Episodes
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This is a first! Recording in front of a live audience at Google HQ for part of the fantastic Alliance of Independent Agencies' Festival of Happiness was exciting if not slightly daunting. But my guest, Jaye Cowle of award-winning company Launch, was an absolute delight to talk with.
Why listen? You get to hear about why Launch won the 'Independent Agency Purpose Award' recently. And that's not something to be sniffed at.
Spoiler alert... it was about creating a happy performance agency, having a clear purpose, and setting out to measure the impact that work on culture has on performance.
Jaye shares how she went about leading that, what she learnt, and how she overcame some of the pitfalls along the way. She provides sound advice for other business leaders who are thinking of embarking on a similar journey to become industry leaders in the future.
More about Jaye:Jaye Cowle is the CEO & Founder of Launch, the happy performance agency. From kitchen table to £3m+, she has scaled Launch without investment and has set targets to double revenue in the next two years. Her ethos is happy people do great work. Jaye has created a high performing team at Launch by being a champion for both employee well-being and professional growth. Jaye speaks widely about leadership, team motivation, and building a thriving agency culture powered by happiness. Her infectious positivity and commitment to excellence makes her standout in the industry and a role model for female entrepreneurs. Under her guidance, Launch has become a trusted partner for brands looking to drive growth through their digital advertising and connect meaningfully with their potential customers. She sits on the Google Exec Circle as the only sole female founder.
Links to contact Jaye:LinkedIn:
Jaye Cowle
Launch
Website: www.launchonline.co.uk
Resources & ReferencesFor leaders and managers looking to develop their practice within their individual context, Labs are a brilliant opportunity to learn, experiment and evaluate, focused on the specific challenges you face. Find out more: Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Festival of Happiness 2024: Main stage panel session: ‘How Happy People Drive Performance'
People First for Business Success (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Psychological Safety (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us - Daniel H. Pink (amazon.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources
To be on the receiving...
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Did you know that the Social Metrics Commission found the current rate of poverty in the UK to be higher than at any other point in the 21st Century? A staggering 24% (nearly one in four) people in the UK are now judged to be in poverty.
That statistic means the impact of the financial crisis is likely to be closer to home than you may originally have thought. And with personal finances being an uncomfortable subject to talk about, the consequences can be significant. Distraction, anxiety and depression are all too common when people have money-worries.
So like anything, start with asking your employees what will help them. That's just one tip from Sophie Lodge of Eight Wealth Management who joins me to discuss a practical approach to financial wellbeing.
It's easy to fall into the trap of having the ideal 'support' mapped out, guessing what provision will be most impactful. But that approach can miss the mark. Sophie encourages us to think differently. Here she shares advice about how to reduce the stigma that surrounds money-talk and increase help that makes a real difference.
Listen or watch, and plan how you're going to ease a potentially stressful time for your workforce.
More about Sophie:Sophie Lodge is your big sister in finance, helping you feel comfortable and confident with your finances.
Links to contact Sophie:LinkedIn:
Sophie Lodge
Eight Wealth Management
Instagram: @sophie_financialadviser
Facebook: Eight Wealth Management Marlow
Website: Eight Wealth Management Marlow
Resources & ReferencesTackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Stress Mapping (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Never Just a Survey - Kieran Innes, Stribe (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Social Metrics Commission 2024 Report (socialmetricscommission.org.uk)
The Money Pizza by Fleur Iannazzo
Watch this episode on YouTube
For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources
To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn:
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Episodes manquant?
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Ever been accused of being a bully? Or of being terrifying? Maybe not. But maybe you have experienced feedback that has shocked you because it was not what you intended.
The void between what we want to communicate and how our communication lands can be enormous. Most of us haven't had the opportunity to learn about how we feedback and challenge. And when this vital part of developing communication skills is missing, it's left to chance that our ability to engage with others matches what we want.
Now imagine you're the person lower down the hierarchy trying to give feedback to that person with power. Whether we like it or not, hierarchies exist and they often become barriers to people speaking up. In this conversation with Miranda Williams we explore how to reduce those walls. We unpick strategies for both bosses to reduce their sense of authority, and those in their teams to step up and and use their own power.
In this episode of the Beyond the Water Cooler podcast, Miranda shares many stories from her own experience, identifying times she has got it wrong, how she has put it right, and what she has learnt on her journey to becoming the self-aware person she is today.
Miranda's stories will resonate - they're about being human and navigating the uncertain and uncomfortable territory of challenging conversations.
How actively are you embracing the opportunity to develop your practice and to empower those around you?
If you want to continue the conversation, reach out to us.
More about Miranda:Miranda Williams has 20+ years of leadership and management experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, with a strong focus on process improvement within Supply Chain Operations. She is a trained executive coach, and now runs her own coaching and consultancy practice. Miranda specialises in empowering individuals and teams to enhance their development, with particular focus in building confidence, fostering team dynamics, and improving influence and relationships within organisations.
Links to contact Miranda:LinkedIn: Miranda Williams
Resources & ReferencesLeadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Team discussion frameworks to help some conversations happen more easily:
itstimeforchange.co.uk/team-discussion-framework
itstimeforchange.co.uk/stress-mapping
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition Hardcover – 18 Nov. 2021 (amazon.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources
To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop:
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Fear.
Fatigue.
Are you stuck in a rut that is littered with surveys? It's often the go-to channel for getting to know what employees think, but there also barriers that can get in the way of these being effective.
Fatigue is just one of them.
Fear is another. The brave face doesn't simply disappear when presented with written questions to provide our opinions.
And that can be a BIG problem, especially for men. November is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and that prompted Kieran Innes of Stribe and I to have this conversation.
We talk about the barriers to feedback approaches. And Kieran shares a number of different methods that provide the opportunity to capture everyone's voice.
Unless we use a range of ways to hear what people have to say, we fail to demonstrate the importance of people being heard. That intention simply becomes empty words.
Are you really finding the best ways to put the feedback experience where your mouth is?
More about Kieran:Kieran Innes is the Founder and CEO of Stribe and Tootoot, two platforms dedicated to empowering voices in workplaces and schools. Stribe has transformed employee engagement with accessible anonymous surveys, while Tootoot gives thousands of children a safe anonymous way to report bullying and other worries directly to their schools.
Links to contact Kieran:LinkedIn:
Kieran Innes
stribehq
Website: stribehq.com
Instagram: @stribehq
X: @stribehq
Resources & ReferencesLeadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Failure to Succeed: A Leader’s View – with Mike Brennan (the other half of Tootoot and Stribe) (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Men's Mental Wellbeing Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Data Driven Decisions: Shaping the Future of Employee Mental Health (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources
To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Contact me:
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I love Tammy's phrase about wellbeing running through the veins of an organisation. When you achieve that, you are equipped to deal with any conversation that arises. And all because you start by putting people first.
That means being vulnerable and stepping into their space to learn about what someone else is experiencing and what they need.
18th October is menopause awareness day. It's a great time to remind you about the impact of menopause on women in leadership positions in your organisation.
And it's an even better time to remember the golden rule at work which is simply to demonstrate that you care.
Regardless of how people show up, being able to ask 2 questions can be a game changer...
1️⃣ What does someone's experience mean for them in terms of how it feels and impacts?
2️⃣ What do they need from you/the workplace to help them show up in the best way possible, in their circumstances?
Listen to the practical advice in this episode of the podcast to increase your confidence about speaking up and enabling others to have their voice heard.
Thank you Tammy Gee 😉
Good old 'getting people right to get business right'.
More about Tammy:Tammy Gee, is a BANT registered Nutritional Therapist (DipION, mBANT, CNHC) specialising in perimenopause and menopause, on a mission to increase conversation and education around hormone health in the workplace.
"The conversation is important not just in the private clinic setting but also within the corporate setting"
Tammy works with HR, Diversity & Inclusion, and Communication teams to produce support guides, policies, and strategies relating to menopause and menstrual health in the workplace. Tammy also offers a range of educational workshops, support sessions and wellbeing content for any organisations looking to support women's health in the workplace.
Links to contact Tammy:LinkedIn: tammygee
Website: www.sevencoloursofnutrition.co.uk
Facebook: sevencoloursofnutrition
Instagram: @sevencoloursofnutrition
Resources & ReferencesLeadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
Menopause and the Workplace (www.themenopausecharity.org)
69% [women in menopause] experienced difficulties with anxiety and depression - Landmark Study: Menopausal Women let down by Employers and Healthcare Providers - Fawcett Society
1 in 10 women leave their job due to menopause symptoms - Menopause and the Workplace report by the Fawcett Society and Channel 4, which polled 4,000 women aged 45-55.
For free resources that you can use for yourself or your team, check out: itstimeforchange.co.uk/category/resources
To be on the receiving end of new, free, downloadable resources, join the club here:
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"We not only need to work happy, we need to work at being happy." I love that quote by Shawn Achor.
So how are you working at that?
The Alliance of Independent Agencies have teamed up with Google to host an event that is dedicated to culture and high performance.
They recognise that leaders are navigating a rapid pace of change; the way people work has fundamentally changed. That's not just about where and when we work, but the types of activities that are ultimately draining our energy and sense of wellbeing.
And that presents a challenge for leaders and managers looking to engage their people.
Their Festival of Happiness is all about creating the right culture for high performance through a focus on happy people. And that's what Isabel Odlin and I discuss today.
Find out more about the festival and book your place here: Festival of Happiness
I'll be one of the live podcasters and part of a panel discussion on the day, so come and say hello!
In the meantime, tune into this conversation with Isy and consider how you are working to increase happiness in your workplace.
More about Isy:Isabel Odlin is the Chief People Officer at Hub, a marketing and live-streaming agency, and an ILM Level 7 senior coach. She has crafted people strategies, led change management programmes, and developed innovative learning and development plans for businesses in the private and third sectors. As a certified Facet5 practitioner, she helps individuals understand their personalities and working styles. She is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider, workplace wellbeing advocate, and a Chartered CIPD member. Additionally, Isy chairs the Alliance of Independent Agencies’ Wellbeing Action Group, fostering collaboration on agency culture and wellbeing.
Links to contact Isy:LinkedIn: Isabel Odlin
Websites:
allindependentagencies.org
www.hubagency.co.uk
Resources & ReferencesFestival of Happiness (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Are you making the most of the Happiness Advantage (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Alliance of Independent Agencies: Festival of Happiness
Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Watch this episode on YouTube
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop: itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Contact me: itstimeforchange.co.uk/contact
Email:
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This was a first and it was hilarious (just watch the outtake next week!).
Susan Ní Chríodáin and I got to record this episode of the podcast outside in the beautiful gardens at Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford, courtesy of Andrew Dickinson.
After some shenanigans we got to dive into her recently-published book, Leading Beyond the Numbers, which is all about how accounting for emotions tips the balance at work.
Who would have thought that my explanation of how imagination is our most misused resource would have made it into the book?!! You can listen to that conversation on Susan's podcast, Beyond the Numbers, here: Beyond The Numbers - Realise Your Vision (beyond-thenumbers.com)
Today, we explore what human beings and being human is all about and how that impacts on us at work. Susan explains the need to account for emotions, how we must reconcile the brain, body and behaviour, how we need to be rational AND emotional, and business sensibility via emotional regulation and integration.
The book is super easy to read, understand and apply. It is written in a way that is like listening to Susan telling us all about it during our conversation. I can almost hear her fabulous accent coming through the words. If you like what she has to say in the podcast, you'll love the book.
🎟️ Enter the draw to receive a free copy 📖 (UK only) by answering this question:
When we talk about being human and the importance of 'just being you', what causes a distraction to our recording?
The 7th person to send their correct answer to me via this link Get in Touch | It's time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk) will get a free copy in the post!!
In the meantime, listen to the sound advice that links emotions and organisational performance, or watch us in the best podcast setting here.
More about Susan:Susan Ní Chríodáin sits at the nexus of business and emotion. She founded her bespoke consulting, facilitation and coaching practice, Beyond the Numbers, to revolutionise workplaces so everyone can be at their best. Her career spans three continents and a range of diverse leadership positions. She is the author of the bestselling Leading Beyond the Numbers where she reveals how to reintroduce humanity into the workplace, for improved engagement and fulfilment, benefiting both individuals and organisations. She believes in the transformative power of in-depth, honest conversations that lead to aligned actions and meaningful change that delivers results. And she hosts the popular podcast, Life Beyond the Numbers that invites listeners to discover insights on how to have a more fulfilling work-life.
Links to contact Susan:LinkedIn: Susan Ní Chríodáin
Instagram: @susan.ni.chriodain
X: @S_Ni_C
Website:
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Gregg Brown doesn't hold back!!
We took a different approach on this episode of the podcast. Instead of the where-the-conversation-goes-nobody-knows conversation I usually have with guests, Gregg and I discussed a number of statements.
⚠️ Everyone wants to know what the future of work is.
⚠️ Disruption is necessary for work to evolve.
⚠️ Taking action requires the right mindset.
⚠️ We need to get out of our comfort zone.
⚠️ Leadership is something that we can measure.
⚠️ Psychological safety is not a business term.
What do you think?
Our responses might not be what you believe they would or should be.
This conversation is about these important topics that we must understand and consciously engage with if we want organisations to be future ready.
Those of you who know me will know that I'm a fan of taking statements like these, putting them on the table with your team and unpicking what they mean to you. It's a great place to start to increase clarity and alignment in your practice going forward.
We dive into concepts such as disruptive empathy, communities of understanding and PhDs in self-awareness!
Listen to or watch the episode and then send us a message to let us know what resonates, or where you have a different opinion. As you'll be able to tell, we love to talk in a down-to-earth way that simplifies the important stuff.
I recommend you reach out to Gregg, Change and Future of Work Strategist, Speaker, Author, and Founder of Change Ready Leadership Solutions. Take a look at his resources and subscribe to his newsletter. And connect with me if you're interested in finding out more about how to lead engaging, healthy, high-performing workplaces.
More about Gregg:Gregg Brown is an internationally sought-after consultant and speaker on building future ready organizations. Gregg was recently recognized as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders change management. Starting out in a well known coffee business, over his 30-year career he has thrived in multiple leading roles in the healthcare, education, non-profit, and private sectors. With a graduate degree from the University of Leicester and as an associate member of the American Psychological Association, Gregg's keynotes and workshops have engaged thousands of people at Fortune 500 companies, governments, and humanitarian organizations worldwide to increase their impact and create positive change.
Links to contact Gregg:LinkedIn: Gregg Brown
Facebook: GreggBrownTO
Instagram: @greggbrownto
X: @GreggBrownTO
Website: www.BeChangeReady.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Future Ready by Experimentation - with Gemma Ellison | Beyond the Water Cooler
Talent: The Other 8 Boxes - Duncan Targett | Beyond the Water Cooler
Gregg Brown: Articles, Videos, Podcasts... oh my!
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Purpose-driven businesses have become much more the norm in terms of what people seek.
Companies know that to attract employees they need to provide opportunities that are meaningful and engaging.
However, retaining your workforce over time is a different challenge.
In this episode of the podcast, Rachel Steele of Huddle joins me to discuss how to engage a workforce so that they stay. That means getting some key factors right, including:
⭐ personal brand
⭐ promotion, progression and recognition
⭐ when bringing our whole-self to work is required
⭐ the need for versatility in an increasingly AI world
⭐ the need for employers to give permission
If you're thinking about how to recruit awesome people and how to keep them engaged, this is for you. Rachel provides some great advice about how to achieve this, starting from a different place to traditional practice.
And if YOU are someone thinking about new opportunities, check out what you should be asking potential employers to feel confident they have your best engagement interests at heart.
Imagine the difference that would make to how you show up at work?!
To find out more, give Rachel a shout....
To dive into the practicalities of creating and leading organisations fit for the future, talk with me.
More about Rachel:Rachel works in career development for people and their teams, with a person-centred approach to identifying and actioning progression in their work life.
Her own journey has taken in silversmithing and sculptural metalwork, recruitment and head-hunting in marketing and communications, running return-to-work and personal development programmes, and coaching people through many important career decisions.
With over 15 years’ experience in recruiting, head hunting and career advice, for diverse clients including Virgin Trains, Vice Media, Marks & Spencer, Heathrow, Cadbury / Mondelez International, and Magic Light Pictures, she started her own business in 2016 to offer a more holistic approach to career development and building award-winning teams. She offers 1:1 coaching, workshops and recruitment to support clients throughout their career journeys.
Rachel is a Relational Dynamics 1st certified coach (ILM 7 equivalent), and member of the Association of Coaching.
Links to contact Rachel:LinkedIn:
Rachel Steele
Huddle
Website: www.the-huddle.co.uk
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Employee Engagement Guide For Managers - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change...
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Are you looking to develop tomorrow's leaders to be able to take the business into a different place from where it is today? Or, are you looking for future leaders who most closely resemble those in leadership positions now?
That's a great question that Duncan Targett, my guest on this episode of the podcast, asks when we discuss talent.
And who can resist talking with someone whose surname lends itself so brilliantly to the name of his company, On Targett Consulting?!!
The conversation is spot on, helping listeners think about how your company sets itself apart from others.
We dive into the much maligned 9-box grid to map talent, and Duncan explains how the bedrock of company success is not found in the box that you might think!
He also asks us to consider the all important question: Do people want to develop? It sounds obvious but when did you last ask that of your people? Are opportunities in your organisation based on assumptions? Or are those opportunities even present?
If you're anything to do with talent development, business planning, strategy, L&D, management or leadership, this is for you!
More about Duncan:Duncan Targett is a Talent Development expert who has worked internationally and consulted at C-level, across multiple industries for the world’s biggest global brands (PepsiCo, Disney, Sportradar and dunnhumby) and has the rare combination of HR and commercial experience.
He works with organisations to develop Talent Development strategies that drive high-performance, enable talent & succession planning and focused L&D.
Links to contact Duncan:LinkedIn: Duncan Targett
Website: www.ontargettconsulting.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
To develop your people based on the specific needs identified in your organisation, find out more about our Manager and Leadership Labs: Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Brought to you Inhouse, they provide a development opportunity to unpick your specific challenges, learn practical approaches to address them, shape experiments to test changes in practice, and evaluate the impact of new ways of working, all customised to your specific context.
Our next open Lab starts in September 2024 and brings people together from different organisations to share and learn from each other, as challenges are explored and solutions shaped, based on your data.
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Email: [email protected]
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Martin Drake ripped up the rule book and invited the "dynamic duo" that is Gemma Ellison and myself onto his podcast, Is This Room Free?
We're not HR.
But we are all about people.
In particular, we're focused on enabling people to be and experience their best self.
And enabling them to develop in a way that provides most value to the organisation. All this whilst creating the most engaging experience that means we feel good about what we do.
So in this conversation, we unpick leadership development at its best, which is what we've created with Leadership Labs.
This is about a process for honesty, collaboration, peer support and experiential learning.
That might now sound mainstream but we push the boundaries.
We empower leaders to design experiments that drive positive change in their businesses.
Are you interested in a different way to develop the skills, confidence and ability to problem solve that is required of leaders today?
Whether you're at the top of an organisation or leading a team of people in a managerial role... Leadership Labs will help you.
Get in touch to find out more and benefit from the summer booking discount for our next Open Lab starting in September.
More about Martin:Martin Drake is founder of Higher - a recruitment agency specialising in the HR and Marketing professions. Over 20 years recruitment experience, including 6 years as a HR Business Partner, his own experience with recruiters led him back to setting up his own recruitment business to give people the level of service and support they want and expect.
Links to contact Martin:LinkedIn:
Martin Drake
Higher
HR and Marketing recruitment: www.higherwithus.com
Is This Room Free? - the HR careers podcast
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Leaders Tell Us: A Unique Approach to Development - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub
Email: [email protected]
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Man up.
Does that phrase make you squirm or is it acceptable to you?
We've all been brought up with a set of beliefs and thoughts about how we should behave. But that puts pressure on people to show up in a certain way. It may no longer be considered acceptable or helpful. And it may mean we're covering up what's really going on.
So, what about permission to be authentic?
My guest, Daniel Glyde, Life Coach & Founder of Positive Masculinity, explores a different approach to mental health. We talk frankly about:
high performance and mental fitnesscamaraderie instead of safe spacesemotional intelligence and soft skillsvulnerability and mindsetFailing to meet the underlying needs for good mental health to be possible reinforces the disconnect between 'my' reality and the support that's available.
We cannot support people to improve their mental health if they don't feel it's relevant and understand the connection with their experience.
Listen to or watch this episode of the podcast for practical advice about improving your own mental wellbeing, mental health, mental fitness or what ever YOU want to call it, and that of your team.
It's time to rip off the badges of honour men can wear when attributing stress and anxiety to being male.
Success is about authenticity, vulnerability, role modelling and giving permission for others to engage in conversations that are critical. Otherwise we continue to do 'good' mental health a dis-service.
More about Daniel:Daniel Glyde is a transformational life coach and founder of Positive Masculinity. He coaches men who feel stuck and want to change by providing a supportive and empowering environment for them to explore their self-worth, navigate relationship challenges, clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, cultivate confidence, connection, empowerment, purpose, and clarity in their lives.
Links to contact Daniel:LinkedIn:
Daniel Glyde
Positive Masculinity
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Mental Health: Missing the Point | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Emotional Intelligence; Empathy vs Sympathy: Brené Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy (youtube.com)
Let Men Drive The Mental Health Bus – Nick O’Neill - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting....
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Nick O'Neill of Oriel Chambers outlines a modern approach for mental health in a traditional industry that is the legal sector.
He explains that law is known for being a male dominated culture, attracting alpha characters. And that presents a challenge for addressing a very human need, particularly when you consider that many men of the generation that struggle to engage with mental health, are managers. Their perceptions and behaviours have a far-reaching impact.
Add to that Nick's view that most lawyers hate being told what to do and the challenge of billable hours, and you will understand that this is a complex issue.
Nick outlines how the Bar is addressing the layers of cultural complexity to break down barriers.
He shares advice about the need to keep women out - a controversial but informed perspective.
He explains the need to get more people on the bus by creating a commercial case.
And Nick describes the impact of the Merseyside Men's Legal Wellbeing Group, discussing topics such as professional happiness, imposter syndrome and professional goals.
We both detest tick boxes. This is about real life.
Don't let Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Global Wellness Day tomorrow, and International Men's Health Week next week become token gestures. Instead, do something that impacts long term by creating engagement and momentum.
Once you've listened to this podcast, check out what Stuart Codling had to say about the same topic in the police.
These guys have found ways to make a real difference.
How are YOU going about that?
More about Nick:After a successful career as a litigation solicitor/partner at KLS Law, Nick O'Neill recognised his real passion for people / operational management. Following the completion of his MBA at Nottingham Trent University, Nick moved into full time legal practice management in 2010. Nick has managed at 3 private sector law firms and spent 5 years as the Legal Governance and Practice Manager at Wirral Borough Council. In January 2021, Nick moved to take up the role of Chambers Director at Oriel Chambers in Liverpool. Nick struggled with his own mental health as a young solicitor and after a period of self-development and study, became a Lawcare support worker in 2010. Nick is a Lawcare Champion and regularly speaks on the legal circuit on behalf of Lawcare, communicating the services that this amazing charity provides. Nick is a qualified ILM Level 5 mental health / career coach and regularly coaches young lawyers to assist them with their career goals. In 2024 Nick became the Chair of the Merseyside Legal Men’s Wellbeing Group.
Links to contact Nick:LinkedIn:
Nick O'Neill
Oriel Chambers
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Make a real difference to your mental health by exploring topics that significantly impact at Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
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I'm talking about compassionate leadership because it is mental health awareness week.How are those linked, I hear some of you ponder?Well, as those of you who know me well, I'm not really about initiatives or individual-level intervention without thinking about the wider context. You wouldn't put a flourishing seedling in a dark room without water.And, I've been doing quite a lot of work lately working with leadership teams to create space to stop and check in with themselves, each other and where the business is heading.
When we focus on: psychological safety - by experiencing it compassion - by thinking about our own limits before looking to care for others emotional intelligence - by recognising the need to step outside our comfort zones...
We are able to:✅ align individuals within a team✅ provide clear direction for the business✅ increase high performance
And that impacts on good mental health - both for the leadership team and those they lead.Are you bolting on a quick fix or an attempting to solve mental health challenges when they're evident? Or are you taking a preventative approach and creating the right environment for people to be happy and healthy?Are you joining the dots?Resources & ReferencesLeader & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Labs Partners (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Tackling Anxiety Collectively (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Mental Health: Missing the Point - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)13 Skills to Build Resilience - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychologyWebsite: www.itstimeforchange.co.ukSign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclubEmail: [email protected] -
➡️ Sick notes are on they way out, according to Sunak.
What does that mean for people needing support to get themselves into a place where they feel ok enough to re-engage with work?
➡️ Employees are more aware of their rights and expect more in terms of 'care', with access to services that aren't about making them 'better' but about enhancing their lifestyle.
How do companies know which specialists are credible, who work as a team, and that provide data to leaders to inform them about their work environment?
Individual and organisational wellbeing go hand-in-hand 🫱🏼🫲🏼.
That's why I invited Jamie Humphrey, CEO of ReechUs Wellbeing, to join my podcast. He brings the employee part of the solution to the table, around which I sit, with leaders looking to do something different, meaningful, and that has impact.
Are you looking at the whole solution or have you zoomed in one just one part?
Reech out to Jamie to find out more about ReechUs Wellbeing. He's got space for one more foundational member!
While you're at it, let's chat about the bigger picture in terms of your culture.
It's time to join the dots. It's time for change that reverses the decline in the health of our workforce.
More about Jamie:Jamie Humphrey is the CEO and founder of ReechUs Wellbeing, a corporate wellness program that gives employees remote access to Therapists, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers and Financial Coaches.
Links to contact Jamie:LinkedIn:
Jamie Humphrey
ReechUs Wellbeing
Website: www.reechus.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Wellbeing by Design - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Why are we so ill? The working-age health crisis - BBC News
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) by Jonathan Haidt (amazon.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop:
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From dodging bullets to becoming an executive senior leader of Defence, Phil Holdcroft knows a thing or two about leadership and teamwork.
Phil is a decorated combat pilot with a 20-year military career that culminated in designing and delivering the senior leadership programme at the UK Defence Academy. Drawing on life-lessons and experience, he created the ultimate playbook for leadership, resilience and high performance. And that’s what we discuss on the podcast today.
Now officially a veteran (and he's younger than me!), Phil is continuing to pursue his life’s purpose, having founded High Performance Journey, helping others to conquer their Big Hairy Audacious Goals.
Join us to find out...
what resilience is really about how to reverse being unprepared in leadership rolesthe power of purpose (and how to find it)how the 'grandad test' can measure shared visionhow adversity allows us to growhow increasing diversity reduces blind spotsPhil shares his very moving story that proved pivotal in how he engages with others.
What has been your 'a-ha' experience that caused you to question your practice?
Or are you still sitting comfortably?
More about Phil:A twenty year first career in the Royal Air Force spanned from leading missions on the battlefield as a helicopter pilot, through to senior leadership roles, designing and delivering strategy for Defence.
Phil's journey took an unexpected turn in 2014 when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. Helplessly sitting on the side-lines led to an epiphany. Phil realised his passion for endurance sports could be channeled towards raising critical funds for the miracle workers who saved her life. A near-impossible series of extreme challenges followed, culminating in a 3,000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Now a military veteran, Phil has set up 'The High Performance Journey' to pursue his passion for equipping others with the knowledge, skills and mindset for high performance.
Links to contact Phil:LinkedIn: Phil Holdcroft
Website: www.thehpj.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
'Peak Performance' by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness (amazon.co.uk)
'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday (amazon.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa... -
Two psychotherapists in conversation...
This episode of the podcast is an interesting one. James Elliott, of the Sarena Clinic, explains what needs to be done now to shape a healthier workforce for the future. And it's simple stuff.
We need to equip employees with the knowledge and tools to empower themselves and their children to experience meaning and fulfilment, and that supports good mental wellbeing.
And we need to demonstrate empathy, based on knowing our teams well, so that we enable human needs to be met....
You know those days when your head is elsewhere because something significant is occupying your brain? Your teenager has become alien to you and you're concerned. Your finances are too tight. You're worried about a medical issue.
What do you need most?
Probably, someone who knows you, who trusts and respects you, and who will give you the time and space you need.
What happens then? You're able to focus on what is front of mind and resume work.
That's better than the common alternative which is to continue work as normal whilst holding the strain of being unable to do what feels most important. Think about the different outcomes in terms of performance, sick leave, burnout and resentment.
What gets in the way of you being human?
More about James:James Elliott is a psychotherapist, resilience coach, ex British airborne forces, multiple world record holder, father, and author, with an MSc in War + Psychiatry.
As the Head of Psychotherapy at Sarena Clinic, he leads a team of qualified and compassionate professionals who provide high-quality and personalised health care to our clients. James has over 4 years of experience as a psychotherapist, working with veterans, prison leavers, and other vulnerable groups to help them cope with their challenges and find their way in life. He is passionate about using his clinical and academic knowledge to create a supportive and respectful environment for clients, where they can explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviours, and achieve their goals.
Links to contact James:LinkedIn: James Elliott MSc
Website: james-elliott.mykajabi.com
Instagram: @jameselliottofficial
The Sarena Clinic: Sarena Clinic
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
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Luckily for us, Dr Jill McGarry is "a geek!"... her words, not mine!
The good news about that is she has a real love for actionable solutions to improve sleep. 💤
And who doesn't need a bit of that in their lives? 😴
In this episode of the podcast we hear, very clearly, why we need to banish beliefs such as...
"YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!"
And we get to grips with practical advice for individuals and employers, including:
✔️ coffee as a recommendation (yes... from a sleep expert!)
✔️ what to do when you can't sleep
✔️ equality
✔️ flexible working
✔️ 4 key factors for sleep hygiene - do YOU know what they are? Are you putting them into practice?
Check out the excellent resources that Jill shares, including those for managers, in the show notes. STOPBANG should become part of your toolkit.
More about Jill:Dr Jill McGarry is a consultant clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in working with mental health issues in the NHS. During this time she has become skilled and experienced in supporting people with sleep issues. In October 2023 Jill decided to leave the NHS because she recognised that companies were a missing piece of the jigsaw in improving sleep for individuals. By focusing on providing support and training to companies regarding sleep we can joinlty reduce staff fatigue, improve team effectiveness and ensure that companies excel.
Links to contact Jill:LinkedIn: Dr Jill McGarry
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
Leveraging ’Shuteye’ for Resilience (youtube.com) - Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce webinar
NHS choices (www.nhs.uk)
YouTube Matthew Walker TEDx Sleep talk, others and his book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker | Waterstones
Fast Asleep by Michael Mosley | Waterstones & BBC programme in 2022
Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires (ESS) Epworth Sleepiness Scale | Asthma + Lung UK
(asthmaandlung.org.uk)
STOP BANG questionnaire: Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? STOPBang Questionnaire (britishsnoring.co.uk)
Contact details for Lisa LLoyd:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology
Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk
Sign up to be kept in the loop:
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What is self-harm? Possibly not something you associate with yourself. And not a behaviour that you attribute to your colleagues, friends or family members.
But the reality could be very different and that is why this episode of the podcast and the free resource is so important. Self-harm is not uncommon and therefore you need to know about it.
Yaj Buljeean is a trainer and clinician at Harmless, the national leader in this field. She joins me to explore what we mean by self-harm, the stigma around it, and the prevalence and risk factors. Crucially, Yaj provides practical advice for companies to support their employees who are using this behaviour to cope with underlying distress.
If you're reading this thinking this topic isn't relevant. Think again.
According to the WHO, 16 million people worldwide are reported to self-harm. We know that is likely to be an underestimate. My experience alone is that clients hide their behaviour... from their partner, their friends, their employers.
Shame and embarrassment keeps mouths shut.
Convenient for companies? That's no longer okay.
No idea how to think about it or where to start? That's understandable.
And that's why the free, downloadable resource that covers a breadth of mental health disorders, as well as self-harm, has been created. It is a must for anyone looking to demonstrate care towards their workforce. You can get hold of your copy here: It's Time for Change: Resources
Stop passing the buck. National Self Harm Awareness Day is on 1st March. Be part of raising awareness around what is often a misunderstood topic. Find out more and request your media pack to help coordinate your effort here: National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024 - Harmless
Additional resources and podcast conversations about Depression & Anxiety and Addiction can be found here: It's Time for Change: Resources
More about Yaj:Yaj works for Harmless CIC, a user-led self harm prevention service based in the East Midlands. With nearly 3 years of professional experience and 20 years of personal experience, Yaj aims to normalise the conversation around both self harm and suicide to enable anyone who's struggling to be able to reach out for support. As a trainer and clinician, breaking down barriers to access support is a high priority for her.
Links to contact Yaj:LinkedIn:
Yaj Buljeean
Harmless
Website: harmless.org.uk
Facebook: The Academy at Harmless: Letstalktraining
X: @Yaj_Harmless
Email: [email protected]
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
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My LinkedIn post in January that asked the question, 'Do soft skills need a rebrand?' attracted over 40 comments.
Clearly people are interested in this topic.
So it seemed only natural to continue the conversation with someone who shared his view on that post, Andrew Bardsley, Founder of JackHR. As someone who focuses on helping tech companies stand out and keep good people, Andrew has some great insights into a world of both hard and soft skills.
💻 We unpick how soft skills sit alongside tech.
🧠 We consider how AI and human skills will feature in the future of work.
♂️♀️ We explore gender differences and the teaching of soft skills.
🚧 We tackle some of the barriers to investing in the development of these critical skills.
💥 We offer our opinion on how soft skills should be positioned in business to have greatest impact.
🌙 And we discuss getting lost on the moon!
Whether you're interested in leadership development, management development, recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, emotional intelligence, coaching, or psychological safety, there are some little nuggets of wisdom that could just shift some important parts of your practice.
Listen to or watch us talk, and let us know how you go about positioning and developing the not-so-soft-skills in your organisation.
If you want to find the right space for developing such skills in your organisation, Leadership and Manager Labs might just be your thing. Check them out here: Leader & Manager Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
More about Andrew:Employee retention is a £1Billion problem here in the UK which is why, in 2023, Andrew decided to launch JackHR - a business dedicated to helping scaling tech companies keep hold of their amazing talent.
Andrew's journey started in the North West of England, before making the 300 mile trip north to study Philosophy at The University of Stirling. When he left in 2013, the job market for ancient Greek philosophers was quiet, so he started in HR instead.
Andrew has spent the last decade working with businesses to better support their managers, provide teams with amazing growth opportunities and help individuals thrive through 1:1 coaching.
Links to contact Andrew:LinkedIn:
Andrew Bardsley
JackHR
TikTok: @jackofallhr
Website: jackhr.com
Resources & ReferencesWatch this episode on YouTube
Focus on 'soft skills' at our Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)
The Most In-Demand Skills for 2023 | LinkedIn
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