Life Beyond The Numbers

“It’s called being alive. It’s what kind of life do you want? Do you want a slightly muted shut down life, or do you want a full spectrum life?” Jess Goyder Jess Goyder and I explore grief as part of everyday human life, not just something linked to death or bereavement. We talk about loss, change, identity, leadership, and what it means to be fully alive. We talk about how grief is often misunderstood, sidelined or treated as disruption. Jess speaks about the cumulative nature of loss, the ways grief can show up as over-functioning, shutdown, numbness and the importance of having containers, spaces, people and places where what is real can be felt and named. We also talk about how grief shows up in the workplace. Jess shares why grief belongs in conversations about leadership - grief work is leadership work - and how unresolved grief is visible in the fabric of an organisation. Jess Goyder knows grief – and how to build a life you can love alongside loss. A licensed Grief Recovery Specialist® with a Postgrad (Cert) in Psychodynamic Studies from Oxford, she trained with leading grief psychotherapist Francis Weller. Jess helps people from all walks of life – especially leaders and high performers – navigate bereavement, major transitions, illness, and other significant losses. Her work goes far beyond traditional counselling, guiding clients from coping to clarity, emotional resolution, and renewed engagement with life. With over a decade’s experience coaching executives at Adobe, Nestlé, Ogilvy, and Deutsche Bank, Jess also delivers powerful talks and workshops on recognising and addressing the personal and organisational effects of unresolved grief. Connect with Jess: Through her website: https://griefisnatural.com On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-goyder Resources Mentioned: The Grief Recovery Method: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/ Leader as Healer by Nicholas Janni David Whyte

"And if I can coach in a way where someone is really attuned to what's happening in their mind and body as one, not as two separate things, then I think, well, I've found it. It's just magical... They would kind of find themselves at their best. They go on to do things where they're, the phrase I like to use is, they're surprised by what they can do." Mike Porteous Mike Porteous is an endurance sports coach and author of Beyond Belief: The art of confidence-centred coaching. But this episode isn't only about sport. It's about what happens when we stop trying to fix people and start paying attention to what's actually going on for them in their bodies, in the space between coach and athlete, in the moments before an event. Mike describes confidence not as a thing someone has or doesn't have, but as something much more. He speaks about thrill and anticipation, control and uncertainty, fluency and the kind of in-the-moment experience where we can lose and find ourselves at once. We talk about what it means to coach from presence and why the question "how did it feel?" matters far more than "how did it look?" There is also unexpected theme we touch on through this episode: beauty. We talk about being captured by something in front of us, feeling fully alive and the wonder that can arise when someone surprises themselves with what they can do. Mike Porteous has zigzagged between various careers and life changes: from academia (DPhil research in Brazil); to government (leading major change programmes for business); and now to the world of sports coaching. He runs a private endurance coaching business, ZigZag Alive, alongside developing Confidence-Centred Coaching for coaches of all sports - captured in his recently published book Beyond Belief: the art of confidence-centred coaching. He mentors triathlon coaches, teaches disabled children swimming and is a co-host for monthly Wellbeing Dips in the sea. His personal philosophy starts with openness: to others, experiences, ideas and learning. Connect with Mike Through his website: www.zigzagconfidence.com On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-porteous-11754235/ Resources Mentioned: Beyond Belief: The art of confidence-centred coaching Steven Rollnick and Motivational Interviewing Alison Jones and Practical Inspiration Publishing

“Communication is all about connection, right? And getting your message across to your audience. And to do that effectively, you have to first connect with yourself….” Caroline Harvey Caroline Harvey and I explore why impactful communication starts with connection. Caroline shares how “communicate better” can sound simple until you realise it asks something more personal: being connected to who you are and what matters to you because that’s what your audience feels, and responds to. We speak practically about starting with your audience, your objective and the message you want to get across whether you’re speaking up in a meeting, presenting or writing an email. We also speak about the role of preparation and practice and what it looks like to stop hiding behind a professional persona and speak as yourself. Caroline brings in story, metaphor, voice and presence - including her reflections on “voice and essence”, imposter syndrome and why trusting your story matters, especially in a world of AI. Caroline Harvey is a communications mentor on a mission to help women leaders speak up, stand out, and spark change — in their careers, their companies, and beyond. She works especially with women in STEM, where too often brilliant work goes unseen, and voices go unheard. For Caroline, communication isn’t just a skill — it’s a powerful catalyst for recognition, empowerment, and impact. Originally from Wales, she’s lived and worked across Europe and in Japan, and now calls Barcelona home. Connect with Caroline www.carolineharvey.me www.linkedin.com/in/caroharvey Postcards with Presence podcast Resources Mentioned Episode 209 I Back Myself with Julie Smith Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy

"We're really focused on the core fundamentals of organisational clarity, communicating that clarity, over-communicating that clarity, minimising confusion and politics. And when that's present, then you have the good stuff. And for me, the good stuff is that you're creating that environment for people to flourish and thrive." Sheila Walsh. Sheila Walsh takes me through the tumultuous year in a tech company in the travel sector. We talk about keeping teams engaged when everyone is remote working and about the lack of spontaneity in a remote environment. Sheila talks about what it is like to work in a people-centric organisation that is driven by the Leadership Team and cascaded down - the LT have a team coach and no chance to get comfortable or complacent. She shares that CarTrawler has upgraded its high-performance focus to 'healthy high-performance'. We talk about finding meaning and purpose, rabbit-holes, pixie-dust, growth mindset, learning and more. Sheila Walsh was Chief People Officer at CarTrawler at the time of recording. A hands-on and motivated HR professional, Sheila has a broad range of experience across many sectors including; software, telco, publishing, healthcare and not-for-profit. She strongly believes that the provision of meaning and purpose within the workplace results in engaged employees who live and breathe the behaviours that support sustained business success. She holds an MBS in Business Practice from University College Cork, is an accredited Life Coach & Lifeskills Consultant and is an associate member of CIPD. Connect with Sheila: On LinkedIn Resources: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Patrick Lencioni

"So it's just giving people multiple ways to feed into this and to be heard. To be heard is the most important thing, is what I've learned." Deirdre de Bhailís Deirdre de Bhailís and I talk about what it really takes for change to happen in communities — and why being heard matters so much when people are navigating uncertainty, sustainability, and the future of the places they live. Prompted by the Dingle Peninsula being named Ireland’s Greenest Place, our conversation explores local action on climate, food, transport and livelihoods and how community-led work connects policy with lived reality. Deirdre shares examples from the Dingle Hub, including quiet lanes, cycling, food waste, renewable energy, and the role of trust in making change stick. We also discuss the role of leadership in communities, the importance of pacing change and creating spaces where difficult conversations can be held without fear. From coastal resilience in the Maharees to sustaining livelihoods on the Dingle Peninsula this is a conversation about people taking responsibility for the long-term future of the places they live. Deirdre de Bhailís is a nationally-recognised leader in social enterprise and community-led innovation, with a comprehensive knowledge of strategic and operational development. Skilled in multi-stakeholder and community engagement, she contributes significantly to advancing Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon society by empowering citizens and communities to co-create practical, scalable solutions. Her work spans sustainable mobility, circular bioeconomy initiatives, and climate resilience—bridging policy, technology, and grassroots action. Deirdre brings a systems-thinking approach to energy transition, ensuring that community voices shape a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy future. She is a frequent speaker at national and international forums on climate action, rural development, and energy innovation. Deirdre holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from NUIG and a Masters in Engineering Science from UCC. Connect with Deirdre www.dinglehub.com On Instagram: dingle_hub On LinkedIn: Dingle Hub; Deirdre de Bhailís Resources Mentioned: The Irish Times article The Dingle Hub Ireland’s Greenest Place Award Quiet Lanes - Campaign to Protect Rural England Samsø, Denmark — example of community-led renewable energy The Maharees coastal conservation Creative Ireland Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) / Sustainable Energy Communities Initiative Solar Beo — local solar PV provider on the Dingle Peninsula ESB Networks / Electric Ireland

"For me, the human experiences is a universal one and the book aims to address core aspects of something that we all experience. So fear, learning boundaries, identity, all those different principles. [ ] So this universal human experience, I think is really, really important." Rachel Morris Rachel Morris and I explore what she describes as this universal human experience — the fear, uncertainty, identity shifts and emotional complexity that show up whenever humans move through transition. Drawing on her book Working Mother and years of practice-based research, Rachel shares why the principles she writes about aren’t just relevant to parents, but to leaders, teams, and anyone navigating change at work. We talk about the discomfort of the “neutral zone”, why emotions thrive when hidden, the illusion of professionalism, and the cost of rewarding busyness over being. This conversation invites a more human way of leading — one rooted in curiosity, courage, emotional literacy, and the recognition that we’re not meant to navigate life or work alone. As an experienced qualified coach, Rachel Morris supports professionals to gain clarity about who they really are rightnow, where they are aiming to be, and how they are going toget there. She believes every relationship has a unique dynamic andapproaches every learner with the intention of enabling themto reach their own level of internal satisfaction. In doing this,they increase personal focus, motivation and productivity. As a global business coach and bestselling author she brings20 years of coaching experience working with organisations to any conversation. Connect with Rachel Through her website: www.motionlearning.com On LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/rachelmorrismotionlearning Resources Mentioned Working Mother by Rachel Morris How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett Permission to Feel & RULER tool by Professor Marc Brackett A House of Dynamite on Netflix New York Times article https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/21/opinion/teen-youth-focus-group.html

"It's not an emptiness or a void, it's actually full of possibility. And once I started to explore it, how they explained it, the Japanese concept is about when you listen to music, there's always space between the notes. And then if you apply that to a book or a page, there's always space between the words. So that space, that white space, another way of describing, it is necessary." Susan Ni Chriodain David, Susanne and I come together for a wide-ranging conversation about liminal spaces - the spaces between words, seasons, endings and beginnings. We explore why these in-between moments matter, why we often rush to fill them, and what becomes possible when we allow pause, uncertainty and not-knowing. The conversation covers: seasons and transitions in life and in work endings that haven’t fully ended listening, silence and the courage to say “I don’t know” This episode is an invitation to notice what we usually overlook and to consider what might emerge when we willingly inhabit the space between. Dr Susanne Evans is an organisation change consultant, trainer, coach and researcher on a mission to change the way that transformations are managed in organisations. She founded Feldspar Consulting in 2007 to help her clients lead change in a more human, effective way. As well as writing and speaking about organisation change, Susanne hosts open storytelling workshops, supporting organisations and individuals in writing a compelling story for themselves. She is the author of ChangeStories and the host of the popular ChangeStories podcast. David Lee is a coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, keynote speaker, and author, who loves creating a win/win/win relationship between people and the organizations they work for. He helps leaders and leadership teams learn how to become "people whisperers", and by doing so, increase their ability to make their organization THE choice for "A List Talent" and inspire the best in their people. Connect with Susanne On LinkedIn Through her website: Feldspar Consulting Listen to Change Stories podcast Connect with David On LinkedIn Through his website Human Nature at Work Resources Mentioned: Dr Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go The In-Between Book, Christopher Willard, Olivia Weisser, Alison Oliver Tending To Endings Cards https://www.tendingtoendings.com/

"I'm only a small cog in this. I'm developing this thought about trying to do good, but we can't all do it alone. If we can all collectively hold hands and all just have this thought that if we can do good in this world… I do think that there's a lot to be said for farming and fresh produce because it's feeding the world in a sustainable manner and it's doing good." Max MacGillivray Max MacGillivray and I begin with stories about fresh produce and taste memories, before moving into how society has become disconnected from where food comes from. We explore farming as a vocation, global food systems, ultra-processed foods, health outcomes, education and the role of large food multinationals. We also discuss recruitment and leadership within agriculture and fresh produce, cross-sector learning, the value of conversation and storytelling and why showing the human side of food production matters. We reflect on travel, networking as human connection and the opportunities that open up when people step beyond familiar paths. Max MacGillivray is an executive recruiter and founder of Redfox Executive Selection, specialising in mid-management to board hires across fresh produce, fresh foods, agri-business and retail in the UK and internationally. He created The Great Fruit & Veg Adventure—a Triumph motorbike ride from London to Cape Town (18 countries, 18,000 km), visiting 50+ fresh-produce businesses, followed in real time by 250,000 schoolchildren, and honoured with the UK Prime Minister’s Points of Light award. Max also founded Beanstalk Global, a media platform for the international fresh-food sector. Its mantra: “Create the conversation, don’t just be part of it.” Through broadcasts, interviews and partnerships, Beanstalk Global champions the people behind fresh food and connects purpose-led clients with high-impact opportunities. Connect with Max Through his website www.beanstalk.global https://www.facebook.com/beanstalk.global On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmacgillivray/ https://www.beanstalkmedia.co.uk/ Resources Mentioned: Jeremy Clarkson and increasing public interest in farming and agriculture Henry Dimbleby and the UK National Food Strategy Pink Lady Apples International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and the International Fresh Produce & Floral Show (Anaheim) Leaf Open Farm Sunday – UK farming initiative

"A new type of thinking is essential if humankind is to survive and reach higher levels." Marsha Ramroop (quoting Einstein) Marsha Ramroop explains how her purpose, giving the unheard voice a place to speak, first emerged during her broadcasting career, and how it now shapes her work in cultural intelligence and organisational change. We explore inclusion and why under-representation is a symptom of deeper cultural and behavioural issues. Marsha introduces Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and its four capabilities, showing how they help us work and relate effectively across difference. We also discuss the wider context of global uncertainty, polarisation and the need for, as Marsha quotes, “a new type of thinking”. Throughout, she emphasises personal responsibility, listening with intent, and the impact small behavioural shifts can have on teams, organisations and society. This conversation is packed, practical and human - an invitation to look inward, listen more deeply and consider the behaviours that help everyone feel valued, respected and included. Marsha Ramroop is a global award-winning organisational inclusion strategist, author, and speaker with a passion for driving change across sectors - particularly in the built and natural environments - with her own consultancy Unheard Voice. Marsha’s book Building Inclusion: Practical Guide to Inclusion in Architecture & the Built Environment speaks about how to deliver inclusion; how we attract a diversity of people to our professions and organisations, retain that diversity, create inclusion in our services and engage external stakeholders inclusively. It was Highly Commended in the 2025 Business Book Awards. She had a 30-year career in broadcasting, bringing inclusion to BBC newsrooms through journalism, before turning to organisational culture consultancy. Connect with Marsha Through her websites www.unheardvoice.co.uk www.buildinginclusion.info LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsharamroop Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marsharamroop/ Resources Building Inclusion by Marsha Ramroop Marcus Ryder & Lenny Henry — Manifesto for TV and Beyond (UK demographic data from the Office for National Statistics) Dale Carnegie — How to Win Friends and Influence People Paulo Freire & Adam Rutherford The Doomsday Clock Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ní Chríodáin Business Book Awards 2025

“But getting back to the power of proximity, let's say I would meet people on Twitter … then we would all go to South by Southwest Interactive, the big tech conference in Austin … Suddenly we'd meet in person and as I wrote about in my book, it's hugs, high fives, handshakes.” Dave Delaney Dave Delaney joins me to talk about the thing that most connects us - communication. From improv stages to keynote stages, from podcasting to parenting, Dave’s career has been about helping people connect with humour, heart and humanity. We talk about the roots of communication, how “nice and” can change a workplace, and what happens when we forget that listening is about understanding, not just replying. Dave shares insights on how improv principles like acceptance and curiosity can transform teamwork and leadership. We also explore networking and the power of proximity: why meeting in person still matters more than ever in an age of AI and automation. And yes, we even touch on the slightly alarming prospect of not knowing whether your boss (or TV presenter) is human. Dave Delaney is a communication expert, keynote speaker, author, and host of the ADHD Wise Squirrels podcast. Connect with Dave To connect with Dave use this link: https://davedelaney.me/linkage Resources Mentioned New Business Networking by Dave Delaney Wise Squirrels Podcast hosted by Dave Delaney

“80 years ago, the Institute for Functional Medicine started collecting the data, doing the research, and that's their number one priority, that it's really evidence-based and you will have clinical studies for everything. But then they also wanted it to be patient-centred. They wanted to listen to the unique story of everybody." Blanka Campbell Blanka Campbell and I talk about the wisdom — and limits — of listening to our body. A functional nutritionist and wellbeing coach, Blanka helps people understand their health through the lens of functional nutrition and everyday life. We talk about eating the rainbow, chaos in the gut and why every symptom tells part of a bigger story. Blanka reminds us that it’s not enough to simply listen — we have to translate what we hear into choices that support balance, energy and focus. Blanka reminds us that health isn’t about perfection — it’s about function, balance, and care. And that wellbeing isn’t something we add on; it’s the way we live. Blanka Campbell is a functional medicine practitioner and holistic nutritionist, a hormone yoga therapist (Dinah Rodrigues), and a single mum of two teenagers trying to balance it all. Connect with Blanka Through her website www.blankacampbell.com where you will find all the links to social media Resources Mentioned The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Biocare, UK, for supplements Sam Allen, episode 120 Reconnecting

"My interest is beyond that. Beyond the solar system. Of course I have this interest in Mars, but what I'm really interested in is the post planetary condition of humankind.” Angelo Vermeulen Angelo Vermeulen and I talk about imagination, exploration, and what it means to lead and collaborate beyond boundaries. Angelo is a scientist and a visual artist, who loves to build crossovers between those two worlds. He shares how exploring deeply across disciplines — from biology to philosophy to design — shapes the way we understand creativity, leadership and the future of humanity. His work invites us to think not just about life on Earth, but what life beyond the solar system might look like. We talk about creativity as a universal skill, leadership in extreme environments, finding courage to express our ideas and why co-creation demands vulnerability and trust. Angelo shares stories from his time leading a Mars simulation in Hawaii, collaborating with ESA on space systems design and exploring the evolution of our species, including IVF in space. Angelo Vermeulen is a space biologist, complex systems engineer, and artist who integrates science, design, and ecology to explore the future of human life in extreme environments. At TU Delft, he develops bio-inspired systems for space settlement, including self-replicating architecture and bioregenerative life support. As CTO of SpaceBorn United, he leads the development of the world’s first IVF incubator designed for space, advancing research on human reproduction beyond Earth. He co-founded SEADS, a transdisciplinary collective whose work has been exhibited across continents and flown to the International Space Station. In 2013, he commanded the first NASA-funded HI-SEAS Mars simulation, and in 2022, he reached the top 6% in the ESA astronaut selection process. With over 60 publications and multiple fellowships—including from TED and Parsons—Angelo’s work bridges art and science to challenge how we inhabit our shared future in space and on Earth. Connect with Angelo: Through his website: https://www.angelovermeulen.net On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelovermeulen References: Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk “Do Schools Kill Creativity?" Episode 203 All Stories are Useful with Jay Perry

"As it turns out being authentically me means more sales when it comes to marketing and everything. So that was the big lesson I learned early on. It took a very tough learning experience. But that sense of being yourself for all its flaws and all its good things as well that was a huge learning for me." Eamon FitzGerald Eamon FitzGerald and I talk about wine. Eamon has a passion for connecting great wine makers with people who appreciate their wine and loves to share the winemaker's stories. With his new venture, WineSpark, he has created a business model that makes amazing wines accessible and affordable to regular people. Eamon spent 10 years with Naked Wines in the UK and became Managing Director within a year of joining the fast growing company. He talks openly about taking on this role at a young age, and how he learned to lead and grow a business. As he says businesses are a complex beast but the key is to focus on some simple things - not rocket science. We talk about the Customer Happiness Team and culture at Naked Wines, being yourself and the importance of quality and service for customers. Eamon also talks about wine production costs and shares some stories from his extensive travels. Eamon FitzGerald loves discovering talented winemakers and sharing their wines and stories with his friends. He did this for 10 years when he was MD and Global Wine Director for Naked Wines in the UK and US. He spent most of his time hunting down the best independent winemakers and setting them up in business. Now back in Ireland he has set up WineSpark. WineSpark is a community of passionate wine drinkers and winemakers aiming to make the world’s best wines accessible and affordable to everyone. Eamon has worked for Decanter magazine, and on the side of a mountain in France picking grapes. He also worked in financial services in London and Dublin for Accenture. Connect with Eamon Through his website WineSpark On Instagram On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee Legacy by James Kerr Frederico Cerelli winemaker Johan Kruger winemaker Naked Wines

“There’s probably something about confidence that I back myself, that I can do more or I can strengthen this particular skill. I can learn to do a new thing.” Julie Smith Julie Smith and I talk about the realities of confidence, humility and self-doubt and how these play out in both life and leadership. Julie describes confidence as “trust in yourself” and reminds us that nobody feels confident all the time, even if it looks that way from the outside. She highlights the hidden cost of overworking and exhaustion, potentially even burnout, to cover self-doubt and why recognising this “self-doubt tax” is so important. We also explore growth and learning, how leaders influence the mood and mindset of their teams, the difference it makes when someone says “I’d back us,” and how humility and confidence can co-exist in powerful ways. Julie Smith is an executive coach with 3 decades of experience in supporting leaders and leadership teams. She is the author of award-winning book Coach Yourself Confident, and is currently writing book number two, Contagious Confidence. ****Coach Yourself Confident won Business Self Development Book of the Year at the 2025 UK Business Book Awards. Congratulations Julie! Connect with Julie On LinkedIn Through her website: Talent Sprout Resources Mentioned Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith Business Book Awards

This is a special episode to mark the 5th anniversary and the launch of the audio book version of Leading Beyond the Numbers. In this episode I share: 5 reflections from 5 years of podcasting: Hosting or facilitating Holding space and listening The most surprising thing... The power of voice Why this podcast still matters to me A short interview by Rob Lawrence recorded in JMS Group Studios at the end of two days spent fully immersed in recording the audio version of Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work Susan Ní Chríodáin is founder of Beyond the Numbers, a consulting, facilitation and coaching practice dedicated to transforming how we interact at work by placing humanity at the heart of leadership. Susan is an award-winning chartered accountant with a Big 4 background, but her career has been anything but traditional. With experience spanning continents and industries, she has combined her financial expertise with an understanding of human dynamics to help leaders and teams thrive. As the author of Leading Beyond the Numbers and host of the Life Beyond the Numbers podcast, Susan champions a fresh approach to leadership — one that embraces the power of emotions, trust and honest conversations to create workplaces where people and results thrive. Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannichriodain/ Substack: https://substack.com/@thewholeequation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan.ni.chriodain/ Resources Mentioned: Leading Beyond the Numbers - Audio Book Leading Beyond the Numbers - Print edition Rob Lawrence JMS Group

"We don't eat nutrients, we eat stories." Mari Giuseppe Mari Giuseppe and I delve into the intricate relationship between food, culture and self-perception. Mari, a dietician with a unique approach, explains how food isn't just nutrition; it's deeply intertwined with the stories we tell ourselves. We discuss the pressures of cultural ideals, the impact of trauma on eating habits and the harmful effects of societal expectations. We laughed a lot in this conversation as Mari has such a beautifully open and honest approach and tells her truth with humour. We talked about shorts, cellulite, and the pressure to be “bikini ready” - but more than that, we reflected on how different life feels when you stop waiting for approval and come from a place of self-love and balance. This episode is full of insight, laughter and the kind of truth-telling that makes you feel lighter. And remember we are more than a number on a scale - we are human beings. Mari Giuseppe is a qualified dietitian from Brazil, specialising in eating behaviour and mindset. Her work focuses on realistic nutrition education, respecting individual needs and the emotions behind food choices. She believes it’s not just about what we eat, but why we eat, and that transforming our relationship with food takes more than a diet – it requires compassion, active listening, and strategy. She currently works as a Nutrition Assistant within the NHS in the UK, while completing the translation and validation of her degree. Her mission is to help people break the cycle of guilt and restriction, and rebuild a lighter, healthier, and more achievable relationship with food and their bodies. Connect with Mari Follow her contribution on Future Proof App On LinkedIn On Instagram Resources Mentioned Future Proof App Episode 204 Future Proof with James Culmer Shields

"When I first become aware that I was experiencing perimenopause, or at least put a name to what I had been experiencing for years without knowing what was going on, it was a very different world. That was just 10 to 15 years ago." Laura Haycock Laura Haycock and I talk about her recently published book, M-Power, which addresses menopause as a critical issue that intersects with organisational culture and how we treat one another at work. Her book is rooted not just in lived experience, but in a deep understanding of culture, leadership and inclusion. Laura elaborates on the importance of understanding menopause beyond just a women's issue and highlights the systemic changes organisations can implement for a supportive environment. The discussion also touches upon the historical and societal factors that have shaped our understanding of menopause and how modern workplaces can adapt. We reflected on what it takes to lead in a changing context, where organisational effectiveness depends on recognising what people need to thrive. This is not just a conversation for women. It’s an invitation to rethink how organisations support humanity at work - by seeing what’s usually invisible. Laura Haycock is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. She graduated from Oxford University in Experimental Psychology and has a Masters in Applied Psychology from Cranfield University, College of Aeronautics. Laura offers over 30 years of consultancy experience across all aspects of talent management in the UK, Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. She co-directed a start-up environmental consultancy for several years. This entrepreneurial background adds to her impact as an executive coach. Through her own business, Brew People, she helps good leaders become great leaders by putting inclusion at the heart of everything they do to: identify true talent; empower high performance; connect diverse teams; and develop everyone’s full potential. She has deep expertise in empowering women through their careers and uses systems-thinking to combine actions from a strategic, practical and individual level. Connect with Laura On LinkedIn Through her website, Brew People Resources Mentioned M-Power: A Menopause Action Plan for Organizations by Laura Haycock Dr Louise Newson