Team Empowerment Through Delegation
S13 E162 · Fri, December 01, 2023
162. Owning Your Success Story
Send us a text In the first of our 4-part focus on Sustaining Your Sparkle we explore the empowering impact of owning our success story. Research suggests that taking a personal narrative approach to our ‘life story of identity’ can be a life-changing moment. When we shift from actor to author in our life we are more likely to take confident choices and be more resilient in the face of adversity. We discuss tips for viewing ourselves and rewriting how we describe our experiences . As well as for the personal stuff in life this is a useful listen for anyone wanting to feel positive and confident about their professional life. Time for a mindset loofah? Want a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: 154. Supercharge Your Development With a PDP 143. Supercharge Your Self-Belief, Knowing What You Want 115. Savour Success for Self-Confidence 77. Maximising Your Personal Impact with the inspirational Steve Lakin
S13 E161 · Fri, November 24, 2023
161. Inclusive Communication - Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
Send us a text This final episode in our 4-part series about taking a genuine approach to D&I is all about not just talking the talk but walking the walk in everyday practice. Whether its 'calling out' inappropriate behaviour in a group setting (heart's pounding - do I say something or let it slide?) or a 'calling in' conversation that helps a well-meaning colleague to realise that their comment may have upset someone - these are the moments that make inclusion a reality or not. It could be a conversation that you are actively part of, or a chance interaction you happened to overhear - as the saying goes 'the standard you walk past is the standard you accept' and keeping quiet about things that you know is not right, it doesn't feel good nor help work culture improve. It takes confidence, courage and integrity to challenge something - we look at practical tips for how to handle these conversations. These are life's un-scriptable moments, but there are frameworks and phrases that can help speak up and out against exclusionary behaviours . We also share tips for more inclusive everyday language and how to balance this so it enables working with others well, not blocks. Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 111 Accountability for Communication - Who's Responsible? Ep. 66 The Gift of Attentive Listening Ep. 60 Summon Up Assertiveness Ep. 80 Creating Honest and Innovative Meetings
S13 E160 · Fri, November 17, 2023
160. What Does Being an Inclusive Leader Mean in Practice?
Send us a text This 4-part series focuses on how we can take a genuine approach to D&I in our workplaces and this third episode is where we focus on what leaders can do to create a thriving and inclusive place to work. We view leadership with 'a little L' as we are all leaders at some point in our working day - its the moment where you take the lead in a conversation, decision or action that impacts another. Intended or not, every move a leader makes casts a shadow that influences how inclusive a workplace is. Not only the formal moments where exclusion can happen (e.g. selection decisions around recruitment, promotions, access to learning and development) but also informal moments that can become patterns. We share top tips for leaders both current and aspiring about how to practice and encourage others to be inclusive. Even if this isn't a passion area for some, to be seen not caring about inclusion will increasingly be less acceptable and inspirational. We have yet to see an exit interview where a talented leaver says that the problem is due to their manager 'being too inclusive'. Here is the article referenced about the 6 People Success Elements Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 95 Positive Impact and Influence - Relationships and Reputation Ep. 82 Confidence to Collaborate Ep. 77 Maximising Your Personal Impact with guest Steve Lakin Ep. 74 Creating Team Harmony For Results
S13 E158 · Fri, November 10, 2023
159. Creating the Right Culture for Inclusion
Send us a text This 4-part series focuses on how we can take a genuine approach to D&I in our workplaces, and this week's focus is on how to create the right culture for inclusion. Culture can be simply described as 'how we do things around here' and can make or break someone's experience at work in seconds. An organisation may claim to be inclusive and welcome diversity, but its the everyday interactions - e.g. an eye roll, a thoughtless comment, or ignoring someone in a meeting - that makes that claim real or not. We are thrilled to be joined by HR D&I expert Kate Maddison-Greenwell who consults with organisations who want to really create a thriving and inclusive culture together. It is not just an HR thing, this is an everyone thing and Kate shares her advice on how to make work cultures more inclusive in practice. Particularly relevant for those organisations who are shifting away from 'working from home as the default' towards a more hybrid model. Inclusion is a challenge for many organisations but like all challenges, the solutions come from having good relationships and being able to communicate and work these things out out together. Kate Maddison-Greenwell runs People Efficient and their website www.peopleefficient.co.uk contains lots of resources that bring an agile approach to HR. Kate can be contacted via her LinkedIn profile LinkedIn.com/in/katemg which is where you can find her brilliant articles that we reference in this episode. Want a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 137 Keeping Well in a Corporate with guest Lindsey Thompson-Wright Ep. 116 Relationships Last Longer Than Emails Ep. 102 Summer School: T is for Teamship Ep. 87 Team Resilience - Stronger Together
S13 E158 · Fri, November 03, 2023
158. What is ED&I and Why Is It Important for Workplaces?
Send us a text This 4-part series focuses on how we can take a genuine approach to D&I in our workplaces in order to create a thriving culture together. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are big words for society in general which need to be carefully navigated to future-proof a successful team culture. To be different is to be human but we humans don’t always make it easy. In this first one we are honoured to be joined by the award-winning Nzinga Orgill MBA, CEO & Founder at RaCExpert Ltd. The more complicated and difficult it all seems, the less likely we are to engage with it which creates more exclusion - and runs the risk of being left behind in todays fast-moving world. Nzinga gives an overview of this hot topic in a simple and straightforward way and shares her practical advice for opening the safe, brave space that is required to be able to solve the problems and challenges. Being open to feedback and communicating with openness and respect. Holding ourselves to account and taking action. You can read more via Nzinga's website and she can be contacted via LinkedIn Want a deeper dive? Here are some relevant episodes from our library: Ep. 76. Embracing Diversity of Opinion with guest Nzinga Orgill Ep. 39. The F Word - Working Well With Different People Ep. 40 New Language of Inclusion with guest Anusha Parshotam Ep. 41 An Inclusion Mindset with guest Sarah Adjepong-Duedo
S13 E157 · Fri, October 27, 2023
157. Making a Mid-Life Career Shift
Send us a text In the final of our 4-part focus on stretching our comfort zone we focus on what it takes to make a complete career transformation. They say 'if you love what you do, then you'll never work a day in your life' (attributed to Mark Twain and Confucius), but for many, life's realities and responsibilities means staying stuck in jobs that do not make best use of our natural gifts and talents. With Gallup's 2023 poll findings that only 21% of people describe themselves as actively engaged in their job, it suggests many may be evaluating options and looking for a change. We hear from Damien Hoadley-Brown who took the decision to move from a corporate project management role in a global PLC to teach his passion for Tai Chi as his fulltime occupation. Achieving national champion status as a hobby, he took the leap of faith into self-employment 6 years ago, now teaching hundreds of people in his business The Art of Changes Tai Chi. He shares practical advice for those considering to make a major shift in their working lives and reflects on how setbacks and failures are often the moment when something good comes along. As people live and work for longer, many will be working for anything up to 50+ years - even if work is not a central pillar in your life, that's a long time not feeling happy or fulfilled in what you do for a living. We reference two books: The Second Mountain by David Brooks (the mid-life shift from self-centred to other-centred) and The 100 Year Life by Linda Gratton and Andrew Scott (seeing work as a series of phases that shift and evolve through the decades). Damien can be contacted via website or Facebook or via email damien@artofchangestaichi.co.uk Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 143 Supercharge Your Self-Belief - Knowing What You Want Ep. 133 Book Club - 4000 Weeks - A Wake-Up Call for Time Management Ep. 103 Redefining What Success Means For You Now Ep. 8 Wake Up & Smell The Silicon - Recreating a Disrupted Career
S13 E156 · Fri, October 20, 2023
156. Stretching Your Comfort Zone - Overcoming Nerves
Send us a text Nerves may not be pleasant but it is less damaging than regrets. Welcome to the third in our 4-part focus all about stretching our comfort zone - and this one is all about how to steady the nerves and channel short-term discomfort into long-term growth and confidence. We are joined by the fabulous Performance Coach Karl Green who shares his tips from a life on the stage for accessing a performance mindset, and practical advice for those stretch moments. Creating a calm, happy, successful life for ourselves sometimes means we need to say Yes to the things that it could be easier to decline. If we always say no to opportunities at some point this can impact our confidence and self-belief. They say life begins outside your comfort zone, so we discuss ways to minimise stress and anxiety and take a considered approach to the leaps in life. Ideal listen for anyone who knows they could do with a stretch, and helpful for managers who can see someone in their team who could really benefit from giving something a go. Connect with Karl via LinkedIn or check out his site The Performance Coach London or via his Insta for gorgeous confidence-boosting inspiration. Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: 149. Maximising Your Performance Potential 143. Supercharge Your Self-Belief - Knowing What You Want 115. Savour Success for Self-Confidence 110. Gratitude Resets Your Attitude (if you want to hear more with Karl!)
S13 E155 · Fri, October 13, 2023
155. When Familiarity Breeds Contempt - Keeping The Spark in Long Service
Send us a text For all you long-servers out there....Welcome to the second in our 4-part focus all about stretching our comfort zone. Has the thrill gone in your job? This episode goes out to all those who are either themselves got years of long-service, or who are managing people in their team who have have been in the same role or organisation for a while. Like in any relationship, at some point the novelty wears off and the reality of the routine kicks in. We share tips and ideas for regaining the spark - especially if contempt has kicked in ('cant even be bothered to say anything any more') . We focus on the upside of familiarity in how it enables confidence and innovation rather than prompting a move to greener pastures. Changing jobs can be life-changing, but equally changing your mindset and approach to your current job can be exciting and unlock new experiences to push ourselves. As the saying goes, the grass is not greener on the other side, its greener on the side you water. Bringing fun, new challenges and creating new friendships at work can rejuvenate our connection to our work, regardless of the years. Like any successful long-term relationship, keeping the spark going takes honesty, commitment and a desire to make time count. Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep.18 Kickstarting Personal Motivation Ep. 22 Continuous Improvement for Relationships Ep. 54 Power Up your Networks - with the rather wonderful journalist Marina Gask Ep. 72 Restoring Lost Confidence
S13 E154 · Fri, October 06, 2023
154. Supercharge Your Development With a PDP
Send us a text Welcome to the first in our 4-part focus all about stretching our comfort zone. Pushing ourselves to boost confidence, energy and pride but without feeling negative pressure and stress. This episode is all about setting a Personal Development Plan (PDP) which is a great way to set stretch goals that enable a sense of progress over time. Setting a PDP is a tangible reminder that a) you are important and b) that time is precious. It enables a self-led learning approach which is empowering as it means you can always develop your skills, confidence and competence even if you are not in a position to attend a formal training programme. Having seen hundreds of different ways to set them, we share tips for creating your own PDP - people have changed their lives with just some scribbles on a notepad. With so much information available on the web, no longer do people need to wait to open up opportunities to develop or transfer their skills - it just takes a bit of self-belief, commitment and a plan. Email us on secretsfromacoach@aol.com if you want one of our templates to help you get started Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 136 Mid-Year Wellness Maintenance Check - with nutrition coach Matt Vale Ep. 133 Book Club - 4000 Weeks, A Wake-Up Call for Time Management Ep. 69 Self-Motivation - Shift Your View Ep. 34 To Adapt is to Flourish - with CEO Tom Willis sharing tips for shifting industries
S12 E153 · Fri, September 29, 2023
153. A Neurodivergent Approach to Inspiring Great Performance - extended episode
Send us a text In this fifth in our focus on Maximising Performance, we explore how to enable neurodivergent people to perform in their work and considering the richness of actively encouraging different brains to have a voice and contribute in a workplace. Joined by the inspirational Karen Tootill we explore how to unlock the benefits of including different thinking perspectives rather than seeing it as a tick-box exercise. Rather than 'dealing' with someone who is e.g. dyslexic or autistic its about actively encouraging that person to excel and be at their best to enable that unique benefit. From practical tips like giving someone adequate preparation time, setting them up with a Mentor or simply raising awareness with team education, those organisations who enable ND people to thrive will be at a competitive advantage to those that don't. For those managers who think its not worth the effort...if innovation is important, then can you afford not to? Just consider all those that work in Silicon Valley - most of the tech advances in the past 20 years have come from neurodivergent brainpower. We can see from the generation of children currently at school, that this is a huge topic and one that is only going to become more important for workplaces. This is a new and emerging topic for many of us, so we welcome your feedback and contribution. We reference this enlightening LinkedIn article from Professor Amanda Kirby in her explainer on What's Your Neurodivergent Bias Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 105 Inspiring Others to Succeed - with inspirational retail leader Amy Morgan Ep. 97 Summer School - G is for Growth Mindset Ep. 76 Embracing Diversity of Opinion - with equity & inclusion expert Nzinga Orgill Ep. 42 The Wonders of Neurodiversity - the Future Needs Different Thinkers w/ headteacher Julie Bravery
S12 E152 · Fri, September 22, 2023
152. Managing Performance Fairly During Change
Send us a text In this fourth in our focus on Maximising Performance, we look at how to manage performance fairly during times of change and disruption. If performance happens in a static environment then it would be easy to fairly judge an up or down turn. But how do you do it the industry in work in has suffered disruption - is it me, or 'life'? If performance was 100% based on black and white measures, then it would be obvious to all parties if performance was an issue, but increasingly these tasks are being done by tech, or teams working in matrix environments where someone may be reliant on the wider team in order to individually perform. We explore tips for keeping fair and rational during the ups and downs of change, practical communication strategies to have honest conversations and we end by exploring the traps that you need to watch out for to keep fair and professional. If the future of work is likely to focus more on less tangible aspects like culture, engagement, experience and bringing about change, then managing performance in that will require a maturity that balances bottom line with top line ambitions. Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 80 Having Honest Meetings Ep. 34 To Adapt is to Flourish - with inspirational leader Tom Willis Ep. 27 Change as the Constant - with the life-affirming Scott Fuller Ep. 132. Book Club - Surrounded by Idiots? How to Work Well With Others
S12 E151 · Fri, September 15, 2023
151. Giving Feedback the Right Way
Send us a text The third in our Maximising Performance focus, we look at the hot topic of giving feedback the right way. Suggested by listeners, the impact a poorly delivered bit of feedback can be huge: devastating confidence, prompting resignations and destroying trust and relationships. But it doesn't have to be that way! Feedback is a healthy part of everyday performance conversations. We are joined by inspirational leader Lisa Frolich, experienced fashion designer and has managed creative teams in high street as well as luxury fashion brands. Balancing feedback that aligns commercial goals with creative vision is key when giving feedback particularly in the creative industry where views about performance can be subjective. She shares her approach to carefully managing - and even encouraging people to fail - as it can create the spark that leads to the best output. She shares her tips for giving feedback to creatives which will be relevant for even those industries that dont consider themselves as 'creative' to enable their teams in their drive to be service-orientated, innovative and disruptive in their market. Inspired by Lisa and her side hustle? Connect with her on Facebook via @lisa.frolich.37 or on Instagram via @dreamcareermama Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes: Ep. 146 Having Quality Conversations as the Manager Ep. 129. Keeping Hybrid Communication Lines Open Ep. 112 Managing Upwards - Who's They? Ep. 90 Managing Expectations to Prevent a blame Culture
S12 E150 · Fri, September 08, 2023
150. Prepping for a Performance Conversation - You and Them
Send us a text Second in our 5-part focus on Maximising Performance . How many eyes roll when they know its Performance Review time? Yet this should be the one time of year that should be motivating than any other - a decent quality conversation where a proper conversation can take place can be transformational: for good or for bad! Many managers have never have received training themselves on how to manage performance well and not everyone is fortunate to have great role models they can replicate, so doing your first round of them can be daunting. Likewise, it can be easy for minds to go blank when we have our own prep document to complete and a conversation to get ready for. So for those who find it painful to prepare for their own review, or are super busy so want to do it in minimal time, we cover top tips for preparing so you are at your best in that 1-1. Useful for everyone, essential if this is a performance review with a new or distant manager who may have no idea what you actually have been up to or what support you need to perform in the year ahead. Gallup's CEO Jon Clifton says 'What can leaders do today to potentially save the world? Gallup has found one clear answer: Change the way your people are managed ."
S12 E149 · Fri, September 01, 2023
149. Maximising Your Performance Potential
Send us a text This is the first in our 5-part focus on Maximising Performance. Balancing compassion with productivity has always been a challenge in any industry, but with our rapidly evolving workplace with hybrid working and matrix dynamic org structures, managing performance is a hot topic. Many managers have never have received training themselves on how to manage performance well so not everyone is fortunate to be managed in a way that maximises their performance. But as today's guest Sam Moinet reminds us, performance starts with us. Sam shares the lightbulb conversation that changed his life; shifting his mindset from victim to hero, and making significant changes to maximise his potential. Sam now coaches teachers and educators to unlock performance through a coaching approach shares his practical tips to reduce the interference which can impact our performance. If you are interested in achieving an ICF accredited coaching qualification contact Sam via ECA training.com or for 1-1 coaching with Sam for students via www.studentbreakthrough.com Sam'ss LinkedIn: Sam Moinet Relevant podcasts.... Ep. 140 Keeping an Optimistic Mindset Ep. 118 Setting Your Personal Legacy - What's Yours? Ep. 103 Redefining What Success Means For You Now Ep. 77 Maximising Your Personal Impact
S12 E148 · Fri, July 28, 2023
148. Managing Well on the Change Rollercoaster
Send us a text Roll with us in this final in our 4-part focus on 'The Management Frontier' - the challenges a manager needs to handle these days is vast and evolving and tricky to predict. Along the rollercoaster of change, it is essential to keep your seatbelt tightly fastened - for yourself as well as others. Managers have emotions too. Managing change would be easy if it were just one change curve happening in a planned programme. The reality is that someone may be handling multiple change curves all at different stages and wreaking different impacts for different people. And like a rollercoaster, every now and then it experiences a rollback - all the energy and effort put into a change, that then suddenly loses momentum and can leave people winded. We share tips for understanding and planning for the impact of change on teams, keeping people safe along the ups and downs, and putting your own seatbelt on as the manager. Communication, visibility and transparency from managers is how people place their trust in seeing the change through to the end. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep.140 Keeping an Optimistic Mindset Ep. 27 Change as the Constant Ep. 121 Team Empowerment Through Delegation
S12 E147 · Fri, July 21, 2023
147. Motivational Management - Rapid Round-Up
Send us a text Wrangle the complicated world of workplace motivation with us in this third in our 4-part focus on 'The Management Frontier' - a reference to how vast and evolving the list of topics is that a manager may need to deal with in a working week. This one is all about being a motivational manager. Motivation is the essence that underpins engagement levels - wanting to stay in that organisation and deliver your best. Engagement levels not only impact retention and performance, it is a classic measure used to assess management effectiveness. Yet motivation is an internal sensation...no-one can be forced to feel engaged - so how does a manager motivate others? We mix in real life questions from a wide-range of managers around 3 hot topics - motivating people at different stages of their career, handling performance scenarios and coaching as a motivational enabler. We hear from managers who are starting out and wanting simple advice for structuring a performance-related conversation in a motivating way, to senior leaders wanting to leverage the power of a coaching style in a hybrid, matrix teams environment. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep.140. Keeping an Optimistic Mindset Ep. 130. Empowering People for Matrix Working Ep. 107. Keeping Motivated When the Chips are Down
S12 E146 · Fri, July 14, 2023
146. Having Quality Conversations as the Manager
Send us a text Saddle up and ride along with us in this second in our 4-part focus on 'The Management Frontier' - a reference to how vast and evolving the list of topics is that a manager may need to deal with in a working week. Managers are human too, and we can only try our best. This week one is all about having quality conversations - whether handling the challenges of change, raising the topic of under-performance with someone, or approaching a team member who you may have seen a sudden change in behaviour or mood. Not everyone will react in the way you might, so this is an ideal listen for anyone who is stepping out into new frontiers, or is considering whether to go for a promotion to manager. We share simple ways to dial up emotional intelligence, set the scene for a lean and clean performance conversation, and explain the TALKED approach to checking-in on someone in a caring (not scary) way. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep.94 Everyday Coaching Skills Ep. 80. Holding Honest and Innovative Meetings Ep. 47. Riding the Rollercoaster of Change
S12 E145 · Fri, July 07, 2023
145. First Impressions Count as a Manager
Send us a text If you are/were a manager and you had 30 mins with a coach what would you ask them? Saddle up and ride along with us on our 4-part focus on 'The Management Frontier' where we answer a selection of real life questions from the edge. From handling internal promotion, to the challenges of change, to starting out fresh, to unlocking the benefits of neurodivergence, the topics that a manager has to deal with is a vast and evolving space. Managers are human too, and we can only try our best. This first one is all about making a great first impression - whether making a fresh start in a new inherited team, recently promoted in a team you were once part of, or being challenged 'what makes you qualified to be my manager?' An ideal listen for anyone who is stepping out into new frontiers, or is considering whether to go for a promotion to manager. We share simple ways to set your 'first 90 days' plan, how to level up your reputation if it is creating a shadow, and tips for focusing attention on the benefits of having an 'insider' as the manager. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep.132 Book Club: Surrounded By Idiots? How To Work Well With People Ep. 120 Employee Engagement is a Two-Way Street Ep. 94 Positive Impact and Influence - Your Relationships and Reputation
S11 E144 · Fri, June 30, 2023
144. Shifting From Imposter to Empower
Send us a text This is the fifth and final in our Confidence and Self-Belief mini-series and this one is all about quietening that inner 'imp' which can cause us to feel like we are not able or qualified enough to be doing what we are doing - aka The Imposter Syndrome. A phrase created in the 1970's, plays on our self doubts, worries and concerns which are all part of the human experience. Common as these feelings are, it can impact our confidence and courage to thrive and stretch ourselves and can become a negative habit that can chip away at our identity and sense of self. A common theme for even the most experienced professionals, it is often a sign of passion, commitment and responsibility - so own your 'imp' to empower yourself by seeing it for what it is. We summarise the inspirational Matthew Syed's work on Purposeful Practice, and Dr Valerie Young's work on Fraudulent Feelings Among High Achievers. We share a set of practical tips for shifting from imposter to empowerer. Taking 30 mins out to invest in yourself to dial up your confidence.
S11 E143 · Fri, June 23, 2023
143. Supercharge Your Self-Belief - Knowing What You Want
Send us a text This is the fourth in our Confidence and Self-Belief mini-series and this one is all about supercharging our self-belief. Which starts with the fundamental question 'what do I actually want?'. This is a shape-shifting decade and being able to access 24/7 news can fill our heads with noise which can derail even the most level-headed of us. For how can we listen to our gut feel, if we have never made time to connect or join the dots up? Just 15 mins considering some fundamental questions in a moment of peace can help us take some small decisions that could enable life/work happiness in the future. We share some reflection exercises which enable more clarity for life as a whole, and is a powerful way to open our mind and heart to what could be possible in the months and years ahead. We also share the 'career mapping' reflection tool which shifts us beyond a job title (which may change) towards thinking bigger picture. Whether solo or with a friend, asking 'what makes me happy?' is a great place to start. Even if things are not great for you at the moment, it reminds us that no feeling is final, that things can change, and that listening to yourself is the first step to supercharging your belief. You matter. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep. 72. Restoring Lost Confidence - age is just a number, not an excuse to not try Ep. 65. The Gift of Genuine Happiness - balancing life's sugar with fibre Ep. 57. Exorcise Your Fears with Self-Belief - the work fears that can hold us back
S11 E142 · Fri, June 16, 2023
142. Saying No in a Positive Way
Send us a text This is the third in our Confidence and Self-Belief mini-series where it is all about you and your mind. This one focuses on a hot topic of our time - how to say no, decline an invitation or raise a problem without looking like you are the problem! With continuing change and disruption impacting many workplaces, being able to say no in a positive, can-do way is not only an everyday assertiveness moment, it is also essential self-protection if resources are stretched and workload is high. Its about saying no, so you can say yes to the things that count. We discuss the impact our 'personal drivers' has on being able to say no, and tips for setting your boundaries to be clearer on what is ok and what isn't. The gold/silver/bronze approach is a simple way to plan your approach - or help someone else to do the same. We share examples of the impact of language, and how it isn't saying no to that person, just the task in that moment so that it becomes less personal. Rather than a relationship issue, saying no is a logical, realistic decision in that moment to enable something better to happen. For the more squeamish, we share handy phrases and 'sentence-starters' to be able to practice this with immediate effect. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep. 113. Managing Expectations - speaking up, sharing challenges in a can-do way Ep. 91. from Overwhelm to Ownership - getting your head above water Ep. 80. Creating Honest and Innovative Meetings - being mindful to enable truth
S11 E141 · Fri, June 09, 2023
141. Handling Self-Doubt
Send us a text This is the second in our Confidence and Self-Belief mini-series and this one is all about handling self-doubt so we don't hold ourselves back. Hybrid working has meant much more solo working than before - which can reduce the amount of sharing each others 'behind the scenes' moments. It can be easy to think that everyone else is confident and able when you are only interacting for a 1-hour Teams meeting. Being self-aware is a pillar of emotional intelligence, so knowing when to catch this before it slides into unhealthy levels of self-doubt or over-thinking is a useful skill for working well. We share practical tools for limiting the impact of self-doubt as well as examples of how common feelings of doubt are. Some of the most successful people are full of self-doubt, but have learned how to handle this inner voice and convert it from self-critic to self-coach. You are not alone! Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep. 103. Redefining What Success Means For You Now - sometimes Plan B is better Ep. 96. Confident Decision-Making - channelling doubt to healthier levels of thinking Ep. 81. Boosting Self-Confidence - 5 practical tips to shift to a confidence mindset
S11 E140 · Fri, June 02, 2023
140. Keeping an Optimistic Mindset
Send us a text This is the first in our Confidence and Self-Belief mini-series where it is all about you and your mind. Having an optimistic mindset is linked to all sorts of benefits including health, wellbeing, professional achievements and better personal relationships. Twin studies suggest that an optimistic mindset is 30-40% linked to our genes, with 60-70% down to nurture. Being optimistic, there is a choice which we can practice more so it becomes a habit. But how do we keep optimistic, on the tougher days - particularly if we are surrounded by people who are caught up in the doom and gloom. Even for the Tiggers amongst us, the Eeyores at some point can chip away at how hopeful we feel about now and the future. We explore the purpose of optimism, generational trends in how to keep positive in the face of adversity and take a look at Martin Seligman's 3 Ps of optimism (not taking things overly Personally, keeping setbacks compartmentalised rather than overly Pervasive and remembering that things will pass in time rather than Permanence). We discuss what to watch out for when we are being overly optimistic, and how we can shift conversations with others towards a more 'can do' rather than 'cant do' direction. Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep. 127. Shifting Teams Above The Drama Line - useful tips if lots of team dramas Ep. 112. Managing Upwards - Who's They? - taking action to make things better Ep. 107. Keeping Motivated When The Chips Are Down - keeping the spark going
S11 E139 · Fri, May 26, 2023
139. Inner Wellness from an NLP perspective
Send us a text In this final episode in our 4-part Personal Wellness mini-series we are joined by the inspirational Melanie Yea. A long time collaborator and friend, no-one brings the wonders of NLP to life quite like Mel does. She shares her practical tips and strategies for bringing a calmer mindset to the things that can create stress and impact our wellness. If you have yet to discover NLP (neuro-linguistic-programming) the basic premise is that we can switch our thinking patterns - often quite quickly - when we use techniques that reset our mindset. Its a powerful way to upskill how we interact and create rapport with others. Mel has also helped many clients remove fears and phobias, feel better about themselves and revolutionise how they carry themselves in their life and work. A brilliant listen for anyone who knows they need to sort out a few bits in their head to be able to truly flourish. Mel can be contacted via LinkedIn via Melanie Yea to say hi or if you are interested in training with her to become an NLP Practitioner yourself. You can find out more about her amazing Calm Camp here Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep. 106. Balancing Success With Self-Care - looking after yourself requires planning Ep.92. Declutter to To Get Ahead - Real Life Listener Tips - hear how others keep well Ep. 86. Building Your Personal Resilience - how to deal with overwhelm of change
S11 E138 · Fri, May 19, 2023
138. Restoring Life/Work Boundaries
Send us a text In this third of our Personal Wellness mini-series we are joined by Jim The Coach Guy who shares his tips for restoring life and work boundaries. Rather than seeing it as a simple life or work, he explores how within each realm there are multiple roles that we play- partner/friend/child/parent. It’s complicated! He reminds us of the importance of stopping and reflecting to enjoy the moment - and the benefit that has for our wellness. From communicating clear boundaries within a team, to reminding ourselves of the daily disciplines that sit beneath healthy boundaries, sometimes going back to basics is a good place to start when things have tipped out of balance. He shares ideas for how we can be fully present in the different roles we play in life so that work doesn't take over. Jim uses football as a way to bring these to life in a really easy to apply way. A useful listen for anyone who knows they need to set/reset boundaries or support others to do the same. You can connect with Jim via LinkedIn Jim The Coach Guy Totczyk (and he’s happy to share a free copy of his planning tool) Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep. 109. Keeping Calm Under Pressure - lessons from a racing driver if you like sporting analogies Ep.89. Finding the Time to Be Proactive - how to spend that ring-fenced time well Ep. 45. Prioritise Selfcare - Little Breaks Prevent Breakdown - tips for making time for you
S11 E137 · Fri, May 12, 2023
137. Keeping Well In a Corporate - a TA Perspective
Send us a text In this second of our Personal Wellness mini-series we are re-joined by cognitive behavioural wellness expert Lindsey Thompson-Wright. She shares tips from a Transactional Analysis (TA) perspective on how to keep positive relationship with ourselves and others, especially useful for those working in a corporate environment where life/work boundaries are essential for keeping healthy and well. Lindsey shares tips for understanding and challenging the 'script drivers' which can lead us into overdrive mode, and conflicts when working with colleagues in a pressured workplace environment. Whether its handling 'clash of the drivers' with others, or asserting ourselves to take time out for us, its about raising our levels of self-awareness to enable our personal wellness to fuel our professional performance - rather than sacrificing one for the other. Just 5 mins 'off-script' can uplift our energy and set us up for an easier day in the corporate world. NB: Did you know that doing something with our hands is the quickest way to clear our head. Scan your working week ahead, if its busy - how could you plan in 5 mins arts/crafts/DIY? Connect with Lindsey Thompson-Wright via LinkedIn or via Wishfish Coaching & Development Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep.63. More Boundaries Less Stress - Lindsey's first appearance - keeping clean lines Ep.91. From Overwhelm To Ownership - strategies to handle corporate pressures Ep.73. Healthy Professional Relationships - tips for boundary-setting conversations
S11 E136 · Fri, May 05, 2023
136. Mid-Year Wellness Maintenance Check
Send us a text In this first of our Personal Wellness mini-series we are joined by health, fitness and wellness expert Matt Vale. As a coach, he encourages us to remind ourselves to assess progress so far this year and decide what needs to happen next to thrive throughout 2023. One of the challenges of hybrid working is that many adults are now more sedentary in their working day - sitting at the screen on Teams/Zoom calls that don't require walking up corridors and stairs to get to. He shares tips to make the right decisions that consistently maintain our mental and physical wellness. We look at how everyday habits (not diets) is the key to how we sustain change, achieve goals and get back on track if we’ve lost our way. Matt shares his experiences as a coach about what helps people to overcome a negative mindset, to make the right decisions for us and shares tools about how to do our own maintenance wellness check. Because there is only one you. NB: Did you know that standing up burns 100 kcal extra per hour? Scan your working week ahead, if its full of meetings - how could you plan in opportunities to stand more? Connect with Matt Vale via LinkedIn or on Insta via MVale89 or via FaceBook Matt Vale 89 Fancy a deeper dive? Here are some related past episodes from our library: Ep.100. Summer School: W is for Wellness - tips for everyday quick self-care Ep.88. Keeping Energised Thru Challenges - be our own CEO (Chief Energy Officer) Ep.55. Rough Seas? Make Time For You - planning in your 'safe harbour' moments
S11 E135 · Fri, April 28, 2023
135. Book Club - The Obstacle Is The Way - How to Boost Resilience Through Setback
Send us a text Resilience to handle setbacks and challenge continues to be a hot topic, particularly if you are working in an environment where there is ongoing unncertainty or things have turned toxic. So this week we dip into the bestseller The Obstacle Is The Way: the timeless art of turning trials into triumph written by Ryan Holiday in 2015. With a simple change of attitude, what seem like insurmountable obstacles become once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, the book draws on the ancient philosophy of the Stoics to guide us, showing that what blocks our path actually opens one that is new and better. The 2000 year old Stoic philosophy - that what is in the way, is the way - gives us a formula for long-term success. Success doesn't happen in spite of challenge, we are successful because of the challenge: Every time we handle an obstacle we grow more capable; all those difficult moments at work today, make the best interview responses for the future. As well as a quick digest of the book, we share practical tools and strategies for applying these in our everyday working life and is a useful check-in for those who want to be more resilient in their approach. or coaching others to do the same. This is the fourth and final in our Mindful Manager Book Club series - a skills refresher for busy people. Whether you are a formal manager or not, we all need to manage our resilience whether in our professional or personal lives. Learning keeps us fresh and open-minded, so be inspired by an amazing book per week to spark your thinking and boost your confidence. Fancy a deeper dive? check out these relevant episodes from our library: Ep110 Gratitude Resets Our Attitude - being grateful boosts our resilience and pain threshold - we share tips for making this daily practice for us and our team Ep91 From Overwhelm to Ownership - a guide for starting out if you want to reset how you handle a heavy workload Ep87 Team Resilience We Are Stronger Together - creating a team environment that balances challenge with support
S11 E134 · Fri, April 21, 2023
134. Book Club - How To Talk To Anyone - Tips for Easier Social Interactions
Send us a text Confidence to speak up continues to be a hot topic, particularly if you are flitting between virtual and real world interactions in these hybrid times. So this week we dip into the bestseller 'How to Talk To Anyone' written by Leil Lowndes in 2013. This book contains 92 tips and tricks for building rapport, making an impact and creating a natural easy interaction with someone new. We bring in a fresh 'virtual approach' particularly around body language considerations when dialling in on a 1-1 virtual call or a group video meeting. As well as a quick digest of the book, we share practical tools and strategies for applying these in our everyday working life and is a useful check-in for those who are building new relationships as part of their role. or coaching others to do the same. This is the third in our Mindful Manager Book Club series - a skills refresher for busy people. Whether you are a formal manager or not, we all need to manage our interactions whether in our professional or personal lives. Learning keeps us fresh and open-minded, so be inspired by an amazing book per week to spark your thinking and boost your confidence. Fancy a deeper dive? check out these relevant episodes from our library: Ep129 Keeping Hybrid Communication Lines Open - more tips on working w well with others when on screen Ep84 Unlocking the Secrets to Confidence - with our amazing guest, psychologist Shona Rowan Ep54 - Power Up Your Networks - with our inspiring guest Marina Gask who shares her tips for breaking through reluctance or nerves, and making new networks
S11 E133 · Fri, April 14, 2023
133. Book Club - 4000 Weeks - A Wake Up Call for Time Management
Send us a text Time management continues to be a hot topic, particularly if you are juggling different aspects at the same time. So this week we dip into the recent bestseller '4000 Weeks A Time Management Guide for Mortals' written by Oliver Burkeman in 2022. The title draws from the premise that "the average human lifespan is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short... Assuming you live to be eighty, you’ll have had about four thousand weeks." It is a philosophical exploration of the modern relationship with time and how we can make the most of a finite existence. In short 'Embrace your limits. Change your life. Make your four thousand weeks count'. As well as a quick digest of the book, we share practical tools and strategies for applying these in our everyday working life and is a useful jolt for those looking for better time boundaries and prioritisation. This is the second in our Mindful Manager Book Club series - a skills refresher for busy people. Whether you are a formal manager or not, we all need to manage our time whether in our professional or personal lives. Learning keeps us fresh and open-minded, so be inspired by an amazing book per week to spark your thinking and boost your confidence. Fancy a deeper dive? check out these relevant episodes from our library: Ep118 Setting Your Personal Legacy - tips to reset your bigger picture and purpose Ep112 Managing Upwards - Who's They? - working well with the senior people in your organisation Ep63 More Boundaries, Less Stress - more tips on holding firm on your boundaries with others
S10 E131 · Fri, March 31, 2023
131. Reducing Blame Within a Hybrid Team
Send us a text We learnt a new word this week - Sonder - the German word which has no direct translation but means 'the life-changing realisation that everybody has as vivid and complicated a life as you do'. One of the quickest ways to reduce blame is to increase empathy. The challenge of hybrid teams is that there is less visibility on workload distribution and it can be easy to think that each of us is working hard or carrying more pressure than everyone else. We share practical tips for spotting and reducing blame - nipping negative language in the bud to prevent resentment. Fancy a deeper dive? check out these relevant episodes from our library: Ep52 Time to Tether As a Team - ideas for running a reconnection meeting Ep30 Slow Down To Go Faster - hear our BREAK tool for getting back on top of overload
S10 E130 · Fri, March 24, 2023
130. Empowering People for Matrix Working
Send us a text Such a buzz word, the origins of the word 'matrix' are 'the cultural, social or political environment in which something develops'. But how do you know that what is developing is a positive or negative? For matrix working to work, everyone has to be clear on what the overall goal and their role is in achieving that goal. So we just send emails? As we hear from our very special guest Matt Sims, the magic happens when everyone feels that they are part of the decisions that are made - and that they are confident to share learning quickly, in particular their lessons from failure without fear of repercussion. Sharing his observations as a 'Lean Consultant' he shares tips and ideas for empowering people within a successful matrix organisation. Matt Sims is the founder of the EversoLean Podcast - so if you're interested in learning about this incredibly effective Waste Reduction methodology, this series is a must listen! Matt can be contacted via LinkedIn Fancy a deeper dive back in our library? Ep. 104 Enabling Team Agility gives more info around Agile/Lean principles Ep. 22 Continuous Improvement for Relationships gives tips for tricky conversations More on Matt: Matt Sims, a seasoned Lean Master with over 15 years of experience in Continuous Improvement. He is a highly motivated and enthusiastic professional with a proven track record of successfully implementing Lean methodologies to drive significant improvements in Safety, Quality, and Cost for organisations. Matt's leadership, coaching, and collaborative approaches have enabled him to inspire and develop sustainable Continuous Improvement cultures that engage and empower teams to achieve their goals. Besides his expertise in Lean methodologies, Matt is also a skilled content creator, radio broadcaster, and public speaker. His passion for sharing knowledge and insights has led him to launch the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, a platform that advocates for a bottoms-up approach to Continuous Improvement. By bringing together like-minded leaders, the podcast aims to foster discussions on developing a Lean Leadership approach to organisations. Matt Sims Founder & Host Ever-So-Lean Podcast www.eversolean.com
S10 E129 · Fri, March 17, 2023
129. Keeping Hybrid Communication Lines Open
Send us a text In the third part of our 5-part focus on maximising teamship, we focus on the communication challenge for those working in a hybrid formation (in-office, dialling in or a mix of both). The dream of flexible working requires the discipline and rigour of tight communication frameworks. We refresh the Lessons From Geese metaphor - where each bird is in individual dialogue with surrounding 7 - enabling a close-knit and scalable team who can work intuitively and weather any storms. Fear of missing out, feeling excluded these are all current challenges face by teams who work in new and varying ways. Its all very well if 5 out of the 7 feel part of the discussion, but this becomes a team-wide problem if the other 2 resign because they feel indifferent. We share tips for meetings, updates and establishing clear and inclusive communication lines. With thanks to the brilliant Michael Hepple for his ‘pace, fun & unity’ concept for happy teams
S10 E128 · Fri, March 10, 2023
128. Teamship - Minimise Politics, Maximise Pace
Send us a text Office politics: does it help or hinder teamwork? We reference Sir Clive Edward who coached England to its first-ever Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 and believed that success under pressure boils down to creating one element: Teamship. Creating an environment where teams are motivated, empowered and equally concerned with discipline and standards - not just one leader at the top telling everyone how to do it. Using a metaphor of rowing in a boat, we share top tips for converting negative ego-based politics in to positive team-based cultures that take account (rather than blame) for collective success. Reducing the impact of team 'anchors' and encouraging everyone to be part of the net. From creating a working environment (the first 3 minutes sets the tone) to preventing the risk of 'groupthink' this is an ideal listen for those looking to refresh their team energy and habits in a respectful and optimistic way.
S10 E127 · Fri, March 03, 2023
127. Shifting Teams Above the Drama Line
Send us a text We hear a lot about having ‘difficult’ conversations and how we can avoid these for a 101 reasons -but the challenge often is that we are working with other people who see things differently. So this month is all about the team - and in particular how to create a culture that enables good teamship. Being aware of ‘the Drama Triangle’ and how to shift it to a healthier Winners Triangle is helpful if you have some difficult team dynamics at play. From shifting a conversation above the ‘drama line’ with some key word patterns that make a difference to setting the team up for success. We share the importance of dealing with issues sooner rather than later - as it ALWAYS bubbles up at some point - as well top tips for keeping conversations healthy and productive. We discuss useful 'objection handling' tools borrowed from the world of sales and complaints handling, which can help create natural ones that work for you if you are dealing with high pressure moments in a team where resilience may be low.
S10 E126 · Fri, February 24, 2023
126. Empower With Everyday Curious Conversations
Send us a text In the final part of our future-proofing series, we focus on the very human ability to be curious. Curiosity is the enabler that brings about caring, collaborative or creative outcomes - just finding out more information with a simple question could unlock a whole new conversation. Thinking machines such as ChatGPT may find it easy to define, but how do we demonstrate curiosity in the moment when it could so easily be perceived as a negative e.g. suspicious, pessimistic or anxious. We share practical strategies to bring positive curiosity in our everyday conversations and meetings. From the Question Triangle, to the OWE tool its about getting fresh air to our thinking - not only useful now for our careers, but is likely to be useful for brain health later in life too. Like any muscle, use it or lose it - and being curious is an everyday way to have a 'neurobic workout'. NB: This 4-part series has focused on how we can future-proof our professional skills to keep empowered and open-minded about where our working lives could take us. We’ve always wanted to ensure that in the work we do as coaches is about helping you to continue to be your best self and be on top of your game, regardless of the changes and new innovations that are coming your way in the workplace. The one that is taking over the world, and is the fastest downloadable App of its time, is Chat GPT – an AI app that enables people to pose a question and they in nano-seconds it can produce a response for you!! Which is why this month, we decided to focus on the things we could do to maintain our everyday human-edge skills that cannot be replicated by AI/robots. So we wanted to explore how we can better CONNECT, INNOVATE, ENGAGE AND EMPOWER in the month of February. So it’s not just a celebration of love but one of knowing how to get the best out of everyday conversations that builds relationships on a more ‘intimate’ level rather than just operating at a superficial level! Using our human edge skills of CARING, CREATIVITY, COLLABORATIVE AND CURIOUS, we chat about having conversations that make a difference, aren’t boring or dull, and have a momentum that keeps things moving forward. Right now, we have the qualities and talents that matter in taking an idea to reality; review what’s gone well and where we can improve; and being able to pivot really quickly if something is going off kilter. Not sure if a robot can do that quite yet! Laura’s TEDx talk 'The Robots Are Coming -Look Busy' from Oct 2016 gives the background on how her 4Cs came to be...
S10 E125 · Fri, February 17, 2023
125. Engage With Everyday Collaborative Conversations
Send us a text In the third of our future-proofing series, we focus on the very human element of collaboration. Hard to define therefore tricky to automate, not many of the challenges we see in todays workplace can be solved with a solo individual or one team working in silo. ChatGPT gives a brilliant description but what do those words actually mean in everyday moments? We’re joined by Dr Trudi Taylor who shares her wisdom and experience of creating collaborative conversations. She is a highly experienced and qualified professional coach, coach supervisor and Human and Organisational Performance Change Partner. From healthcare, education and transportation to fintech, utilities and NGOs, Dr Taylor's secret sauce is listening deeply to the story behind the story; helping people-based systems to create powerful and immensely healthy interactions through skilled, deliberate dialogue, emotionally intelligent leadership and a foundation of trust. An inspiring listen for anyone wanting to bring about change or meet ambitious goals, or wants a reminder of the human brilliance of collaboration. No other species on the known planet is able to work at a global scale with teams based all over the land - lets use it for good.
S10 E124 · Fri, February 10, 2023
124. Innovate Through Creative Conversations
Send us a text In the second of our future proofing series, we focus on the very human element of creativity. What are the benefits to our every day working and sharing tips for enabling creativity in ourselves and others. Rather than limiting creativity to only being necessary for certain roles and certain people, its remembering that to be human: is to create! We explore the six levels of human thinking and how we can tap into the richer higher levels of thinking in our everyday work. Advances an artificial intelligence demonstrate the breath-taking speed at which content generation can be produced. So now is the time to wake up and smell the silicon and prize your innate human ability to adapt and flex in the moment - to create an idea, solution, suggestion or insight that in that moment adds value. We also discuss practical ways to empower others to be creative - key to engagement as it channels thinking towards a positive outlet when change is fast-paced and uncertain.
S10 E123 · Fri, February 03, 2023
123. Connect With Caring Conversations
Send us a text In this first of a four-part series, focusing on how we can Futureproof, our career potential and safeguard our wellness. We focus on the very human aspect of caring for each other rather than an annual appraisal. Taking the approach of every day, caring conversations build. Trust establishes relationships and means we can sustain performance and engagement with true connection, rather than a facade we share, the three human edge skills that are beyond automation and the perceptual positioning tool which is a great preparation tool for a conversation which no chatbot can outcare in that moment.
S9 E122 · Fri, January 27, 2023
122. Vision Requires Visibility
Send us a text Being clear on your vision helps us to keep going through setbacks and enable others to feel hopeful and motivated that things can get better. But if you don't know what's out there, how do you know if your vision for success is big enough, and if you aren't seen, how can you inspire others? Being visible opens up doors and it can be done in a subtle, low-key way - it all starts with a conversation. We are joined by the inspirational Krupa Suthar who shares her experience and advice on increasing your visibility, networking in a hybrid world and keeping confident as your vision grows and evolves. As the final part of our 4-part miniseries on Starting As You Mean To Go On, this is a great listen for those wanting to branch out this year, shake things up and see and be seen. Krupa Suthar is a research Director and founder of Insights That Shine and has led research across EMEA for huge organisations including Disney and Mattel, working in futures research team for companies such as Heathrow. For the past 2 years she's been leading a team of 40 researchers at NHS Test & Trace through the pandemic. A coach for women of colour, Krupa is a Women’s health advocate and podcast panellist on a popular health tech podcast healthusiasm
S9 E121 · Fri, January 20, 2023
121. Team Empowerment Through Delegation
Send us a text A recurring common theme for managers, leaders, supervisors and team leaders is the desire to do more delegating. But trust, ego, fear, control and perfection can get in the way - and many say 'its just quicker to do it myself' which might be true for the first 5 times, but not 50 times. Rather than seeing delegation as a negative or something to feel guilty about, for many it is the first step to feeling trusted and empowered in their work. Changing our mindset, language and beliefs around delegating can transform team morale, time management and life/work balance. Holding on to work may come from a good place (e.g. protecting the team) but it also disempowers the team - for when will they get a chance to stretch and develop? The reason why we work in teams is that there is too much workload for one person - its the sharing of the task that enables success. In this second in our Start As You Mean To Go On miniseries we share tips for bringing delegation to everyday life - both for managers and those who are wanting to be trusted more.
S9 E120 · Sat, January 14, 2023
120. Employee Engagement is a Two-Way Street
Send us a text In this second in our 'Start as You Mean To Go On' series we focus on the hot topic that is employee engagement in todays workplace. Defined as 'what it feels like to work here' we flip the typical approach to this by focusing on how engagement requires both parties to take accountability for how engaged they are. Like customer service experience, how we as the customer behave will influence the behaviour of the other and so if you want a smiley positive interaction then that starts with the first person in that chain of events. Likewise with colleague engagement, its a chain reaction where we are all responsible for creating an engaged environment. We share tips for asking for more in a positive way, the 6 pillars of engagement shared by the LinkedIn People Science research in 2022 and a wake-up call for those wanting to raise employee engagement to generate more results.
S9 E119 · Fri, January 06, 2023
119. Start As You Mean To Go On - Setting Your Intent
Send us a text Getting your head back in to gear after a break is easier said than done when there is lots of noise and disruption. Taking 20 mins to reflect so you start as you mean to go on can make the world of difference to our energy, confidence and focus. In this 4-part series we explore each week the importance of setting yourself up well for the year ahead and knowing that you’ve got what you need in your team toolkit to thrive. In this first in our 4-part series we explore how you can set your intent for the now, the near and the future. So being able to identify what’s important and what matters to you and be able to create a plan that enables you to have a sense of freedom within a framework to keep you on track as you navigate your way through January and beyond. Rather than function on auto-pilot we’ll discuss how setting your intent gives you choice, opportunities and possibilities as you head into 2023 and beyond. With wellness as the fuel enabling every intention, take some time for you to listen in and enjoy. This is the book Lau references Oliver Burkeman's 4000 Weeks
S8 E118 · Wed, December 21, 2022
118. Setting Your Personal Legacy - What's Yours?
Send us a text During busy times of transformation, uncertainty or disruption it can be trickier than usual to rate a year as being successful, if the usual measures are less apparent. Revenues, service levels, graphs and bar charts are the typical focus for many workplaces, but taking a moment to acknowledge the bigger picture can shift focus and lift mood. In our final episode of 2022 we wrap up our Taking Stock series and pull the cracker on personal legacy. When all is said and done, what is it you want to be remembered for? The desired impact we want to have on those around us now and the imprint on those around us next. We revisit the personal shield exercise - which is a powerful way to set your legacy between one year and the next, and a motivational exercise for a team - particularly for hybrid teams. Just like its the spark that makes the cracker; reminding ourselves that every interaction will create a chain reaction in someone else keeps us mindful and empowered. So amid all of the emails and to-do lists of 2022, what do you want to be remembered for?
S8 E117 · Fri, December 16, 2022
117. Relaxed Readiness Enables Agility
Send us a text In this third in our Taking Stock series we pull the cracker on being agile and 'foxy' in how we pack down one year and set up for the next. From creating STAR stories that empower us to transfer our skills to new scenarios, to creating positive relationships and reputation, its about getting into a state of relaxed readiness. We share the Skills Audit exercise, a phenomenal way to feel good about the year we have had and find the smooth amid the rough....an incredibly powerful conversation to get a team on a high and set up for the year ahead.
S8 E116 · Fri, December 09, 2022
116. Relationships Last Longer Than Emails
Send us a text The bigger the number of people we need to connect with , the more our relationships require mindful attention. According to Professor Robin Dunbar our brains max out at 150 people, but just think how many emails you get each day and from how many people. So in this second in our Taking Stock series we pull the cracker on building great relationships during busy disruptive times. From the power of using someone's (correctly spelt) name, to being connected to your relationship values so people can connect with you we include practical ideas to working with others in a mutually beneficial way. As the constant 'other' in every single one of our relationships, of course it all starts with how we relate to ourselves. Remembering that you matter ensures we remember the same for others.
S8 E115 · Mon, November 28, 2022
115. Savour Success for Self-Confidence
Send us a text Maintaining a positive perspective about who we are and the skills we bring to a situation is essential for healthy morale and self-belief. Not always easy if you have had a big year full of twists and turns; it can be easy to judge and criticize ourselves. Get a dose of feelgood cheer in this first of our Christmas Cracker: Taking Stock mini-series. We share practical tools that encourage us to reflect on our previous successes to boost self-confidence, self-belief and empowerment. Rounding up the year with the 'highs and learns' enables a mature and realistic way to review our experiences - taking account for what we can take forward, but not weighing ourselves down with things that are out of our control. Transformation can be a bumpy ride, ensuring we pack the year down with a positive frame helps set up for the energy and focus for the year ahead. We share exercises that can be used at team meetings as a way to end the year savouring success which is a great way to bond with colleagues.
S8 E114 · Thu, November 24, 2022
114. Setting Professional Standards - Who Cares?
Send us a text This final of our 4-part series on Getting Stuff Done takes a fresh look at the ancient topic of etiquette - how we work with each other and the standards we choose to set, uphold and maintain. For those who have been driving for years, do you think you could pass your driving test now? Just like the Highway Code enables the mix of vehicles and drivers to travel together safely and smoothly as possible, our individual professional code of conduct enables busy teams and departments to drive well together. Is it time for a professional MOT*? How fresh and fit for purpose are your everyday behaviours and interactions now - would your last meeting have got you your job? We take a driving-related look at the challenging topic of professional standards. From our habits, to how we handle challenges, being self aware is the key to working with a wide and varying mix of people. It’s about checking the mirror, signalling your intention to others and being considerate when weaving in and out of the lanes to enable good stuff to happen. (* MOT - how we Meet, share Opinions & etiquette in how we Talk)
S8 E113 · Fri, November 18, 2022
113. Managing Expectations - Whose Job?
Send us a text This third of our 4-part series on Getting Stuff Done, we focus on the need for extreme expectation management if your working world is like the Wild West at the moment. Like cowboys herding cats, keeping tabs on an ever-changing workload is a job in itself, especially if there are demanding stakeholders or customers who may have kittens when plans change. We share practical ideas for being proactive, being realistic and bringing a positive confidence in how you manage expectations to keep things moving in the general direction of forwards. For those needing to regain a sense of control if the cats seem impossible to herd, the 4Rs approach helps to round up the expectations, identify where there may be and reset your mindset to feel on top. Regardless of our position within an organisation, every now and then we may be the person who needs to crack the whip to round up competing, unrealistic or runaway expectations so we can actually get stuff done.
S8 E112 · Fri, November 11, 2022
112. Managing Upwards - Who's 'They'?
Send us a text This second of our 4-part series on Getting Stuff Done, we take an space -related focus on the hot topic of managing upwards. If ‘they’ are not listening, or ‘they’re not aware’ then first off we need to identify who’s they- and rather than being a UFO (unidentified force of opposition). We share tips for bringing problems to your boss in a positive way, and having conversations with senior leaders. It’s about adding rocket fuel to your confidence and ability to raise challenges and bring bad news to light to enable good stuff to happen.
S8 E111 · Fri, November 04, 2022
111. Accountability For Communication - Who's Responsible?
Send us a text In the first of our 4-part series on Getting Stuff Done, we take a Listeners Letter and share practical advice that can be immediately applied - or shared if you are a leader wanting to support and mentor others. In this episode we focus on the thorny world of communication. If I send you an email, is that the job done? Or is the task transfer not complete until I check you have received it and message understood? We discuss the difference between accountability, responsibility and ownership and why this matters so much in the fast paced hybrid matrix modern world of work. Ideal listen for anyone wanting tips for clarification, with phrases and word patterns to help ask for commitment, explain expectations and making the task crystal clear to avoid later challenges. Communication only happens when we ensure the message has been registered and understood. With 336 million emails being sent around the world per minute, sending the email is just 50% of the task. We share tips from the sales/ business development world to keep focus on the main intent: getting stuff done.
S8 E110 · Fri, October 28, 2022
110. Gratitude Resets Your Attitude
Send us a text The more we practice the habit of being grateful for what we have, the more our resilience rises, our pain threshold increases as well as our empathy for fellow colleagues and the challenges that come with change and disruption. In the final part of our Mind Over Matter series we focus on the benefits of being grateful. Joined by Performance Coach Karl Green who shares his tips on gratitude being the enabler in the ruthlessly competitive world of dance. From ancient religion to cutting edge neuroscience, it is clear that when humans focus in what they have got, rather than haven’t got, daily life is easier and a more positive experience. In the world of work, just even small thank you messages, or starting team meetings with celebrating small wins or achievements before cracking on with the tasks can shift it from grieving to achieving success. These purposeful moments of gratitude are even more important when there’s hurdles to overcome.
S8 E109 · Fri, October 21, 2022
109. Keeping Calm Under Pressure - extended special
Send us a text Being able to channel our mindset when under pressure helps shift from fear to focus. We are joined by championship go-kart driver Chris Thomas, who as one of the world’s fastest drivers in his class, knows the power that mind over matter has to survive and win at breakneck speeds in the tightest of corners. In the third of our Mind Over Matter mini-series he shares his tips for achieving clarity and focus at breakneck speeds in order to win. Describing himself as not a naturally confident person, he shares his tips for getting into the ‘flow’ state of mind when the pressure could overwhelm. His strategies for calmness, self belief and preparation are useful for anyone when the pressure is on. A real inspiration for anyone knowing they need to drive forwards to success in a busy noisy environment. As Chris says ‘Calmness enables fine margins and performance, that gives you the edge over others ‘ (Ryan Holliday’s book Stillness Is Key is a great read for anyone wanting to perform with poise and focus under pressure, mixing philosophy with neuroscience) https://amzn.eu/d/2qHskwI
S8 E108 · Fri, October 14, 2022
108. The Power of Storytelling to Connect
Send us a text The reality of the emerging ways in which we work is that many people are now working with new people who don't know who they are or what they do, which can impact confidence and ability to collaborate and perform. With matrix working (where we work with anyone and everyone with less hierarchy) and hybrid workplaces (interacting in virtual/in-room or mixed spaces) we need to impact and influence others to build relationships with more purpose and intention. In the second in our 4-part Mind Over Matter series, we share practical ideas for using stories in our everyday communication to create emotional connection and trust. The ability to describe what you do and the value you add, or to bring data or processes to life with different characters is key to creating confidence in self and others. Ideal practical listen for those wanting to raise their profile and motivation of those around them.
S8 E107 · Fri, October 07, 2022
107. Keeping Motivated When The Chips Are Down
Send us a text Handling the jolts of change and disruption takes energy, commitment and self-accountability. When faced with ongoing challenge it can be easy to slip into victim mode, and influence others around us. In the first in our 4-part Mind Over Matter series, we share practical ideas for restoring motivation when we are not feeling chipper. Whether for yourself or a team, we discuss the 4 pillars that boost job motivation and the questions that can lead us there. Ideal practical listen for those needing a lift or wants shareable ideas to mentor others.
S7 E106 · Fri, September 30, 2022
106. Balancing Success With Self-Care
Send us a text Many are finding that competitive busy-ness is becoming a part of everyday conversation when we greet each other. It may feel a harmless habit but it can set us up for feeling stressed and less able to focus and crack on with the tasks of the day. The words we choose influence our thinking and our thoughts create our mindset. We are joined by the amazing Gem Gore who has seen real-life benefits for herself and her sales team when she shifted the focus on self-care as the starting point to success rather than an afterthought. Did you know that 95% of the body's supply of serotonin is produced in the gut? Serotonin influences both mood, memory and learning and huge for mental wellness. Food is rarely mentioned in self-care circles but the impact on our success can be massive. As well as caring about our mindset, self care is also about listening to our bodies. She shares practical tried and tested tips around the clear link between food and mood and by encouraging her team to focus on mood-boosting food she has seen clear results on their mindset and success. Our September Success Series is an easy way to inspire, imagine and invest in your thinking -for there only one you in the world. With a fun back to school feel, we are joined by a different guest each week sharing their hard-won lessons around success. Want a copy of her Eat Yourself Happy tipsheet for you or your team? Contact Gem via LinkedIn or via gemmaemgore@hotmail.com or via Insta @gem_gore_thewellbeingbee
S7 E105 · Fri, September 23, 2022
105. Inspiring Others To Succeed
Send us a text It can be a challenge to keep focusing on success during times of change and disruption, but as this week's guest Regional Sales Manager Amy Morgan shares - never underestimate the power you have to inspire someone to feel better, brighter and more able to succeed. Rather than leadership being one big grand gesture, its taking the everyday opportunity to demonstrate 'quiet management'. Just taking 1 minute to recognise and acknowledge a moment where someone has given great service could set a chain of events that means that person feels able and inspired to stretch and grow - whatever their starting point. Our September Success Series is an easy way to inspire, imagine and invest in your thinking -for there only one you in the world. With a fun back to school feel, we are joined by a different guest each week sharing their hard-won lessons around success. You can connect with Amy via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-morgan-700ba626/
S7 E104 · Fri, September 16, 2022
104. Enabling Team Agility
Send us a text The busier we get, the easier it is to get trapped into taking more on and become overloaded with work and reduces time to be innovative, creative and adds value. Yet with our rapidly evolving workplace, being too busy to reassess what we are doing risks our ability to be agile. So our September Success Series is an easy way to inspire, imagine and invest in your thinking -for there only one you in the world. With a fun back to school feel, we are joined by a different guest each week sharing their hard-won lessons around success. So how do we encourage agile working when there is so much to do? Sometimes all it takes is one person to ask the right questions to challenge our thinking and empower us to adapt to improve. We are joined by the brilliant Simon Caudwell who as an Agile Coach shares practical advice for creating an agile mindset in teams and overcoming barriers to being agile. Whether home, work, corporate or charity, there are lessons from the agile world that will help us all to set up for success and not stress. As Simon says 'there is always too much work to do, its about maximising what we don't do that enables us to be agile'. You can connect with Simon via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-caudwell-8ab69519)
S7 E103 · Fri, September 09, 2022
103. Redefining What Success Means For You Now
Send us a text The busier we get, the trickier it is to dedicate the time to learn and refresh our skills. Yet with our rapidly evolving workplace, being too busy to learn risks our ability to keep fresh and ahead of the game. So our September Success Series is an easy way to inspire, imagine and invest in your thinking -for there only one you in the world. With a fun back to school feel, we are joined by a different guest each week sharing their hard-won lessons around success. But where do we start? Sometimes the setbacks are the beginnings of a new success storyline which may not have happened had it been all plain-sailing. We are joined by the inspirational Chris Connors who shares his experience of having to redefine the criteria for success and what it means now, following the disruption to his global charity due to the pandemic. As Chris says: "If you haven't given yourself that time to think, how do you create the space to define what success means to you? How do you know what are the right decisions to make?" You can find out more via www.cocosfoundation.co.uk and if you know anyone who may be interested in a life-changing volunteering trip contact info@cocosfoundation.co.uk
S6 E102 · Fri, September 02, 2022
102. Summer School: H is for Harmony
Send us a text Welcome to the sixth and final part of our Summer School : all about maximising your potential through harmony - with self and others. Rather than trying to aspire to a 50/50 balance, it is more realistic to aim for harmony. And there is plenty of discord to practice on at the moment -working with different people and personalities during ongoing disruption can be a challenge. We discuss the growing difference in opinion between generations around perceived work ethic and what it means to work hard vs work smart. We share practical tools for creating harmony through increased self and social awareness. The Johari Window is an old model still relevant today for those wanting to have healthy, happy and harmonious working day. We share a 60-second prep and review tool for any conversations or interactions coming up where you want to shift and smooth towards harmony. These 20-30 minute speed overviews share simple everyday actions that you can put into practice right now - or inspire your next team meeting. A healthy indulgent G&T (Grow & Transform) to feel well set up to close yet another rollercoaster year on a high. Summer is a time of relaxation, renewal and reminds us of our fun, free and adventurous side. A shift in season brings a new energy and is a natural time to pause and think about what’s important to us and what we can achieve. These episodes are a taster from our full-length interactive workshops. Email our Gail secretsfromacoach@aol.com to discuss options or book a discovery call
S6 E101 · Fri, August 26, 2022
101. Summer School: T is for Teamship
Send us a text Welcome to part 5 of our Summer School : all about maximising your potential through effective teamship. We know leaders will impact and influence a workplace culture, but it’s the team who make success happen in reality. When teams work well together it can be magic, when they don’t it can be toxic. As this is episode 101 we have used a Room 101 theme, so we share the big 3 toxic team issues that can seriously set back success. We share practical tools for creating inclusive happy teams and how anyone and everyone plays a role (for good or bad!) in a teams success. We discuss the importance of welcoming new starters properly, giving credit to others for their ideas and ensuring politics are kept to a minimum in meetings. Hybrid teamship is a premium skill now and for the future. These 20-30 minute speed overviews share simple everyday actions that you can put into practice right now - or inspire your next team meeting. A healthy indulgent G&T (Grow & Transform) to feel well set up to close yet another rollercoaster year on a high. Summer is a time of relaxation, renewal and reminds us of our fun, free and adventurous side. A shift in season brings a new energy and is a natural time to pause and think about what’s important to us and what we can achieve. These episodes are a taster from our full-length interactive workshops. Email our Gail secretsfromacoach@aol.com to discuss options or book a discovery call
S6 E100 · Fri, August 19, 2022
100. Summer School: W is for Wellness (Ep100 video special)
Send us a text Welcome to part 4 of our Summer School : all about maximising your potential by prioritising wellness. If you don't slap on some SPF (Self-Preservation Focus) then you are at risk of getting frazzled or worse, burnout. As this is episode 100 we created a video podcast ('the one ton!') so you can watch this podcast via https://youtu.be/u0o7dJCODlU or listen in via your usual way. We discuss the realities and practicalities of factoring in wellness in todays modern worklife. It doesn't just mean taking a holiday once a year or other grand self-care gestures, its about finding daily moments of peace to either process or prepare for the rigours of the day. We share simple tools around creating a quiet mind, sharpening our decision-making (so we don't dwell or get overwhelmed) and reminding us of the mind/body link in wellness. Because when we visibly apply our own SPF we remind others to do the same and break any link between guilt and self-care. We learn our lesson when we experience sunburn, lets not push it until burnout to learn the same about wellness. These 20-30 minute speed overviews share simple everyday actions that you can put into practice right now - or inspire your next team meeting. A healthy indulgent G&T (Grow & Transform) to feel well set up to close yet another rollercoaster year on a high. Summer is a time of relaxation, renewal and reminds us of our fun, free and adventurous side. A shift in season brings a new energy and is a natural time to pause and think about what’s important to us and what we can achieve. These episodes are a taster from our full-length interactive workshops. Email our Gail secretsfromacoach@aol.com to discuss options or book a discovery call
S6 E99 · Fri, August 12, 2022
99. Summer School: O is for Optimism
Send us a text Welcome to part 3 of our Summer School : all about maximising your potential by practising an optimistic outlook. We discuss the realities and practicalities of keeping optimistic in todays modern worklife. Keeping a positive, hopeful optimistic mindset can be a challenge when there's a constant stream of negative news to read or problems to solve. We share simple tools to reframe and reset our thinking habits on to a more optimistic track - in an authentic way rather than pretence. Because when we feel brighter we are able to think more strategically and feel more energised and empowered to look after ourselves and others better. These 20-30 minute speed overviews share simple everyday actions that you can put into practice right now - or inspire your next team meeting. Ideal way to tune in as you tan to feel really set up to close yet another rollercoaster year on a high. Summer is a time of relaxation, renewal and reminds us of our fun, free and adventurous side. A shift in season brings a new energy and is a natural time to pause and think about what’s important to us and what we can achieve. These episodes are a taster from our full-length interactive workshops. Email our Gail secretsfromacoach@aol.com to discuss options or book a discovery call
S6 E98 · Fri, August 05, 2022
98. Summer School: R is for Relationships
Send us a text Welcome to part 2 of our Summer School : all about maximising your potential with effective relationships. We share the challenges and opportunities of building relationships in the pandemic era - from creating trust and rapport in a hybrid world, to smoothing conflicts and misunderstandings when pressure is high. We talk through practical exercise to get the momentum for great relationships going - no matter your starting point. These 20-minute speed overviews share simple everyday actions that you can put into practice right now - or inspire your next team meeting. Ideal way to tune in as you tan to feel really set up to close yet another rollercoaster year on a high. Summer is a time of relaxation, renewal and reminds us of our fun, free and adventurous side. A shift in season brings a new energy and is a natural time to pause and think about what’s important to us and what we can achieve. These episodes are a taster from our full-length interactive workshops. Email our Gail secretsfromacoach@aol.com to discuss options or book a discovery call
S6 E97 · Tue, July 26, 2022
97. Summer School: G is for Growth Mindset
Send us a text Welcome to part 1 of our Summer School : all about maximising your potential with a Growth Mindset . We explain what it is, the link between success in the decade ahead and how to set your inner purpose and values. We talk through practical exercise to get the momentum for personal growth going - no matter your starting point. These 20-minute speed overviews share simple everyday actions that you can put into practice right now - or inspire your next team meeting. Ideal way to tune in as you tan to feel really set up to close yet another rollercoaster year on a high. Summer is a time of relaxation, renewal and reminds us of our fun, free and adventurous side. A shift in season brings a new energy and is a natural time to pause and think about what’s important to us and what we can achieve. These episodes are a taster from our full-length interactive workshops. Email our Gail secretsfromacoach@aol.com to discuss options or book a discovery call.
S5 E96 · Fri, July 22, 2022
96. Confident Decision-Making
Send us a text Adults apparently make 30,000 decisions every day (227 around what to eat) but it’s sometimes the big ones that can hold us back or propel us forward. Being decisive, handling dilemmas, getting on top of choices rather than get overwhelmed or start procrastinating- there is a clear link between wellness and decision-making. We are thrilled to be joined by MD Liz Hegarty who shares her real life tips for effective decision-making. Making decisions feels good but if we don’t feel good it’s tricky to make them. It’s about empowerment- and even choosing to do nothing- or to defer a timeframe- is still taking a decision. We share thinking tools to simplify tricky decisions and frameworks to explain your rationale to engage others.
S5 E95 · Fri, July 15, 2022
95. Positive Impact and Influence - Relationships and Reputation
Send us a text Does the room light up when you enter, or leave? If impact is the effect we have on people in that moment (I believed them or not) then influence is the onward result as an effect (I will meet them again or not). As many are ramping up their levels of in-person interactions this is the third in our focus on 'evergreen skills' - essential now and for the foreseeable. We share tips for making your message land with impact (one word: poise) and communicating in a way that develops rapport, builds your reputation and ensures an onward positive influence. In a time of flux in the employment market, you just never know when people may pop up again in the future and recall the impact you had on them which influences their perception. We share key highlights from R obert Cialdini's book Pre-Suasion and how often what is said outside the room influences the impact you go on to have in the room.
S5 E94 · Fri, July 08, 2022
94. Everyday Coaching Skills
Send us a text Bringing an everyday coaching approach to interactions is fast-becoming one of the hottest trend skills. Nearly every management job description will include coaching as a desired skills, the organisations who encourage coaching will see better retention and performance. Coaching is the language of change and action - it is a mindset of listening with a full heart and open mind to create the space for another to maximise their true potential. We define what coaching is and isnt, how anyone can do it and also what to look out for for those seeking to invest in a coaching qualification (Debs recommends the ICF as a good place to start for anyone interested in taking formal qualifications: https://coachingfederation.org/ )
S5 E93 · Fri, July 01, 2022
93. Hybrid Presentation Skills
Send us a text As well as the new opportunities and challenges created from global disruption and change, so too comes a fresh set of expectations and new moments of truth. In this first in our 4-part focus on ‘evergreen skills’ we share top tips for presenting with confidence - whether in room, on screen or connecting with a mixed group all over the world. As events, meetings and conferences open up once more, many are finding their feet again as they present new ideas, engage a tired or cynical audience, or connect with a diverse team of people with the vision and plan for transformation. Simple tools like the diamond, cameras-out, and the STAR framework are trusted seatbelts to boost your confidence to bring the magic.
S5 E92 · Fri, June 24, 2022
92. Declutter To Get Ahead – Real Life Tips
Send us a text Feeling squished? As many are experiencing a ramping up of pace, expectation, social engagements and supporting/caring for others, this can impact our sense of control, capability and overall confidence. Worrying about not being able to handle the influx of tasks - like balancing a busy social calendar alongside big important work projects - can result in us feeling squished in the middle. Channelling our foxy spirit of trying new things out, in this episode we hear from 4 real life listeners about what really works for them to manage their time and organise a busy workload amid the complexity of modern day life. With thanks to the inspirational Liz Hegarty, Chris Connors, Julie Bravery and Alexis Boo for taking the time to share their practical advice. Four leaders who have exceptionally busy lives yet never lose their determination to help others and make a positive difference.
S5 E91 · Fri, June 17, 2022
91. From Overwhelm to Ownership
Send us a text Just one task or setback can create a slip into feeling overwhelmed by the volume of incoming work. We are at a pivotal time in how we work, with many roles now increasing in pressure. Either a deluge in data, an avalanche of emotions, or even just keeping track of the increasing ways messages and tasks can interrupt and add to the best laid plans. Many are currently tasked with big futuristic workloads but are burdened with old historic ways of working. Remits have increased, operations have scaled and the level of admin support or capacity to pick up the slack has reduced. We discuss the need for a reality check and the questions we can ask of ourselves and others to shift from overwhelm to ownership. Re-establishing timeframes, asking for support with confidence and clarifying expectations - is key as tasks can appear urgent but the situation is fluid. Time to get foxy and fluxible: adapt and evolve to get the work done to the quality you want and have a life as well.
S5 E90 · Fri, June 10, 2022
90. Manage Expectations to Prevent a Blame Culture
Send us a text They say people leave the workplace culture , not the job itself. Creating an environment where there is accountability but not blame is easier said than done during times of uncertainty, disruption and ambiguity. A Blame Culture is where people pass the responsibility to others for general mistakes, or lack taking accountability for their part in an outcome. Passing the buck, blaming other teams, gossiping about another part of the organisation, shirking responsibility - these behaviours create toxic relationships and destroy trust and willingness to put the extra effort in. With many industries facing recruitment challenges, now is not the time to let a workplace culture become so negative, all people want to do is leave. We share insights and practical language tips that shift the aim from winning against a colleague to leading the situation towards progress. A study reported in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology showed that being around people who blame others encouraged the subjects to blame others in turn. “The ‘germ’ that spreads is the goal of protecting one’s self-image. When people observe others protecting their egos, it spreads.” (Nathaniel Fast)
S5 E89 · Sat, June 04, 2022
89. Finding the Time to Be Proactive
Send us a text The simplest way to define proactive is doing the same things you do to be reactive - just ahead of the time it is needed. Taking a moment to Prepare, Leverage, Act and think Next is a good way to start feeling ahead of the game. An eternal quality, but now more than ever being able to keep proactive is essential if you are feeling bogged down by lots of tasks. We experiment using the Pomodoro Method as a way to stay focused and manage time within our conversation- so you can hear it in action. We suggest some clear calls to action for anyone wanting to shift from reactive to proactive- or support others.
S5 E88 · Fri, May 27, 2022
88. Keeping Energised Through Challenges
Send us a text In this final part of our 4-part focus on resilience we share thoughts and ideas to maintain our energy levels as the waves of change and disruption continue. As the world changes, being our own CEO (Chief Energy Officer) enables us to keep flexible and adaptable. Finding the lighter side of things, prioritising fun and play back into the working day, and making a commitment to practice self-care can make the biggest difference to how we keep safe and secure during challenge. We share examples and ideas from different workplaces to inspire us to focus on the opportunities ahead. We reference this gem of a book The Obstacle Is The Way
S5 E87 · Fri, May 20, 2022
87. Team Resilience - Stronger Together
Send us a text To be an effective team that can keep focused during the ups and downs is to be a resilient one. Looking out for each other, supporting each other and challenging and motivating members to be their personal best is not just the job of the leader - although leaders will have the biggest influence over the tone and culture of a team. Resilience is the capacity to adapt in the face of adversity or challenge and is a team effort. Nature gives us many examples of the benefits of being part of a team - we are stronger and safer when we are part of a team that has a shared mission, values and is communicating well. We share practical ideas for building team resilience, getting the best out of each other and what this means for leaders or those looking to lead a team at some point in the future.
S5 E86 · Fri, May 06, 2022
86. Building Your Personal Resilience
Send us a text Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, challenges or setbacks. Always useful, these days essential. In the 20th century the worlds body of knowledge used to double every 25 years. Now, it doubles every 11 hoursm (IBM). Within a week, what you thought was 'fact' could change overnight; the course you studied may become out of date within months. Feelings of overwhelm from trying to keep up with the pace of change are common - the resilience to succeed and to be able to look after ourselves and others may now require more intention than in the slower days. Resilience is the 'capacity to We share practical tips for investing up your '4 pillars' (American Psychological Association) to develop your resilience. Investing in your resilience now will make all the difference to how you thrive in the year ahead.
S5 E85 · Fri, April 29, 2022
85. Inspiring Confidence In The Next Gen Workforce
Send us a text The pandemic has disrupted education and career pathways for a generation of teens - who are now entering the workplace looking to make their mark and build their lives. 20% more than usual have decided to delay their entry to work by seeking further education* such is the uncertainty around options . Its not easy being a young person starting out on a career path; more than ever they need positive adult role models at work. People can only be what they see and remote working has impacted the natural level of behaviour influence and skills transfer. Making the effort to empower the younger generation to convey their ideas, insights with gravitas so people listen is what will drive innovation and change. We share ideas on reverse mentoring, encouraging contribution and maximising the potential from the next generation starting work in this transformational decade. For those who like a bit of science: Neuroscience shows there are clear differences in our brains as we develop in life. Rather than age being a barrier its an enabler to performance: on a purely cognitive level, a 19 year old brain will process data differently from a 59 year old brain. (Evidenced by changes in car insurance prices...) The lightening quick processing speed from a younger brain is an asset for any industry looking to disrupt and innovate . The wiser, holistic perspective from an older brain is vital to prioritise how to create and evolve. Never too old to learn, never too young to lead (Dr Kofi Annan) *(People Management magazine Aug 2021)
S5 E84 · Wed, April 20, 2022
84. Unlocking the Secrets to Confidence
Send us a text If everyone can purchase the same tech, products and services then it really is ourselves that make the ultimate success story. "You are the secret to your success" is the end quote from our guest Shona Rowan's new book The Psychology of Successful Women: The Ultimate Guide. She shares her recommendations from her research and her background of competing in global ballroom dancing competitions in Australia. It makes for fascinating insights into unlocking the secrets of confidence, success and high performance - no matter who we are or where we have come from. Shona helps organisations, teams and career-minded individuals to maximise their performance and accelerate success. Her website is a treasure trove of tips and ideas https://www.shonarowan.com/ or connect with her @ShonaRowan via LinkedIn or buy her book by clicking here Shona's call to action: What 3 things do you for yourself that boosts your confidence? Send us your ideas to secretsfromacoach@aol.com we always read and respond :-)
S5 E83 · Fri, April 15, 2022
83. Overcoming Barriers to Confidence
Send us a text When external life is unpredictable it can impact our inner sense of confidence and create wobbly feelings than in more stable times. We share practical tips for overcoming nerves and other barriers to confidence including the ‘cameras out’ technique and various planning and prep tools that transform our confidence levels in a moment that counts. Whether it’s taking to the stage, asking a question, speaking up in a meeting or just having the confidence to say yes or no- every human gets nervous so you are not alone, it’s about mindset and preparation.
S5 E82 · Fri, April 08, 2022
82. Confidence to Collaborate
Send us a text Collaboration is the action of working with others to produce something or to explore solutions and possibilities. In these changeable times where many industries are facing new and different challenges, collaboration is one of those premium skills that is not only useful now but will be vital for thriving in the years ahead. We share ideas for boosting our confidence levels to collaborate (why wouldn't you?) and looking for opportunities to collaborate in order to speed up, generate ideas or achieve smarter ways of working. Creating a culture of collaboration is essential for high performance teamship and therefore a valued attribute for leaders to focus on. Be inspired by our real-life examples and anecdotes of the benefits of collaboration across all industries. (Check out Lau's 2016 TEDx talk where she focuses on collaboration as one of the 4Cs that are beyond an algorithm...its her 2030 take on thriving at work alongside automation/AI https://youtu.be/i1dz-kJTwwM)
S5 E81 · Tue, March 29, 2022
81. Boosting Self Confidence
Send us a text Starting with a moment to enjoy the sounds of springtime birdsong, this is a great time to refresh our energy and confidence. Confidence is that inner sense of knowing that you are enough, having a sense of certainty that no matter what gets thrown at you, you are able to handle yourself and deal with it in the best way possible. From owning your space in interviews and presentations, to a solid sense of self during challenge, we share our SPRING formula tips for lifting or maintaining confidence levels. 5 practical steps to tap into your confidence - from power poses to positive mind-talk, inner belief and self-confidence helps to transform setback into opportunity.
S4 E80 · Fri, March 25, 2022
80. Creating Honest & Innovative Meetings
Send us a text As the saying goes, if we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always got. Now is not the time for stale, closed or timid ways of working! Teams who take the time to create an honest environment will reap the benefits through having more innovative, proactive and focused meetings. Better quality meetings and interactions enables every member of the team to be more equipped to maximise opportunity and potential during times of disruption. We share tips for creating honest meetings by setting a working environment beforehand - just 5 mins can transform meeting participation. We share two ideas for encouraging innovative thinking within a conversation or meeting. Innovation is great for our individual spirit and morale and could be just the competitive edge that opens up positive opportunities in the year ahead.
S4 E79 · Fri, March 18, 2022
79. Handling the Impact of Others
Send us a text Never underestimate the impact we have on each other - and in turn how our confidence can be boosted (or dented) by how others interact with us. With lots of change brings lots of opportunity so now is the time to feel empowered, comfortable and confident as we meet and greet more people. We are joined by the fabulous Enfys Maloney; as a sales trainer she offers sophisticated sales training designed to help show-stopping businesses make more sales, comfortably. Enfys helps female founders and entrepreneurs galvanize their earnings and bring consistent, reliable revenue into their businesses. (Connect with Enfys and join her free (and fabulous) community The Business Lounge on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/823994341720693 or Check out her website at www.theelevatecircle.com Or connect via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/withenfys/ )
S4 E78 · Fri, March 11, 2022
78. Maximising Team Identity and Brand
Send us a text Many are finding their work is like a rollercoaster ride at the moment with the ups and downs creating highs and lows that can over time impact wellness and resilience levels. A benefit of a stable team is that it stabilises nerves, reassures those who are wondering whether to stay or go, and maximises opportunities for collaboration and innovation. If members of a team are unable to answer ‘why do we exist as a team?’ then the tougher days will be made tougher with lack of vision, purpose and sense of direction. We share tips and ideas for maximising team identity and brand and bringing the best out of a 1-hour team meeting if you have big opportunities ahead. Strap in!
S4 E77 · Fri, March 04, 2022
77. Maximising Your Personal Impact as a Safe Leader
Send us a text Our focus this month is on Making Impact : how to make the difference, get your voice heard and create the positive influence required for action. We are honoured to be joined by Steve Lakin (Head of Fire at Balfour Beatty plc but in this episode he is speaking from his personal perspective) who shares his advice on how to maximise impact when you need people to engage, connect and action your message. Steve has devoted his career to transforming fire safety and ensuring that the right people sit up and listen and are motivated to collaborate and do what it takes to make things better. He shares practical tips for communicating in a way that means that phones are put down and you are listened to, as well as making impact in informal opportunities by knowing your '60 second message'. A tonic of an episode for anyone feeling like the world is full of baddies, Steve reminds us that good, solid trusting relationships based on integrity is what makes good change happen.
S4 E76 · Fri, February 25, 2022
76. Embracing Diversity of Opinion
Send us a text With lots of new decisions and projects, how do we ensure that everyone gets included around the table and in the conversation to be able to maximise our potential. Diversity drives innovation. We are delighted to be joined by the award-winning Nzinga Orgill MBA, CEO & Founder at RaCExpert Ltd. A transformational change leader committed to equality and equity for all, she shares her practical advice for opening the safe, brave space that is required to be able to solve the problems and challenges in this big hot topic of encouraging diversity and inclusion. Right here, right now in the next conversations you have. A true superhero, you can connect with Nzinga via LinkedIn (as she says, she is the only Nzinga Orgill!)
S4 E75 · Fri, February 18, 2022
75. Repairing Tricky Work Relationships
Send us a text In this our Jubilee episode we turn our focus on to the prized skill of handling tricky conversations or difficult dynamics that can emerge in our working relationships. Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them – just 8% of recorded history. The concept of conflict means different things to different people and is an everyday part of our lives rather than an individual failing. Often it is fear of conflict that can hinder our ability to handle tricky or sensitive topics -which can make matters worse as situations can fester over time. In this episode we discuss practical word patterns and conversation starters that help to deal with conflict either in planned or unplanned situations. It can be more tricky when disagreements arise with colleagues with whom we work with everyday, compared with patients, customers, clients or other stakeholders where interactions may be intense but temporary.
S4 E74 · Fri, February 11, 2022
74. Creating Team Harmony For Results
Send us a text This second episode in our focus on healthy work relationships focuses on harmonious teams. Rather than a nice to have, it is a need to have - when we work in harmony we shift our attention on sorting out the results rather than each other. With record numbers of people leaving and starting roles there are a lot of new beginnings and firsts happening within teams. We share tips for welcoming new team members in without destabilising existing ones. Asking someone the question 'this is happening, what are your thoughts on how we make it work?' could be the game-changing 20 min chat today that secures results tomorrow. Its about shifting the mindset around team changes from being seen as a threat, to being seen as an opportunity. We share lessons from army leadership strategy on creating movement as the team size grows in scale. Rather than slowing things down, when a team is in tune with each other, scaling up the size speeds things up. Ideal listen for anyone who is part of a team going through change and needs to bring in the results. "You don't get harmony when everyone sings the same note" (Doug Floyd)
S4 E73 · Fri, February 04, 2022
73. Healthy Professional Relationships
Send us a text In this, the first in our 'Healthy Working Relationships' series this month, we focus on how to create, maintain and sustain good effective relationships with the people we work with. When there is trust, respect and understanding then even the most challenging or stressful work situations can be dealt with. When we are surrounded by healthy relationships in work can also create great memories we can recall to boost our confidence later. But when there is a nastiness, an unease or an edge to comments or banter - then even the easiest of workdays can feel like a nightmare due to the toxic culture. In this episode we discuss healthy vs toxic work cultures and the impact that has on individual confidence as well as overall performance. We share how to spot the signs and the 3A's tool to remain empowered. Even if we have little control in that moment, we always have a choice. If your working environment was measured like air quality, is it a healthy space enabling growth and innovation, or a toxic space that prevents it?
S4 E72 · Fri, January 28, 2022
72. Restoring Lost Confidence
Send us a text Part of growing up and become a mature adult is the moment where we recognise the need to understand who we really are and who we really want to be. No one can tell us what is the ideal next step for us and part of growing up is realising that we each have to figure out what motivates us and how we can progress our life in the way we want. We may not have had the ideal circumstances but it is our reaction to those that creates the end outcome. Part of the maturing process is being able to take responsibility for ourselves and accountability for our mindset and actions. In this episode we share ideas to get the ball rolling again if we are feeling stuck. Building up emotional motivational maturity and treating every day as a school day keeps us motivated to grow, stretch and develop. We discuss tips to shift from a state of learned helplessness to learned hopefulness and how to rev ourselves forward when uncertain. As we edge towards the next phase of change, now is the time to think how you want to take the steps forward to regain your nerve, restore your self belief and motivate yourself to give something a go. Age is just a number, not an excuse to not try.
S4 E71 · Fri, January 21, 2022
71. Keeping Motivated Through Setbacks
Send us a text During challenging times it can be comforting to remember that a drop in motivation is not a personal failing unique to you: every single human experiences setback in their life. Knowing how to get ourselves out of a hole and shift towards a more motivated mindset is the bedrock of resilience and wellness. Keeping motivated on the bright, easy and flowing days is easy; its being able to bolster ourselves on the dark, difficult and stuck days that is an essential skill for this disruptive decade. It requires huge amounts of self-awareness and self-management but the benefit is we can free ourselves despite external events - the only person that owns your internal state is you. In this episode we share the lessons from the 2010 Chilean Mining Accident and how all 33 trapped miners kept themselves sane and safe during their 69 day entrapment 2,300ft below ground. We make the link between the impact of ongoing disruption on motivation and morale -and share easy and practical tools to help yourself and others to keep focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel.
S4 E70 · Fri, January 14, 2022
70. Igniting Team Motivation
Send us a text The stronger the team, the stronger the performance sustained over time. Those teams who know like and trust each other, who have each others backs are more resilient in handling the ups and downs associated with disruption and change. In this episode we share hints and tips for motivating teams - because as we all know, team work makes the dream work. But even more vitally, teamwork soothes the nightmares associated with setback and disruption. Focusing on team building now, enables great performance later down the line. If being in your team was like dining at a restaurant - is it an in/out fast food diner where good people dont want to stick around? Or more of a quality premium restaurant where team members want to keep coming back again and again? Unfilled vacancies creates pressure for other team members so giving your current team a Michelin starred experience is the one place you can control and focus on. And like the best restaurant service experience: its attentive, personalised and often its the TNTs - Tiny Noticeable Things - that makes all the difference.
S4 E69 · Fri, January 07, 2022
69. Self-Motivation - Shift Your View
Send us a text Our focus this month is all about motivation - and in this episode we discuss tips for self-motivation. Did you know that 80% of those who set New Years Resolutions have given them up within 3 weeks? Rather than setting goals that focus on depriving ourselves, it is much more motivating to set goals which focus on joy and feeling good - that nudge you closer to being the real genuine you. Being able to motivate ourselves on the easy as well as the tough days is even more of a premium skill for professional success in the years ahead as the impact of the pandemic continues. We share examples and ideas to set ourselves up for success and get into an optimistic mindset. Shifting our view can transform our general mood and outlook and our self-belief to get back in the game and make things happen.
S2 E68 · Fri, December 24, 2021
68. The Gift of Real Belonging
Send us a text Feeling like we belong is a core human need. When we feel connected and part of a community it creates a sense of belonging which transforms energy, morale and spirit to make things happen. Those teams who feel like they are part of something bigger than their individual selves has greater resilience to handle the blips and create the wins. When someone knows their presence will be missed, there is more motivation and reason to show up and contribute. If someone feels forgotten, ignored or that they don't belong, then there is less commitment because there is less sense of responsibility to be there. When new people are welcomed, taking time to find out someone's name and some information about them creates a sense of belonging really quickly. p.s. In this final episode of 2021, the Secrets Of A Coach team want to say a big thank you for listening. It is a joy to be part of a growing community where we all only the best for each other and are motivated to keep learning and growing regardless of current situation. We may never have met in person, but there is a strong sense of belonging that is uplifting!
S2 E67 · Fri, December 17, 2021
67. The Gift of Hard-Won Wisdom
Send us a text For many, the past year has been full of challenge and stretch and situations that may have pushed you way out of your comfort zone. This may not have been the easiest time of your life, but it could be the most useful in terms of developing your skills and knowledge. No one was trained for the pandemic and therefore even those who proclaim to be 'expert' are learning as they go. Reframing the mistakes, missteps and retakes as opportunities to reflect and learn empowers us to see how it is the lows that tend to yield high levels of wisdom (rather than years served i.e. age). For anyone who is finding it hard to label this year as a successful, high- achieving one, be inspired by the ancient Stoics who believed that it is the challenges in life that means we appreciate and value life. The gift of this hard-won wisdom is that this gives you priceless levels of ideas, insights and confidence to make decisions - and valued by those around you as someone who can bring wisdom to a situation.
S2 E66 · Fri, December 10, 2021
66. The Gift of Attentive Listening
Send us a text Like many of the true gifts of life, listening is a simple and free action and yet it is not always easy for those with busy lives. Hence the value of feeling wholly listened to can be priceless. In this episode we discuss the power of attentive listening, what this means for enabling success in ourselves and others, and practical tips for quality questions that unlock un-defensive responses. Whether on a sales floor or behind a surgery door, whether side by side or via a screen, listening establishes bonds. The moments where we fully listen is the invisible magic that enables genuine engagement, connection and trust. Aim to listen 70% in your next conversation and see the influence it has.
Fri, December 03, 2021
65. The Gift of Genuine Happiness
Send us a text This is the first in our four-part seasonal special looking at the true gifts in life - the things in life that cost nothing but are priceless in value. In this episode we focus on the gift of Happiness and are thrilled to be joined by the brilliant Karan Douglas . Karan is a leadership and business coach who has studied the different types of human happiness and the link to wellbeing. It can be fleeting moments of bliss (the sugar), or the sense of purpose when we have a something positive to work towards (the fibre). When we understand the different types of happiness we are more able to find ways to boost how happy we feel, even during times of challenge and setback. When all is said and done, being happy and creating happiness around us is one of the real gifts of being human. Karan encourages us to think how we can boost our happiness levels as just 30 mins a week doing something you love can make a world of difference. Karan Douglas is a sales performance consultant & coach with an academic background in Organisation and Positive Psychology. Connect with Karan on linkedin.com/in/karandouglas or via karan.yelllowtailassociates@outlook.com.
S3 E64 · Fri, November 26, 2021
64. Minimising Workload Pressure
Send us a text Overworked, overloaded, overwhelmed....many are feeling the effects of ongoing work pressures due to changes and challenges triggered by the pandemic. We share tips for renegotiating boundaries, relieving stress and regaining the sense of being ahead rather than always behind. If 2020 was the year of change, for many people 2021 has been the year of challenge. So now is the time to get some headspace to set up well for 2022 - next year is the year to flourish and grow as a result of all the effort and resilience. For its the pressure that creates a diamond.
S3 E63 · Fri, November 19, 2021
63. More Boundaries Less Stress
Send us a text Keeping clear boundaries is the first step to self-care - being able to say yes or no to the things that are right for you. For many, hybrid working can cause worries around who, what, and where we are working which add more pressure that tips us into feeling stressed out. In this episode we are joined by mental health and wellness expert Lindsey Thompson-Wright who shares her tips and insights on the fundamental role that boundaries play in reducing stress and boosting morale. She shares her advice on how teams can reduce stress from flexible working - and what we can do to balance the variety of being in/out of a workplace. A useful listen for anyone feeling that they are getting more irritable and less patient with others and wants tips to set and maintain boundaries that may have slipped.
S3 E62 · Fri, November 12, 2021
62. Less Online Stress
Send us a text If being bombarded with urgent messages and emails whilst on a Teams call has become your daily reality, now could be the time to set some new 'techiquette' - rules and principles for how you want to use tech. Whether in an office or at home- simple decisions to protect your ability to concentrate and be present could be game-changers to your stress levels. With hybrid working here to stay for many, the Mental Foundation reports that 74% of (UK) adults have felt so stressed in the past year it has made them feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. In this episode we encourage us all to take the reins and control our tech, with practical examples of how organisations are starting to instil new rules of working with tech. Hybrid working has its benefits but there are serious health costs if we don't make adaptations that reduce stress. Block out that daily downtime, turn off the notifications and set yourself up well now for the years ahead.
S3 E61 · Fri, November 05, 2021
61. Handling Stress for Hybrid Workers
Send us a text As many organisations consider making hybrid working patterns a permanent feature, being able to handle the home/away blend will be key. If the goal is to have the best of both worlds - then any advantages will be neutralised if we are unable to handle the rigours of hybrid working. In this episode we discuss tips to help manage the unique stressors that come from working hybrid, including the excellent 'when, then' as a way to set yourself up for the months ahead. p.s normal sound quality will resume next episode - Lau broke the mic whilst packing the car to go to a conference!
S3 E60 · Fri, October 29, 2021
60. Summon Up Assertiveness
Send us a text In our 60th episode, we discuss a skill more priceless than diamonds in terms of work enjoyment and success: assertiveness. To have the confidence to assert ourselves in both physical and virtual spaces with equal ease is a personal future-fit skill and key to creating a dynamic, successful and inclusive workplace. Being assertive is when we clearly explain or ask for what we want, in a straightforward manner and without drama or moodiness. It is about stating our position clearly without directly or indirectly demeaning the other person. Working in such new and different ways requires a shift in how we assert ourselves and communicate with others. We share tips for interruption etiquette, handling over-talkers and speaking up before the moment passes. It is positive and responsible behaviour: assertiveness gets things done, clears up misunderstandings and clarifies confusion over boundaries. Own your space!
S3 E59 · Fri, October 22, 2021
59. Making Courageous Decisions
Send us a text Courage is the ability to do something that frightens us; a timeless value but even more so during disruptive, uncertain and unpredictable times. Being able to handle life’s big decisions and small dilemmas will continue to be part of the skills for the future (defying any algorithm). We are delighted to be joined in this episode by the inspiring Sophie Bennett who shares her hard-won wisdom and advice on bringing courage and confidence when making tricky decisions. Listening to her reminds us that if something doesn't feel right, notice it, take a deep breath and process the options that are best for you. We summarise the BRAIN tool which helps individuals or teams to think through a challenging or complex problem. Given the amount of unpredictability at the moment it also helps maintain confidence in that decision afterwards. Sophie mentions several resources that have supported her including: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ https://coppafeel.org/ Connect with Sophie on Instagram via @fiabennetttttt
S3 E58 · Fri, October 15, 2021
58. Breaking the Curse of Self-Sabotage
Send us a text The word sabotage originates from the early 20th century French word saboter 'to kick with sabots, to wilfully destroy'. In turn, self-sabotage is when we undermine our own goals and values and is an equally destructive force that can hold us back professionally. Its the very human phenomena of when we really want something to happen but we act in a way that works in conflict. The relevance for hybrid working is that millions of us are now working remotely in an unwatched, solo environment based at home. Our homes may be full of personal treats that bewitch and trick us away from our professional tasks. The huge amounts of personal freedom that come from being left to our own devices requires even more self-management to ensure we can handle our vices. We share ideas to break the curse of self-sabotage as the spell of remote-working becomes a permanent fixture.
S3 E57 · Fri, October 08, 2021
57. Exorcise Your Fears - Self Belief
Send us a text Our focus this October is all about (Smashing Your) Fearfest and looking at the things can haunt us and hold us back in our worklife. Could it be time to exorcise some old ghosts - negative beliefs about ourselves and our capabilities. We can be so quick to focus on our weaknesses, but right now the world needs your energy, natural strengths and passions. We share tips to remind ourselves to value ourselves and part of that may be letting go of old demons, others judgements and negative comments that can haunt us for years. We also give a fresh provocative approach for anyone who has got a performance review on the horizon. This Autumn is an ideal time to blow away the cobwebs and conjure up energy, positivity, success and opportunity for you.
S3 E56 · Fri, October 01, 2021
56. The Value of a 3 Month Vision
Send us a text Question for you: how happy are you with your worklife? Does your career reflect the real you and natural talents and gifts? In this episode we discuss the life-changing impact that setting a 3-month vision can have on our feelings of hope, optimism and confidence in ourselves. When everything has changed, a vision can steady us and enable better decision-making that lead us towards what we want, rather than distract us. Aiming for the 'eudonistic' life - one that balances work with play - helps us to flourish during the highs and lows of life. When you love what you do, money becomes the bonus rather than the cage. Anyone and everyone has the right to create a vision for themselves and we take you through the steps. Visions need a warning - they often come good - so be careful what you wish for!
S3 E55 · Thu, September 23, 2021
55. Rough Seas? Make Time For You
Send us a text This month's focus has been exploring new ways of working triggered by the waves of change from the pandemic. In this episode we discuss how planning in time for you is a necessity to performance rather than a luxury or indulgence. Sailors are trained to plan in bolt-holes when mapping out a journey through rough seas or stormy weather: pockets of calmer waters to help weather the storm. Scan your 3 month calendar and make the assertive decision to plan in regular packets of time where nothing is planned in - no meetings are booked or chores put in. Its about steadying yourself before the swell of work/life pressure gets to overwhelm. No-one benefits from you falling overboard, everyone benefits from you taking hold of the helm and putting time aside for you. Just 2 mins right now to sit and breathe and look out a window can make a difference to our energy and focus.
S3 E54 · Sat, September 18, 2021
54. Power Up Your Networks
Send us a text It's not what you know, its who you know. And it’s who those others know who they can introduce you to, that unlocks the exponential power of nurturing a diverse network of people. We are joined in this episode by journalist Marina Gask, co-founder of the hugely successful Audreyonline.co.uk online network, a network group for midlife transformation. Marina shares her insights and tips for building a network and the life-changing impact creating new networks can have.
S3 E53 · Fri, September 10, 2021
53. Time To Tether as a Team
Send us a text Just like astronauts in space, feeling securely tethered to the base makes exploring the unknown exciting rather than terrifying. As hybrid working evolves and develops what is plain to see is that the quality of teamwork, camaraderie and unity is influencing the level of motivation to return to an office. Feeling tethered to something bigger is a great way to engage and energise a team and strengthen bonds between new and existing colleagues. Now is not the time to skimp on team time and we suggest doubling the usual team meeting time to provide the space for quality catch up time. We share our TIME concept for the first few team get togethers. Time spent re-tethering as a team now will build in energy and resilience in the months ahead.
S3 E52 · Fri, September 03, 2021
52. Set Up For September
Send us a text Even for those who have been working for years, there is a new set of principles, guidelines and unwritten rules to learn as we get our heads around new ways of working. In this episode we take a 'back to school' approach and discuss new terms such as hybrid, remote and flexible working and what that means in reality. The more clearly we can view these new opportunities and challenges, the more equipped we are to meet our goals and maximise our life/work balance. A report by digital workplace specialists Claromentis back in Feb 2021 revealed that 73% of UK workers wanted to split their time between home and office working after the pandemic. Was this wishful thinking or are we really making systemic change? September is an ideal time to model the school year and get a new timetable, fresh uniform and set your vision for a great 6 weeks. Never too late to have a fresh start.
S2 E51 · Fri, August 27, 2021
51. Inspiration Buffet - Series 2 Round-Up
Send us a text The pandemic triggered such huge change that many things will never be the same again. So therefore there are new bright opportunities as well as dark challenges. What if this was the year that you started exploring a new amazing pathway in your life? Sometimes hearing other peoples stories and experiences can provide the spark that lights up a whole new chain of events. This episode is a bit different: we hear again from a few of our amazing guests from our first 50 episodes, answering questions that fellow guests have asked them. From inclusion to self development, the magic of teamwork to the power of positive reflection, this extended episode is the perfect audio companion for a long journey or a commute. Tuck into their talent, inspiration and wisdom and be inspired by the possibility that maybe the best is yet to come.
S2 E50 · Fri, August 20, 2021
50. Revisiting...Hybrid Working
Send us a text We call it Desxit: Are you in or out - the physical office? Workplace location is the new Brexit and for many teams this topic is similarly as divisive and contentious depending on beliefs around hybrid working. The pandemic triggered millions into working from home; now the tide is turning and people are being recalled back to the office once again. Getting back to the world of lanyards stirs up emotional and practical challenges from having to rebalance life around a commute. From signing office leases to buying a railcard again, our physical work location has massive implications for both personal daily routine and organisational performance. This is a period of social change where we either accommodate or alienate different team members - and we share anonymous examples where this change is being dealt with well. The legal frameworks have not yet been written so 'hybrid workplaces' really is a work in progress...listen to our take and let us know your stand on the best environment to work: Are you in or out?
S2 E49 · Fri, August 13, 2021
49. Revisiting...Handling Change
Send us a text Long days, short weeks? Take 20 mins with us to review and reflect your approach to handling change. What started as a sprint of change back in March 2020 has become a gruelling marathon for many. As people adjust and flex to new ways of working, we can focus on how to create balance and maintain boundaries. In times of deep change, it can be easy for boundary margins to slip and lines to blur. Take charge of change by setting simple commitments around ring-fencing time. Just taking regular guilt-free breaks transforms our resilience to change. We share the GRIP method to energise and tidy up change as you go. Essential listening for anyone gearing up for a busy peak stretch. If you are always available then you are devaluing your impact.
S2 E48 · Thu, August 05, 2021
48. Revisiting...The Imposter Syndrome
Send us a text This is the first in our Summer 2021 R&R (Review and Reflect) series and this one is all about the Imposter Syndrome. With rapid change comes opportunities and challenges and the skill is to be able to handle learning as we go and minimise fear, procrastination and self-doubt. We discuss practical tips for shedding the 5 fears that underpin the Imposter Syndrome and how starting with our language and how we describe ourselves is key. Summer is an ideal time to give ourselves a break and often someone else's rocky learning curve give us the boost we needed to give something a go too. You never know who you are secretly inspiring from the sideline. Time to shift from feeling like an imposter in your own life, to being an inspirer to others. Lets get the Inspirer Syndrome!
S2 E47 · Fri, July 30, 2021
47. Riding the Rollercoaster of Change
Send us a text If you feel like the highs and lows are getting faster and stronger, you are not alone. We share tips and ideas for keeping grounded and stabilised as the coronacoaster surges on. As we prepare for the next stages of change, for many this represents a transition from full-time remote working to being back in an office. Microsoft surveys suggest 66% of organisations are planning a hybrid set-up with a few days in/out an office. We are the first generation of adults to give this a go. As with any unfamiliar change, this brings mixed feelings especially against a backdrop of mixed safety messaging from the media. For those who joined during the pandemic, this may be the first time to meet colleagues in person - despite months of screen time. Long-servers may find themselves in a whirlwind of navigating new spaces, booking their desk in advance, or fathoming new processes which may not always make sense. Regardless of your current professional situation, rigorous self-management during change will be a valuable skill. Travel safe and if you start to feel queasy, focus on the horizon ahead.
S2 E46 · Fri, July 23, 2021
46. Healthy Hybrid Habits
Send us a text For those of us told as kids not to sit too close to the TV as it would give us square eyes, it is quite startling to realise just how much we are sitting staring at a screen in order to work. With Microsoft data suggesting over 60% of their global clients are planning for hybrid working as an inevitability, we are the generation who are going through the learning curve first. We are the Class of 2020/2021! Rather like a school year coming to the end, summer is a good time to pause, reflect and decide what wisdom we want to take forward into the next term. Forming our HYBRID HABITS concept, we share our 6 habits for getting the best out of ourselves when we are mixing remote with in-room working, and 6 habits for working well with others. Lets share on what has helped so the next generations can work well in hybrid workplaces into the future.
S2 E45 · Fri, July 16, 2021
45. Prioritise Selfcare - Little Breaks Prevent Breakdown
Send us a text This episode is for all those who focus on helping others to be ok, to have the confidence to look after themselves with the same care. For the digital overload is real, not just your imagination! Microsoft has published data showing the extent of digital overload for the millions working from home prompted by the pandemic, we share the stats but in short: higher productivity is masking exhaustion, and with newspapers suggesting 40% of adults are looking to leave their current job - for many this overwork has become a breaking point to trigger change. But if overwork is everywhere, then a change of job may not be the magic answer. We need to learn how to look after ourselves without the natural cues from the outside world. We are joined this week by the fabulous fellow coach Leila Rezaiguia who shares her wisdom on the role self-care has on performance, joy and overall life experience. Leila mentors leaders and coaches all around the world as the co-founder of kompassconsultancy.com. She's a breath of fresh air and we love the fact we met via the online world and our paths might not have crossed had it not been for digital working :-)
S2 E44 · Fri, July 09, 2021
44. Access Your Feelgood Brain Chemistry
Send us a text If we were professional athletes part of our behaviour would be to manage and maintain our levels of fitness to be able perform when it counts and contribute to the team. During times of uncertainty it may take more to keep our mindset fit for the game of life. In this episode we discuss how to tap into our feelgood brain chemistry to help keep us going for the long run. We tap into the insights from neuroscience and share practical tools to give your brain a positive DOSE (Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin & Endorphins) of the feelgood brain hormones. Plan in time to rest your brain to enable top quality performance with minimal strain. Make the commitment to nurture your biggest asset: set your brain up by shifting from anxiety to creativity - flip from fear to focus.
S3 E43 · Fri, July 02, 2021
43. Creating Life/Work Balance (YOLO)
Send us a text July is all about prioritising our self-care. Your work only works if you are ok. Could agile working be making us more fragile? The novelty of being able to work any place, anywhere and any time may now be wearing off and it can be a jolt to realise that work may have crept across into leisure time. Latest research shows average working hours have extended during the pandemic. In this episode we share the OODA tool to recreate the ideal balance is ‘8 hours sleep, 8 hours work, 8 hours hustle’. Could this be the time to reset a life/work balance rather than work/life balance which implies ‘life’ is the trade-off. You Only Live Once!
S2 E42 · Fri, June 25, 2021
42. The Wonders of Neurodiversity - The Future Needs Different Thinkers
Send us a text In this extended episode we focus on the treasure trove of benefits that neurodivergence brings to the table. Hugely successful people such as Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Greta Thunberg and Richard Branson have shared how their dyslexic, ADHD or autistic gift to think and see things differently has enabled them to impact and shake up the world. In our increasingly AI/automated workplace, having a neurodivergent brain could be the career asset to nurture rather than a risk to mitigate. And for anyone planning to be in the world of work in 2030 and beyond, knowing what is happening in schools now enables you to prepare well for your future colleagues. We are joined by consultant Headteacher Julie Bravery who has been in the world of education for over 30 years. As well as running one of the UK's most successful primary schools she has consulted with the DoE and local authorities. Her observations are that the education system is outdated and not fit for modern life : "it is the system that is broken, not your child". For example, an estimated 10% of the population is dyslexic (and that's just those who have been assessed) and with typically one SENco (specialist co-ordinator) per school, many children are getting left behind. Societally, this is already causing self-esteem/mental health challenges in adulthood, and commercially, an extraordinary amount of brainpower could be missed because that difference was not nurtured. Please share with anyone who you think would benefit from a shot of confidence about their neurodivergence - the world needs your beautiful brain! Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid (attributed to Einstein).
S2 E41 · Fri, June 18, 2021
41. Inclusion Mindset - Focus on your super strengths
Send us a text Tired of having to fit in? Change and disruption can be even more tiring if people are pretending to be someone they are not, or having to force themselves to work in a way that doesn't play to their natural strengths. We are joined this week by the inspirational Sarah Adjepong-Duodu who in her role as global leadership trainer for a large multinational health and beauty brand is passionate about the need for an 'inclusion mindset'. She shares her experiences of feeling like she had to fit in, and the liberating moment where she realised it was more beneficial to focus on her unique strengths and to help others do the same. When you can be unapologetically you this unlocks energy, freedom and empathy for others. As Sarah says, if something isnt making you happy, or is stopping you be yourself, then why continue doing it. Balancing mindfulness and good intentions, she reminds us to be unapologetically YOU.
S2 E40 · Fri, June 11, 2021
40. New Language Of Inclusion - Don't Take This The Wrong Way, But...
Send us a text The language we use is key to being able to work well with different people in a smart and inclusive way. Being able to talk easily and professionally with a diverse audience is increasingly important as the world of work continues to evolve. Our words play an enormous role in how we dis/connect with each other: never underestimate the impact an off-hand comment can have or for well-intended banter to backfire. We are joined this week by the amazing Anusha Parshotam. Working as an Exec Coach, Anusha has a fascinating background and works with organisations to help create cultures that are diverse and inclusive. Not sure what is the right or wrong thing to say? Not sure what 'calling in or calling out' actually means? Human language is evolving every day - its about refreshing our habits and being more mindful about the impact our language has on others.
S2 E39 · Fri, June 04, 2021
39. The F Word - Working Well With Different People
Send us a text In the first of our 'To Be Different Is To Be Human' focus in June, this episode scans the broad and widening horizon of inclusion, diversity and belonging. A potential consequence from geographical restriction is that our lives can become smaller and less diverse without random interaction. Learning how to mix with different unknown people again may require a conscious decision than pre-pandemic. As Maya Angelou said 'people may forget what you said or did, but they never forget how you made them feel. Being sensitive and open-minded in how we work with others may not always be easy during times of pressure or rapid change. We discuss why this topic is vital for the evolving workplace and that using the F word well (F is for Feedback!) can often be the path to building trust and deeper understanding for difference. If we all keep quiet how do we learn? To be different is to be human!
S2 E38 · Fri, May 28, 2021
38. Time to Update Your Soul Software
Send us a text The pandemic has impacted people in very different ways - wreaked havoc for some or been a welcome break in the pattern for others. Either way, life will fall into new rhythms and humans are remarkable at getting back into the groove and restoring to business as usual. We are joined this week by the inspirational Gillian McMichael MCC: a Master Transformational Coach and the Founder of Full Circle Global. She embodies a holistic, whole person approach and has become one of the leading voices in transformational life development. She shares her advice for anyone thinking they actually don’t want to return to old patterns. A great listen for anyone looking to make this an opportunity to make changes on a deeper level that set up for a deeper more connected life moving forward.
S2 E37 · Fri, May 21, 2021
37. Reducing Pressure, Overwork and Overwhelm
Send us a text We explore the link between time management and the impact that has on our mental health. As restrictions lift so does the volume of activities, commitments and overall noise in life. We are joined by Cognitive Behavioural Coach Lindsey Thompson-Wright who specialises in helping people recognise and maintain boundaries that contribute to good mental health. As we learn to integrate our 'digital twin' with our IRL (In Real Life) self it can challenge our ability to keep balance. We discuss tips to manage our time to reduce pressure, overwhelm and stress which can impact our mental health, energy and wellness. A must-listen for anyone feeling like they have slipped in to overworking.
S2 E36 · Fri, May 14, 2021
36. Keeping Mentally Safe - Ask Twice
Send us a text Please note: This episode covers the real and sad impact that mental health issues can have and includes references to suicide. In the second of our Mental Health Month series, we are joined by the wonderful Simon Brown - who in his role as a CEO of TEKTowr (www.tektowr.com/careers) is passionate about making mental health part of the everyday workplace culture as much as physical safety is. He shares the impact losing his brother to suicide in 2012 had on his attitude to mental health and the role that workplace culture has in creating a safe space for people share, connect and talk about what might be going on for them beneath the surface. Often we spend more time with colleagues than anyone else and in fact we may confide information that we may keep from family and friends. If we treat mental health & safety like we would any other safety issue it can empower us to act if we spot something not quite right. You never know the impact your small act could have in helping someone get the help they need. Our TALK model helps to have the confidence to check in on someone and to 'ask twice' . (If you or anyone you know needs support here are a selection of the many resources available: https://www.samaritans.org/ or https://www.mind.org.uk/ or https://youngminds.org.uk/ or https://www.headstogether.org.uk/heads-up/)
S2 E35 · Fri, May 07, 2021
35. Managing the Highs & Lows of Work
Send us a text In this first of our Mental Health Month episodes, we explore the role that looking after our mental health and wellbeing has on our ability to keep safe, happy and productive in our workplaces. Research suggests that 1 in 6 adults have experienced a common mental health issue in the past week this year and this is becoming a bigger issue year on year. Looking after our general state of wellbeing and state of mind has probably far more influence on our potential future professional success than what is written on our CV. Taking time to talk, connect and prioritise your self-care is an essential part of the evolving world of work skillset. Put as much emphasis on your mental health as you would physical health. Trust yourself!
S2 E34 · Fri, April 30, 2021
34. To Adapt is to Flourish
Send us a text The pandemic has prompted many to reconsider what and how they work so they can adapt well as society unlocks. Humans are extraordinary at adapting and in many cases it helps us to flourish and feel good. In this episode we are joined by the brilliant Tom Willis who shares his advice and lessons from the career changes he has made. Working at board level across a range of industries and sectors, Tom shares how learning to listen, flex and adapt is key to a flourishing career. Even for those who are staying in the same role - change has changed everything. This is a great time to adapt and shift towards a flourishing future that works for you.
S2 E33 · Fri, April 23, 2021
33. Being Assertive With Boundaries
Send us a text As restrictions change and life adjusts, now is the time to be really clear on your boundaries. To adapt and adjust well it is important to work out what will work for you moving forward. Disruption could actually be the ideal opportunity to reset, renegotiate or protect some boundaries that either need to be created, or have become encroached upon during the pandemic. It can be easy to become lost during times of adjustment and adaptability, so taking time to assert ourselves even in seemingly small ways can boost our self worth and confidence. In this episode we discuss tips to assert and maintain boundaries - whether with our self or when interacting with others. Essential skills for life whether 13 or 113!
S3 E32 · Fri, April 16, 2021
32. Learning How To Socialise Again
Send us a text For anyone about to step back in to a physical workplace again, preparing to 'rejoin well' is probably as useful as planning the commute again. As teams return to a physical workplace, relearning how to socialise outside our bubble will require emotional intelligence and resilience to be physically sharing each other’s space. So much has happened and we each hold a different perspective and set of opinions surrounding the pandemic. We know that diverse and inclusive cultures deliver energy and creativity, yet to achieve this we need to understand there may be differences of opinion and diversity of world view. Suddenly, our personal choices are potentially going to impact others around us which may create mixed feelings that cannot be muted behind the screen. We discuss ideas to help a reacquainted team work well together and to positively socialise around the watercooler again.
S3 E31 · Fri, April 09, 2021
31. Helping Others Adapt & Adjust
Send us a text In this episode we are joined by the remarkable Lex Neighbour who along with her husband operates a business in the care sector. The care sector has been a tough place to be during the pandemic. Lex shares her experiences and (hard-earned) wisdom on how to help those around us adapt and adjust along the marathon of change. Whether it’s your professional or personal team, this is a great listen for those wanting to bond, build and bounce onward together.
S2 E30 · Thu, April 01, 2021
30. Slow Down to Go Faster
Send us a text Many are finding it difficult to have a break, to switch off without guilt and to just...stop. The crisis-management mindset that might have been needed for your life last year may now need to be consciously stood-down. The consequence of staying in a permanent state of alert is that we become tired, robotic and less motivated to think about the future and how to maximise the opportunities and freedoms ahead. In this episode we discuss ideas to help you to take a BREAK - to consider the Boundaries, Resourcefulness, Empowerment, Adjustment and Knowledge that enable us to pause before the next gear shift of change. If you found it useful, pass this on to a friend in need and share the secret.
S2 E29 · Fri, March 26, 2021
29. Spring Forward With Spirit
Send us a text What do you actually love doing? What a shame it would be if you never brought your natural gifts and interests to your work. Our guest Mohammed Taher (aka Mo Tivate) is on a mission to help inspire people to follow their spirit, purpose and in particular open up the possibilities of a career in engineering to the next generation. An ideal listen for anyone interested in making purposeful, joy-based career choices. As Mo says, what is the one thing you could do in the next 3 days that will take you further towards your ideal future? Thinking about the way you think is the first step to spring forward with spirit, shifting to a mindset of choice and self awareness. Connect with Mo via: Instagram and Twitter: @mo_t_ivate TikTok: @mo_t_ivate_official LinkedIn: Mohammed Taher
S2 E28 · Fri, March 19, 2021
28. Handling the Roadmap of Emotions
Send us a text When everything is whirling around and life seems messy, it can be useful to view our emotions as part of a process of a journey, rather the final destination. We discuss our brand new SAFER model for helping ourselves and others feel more confident and equipped to get up and out again as lockdown restrictions ease. For many the roadmap of emotions during 2021 so far has been: Suppression, Anticipation, Fear, Empowerment, Release . It is comforting when we see that our fears are in the middle of the process - not the end. Rather than hoping a return to a workplace will be ok, empower yourself with a PLAN: work out the People, Logistics, Actions and Needs that will enable you to feel back in the driving seat.
S2 E27 · Thu, March 11, 2021
27. Change as the Constant
Send us a text What happens when the plan changes? We are joined by the wonderful Scott Fuller who shares his thoughts on handling change well. Scott has been running operations teams for many years and passionate about supporting people's development. What influence does challenge, setback, problems and unwanted experiences have on our capacity to handle life? Its what we choose to do with what happens to us that flips our stuff from baggage (in the way to growth) to wisdom (is the way to growth). The ability to handle change well will continue to be a useful skill as the decade evolves - and creating solid relationships during times of transition.
S2 E26 · Fri, March 05, 2021
26. Communicating Change Well
Send us a text We explore the role of communication during times of change and uncertainty. It can be easy to forget to share what's going on as change ramps up and we get busier, which can make things worse! Planning, creating and sharing a compelling vision helps to set purpose and expectations to show the way forward. We share practical tips for making a communication plan that keeps everyone involved and united in looking forward. Regular updates so everyone feels part of the process is much more calming during times of uncertainty. Taking time to plan and think how to communicate enables less lurch, more energy.
S2 E25 · Wed, February 24, 2021
25. Gearing Up For Change
Send us a text Sometimes we yearn for something to change, and then when it actually happens, it can cause a wobble as we know that something different is going to be required of us. Having acquired the skills to get our footing with these new sea legs to handle the choppy waves of change, a sudden sight of a shore requires a shift to our land legs once more. We discuss practical tips for gearing up for change and adjust our footing and confidence. From mindset, attitude, behaviour and action - its time to take charge of change and focus on the magic question: so what CAN I do?
S2 E24 · Fri, February 19, 2021
24. Emotional Intelligence When Online
Send us a text Do you consider yourself an easy going pleasant person to deal with? But it’s just everyone else that is the problem? As time wears on, many are finding their capacity to handle emotions is wearing thin. We discuss practical tools to help keep conversations emotionally clean and clear. Boundaries help us to deal with difficult or emotionally unaware people. Vital to keep our energy up with any mood hoovers! Hilarious bit at the end... breakfast pastries will never be the same again...
S2 E23 · Thu, February 11, 2021
23. Motivating Remote Teams
Send us a text Back by popular demand, we spend time with superstar guest Mandy Philpott. She has grown her team from just herself to 52,0000 over the past 8 years in her The Body Shop At Home business. Initially just UK, since 2020 she is currently growing business in the US and beyond. There’s much we can learn from how different industries create bonded, committed and performing teams all via remote/virtual working. A must-listen for anyone looking to build and develop successful remote-based teams. A great listen for anyone who wants to keep focused on opportunity amid change. Its not complicated: teamwork is all about the team. Believe in yourself, be human, play your motivational tune, keep your networks wide and...laugh whenever you can. Gung Ho: off we go! (Mandy loves these 2 books: Gung Ho by Ken Blanchard and SUMO by Paul McGee)
S2 E22 · Fri, February 05, 2021
22. Continuous Improvement for Relationships
Send us a text "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." (Jack Pena). As much as lifelong friendships are formed in great workplaces, so too are bruises from the bad ones. It is remarkable the impact that our relationships at work has on our experience and success. As part of the first generation of Post Pandemic Leaders (you heard it here first) we suggest bringing a foxy fresh mindset to our relationships. Regardless of current professional circumstance, your relationships in life influence - if not determine - your future. We build on the wisdom from the established Six Sigma world of Continuous Improvement: could it be time to take our 6R approach to create optimal work relationships!
S2 E21 · Fri, January 29, 2021
21. Celebrating Success Moments
Send us a text The quickest way to lift our mood and motivation is to notice and celebrate successes. When working remotely we may need to consciously remember to practice this because much of our effort may now be unseen - we have to ring our own bell! Noticing the RARA moments (recognition, achievement, reward & advancement) amid the disruption keeps us moving onwards and upwards. We share practical tips to bring a bit of self-sizzle in your own life. With remote teamship likely to continue for the foreseeable this is a skill worth practising and role-modelling. "Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you" (extract from Marianne Williamson's wonderful poem Our Greatest Fear - link here: https://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/stories/williamson.ourdeepestfear.invitation )
S2 E20 · Fri, January 22, 2021
20. Staying On Purpose
Send us a text You can just tell when someone is living on purpose - they ooze an energy which is catching! This week we are joined by Jaz Gill who set up his charity HOPE (help out people everywhere) and has helped thousands of people to have a better day. Listening to how his everyday choices and actions link to his purpose is energising. It reminds us the power of taking action to make positive change and impact on others.
S2 E19 · Fri, January 15, 2021
19. Lifting Team Morale
Send us a text When the humans are struggling, it can be inspiring to look at nature and learn how animals work together to handle challenge and progress forward. On their annual migration geese travel up to 3000 miles and they do this through continuous teamwork, communication and dedication to keeping the flock in formation. Animals instinctively know that teamwork is a team effort - requiring shifts, swaps and swoops to avoid fatigue and initiate momentum. The same goose does not lead from the front for the whole journey. It recognises when it is time to shift position to restore energy and honk the team from behind. We share tips for keeping the team energised for this next stretch if the monotony is kicking in: You've flocking got this!
S2 E16 · Fri, January 08, 2021
18. Kickstarting Personal Motivation
Send us a text As the marathon of change and uncertainty rolls on, recognising the need to balance motivation with equal amounts of resilience can make all the difference. We share practical ideas to help shift from drama to calmer when the going gets tough. It boils down to choice.
S1 E17 · Wed, December 30, 2020
17. Jumpstart Your January
Send us a text It’s amazing how different we feel when we have a clearer focus and worked out a simple plan of action. We share practical tips for gathering your thoughts, hopes and dreams to set up for the best year possible for you. As we discover- having a plan to fall on to is the best way to recover focus and confidence when there’s a setback!
S1 E16 · Wed, December 23, 2020
16. Your Christmas Your Way
Send us a text If xmas is going to be a bit wonky for you this year, maybe this is a chance to focus on probably the best xmas gift in 2020... to be present. Sometimes we set ourselves up with a much pressure for things to be perfect, when often it’s the smallest things that actually create the feelings of home. Join us for a 15 min as we share tips to set yourself up for a great MidWinter Festival 2020!
S1 E15 · Fri, December 18, 2020
15. Setting Your Purpose & Values
Send us a text It’s said we make on average 35,000 decisions each day- and that’s just during standard times, let alone times of unpredictable change! Join us we discuss a step by step practical approach to setting your purpose and values- a powerful way to unlock positive energy and help make decisions with confidence. This is 20 minutes to work on you.
S1 E14 · Fri, December 11, 2020
14. Starting From Scratch
Send us a text Starting out from scratch - whatever the task- requires energy and vision. It can really inspire us when we listen to other people’s stories of accomplishments and experiences. We are joined this week by our very special guest Mandy Philpott who has grown her Body Shop at Home business to revenues nearing £120 million and a remote-based sales team exceeding 40,000 people. She shares her leadership DNA, her emphasis on teamwork and her energy exudes from the mic. You cant help but feel energised once you’ve listened to Mandy!
S1 E13 · Fri, December 04, 2020
13. Liberate Your Inner Leader
Send us a text The World Economic Forum predicts that self-management will be a premium skill for 2025. How well we handle ourselves, take the lead in situations and transfer learning from one situation to another has proved to be a useful skillset for 2020. Whether we are in a formal management position or not, this year has tested our skills and developed strengths that combine to create a valuable set of leadership qualities. With the right mindset and language, these disruptive conditions could create fresh and fulfilling new career opportunities ahead. Time to liberate your inner leader and think big for 2021...
S1 E12 · Fri, November 27, 2020
12. Everyday Mindset Maintenance
Send us a text Continuing waves of change and disruption can impact our energy levels and make us feel lethargic, listless and low. Just like with teeth, practising good 'mental hygiene' as part of an everyday maintenance routine is essential to keep us healthy and feeling good. Simple morning and evening rituals can transform our perception of the day ahead and in turn boost our energy and motivation. In this episode we cover practical tips and tools for keeping a positive mindset: just a few minutes each day can make a world of difference.
S1 E11 · Fri, November 20, 2020
11. Feeling Successful During Uncertainty
Send us a text How we feel about starting 2021 will be largely influenced by how we end 2020. With just a matter of weeks to go until the calendar year changes, this is a good opportunity to regain any lost control and take charge of your life. When life is unpredictable and uncertain this can make it tricky to plan - but if we switch our achievement focus from outcome to input, then there is always something positive to build upon. How we feel tomorrow, starts today. We share practical ideas to feel more positive and successful. Some times we need to slow down to go faster.
S1 E10 · Fri, November 13, 2020
10. Keeping Professional Whilst Remote
Send us a text The reality of remote-working is that a setback, challenge or conflict can impact us more when we are working in our own home. It takes self awareness and boundary-management to not take things personally when you are sitting in your personal space. We discuss how to create and maintain work/life balance to ensure we don't fall into the trap of over-working. If familiarity breeds contempt, variety is good to maintain professional standards as well as our self esteem during uncertainty and change.
S1 E9 · Fri, November 06, 2020
9. Creating Team Spirit & Resilience
Send us a text Join us as we discuss real-life resilience tips. We share and ideas to boost your own morale and create and generate team spirit. Shifting from the 'big gestures' to creating small 'campfire conversations' people is how we can set ourselves and our teams up for winter remote working.
S1 E8 · Thu, October 29, 2020
8. Wake Up & Smell The Silicon - Recreating a Disrupted Career
Send us a text The 2020's was always going to be a shape-shifting one for the employment landscape. The pandemic has created jolts of change that has destroyed - so therefore in turn, could liberate - millions of career plans. Join us as we scan the career horizon for current and emerging trends. We suggest a touch of due diligence before investing time and energy in following a particular career path. Sometimes we are blinkered by old perceptions and beliefs about work which can limit our vision and potential. We are never too young to lead or too young to learn (Kofi Annan)
S1 E7 · Thu, October 22, 2020
7. 2020 Revision - reflect and prepare
Send us a text In a short space of time we have seen a complete transformation in how we work, interact and live. Such is the pace of change, any training material created pre-Feb 2020 around classic topics e.g. mindset, communication, leadership and motivation requires an update. Since March 2020 Debs and I have been creating and circulate original future-focused tips, techniques and concepts to support people to thrive and transform through change. Join us as we reflect on our content journey since March 2020. We summarise the highlights which we also hope inspires you to join us in taking a moment to pause, reflect and acknowledge all the new learning and skills gained this year.
S1 E6 · Thu, October 15, 2020
6. Winter Wellness Planning for Remote Working
Send us a text As millions settle in to a first winter of remote-working, we chat about how to set yourself up well for the change in season and make it work for you. We suggest ideas for how managers can set up their teams well for winter-working to take advantage of daylight where possible. We also share advice for anyone who is job-seeking remotely during the winter months can keep cheery and well. There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing!
S1 E5 · Fri, October 09, 2020
5. Helping Introverts & Extroverts to Thrive
Send us a text As many organisations plan to settle in to remote-working as a full/part time norm, for the first time since the modern workplace, we are seeing the world of work tilt towards the preferences of an introvert. We explore how introverts and extroverts can thrive and get the best out of each other when working remotely. If 'extroverts sparkle, introverts glow’ we could be the ideal ying to each others yang.
S1 E4 · Thu, October 01, 2020
4. Handling a Sudden Shift in Status
Send us a text Debs & Lau in conversation about keeping professionally confident and assured during times of unpredictable change. Experienced people have found themselves starting out again either in new roles or organisations and this has been an unexpected step in their career plan. But, sometimes a step back creates the fall forward that propels you faster...
S1 E3 · Fri, September 25, 2020
3. Confidence as a Mid-Life Learner
Send us a text “Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still" (C hinese Proverb) Practical advice for anyone needing a confidence boost as they start out on a new phase of their career in these changing times. Help for getting into a learning mindset and feeling fresh in the new game no matter how many working years behind you.
S2 E2 · Thu, September 17, 2020
2. Connection & Rapport Despite the Divide
Send us a text “No-one was ever offended by being cared about too much.” Practical advice for anyone needing a confidence boost ahead of stepping back in to the office premises or meeting the team for the first time. Help for new starters or returning furloughers.
S6 E1 · Fri, September 11, 2020
1. Shedding the Imposter Syndrome
Send us a text This episode focuses on the concept of Imposter Syndrome. Searching for this term in Google generates about 5,890,000 results in 0.51 seconds. It certainly has become a ‘thing’ so we explore how this has become a ‘trend’ to then challenge it by creating some alternative perspectives. We suggest practical concepts to shed it and maximise your true potential.
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