Episodes
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In this episode of Coach Class, I catch up with Simon Eyles, Managing Director of Betty's. We discuss Simon’s professional journey, leadership insights, and his transition from various food industries to his current role.
Simon reflects on the overwhelming scale and energy when he joined Asda compared to his previous roles, emphasising how each position, from beer and dairy to chips and chocolate, followed his passion for food.
He credits many mentors for shaping his leadership style, highlighting their exceptional listening skills and supportive nature. Key figures who invested time in understanding and developing his potential.
Simon underscores the importance of resilience and learning from failures, sharing experiences with unsuccessful TV ads and product launches. He emphasises that senior roles involve asking good questions rather than having all the answers. This perspective aligns with his belief in the value of mistakes as learning opportunities.
Discussing his journey into formalising his coaching skills, Simon describes a transformative 12-month course that enhanced his listening and engagement abilities. He learned to be fully present in conversations, appreciating the power of silence and reflective questioning.
Simon also highlights the significance of regular team reflections on behaviour, performance, and trust. He believes that focusing on relationships and self-awareness within teams leads to exceptional results.
Although not actively seeking clients at the moment, Simon enjoys coaching and envisions it playing a larger role in his future, emphasising its personal satisfaction and developmental impact.
Our conversation provides valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the importance of continuous personal and professional growth.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Boasting over two decades of executive leadership across various sectors, Chris is now at the helm of Corkcicle, a brand known for its innovative and eco-friendly lifestyle products. Under his stewardship, Corkcicle has seen a remarkable 50% growth over the last three years, while maintaining a sharp focus on sustainability.
Previously, as a senior leader at LLBean, Chris spearheaded a team of over 2,000, driving significant advancements across e-commerce and retail channels, both domestically and internationally. His expertise in global retail, strategic marketing, e-commerce, and international business is matched by an inspiring leadership style that fosters unity, innovation, and growth.
Known for a collaborative communication approach, he has a unique ability to engage teams, encourage partnership, and drive significant organisational change.
Throughout the conversation, we explore several critical themes that will resonate deeply with professional coaches, mentors, and leaders striving to make a meaningful impact.
The Path to Authentic Leadership: Chris articulates his leadership philosophy, underlining the importance of authenticity, respect, and clarity. His approach to leadership emphasises empowering individuals to exceed their perceived limitations by setting clear objectives and fostering an environment of trust and respect.
The Art of Planning for Agility: Chris advocates for detailed planning not as a constraint but as a means to achieve greater agility in decision-making and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Mentorship and Its Lasting Impact: Reflecting on his experiences, Chris highlights the profound effect that mentorship has had on his career and how he, in turn, aims to inspire and support others.
Being Present and Mindful: I share my personal revelation on the importance of being present, especially in coaching contexts. Our discussion sheds light on the transformative power of active listening and creating a supportive space for growth and discovery.
Wisdom and Reflection: We discuss the evolution of our understanding of leadership, the acquisition of wisdom, and the advice we would offer our younger selves.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Missing episodes?
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Joy Cosgrove is a UK and Ireland based Retail Learning Consultant & Personal Coach. She has years of hands on experience in the training room and on the shop floor, and I had the pleasure of training with her at Barefoot.
She is also the proud mum of three lovely kids, one of whom is a talented and powerful young woman. Who, as it happens has Down Syndrome.
I was struck by a post Joy shared on LinkedIn the other day - a powerful film of a young woman with Downs ordering a margarita at a bar. Take the time to watch it here.
Created by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) - a national non-profit organisation focused upon human rights, health, social participation, inclusive education and employment for those with Down syndrome - they describe the film by saying:
"Our negative assumptions about people with Down syndrome can lead us to treat them in such a way that these assumptions become reality. In sociology, this is called a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy.’ Why not reverse our perspectives? If we have positive assumptions about people with Down syndrome, they will have opportunities at school, at work, in relationships, and other activities. And maybe these positive assumptions will become reality."
It really struck a chord and inspired me to spend the most amazing half hour discussing this and other assumptions we make as leaders about our people and their abilities to succeed.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Rosie and Claire first met over a lunch where they shared their stories about belonging, culture, leadership and coaching. Their ambitions were to create cultures where people felt they didn’t have to be something they weren’t, they were confident to speak up and contribute and leaders brought out the best in their people. Toegther they founded Flying Iguana.
The unique backgrounds of Rosie and Claire and how their experiences inform their approach to coaching and team development.The significance of listening and understanding within teams to facilitate better teamwork and leadership.The concept of "flying iguana" as a metaphor for adaptability and change, highlighting the necessity for individuals and teams to adapt to their changing environments.Various challenges teams face, such as conflict, lack of self-awareness, and the need for a supportive and adaptive leadership style.Practical advice for leaders to improve team dynamics and achieve more effective team collaboration.
In this podcast we cover various topics related to leadership, team dynamics, coaching, and personal growth. Both Rosie and Claire have a wealth of experience in HR and team facilitation across different industries, including the music industry, television, banking, and sports. They delve into the importance of adapting to change, the strengths within teams, the need for self-awareness, and the benefits of effective communication.
Key points include:Rosie and Claire emphasise the idea that teams benefit most when they recognise and leverage each member's strengths, encouraging a culture of mutual respect and empathy.
Effective leadership involves guiding teams through changes and challenges, rather than managing them in a directive manner.
Our discussion underscores the value of coaching and targeted interventions to foster team effectiveness, adaptability, and overall performance.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Professor Ralph Tench is the Director of Research for Leeds Business School and the elected President and Head of the Board of Directors for the European Public Relations Research and Education Association (EUPRERA).
The Power of Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Ralph emphasised the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. His career trajectory, from journalism to PR, and then academia, exemplifies the need to evolve continually. "You need to be flexible within that the skill sets you require," Tench remarked, highlighting the essence of staying relevant in the ever-evolving PR landscape.Practical Experience is Invaluable: Reflecting on the blend of theory and practice in our education, Tench noted, "the power, of course, was this great blend of theory and practice." This balance is crucial in PR, where understanding theoretical frameworks is as important as applying them in real-world scenarios.Ethics and Responsibility: In an era where manipulation of information is easier than ever, Tench stressed the importance of ethics in communication. "Understanding what our responsibilities are in those roles as well," he said, is fundamental in ensuring that our PR practices contribute positively to society.The Significance of Networking and Mentorship: My career, significantly influenced by Ralph's guidance, underscores the value of building a robust network and seeking mentorship. These relationships not only provide opportunities but also enrich our professional journey with diverse perspectives.International Exposure and Cultural Sensitivity: Tench's work and experiences abroad reinforce the importance of international exposure. Understanding different cultures and global market dynamics is crucial for PR professionals in a globalised world. "It's an absolute passion of mine to get out of the restrictive, nationalistic," Tench shared, emphasising the broadened horizons that come with international experiences.
He was one of my tutors at Leeds Met back in 1994, having left the field of journalism and advertising and ventured into academia. The girls loved him, the lads loved him, everyone loved Ralph.
In this podcast we reflect on the last 30 years (nearly), and how he helped me get my first job, was my tutor for my dissertation - and no doubt the reason I got a first for it - and now, a fairly regular beer companion.
We cover a wide range of topics, from Ralph's personal history and experience to a broader discussion on the field of communications, education, and the impact of technology.
Ralph shares his journey from his early education and various roles in communications and academia to his current position and interests. They discuss the importance of practical learning, the value of international experiences, and the evolving nature of the communications industry.
The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by technology, the importance of ethics in communication, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Prof Tench emphasises the significance of networking, mentorship, and continuous learning throughout one's career.
Here are five key themes from our conversation that stand as guiding principles for a successful career:Prof. Ralph Tench's journey and insights are a testament to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of PR.
As others navigate their paths in this field, let his experiences and wisdom guide you toward a career marked by adaptability, ethical practice, continuous learning, and a gIf you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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In a follow up to the podcast I recorded with my dad last October, in this episode I am pleased to introduce you to 'the mother, 'Josie Burch, my mum, whose life story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of believing in yourself.
Our conversation is rich with personal anecdotes and pearls of wisdom, as we delve into the experiences from her upbringing in Dunmurry Northern Ireland, to her impactful work in social causes, offering invaluable insights into the essence of leading a purposeful life.
Josie's early life in a working-class family laid the foundation for her strong sense of community and responsibility. Four sisters who shared a room, didn't have much, but their upbringing instilled a profound understanding of the importance of support networks, not material possessions. She was educated by nuns, and the only girl in the village to pass her 11+ and get packed off to the convent.
We also explore my mum's contributions to social causes, notably her involvement in HIV/AIDS awareness and helping establish needle exchanges. Her commitment to this cause is powerfully conveyed and highlights the transformative power of empathy and education in combating the stigma and misinformation that existed back then.
My mum's reflections on personal resilience and self-determination are particularly striking. Faced with adversity, she maintained a steadfast belief in her ability to effect change. She felt different and special. This philosophy not only guided her through difficult times but also served as a beacon for her community work, inspiring others to take initiative in their lives and surroundings.
Throughout the podcast, my mum's musings on her life, the opportunities she had and took, but also on death and for people to be able to die with dignity, show that in spite of her age (81 this weekend) she's not given up on campaigning for what's right or having her voice heard regardless of whether you want to listen or not!
I'd love to know what you think.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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In this, my 50th podcast, I welcome back Steve Smith, who was my first guest on Coach class nearly three years ago. Steve shares valuable insights into leadership and life, being your authentic self whether you're washing the car, buying a bagel or appearing on stage as the CEO of Maine's most famous brand L.L.Bean. With a break from the norm, we also take questions from Coach Class listeners who admire Steve or were positively influenced by him when he was at Asda and Walmart - like Gal who asks what his book will be about, Tope who asks about authentic leadership, and Sean who is curious about the transition from CMO to CEO.
Longevity in Leadership: Steve reflects on his eight years at L.L.Bean, emphasising the rarity of such a tenure in the retail industry (he's lasted 3X longer than the average CEO), and how each year has presented unique challenges and learning opportunities.Team Dynamics and Culture: Steve highlights the importance of building a team with trust, respect, and candour. He stresses the significance of each team member being the best in their field and the impact of a positive work environment on overall performance.Adapting to Crisis and Change: Our conversation delves into the challenges posed by COVID, US politics, climate change, and social justice issues. Steve discusses how these events have reshaped the role of leadership and required adaptability and resilience.Energy Management and Emotional Intelligence: Steve speaks about managing different types of energy (physical, intellectual, emotional) as a leader, especially in light of the global pandemic and societal issues. He mentions the importance of empathetically understanding and addressing team members' emotional needs.Authentic Leadership Principles: Transparency, empathy, and integrity are highlighted as core principles of Steve's leadership approach. He emphasises the need for authenticity, being the same person in all settings, and the importance of aligning actions with these values.Career Development and his 'Backpack' Analogy: Finally Steve shares his 'backpack' analogy, which involves methodically gathering skills and experiences throughout one's career and life, and the necessity of reflection in this process.
We cover a wide variety of themes including:Steve's honesty and openness is refreshing. He's warm and generous, not least to me, but also to everyone seemingly he has ever met.
Finally I promised in the podcast to provide a link to his recent appearance on NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me (fast forward to 20 mins).If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Tony Page is a turnaround specialist and an expert in solving distress situations particularly for private equity-backed businesses. He is also a transformative leadership mentor and coach.
He started his career as a fresh produce buyer at Sainsbury's. But really cut his teeth at Asda in the mid 90s and early naughties.
In our podcast he reflects on those early days describing how Asda's culture of freedom and rule-breaking inspired him.
"Asda just gave you that ability to break rules. And I hadn't realised how many rules I enjoy breaking". Looking back he recognises how it made him appreciate a more dynamic and less restrictive corporate environment.
Tony emphasises the importance of being authentic in the workplace. He believes that authenticity fosters a more genuine and productive environment. He says, "Being your authentic self in work... is so important, because I think then people are going to be authentic to you".
He also shares his perspective on coaching and mentoring, differentiating between the two. While he values the coaching process, he admits to being more inclined towards mentoring for quicker results in a business context. He explains, "Mentoring just feels a bit more like you can get to the answer quicker".
We discuss how personal experiences and vulnerabilities play a crucial role in leadership and coaching. He recounts an instance with his daughter and how it influenced his understanding of patience and personal growth, "It's amazing how people, in her case, my daughter, just found her own way".
Tony is a leader who values freedom, authenticity, and practicality in his professional and personal life. His approach to leadership and mentoring is shaped by his experiences, emphasising the importance of adapting and being true to yourself.
Take a listen and let me know what you think. We could have easily talked for another hour or so, and maybe we will. There's a book in there somewhere, itching to get out.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Claire is the Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op. Prior to the Co-op, she worked across Asda and Walmart for 23 years, setting up, establishing and leading the procurement team. As well as sharing learning and experiences with wider Walmart international markets to grow procurement support and influence, Claire also held a UK-based role leading the US IT Sourcing team, working remotely with teams across four countries.
Claire started her career as a factory accountant at Smith and Nephew, and shares her experiences in finance, procurement, and people management, highlighting the transitions and skills learned along the way.
She emphasises the importance of adaptability and learning in different roles. During her time at Asda, we discuss the importance of culture, team dynamics, and explore her movement from finance to procurement, and more recently her transition into a people-focused role at Coop. She describes how her previous experiences influence her approach to this role.Our conversation touches upon the corporate culture at Asda and Coop, with Claire noting similarities in values and community focus. She also talks about the challenges and opportunities in aligning with corporate values.
We then discuss the evolving nature of work, especially in the context of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. And explore how these changes impact team dynamics and leadership approaches.
Throughout the discussion, Claire provides personal insights into her career choices, the importance of taking risks, and the value of understanding different facets of a business. She advocates for career breaks, reflecting on her own experience and the benefits it brought to her professional and personal life.
Finally towards the end, Claire shares her excitement for upcoming projects and initiatives at Coop, particularly focusing on inclusion and belonging. She also briefly touches on her personal life, discussing her children and her impending 'empty nester' status.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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After trail blazing in flexible working within their organisations, Chloe Fletcher and Laura Walker came together as a jobsharing pair in 2021. After repeatedly being asked to share tips and advice, and realising the gap in knowledge of the benefits and practicalities of jobsharing, The Jobshare Revolution was born.
They now offer inspiration, advice and consultancy support to help organisations to drive gender equity through jobsharing. Alongside this, they continue their Senior Finance role as a jobsharing pair.
After starting her career at Deloitte, Laura joined Asda as an entry level management accountant and progressed to Senior Director over a 10 year period including roles in Accounting, Commercial Finance and Head of Internal AuditAs an advocate for social justice, Laura is hugely passionate about her roles as trustee and treasurer of both Citizens Advice Leeds and Older Citizens Advocacy York. She is also believes in sport for mental health and spends most of her free time running and cycling.
Chloe trained on the Cadbury Finance Graduate Scheme and progressed rapidly through the ranks, ultimately leading the Supply Chain finance team. She joined Asda to lead Ambient Logistics Finance and had a varied career, including Finance Director for George Clothing.
Chloe led the "Free Range Finance" programme to transform flexible working at Asda - which sparked a passion to do more. Outside of work, Chloe is a huge advocate of wellbeing and self development - as the Trustee of a mental health charity and a personal development coach.
We discuss the ins and outs of jobsharing from the perspective of the individuals themselves, for managers and employers, and tackle some of the myths about the higher cost, lower productivity and difficulties in how to appraise two different people sharing the same job.
It's a fascinating discussion and one in which I became even more of an advocate for flexible working weeks and jobsharing as a way of keeping highly motivated and skilled workers in the economy for longer. It is mainly women who will benefit, due to childcare and maternity leave - but jobsharing is for everyone and every role.
I wish them the best of luck as they embark on this new venture together, they want to change the world for the better, and I can't wait to see how they get on.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Where do you start, when you interview your own dad. An inspirational leader and coach in his own right, albeit a university lecturer and football team coach, rather than the type I normally interview.
Lucky to survive his birth, his aunt Agnes nursed him for the first three weeks of his life, then fortunate to survive a heart attack when just 44, he is 80 tomorrow. His own father died when he was six, and as a result he lived a fairly solitary life with few friends, until he went to university in Belfast, where he met my mum (she's my next interview).
He was awarded an OBE for services to science, and throughout a glittering career was a world-leading, actually still is a world-leading chemistry professor. A friend of the earth, he is an inventor of catalysts that take nasty things out of pesticides and petrol and diesel engines. A pioneer in the research around hydrogen and until Covid closed him down - he was exploring the role of biofuels to power large vehicles.
There's so much more I could say, but instead, why not grab a cuppa and take a listen.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Neil Nugent is a professional chef and food innovation expert, having left school at 16 and worked his way up through professional kitchens in his home town, then London, then across the world.
He then entered the retail sector, innovating new food ranges at Asda, then Waitrose, Morrisons and Iceland.
He now develops his own range of food - Panku - that is sold in many of the major grocery retailers. He also works alongside Gino D'Acampo personally selecting food ingredients from Italy.
Neil is passionate about food, but also reflective on the skills and experience he's had throughout his career and how it has stood him in good stead.
Working hard, working through adversity, but always seeking to have fun and be kind to people.
"Have a bit of fun and be kind, don't get angry or fall out with people, give everybody a chance and it will all come back to you in the end."
Asda taught him a lot about how to manage people, and how to manage himself.
Since then his career has twisted and turned through a variety of retailers, and enabled him to build his own successful business, which keeps him occupied and inspired. He loves food as much today as he always had.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Dave Barber is an experienced internal comms professional and colleague engagement expert.
He cut his teeth in retail, having studied supply chains and worked his way through various logistics roles at Asda.
Seeking a change of scene, he took a maternity role cover in the colleague comms department and immediately found his passion for internal comms.
After leaving Asda six years ago he set up his own consultancy, taking the plunge into self-employment, while helping companies with their own communications strategies.
He also founded the LinkedIn networking group the Asda Underworld, which now boasts over 500 former employees who meet both virtually and in the real world (normally upstairs in the Adelphi for those in the know).
Dave is a charming guy, and in great demand from former colleagues who saw him operate at Asda and now want him to do for their new organisations, what he did previously.
But to do so, companies also need to adopt the same approach to listening and hearing what colleagues think, rather than relying on one way communication.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Stuart is the chief people officer at Zenith the UK's leading independent leasing, fleet management and vehicle outsourcing business. He's also a qualified business and executive coach.
He joined Zenith from Virgin Health Care, where he was chief people officer before transitioning to chief operating officer. He has also held senior people roles at Costcutter, Morrisons and Asda.
He joined Asda at the tender age of 16 working on the shopfloor where he learned the importance of good people management, involving people in decisions, respecting their opinions.
Stuart says people make or break teams. You don't have a strategy or culture or products or services without people.
Asda was both challenging and caring - it had a ruthless focus on performance, but also cared about its people. He was pushed really hard to deliver, but when his dad passed away he was flown down to the south coast to be there in person when it really mattered.
Retailers tend to be customer-centric, but Asda was very grounded and down to earth and kept things simple. They truly value colleagues at every level - something Stuart has taken with him into every business. At the time it gave him real confidence at a young age to have an opinion and a point of view.
He's most proud of the work he's done at Zenith on diversity, particularly on women in leadership. Taking inspiration from people like Emma Fox and Amanda Cox (both previous guests on Coach Class).If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Martin Benefer has a passion for human development and loves to help people achieve their potential, both personally and within their career.
He's a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), with a Postgraduate Certificate in Business & Personal Coaching and over 1,000 hours of coaching practice, supporting more than 300 clients. He's also a Coaching Tutor at Barefoot where he trains new coaches, and occasionally, like me, turns up to new training courses, which is where we met.
A couple of weeks ago we attended a Barefoot course called Psychology for Coaches: Existential, Developmental and Buddhist with Julian Humphreys.
A three week course, each session covered a different area of psychology, with an hour or so of pre-reading required in advance. In this podcast Martin and I reflect on what we learned, what we rediscovered, what stuck with us and what's still swirling around.
Martin has a background in health and wellness, is a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) and has degrees in Sport Science (BSc) and Human Nutrition (MMedSci).He also practices martial arts. He compares coaching to what he learned many years ago from martial arts: if you're sparring and your focus is on what you're about to do (and not them) you're probably about to get hit!
The tendency as new coaches to plan, prepare and focus on your notes means you're not focused on them. He's always found the best preparation is be present, everything else just gets in the way. Trust that you know what you need to know.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Ben Cooke is a highly accomplished coach and agile delivery professional with more than 15 years experience.
He helps businesses, teams and individuals to respond to an ever-changing business environment through coaching, training, consultancy, mentoring and facilitation.
Outside of his client work, he is also a long-distance runner, and is interested in electronic music and contemporary art, having once had to build online ticketing sites for the likes of the Arctic Monkeys.
In this podcast we talk about what it means to be an agile coach and how the world of coaching informs his consultancy work. Ben has supported organisations across a wide range of industries, in both the private and public sectors.
He's worked with start-ups to scale-ups, to global household names. '
Borrrowing the client's watch to tell them the time' is a jibe often thrown at consultants, but in Ben's experience sometimes clients really do just want to you to tell them what time it is.
Speaking of time, I recorded this back in April and it's taken me a whole month to edit and post it! So apologies about that lovely listener.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Jayne is a coach, author and burnout retreat organiser and host. She is also the author of Burnout to Brilliance and the Co-Founder of Balanceology, specialising in the prevention and recovery of workplace burnout.
With 15 years experience specialising in burnout prevention, recovery and culture change consultancy, Jayne is a fellow recovering burnee (is that a word?).
She experienced burn out herself while working at a major UK corporation - the BBC. Since launching her practice in London’s Harley Street, she's helped hundreds of individuals recover from burnout and numerous organisations prevent absenteeism due to chronic stress.
She's lived and worked in Belgium, Germany, Japan, Spain and the UAE. But now lives in Bristol near the sea which allows her to host 121 and team sessions, bringing nature into her restorative work with clients.
Jayne has helped numerous organisations prevent burnout absenteeism, presenteeism and leavism.
She also supports businesses looking to transition from their existing hierarchal management structure to more sociocratic system using the adoption of models such as Holacracy, Teal and Sociocracy.
In this podcast we compare notes on burning out early in our careers and what has brought us both to coaching.
It really felt like a meeting of minds, so much so that our conversation has continued since, with me taking to poetry of all things...If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Frances Lee-Rogers is the founder of Butterfly Development, a professional coaching organisation.
She's spent the best part of 18 years working in HR for large corporate companies across several industries, including Professional Services, Aerospace, Logistics and the Public Sector. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in HR and Employment Law, and is qualified in Psychometric and Personality Testing (SHL).
In the latter part of her HR career Fran supported Directors and their leadership teams to help them implement change. She also has experience supporting high profile organisational wide projects in highly ambiguous circumstances, so understands the pressures on senior executives and their teams.
"Helping individuals and teams develop has always been a passion of mine so it was a logical next step for me to set up my own business focusing on helping individuals and groups achieve their potential through coaching."
In this podcast we discuss how Fran approaches coaching, and how her dog walking business that she set up after leaving corporate life taught her a lot about reflecting and being in nature.
Three words define her approach, discover, transform, fly - much a like a butterfly. Fran cares passionately about sustainability and doing her bit to make the planet a better place for her nieces and nephews in the next decade.
She describes herself as a persistent optimist. Listen in to find out why.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Jon is a self-styled agile coach who works with teams, organisations and leaders so they can understand themselves better and improve the ways they work together.
Offering 1 to 1 coaching, team coaching and facilitation, Jon is a professionally certified coach (ICF PCC) .
He is also a passionate advocate of Agile Software Delivery, with substantial practical experience as a lead developer, Scrum Master, project manager, and software consultant for a variety of clients in the financial and IT services sectors as well as in the public sector.He provides highly interactive training courses and workshops including:
Introduction to all things agileScrum master trainingFacilitation skillsVisual facilitationCoaching skills for managers/leadersIn this podcast we reflect on our recent Barefoot supervision, the power of spending time with like-minded professionals and the restorative nature of doing so. We also discuss Jon's superpowers, and what he feels is in front of him now.
Jon was drawn into coaching by Geoff Watts, who alongside Kim Morgan (who I interviewed previously - season 1, episode 26) wrote 'The Coaches Casebook' - a must read for all professionally practising or budding wannabe coaches.
Jon tends to be a creative coach, he uses visual facilitation and he uses Lego quite a lot, enabling clients or teams to reconnect with their inner child. He quotes fellow coach Sorrel (who I interviewed previously - season 1 episode 30) - who once said 'coaching is reconnecting people to the wisdom they had as children.' A lovely notion.
Listen to the podcast to hear the rest of Jon's thoughts and our conversation together.If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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Joy Cosgrove a retail training consultant and coach. Based in Ireland Joy started off studying psychology, mentored by Dr Sharon Lambert - then did her PhD in Edinburgh before ending up in retail for major brands like Harrods and Selfridges.
Sharon encouraged Joy to stop, listen and question - which led her to an addiction to coaching and opened so many doors. She is so thankful for that moment.
Since graduating from Barefoot, Joy offers both personal coaching and group training. She has a couple of clients interested in divorce coaching, and people approaching retirement.
She studied labels back in 2007 before the explosion of neurodiversity awareness - something that I have taken more notice of recently.
In this podcast we reflect on the labels that people are given or they give themselves. And how we interact with them, how they can limit us, how we wear them.
Joy is an extremely generous human which comes out in spades in this conversation.
I reflect on when someone asked me at a meeting 'who are you?', rather than 'what do you do?'. it made me really think about we short-hand label ourselves with the things that we earn a living from.
Joy thinks about how our value set emerges when you hear that question. Who are you? It cracks all of your brain open.
Which brings us round to discussing the essays we need to write for the PD Cert in coaching at Chester Uni. Who are you as a coach?
Listen to find out who we are...If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter
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