Life Beyond The Numbers

"Susan, I've taken enough time with these questions. Firstly, I just want to say, I'm thankful that I've met you. And two, this is an absolutely brilliant book and I love it." Matt Phelan In this episode I celebrate the launch of my new book Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work. The book was launched during a LinkedIn Live on Monday May 13th with the help of Matt Phelan, who wrote the foreword to the book, and Dr. Susanne Evans. The book has already achieved bestseller status in three Amazon categories in the UK. We explore the key themes, some takeaways and personal reflections including the creative process, navigating self doubt and what I hope the legacy of the book will be. Please do purchase, read and review the book to help spread its impactful message. Matt Phelan is a dad, founder, business adviser & keynote speaker as well as being a proud geek (his words!) and supporter of decent people. He believes that the future of tech is human and co-founded The Happiness Index to try and positively shape the future of work in a small but important way. Matt has written two books ‘Freedom to be Human: The business case for happiness’ and most recently ‘The Happiness Index: Why today's emotions equal tomorrow's business success.’ He also hosts the insightful ‘Happiness and Humans’ podcast. Dr Susanne Evans creates change, one story at a time. She is on a mission to change the way transformations are managed in organisations. She founded Feldspar Consulting in 2007 to help her clients lead change in a more human, effective way through her work as an organisation change consultant, trainer, coach and researcher. Susanne is a storyteller and is writing ‘ChangeStories: How to have powerful conversations, tell inspiring stories and build engagement for transformation’ which is due to be published in November and is the host of the engaging ChangeStories podcast. Resources Mentioned Follow this link to purchase Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work If you would like to read a preview of this book follow this link. If you would like to watch the LinkedIn Live click here

"Variation is the norm, that actually we're all unique. We are all different. And even how we approach learning and decision making, we're all different." Susan Ni Chriodain In this special episode of 'Life Beyond the Numbers,' I take on a unique role as the interviewee, giving Dr. Susanne Evans the reins to explore the themes, inspirations, and key takeaways from my about to be launched book, 'Leading Beyond the Numbers.' This episode not only showcases the book's concepts but also reflects on the broader implications for personal development and organisational change. We shed light on why embracing individual differences and genuine self-expression in professional settings is not just beneficial but essential for creating more engaging and effective workplaces. We conclude with emphasis on the SEE-SAW acronym (Sleep, Eating & Hydration, Exercise, Sense-making, Awareness, Wisdom) as a practical framework for capturing the essence of this book. Susan Ni Chriodain is a leadership coach, facilitator and experienced finance director Susan Ní Chríodáin who sits at the nexus of business and emotion and in her book Leading Beyond the Numbers she reveals how to reintroduce humanity into the workplace, for improved engagement and fulfilment, benefiting both individuals and organisations. Dr. Susanne Evans, host of ChangeStories podcast and founder of Feldspar Consulting, was the guest host on this episode. Connect with Susan On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work is published on May 14th 2024 and can be purchased from https://mybook.to/LBTN Lisa Feldman Barrett Episode #126 Slowing Down - Professor Giana M. Eckhardt Episode #127 The Performance Paradox - Kerry Cullen Episode #128 Alignment - Ana Bernardes Episode #134 I Feel Like Me Again - Jo Hunter Episode #67 Being Yourself - Eamon FitzGerald

"When momentum really comes into play so much of the background noise fades further into the background. And then momentum builds momentum. You become unstoppable, mostly!" Susan Ni Chriodain In this episode you are invited to explore the multifaceted journey of writing and self-discovery, offering a glimpse into the challenges and rewards. I delve into the inner and outer challenges faced during the writing process, including self-doubt, perfectionism, and the importance of acknowledging progress. And I discuss the transformative impact of sharing the manuscript. I also emphasise the value of commitment, momentum, asking for help, and adapting personal routines to enhance your creativity and productivity. And I talk about celebrating the arrival of the book! Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work will be published by Practical Inspiration Publishing on May 14th, 2024. Connect with me: On LinkedIn Through my website: Beyond the Numbers Resources Mentioned: Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work will be published on May 14th 2024 by Practical Inspiration Publishing. It is available for pre-order online at major booksellers and on Amazon. David Whyte: Consolations and Start Close In

"Most of the time we're not listening, really listening. We're actually just thinking, what do I want to say next or what shall I say next? And just listening for the odd word or phrase that we need to hear in order to meaningfully respond in a way that satisfies us." Rob Lawrence Rob Lawrence and I talk about the power of sound, the art of listening, and the journey of discovering and living one's truth. We delve into how our truths can be buried under societal expectations and the significance of listening — to both our inner selves and others — in uncovering and aligning with our truths. We also touch on the power of sound beyond its conventional appreciation, highlighting Rob's deep connection with sound and its impact on him. Rob shares insights from his personal journey, including a pivotal choice. He also talks about his podcast 'Inspirational Creatives,' its evolution, and his passion for collaboration and helping others find their voice and truth. Rob Lawrence is a qualified audio producer, author, podcaster and certified coach who helps creative entrepreneurs, high-achieving professionals and business leaders embrace the power of sound to broadcast messages worth listening to. As an audio production coach, he helps his clients hear the meaning and messages beyond their words, before helping them use technology and broadcasting tools to guide their audiences into powerful explorations, dialogues and conversations of the topics that matter most to them. Prior to this Rob had a 21-year career in Information Technology and audio production, led award-winning teams and helped revolutionise communications for major European and Australasian corporations and brands. Connect with Rob On LinkedIn Through his website Resources Mentioned Inspirational Creatives Podcast

"Basically it's books that we recommend a lot or books that have really changed our practice." Dr. Susanne Evans In honour of World Book Day and the value of reading Dr. Susanne Evans, David Lee and I recorded a conversation that explores a wide range of reads that have significantly impacted us including personal development, reflective practice, storytelling, neuroscience and touching on historical events such as the Rwandan Genocide. We each share insights on books that have changed our life, practice, or perspective, accompanied by anecdotes and a deeper look into the themes and lessons of selected works. This conversation offers listeners a rich tapestry of knowledge and a massive list of 'must-reads' for anyone looking to expand their understanding of themselves and the world through literature. The following titles are included in our conversation The Right Questions by Debbie Ford The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds Frequency by Penny Pierce Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl The Joy of Appreciative Living by Jacqueline Kelm Reflective Practice in Medicine by John Launer On Being Certain Robert A. Burton Don't Bite the Hook by Pema Chodron Season of Blood by Fergal Keane Bittersweet by Susan Cain The Long Win by Cath Bishop The Soul's Code by James Hillman Time to Think by Nancy Klein Quiet by Susan Cain Prayer to the Great Creator by Julia Cameron Dealing with a Difficult Co-Worker by David Lee Leading Beyond the Numbers by Susan Ni Chriodain ChangeStories by Dr Susanne Evans 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, and she is 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

"Imagine if we create this whole chain of psychologically safe environments that every single individual in that chain had that sense of psychological safety. The innovation, the creativity and the sheer drive, growth, productivity and all of those things mean that we would be leaping forwards in terms of how we do things and generating new opportunities and new ways of doing things and better ways of doing things." Helen Joy Helen Joy and I talk about how innovation and psychological safety are intrinsically linked. Helen highlights that a lack of psychological safety in the workplace stifles innovation by preventing people from expressing their ideas out of fear of judgment or humiliation. We chat through practical steps for fostering psychological safety at the individual, team, and organisational levels to create a conducive environment for innovation. Furthermore, we explore the challenges of maintaining such an environment across different parts of an organisation and the critical role of trust in building psychological safety. By addressing these challenges, organisations can unlock the full potential of their teams, enhance retention, and drive innovation. Helen Joy is on a mission to change workplaces for the better by supporting that critical middle management level to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead. She has more than 20 years experience in management training and her passion is in Leadership and Management Development, particularly for new and aspiring managers. Through People Sparks' bespoke, interactive programmes, Helen coaches businesses to create and motivate great managers, develop skills and confidence, and build environments that drive success. Connect with Helen On LinkedIn Through her website People Spark Resources Mentioned: Amy Edmondson How Psychological Safety Powers Innovation on YouTube

"Insights" is a compilation episode that explores themes of resourcefulness, inner resources, and personal responsibility in accessing those resources. Through excerpts from previous episodes in 2024, you are introduced to various perspectives on living vibrant lives, self-leadership, the significance of listening to one's inner voice, and taking personal responsibility for one's joy and mindset. Insights includes excerpts from: 02:30 Karina Rook, Episode 159 Freedom to be Human 05:45 Claudia Anghel, Episode 161 All Roads Lead to Centre 09:30 Nathan Simmons, Episode 167 A Future Possibility 13.45 Caroline Tanja Banz, Episode 158 Wake Up! 17.45 Beth Stallwood, Episode 165 WorkJoy Formula 19:15 Andy Brown, Episode 166 Emotional Overdraft 22:00 Karina Rook, Episode 159 Freedom to be Human

"This book is about telling a different version of a story. That might begin to rebalance and imbalance. It is about leading beyond the numbers and still knowing our worth contribution and value. It is about recognising people as people and not as numbers on a payroll or statistics in a report." Susan Ni Chriodain In this solo episode I talk more about my upcoming book, Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work. The focus today is on the title. I talk about leading - leaders and leadership. I talk about 'beyond' and what that means. And I talk about 'the numbers' and leading beyond them. I am the host of Life Beyond the Numbers Podcast. I've recently written my first book which will be out in May '24. I believe that the future of work relies on us harnessing the power of conversation so we interact with one another with intention and integrity. I help people have more fulfilling work-lives by guiding them to see their uniqueness to let it shine through. Connect with me: On LinkedIn Through my website: Beyond the Numbers Resources Mentioned: Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work will be published on May 14th 2024. It is available for pre-order online at major booksellers and on Amazon. Episode 145 Facilitate People with John Fairhurst

"What we need to then do, though, is, rather than trying to create tomorrow based on all the clutter and the stuff that has and hasn't worked, we need to rewire to a future possibility." Nathan Simmonds Nathan Simmonds and I discuss the importance of facing life challenges, overcoming personal struggles, and finding the strength to embrace a new path. Nathan shares his compelling life story, detailing how he navigated through personal challenges, including overcoming Crohn's disease, teenage bullying and a battle with drug addiction. Utilising his experiences and learnings, Nathan highlights the importance of understanding human dynamics, psychology, and adopting a reflective approach to address and overcome life's obstacles. Furthermore, he delves into the realms of leadership, hypnotherapy, and the effectiveness of future progressions in realising one's potential. Nathan Simmonds specialises in delivering training experiences that go beyond the ordinary to ignite self-motivated, deeply aware, and conscious leaders. His training programs are designed to cultivate stronger relationships, enhance communications, and instil deep empathy while nurturing the talent of the future. He does this by combining practical tools, leadership psychology, and neuroscience, as a catalyst for innovation and creative problem-solving that propels leaders and businesses forward. Connect with Nathan Through his website Through LinkedIn If you have a more spiritual slant check out https://www.spiritmedicine.world/ Yet to launch eutopianpeople.com Resources Mentioned Hurt people, hurt people by Dr. Sandra Wilson The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope Dr. Joe Dispenza Tony Robbins Karina Rook episode #159 Freedom to be Human

"An Emotional Overdraft is the way that founders and entrepreneurs and leaders subsidise a business at the cost of their own mental or physical reserves and that can be very unhealthy and very damaging." Andy Brown Andy Brown and I discuss how acknowledging and understanding our emotions is crucial, not just for business owners, but for anyone in a workplace. Although emotions and feelings might not be mainstream thinking for all business leaders yet Andy assures us it is coming. We delve into his book 'Emotional Overdraft', and Andy explains that an emotional overdraft leads to burnout, overwhelm and is causing “invisible damage” with hidden costs. We might think it is inevitable, it isn't. Andy takes us through some of the ten drivers of an emotional overdraft. He also tells us that if he had a tattoo it would say: Your feelings are a measure of your thinking. Andy Brown is a Non-Executive Director, leadership coach, speaker and author. He provides coaching to leaders in people-based businesses, enabling them to make better decisions and to build more valuable businesses. Over the years, Andy has recognised that most leaders subsidize their companies at the expense of their own wellbeing, which he refers to as the ‘emotional overdraft’. This insight has enabled him to save numerous clients from burnout and stress and, at the same time, made their businesses more resilient. Andy was voted ‘Outstanding Non-Executive Director 2021’. Andy produces a twice-monthly newsletter for entrepreneurs, founders and leaders, called “Rambling On About Emotional Overdraft”. He has written hundreds of articles on leadership and business growth and has lectured at the University of Brighton. Connect with Andy: Through his websites https://emotionaloverdraft.com/ and https://etc.co.uk/about/ On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Emotional Overdraft by Andy Brown Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown Carole Robbin Interpersonal Dynamics "Touchy Feely Course" Three Principles Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett Episode #162 Never Think You Are Reaching Too High with Mags de Valois

"I always think about the work joy formula as how do you actually go from where you are to getting more joy in your life?" Beth Stallwood Beth Stallwood highlights the importance of personal responsibility for one's joy in a work environment. She talks us through her journey of discovering joy in her work. She cleverly contrasts work joy from work gloom. We cover the three key components of work joy: Engagement, Energy, and Experimentation. Beth also highlights the importance of self-awareness and responsibility in creating happiness at work. She proposes the concept of 'squads' that you build from your network, and discusses six roles they can play in your career. She further suggests tracking joyful moments at work to build a more joyful experience. Beth Stallwood is a consultant, facilitator, podcast host, author and qualified executive coach with over 15 years’ experience. Her mission is to help people create and cultivate more WORKJoy. Beth’s coaching style balances support and challenge in equal measure, enabling people to empower themselves to achieve their goals. With experience across commercial, public sector and not-for-profit environments, Beth’s diverse background has allowed her to be highly agile in her approach, adapting to fit the context, culture and needs of each person on the WORKJoy Way programme. With a focus on the UK market, she has honed her skills in developing future leaders who can adapt, contribute and lead in an ever-changing world. Connect with Beth: Through her websites: Beth Stallwood and Create WorkJoy On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: WORKJoy: A toolkit for a better working life by Beth Stallwood Resources to download from Beth's website WORKJoy Jam Podcast Episode 128, Alignment, Ana Bernardes

"I delve into that in the book - the fact that none of us ever really know what's going on for someone else." Susan In this solo episode I talk about my upcoming book, Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work. I talk about the inspiration behind the book. I read out some of the endorsements I have received to date. And I read some extracts from two separate chapters that include personal anecdotes and reflections on the importance of emotions and the integration of mind and body in the workplace. I am the host of Life Beyond the Numbers Podcast. I've recently written my first book which will be out in May. I believe that the future of work relies on us harnessing the power of conversation so we interact with one another with intention and integrity. I help people have more fulfilling work-lives by guiding them to see their uniqueness to let it shine through. Connect with me: On LinkedIn Through my website: Beyond the Numbers Resources Mentioned: Leading Beyond the Numbers: How accounting for emotions tips the balance at work will be published on May 14th 2024. It is available for pre-order online at major booksellers and on Amazon. How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett Emotional Agility by Susan David Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser Episode 28, Breakthrough with Gib Bulloch Episode 80, Why Do I Have to Fake it? with Greta Solomon Episode 107, Be In the Room with Ellen Leith

"If there's one huge piece of advice I can give, it's pick your lane and stay in it .... Don't worry about what anyone else is doing, just decide what you want, decide how you're going to get that and focus." Sally Oddy Sally Oddy, an established entrepreneur, shares insights about her journey from being an employee to become a successful business owner. We delve into the details about her experience with burnout in a corporate environment which led her to change her career path and start a marketing consultancy. She shares how she transitioned from this to teaching others to do their own marketing. Sally outlines detailed advice for anyone planning to start a business, highlighting the importance of thorough planning, getting the basics right, and making strategic decisions based on long-term rather than short-term goals. Sally also shares her views on the challenges faced in the online business world and the misconceptions around 'quick success' in this field. The concept of 'membership' and 'mastermind' programs are explained with their respective benefits. If you are thinking about starting your own business or in a start-up phase this episode is one you won't want to miss. Sally Oddy is a Strategic Powerhouse who shares no-nonsense systems, tactics and strategies that will completely transform how you operate your business! Working with Self-Led Soulpreneurs, she pours over 20 years experience into their hearts, minds and businesses and turned running an online business into a simple and clearly defined system enabling you to make a consistent income online and have the confidence, tools and skills to make it happen! She is on a mission to inspire you to fulfil your potential, live life to the full, and impact thousands of lives along the way! Connect with Sally: Through her website On LinkedIn and Instagram Resources Mentioned Episode 76 Limitless with Emma O'Brien

"Never think you reaching too high. If you want to do something, go for it, go for what you actually want." Mags de Valois Note: This episode from the archives was originally episode #13 on Oct 20th, 2020. For this episode I have recorded a brief introduction and a summary at the end with my key takeaways. Margaret de Valois shares her journey of embracing her individuality while navigating the corporate city world and breaking the mould. We talk about how much more rewarding it is to make active choices and really consider what it is that you want to do in life. We talk about stereotypes, how she felt as if she was in "a controlling relationship with the City" and her relocation to Cornwall. We also delve into her love of people, communication and pensions as well as her experience with the London Philharmonic Choir. Margaret de Valois is an award-winning seasoned City professional now living in Cornwall. She qualified as an actuary and works as a Business Coach who helps businesses generate great ideas and plan practical strategies to guarantee business growth. And she is a co-host of the TV show Thinking Women. Connect with Mags Through her website Thinking Women TV Resources Mentioned State Pension - UK Gov website

"I'm consistently, continuously discovering this... I discovered that the key is the centre. Not losing your centre. This message constantly comes to me, all roads lead to centre. Because of course it's normal, human, to go into extremes." Claudia Anghel Claudia Angel talks about her transition from a traditional career in human resources to working with the resources of humans and guiding them in life. Claudia reflects on a pivotal moment that reshaped her career path. It happened after the end of a 13-year-long career with a multinational organisation that she loved. The end was abrupt but it lead to a significant life transition for Claudia. Claudia talks about the power of pausing and then pivoting and finally merging. During this time Claudia discover the Gene Keys — a system derived from ancient wisdom dating back 5,000 years ago. She talks about how Gene Keys provide insights into different aspects of your life, including work-life and various existential topics. Claudia Anghel founded the holistic HarRa Center for Gene Keys students as a space to creatively express their gifts and grow together. Following a traditional career in human resources including working as an international HR professional Claudia made a shift from human resources to working with people's inner resources and guiding them in life. Claudia loves to bring people together in an energy of trust, familiarity, and collaboration. Connect with Claudia Through her website Through the Gene Keys website On LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram Resources Mentioned The Answer to How Is Yes by Peter Block PWN Global: Professional Women’s Network Gene Keys The Art of Contemplation by Richard Rudd

"Every conversation we have is co-created with other people." In this solo episode I reflect on the influence of creative thinking in daily life. The World Economic Forum's top 10 skills of 2023 highlights creative thinking as the second top skill. Although creativity is often linked to monumental achievements or works of art, creativity emanates from all humans in our everyday activities. It is the ability to bring something into existence that didn't exist before. Acknowledge the creativity you exhibit in your daily lives, from creating meals to creating conversations. Resources Mentioned: The World Economic Forum Top 10 Skills Michael Neil Aengus Fletcher on ChangeStories

"We are always at our best when we have freedom to be human. And what I mean by that is when we remember, or lean into, what makes us human, oh my gosh, that's octane for our performance and it's so much easier." Karina Rook Karina Rook is an advocate for the virtue of 'freedom to be human' in our work-lives. In our conversation we cover the importance of genuine connection, overcoming stress and burnout, the role of rest and recovery and the concept of authentic self-leadership. We discuss the art of listening to our intuition, and nurturing attributes that light us up. Karina underscores her belief that humans are wired for success, and that compassion, understanding, and freedom to be human, dissolve barriers to optimal performance. And we discuss intriguing research that demonstrates, surprisingly, that performance only accounts for 10% of career success. Image or perception by others is 30% and networking or visibility contributes a whopping 60%. Karina Rook is the founder of Ventures Green Ltd. and has embarked on a mission to empower women in their pursuit of holistic well-being. Her qualifications span biology, business, nutrition, mindfulness, and coaching, woven with 24+ years of empowering individuals, teams, and businesses in the corporate world. She stands against workplace inequality and believes every woman deserves to shine. Ventures Green is built upon values of freedom, interconnectedness, stardust, and adventure. She is the host of the Freedom to be Human podcast. Connect with Karina Through her website Ventures Green On LinkedIn Celestial Coach on Instagram Freedom to be Human podcast Resources Mentioned Harvey Coleman career success research Dr. Dorian Dugmore Good to Great by Jim Collins

"This is my mission, I think this is what I really want to do and what I'm born to do, to help people wake up." Caroline Tanja Banz Caroline Tanja Banz shares her journey of self-discovery, which led her to 'marry herself' symbolically as an act of self-love and commitment to her own needs. Prior to this she said she had been a chameleon, adapting to situations and people around her instead of understanding herself. We delve into the Enneagram, a model of human psyche. Caroline advocates for the Enneagram as a powerful tool for understanding our behavioural patterns, deepening our relationship with ourselves and others, and ultimately awakening to our true selves. We talk about this tool in the context of the work environment. And we cover the importance of self-reflection. Caroline Tanja Banz felt since she was a child that one day she would like to do something to make a difference. At first she wanted to be a musician, but then she completed a commercial apprenticeship. Then she became a mother to two wonderful boys. Music has accompanied her over the years and she still loves to bring joy to people with her music. When she later studied law, she learned a lot of practical things, but soon knew that this was not fulfilling her long-cherished desire. Today she is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and a trained Enneagram Coach. She loves her profession and has always enjoyed supporting people. Nature and sustainability are very close to her heart. Connect with Caroline Through her website Be Your True Self Resources Mentioned Be Your True Self sung by Caroline Tanja Banz The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Episode 120, Reconnecting with Sam Allen

"Happiness comes from a wide variety of different sources. And actually happiness is not the one single thing that we should pursue because part of being human is the whole world of emotion and feelings. And all of them are valid." Gavin Andrews In this episode, we explore the concept of mind-body connection and its implication for workplaces. The excerpts highlight the importance of understanding and embracing emotions and feelings as a part of human intelligence rather than suppressing it. Guests share insights on navigating emotional data, enhancing emotional intelligence at a large scale in organisations, the power of belonging, importance of feelings, and the intersection of emotions and rationality. The conversation also emphasises the need for leaders to understand employee emotions, challenge unconscious biases, and foster a greater sense of belonging in the team. The episode offers a different perspective than traditional ways of thinking, urging listeners to tune in to embodied consciousness and bring their emotional selves to work for a more fulfilling and meaningful work-life. 7:30 Steve Haines on how minds and body are connected and the importance of feeling safe including with our interactions with others 13:00 Gavin Andrews on accessing the wisdom of the heart and state of coherence - an optimal state for heart and brain to be in 17:55 Rebecca Cheetham on mind-body disconnection and squishing emotions 18:50 Lisa Milnor on bringing awareness to the body 25:10 Gavin Andrews on bringing our emotional self to work 26:55 Steve Haines on how to make sense of sensations in our body 28:50 Matt Phelan on emotional data in the workplace and a sense of belonging 35:55 Jenny Ashmore on the power of a sense of belonging for teams Resources Mentioned: My forthcoming book: Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work Alison Jones & Practical Inspiration Publishing Coaches Rising Episode 10, Life Beyond the Numbers, This Feelings Business with Steve Haines Episode 38, Life Beyond the Numbers, Wisdom and Technology with Gavin Andrews Episode 48, Life Beyond the Numbers, Baby Steps with Rebecca Cheetham Episode 49, Life Beyond the Numbers, A Sense of Belonging with Jenny Ashmore Episode 59, Life Beyond the Numbers, Weird & Wonderful with Lisa Milnor Episode 67, Life Beyond the Numbers, Better Understanding with Matt Phelan

In this final episode of 2023, I take a reflective look back at the year, highlighting some guest interviews, insights and personal journeys. The journey from episode 116 to 156 was marked by diverse conversations traversing topics like personal growth, slowing down, challenges the significance of creativity, self-expression and giving people the chance to be themselves in order to create a more productive and happier workplace. And I share some anecdotes about writing my forthcoming book and the valuable insights gained during the process. As we head into 2024 I encourage listeners to embrace life's simplicity and to dare to achieve your potential. Episode Snippets from: Episode #116 Challenges - Diego Adame Episode #120 Reconnecting - Sam Allen Episode #121 Courage - Robbie Swale Episode #122 What Matters Most? Susan Ni Chriodain Episode #126 Slowing Down - Professor Giana M. Eckhardt Episode #127 The Performance Paradox - Kerry Cullen Episode #134 I Feel Like Me Again - Jo Hunter Episode #135 The Twin Trails - Achim Arnold Episode #143 Executive Presence - Sue Rosen Episode #145 Facilitate People - John Fairhurst Resources Mentioned 64 Million Artists January 2024 Challenge Inner Development Goals (IDGs) Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work by Susan Ni Chriodain

"I felt younger, I felt nostalgic, I felt the preciousness of life and the genuine appreciation of true friends." Susan In this episode, I reflect on the significance of friendships in my life and the joy that they bring. I share experiences with friends from different phases of life, including colleagues from Deloitte, a friend from Pakistan, and school friends. I highlight the importance of friendships during challenging times and expresses my gratitude for my friends - many of whom I met at work. Resources mentioned Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte

"If I'm working with somebody and they don't do their agreed upon "homework" and I'm telling myself a story like, Oh, they're not motivated. They're lazy. They don't take it seriously. And instead of coming from that judgey point of view, asking, so what happened? And it turns out they didn't understand what the assignment was or whatever. Get curious, not furious. Get curious instead of judging." David Lee Dr Susanne Evans, David Lee and I tackle the topic of motivation. We share their own examples, interpreting our motivations for our own personal behaviours and habits. We also explore motivation in a broader workplace context, including during change in an organisational setting. We emphasise the individuality of motivation, the need for leaders to understand team members' unique motivating factors, and the importance of cultivating a curiosity-driven rather than judgment-driven mindset in organisational settings. 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, and she is 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: The video version on YouTube Quiet by Susan Cain Atomic Habits by James Clear Dark Horse: Achieving Success Through the Pursuit of Fulfillment by Todd Rose & Ogi Ogas The School of Life Change Anything by Vital Smarts Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin Drive by Daniel Pink’s Dr. John Launer on ChangeStories Podcast David Rock SCARF Model

"When people realise that I don't have enough self-love, I don't think you can teach somebody to have self love or to have a connection to your heart, but you can, become more conscious with the lack of it. And by doing that you start to vest in your own love and then in the love for other beings." Stephan Pfingsten Stephan Pfingsten and I discuss his concern for the imbalance in global consciousness versus technological advancement. He explains how accumulated past traumas unconsciously affect us and suggests that we need to strive for an honest and emotional self-reflection in order to unlock our hidden potential for personal and societal transformation. Stephan shares his journey from working in accounting to being a CEO with a focus on human potential. We explored the symbiotic relationship between nurturing our inner potential and effective leadership, connecting with our heart-space, unlocking emotional intelligence in the business space, and why this is essential for harmonious, sustainable growth in the world. Stephan Pfingsten's special gift is to be able to see a human being in all of her/his potential and in her/ his sufferings and longings. He is dedicated to accompany a person in developing her/his potential to the fullest. After graduating with a MBA he spent 3 years with Coopers & Lybrand (PwC) in San Francisco to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of California, U.S.A. After that he held various senior management positions in multinational enterprises in the software, banking and automotive industries in the US, Italy, and Germany. Later he received various coaching certificates. Connect with Stephan Through his website On LinkedIn On Facebook Resources Mentioned Ken Wilber

"Asking for help, I mean, I had no clue that that was the way out. It didn't even cross my mind at all. It's so crazy that asking for help was the way out." Migena Gjerazi Migena Gjerazi and I delve into personal visions, change, surrender, taking responsibility for our choices and asking for help. Migena shares the importance of aligning with values that bring joy and excitement, even when the vision is unclear and encourages trust in the first step and openness to the unfolding path. She shares insights on imposter syndrome and suggests practical tools to combat self-doubt, including self-compassion, acceptance, and positive feedback. She recounts a powerful anecdote about asking for help and how this simple act can offer others an opportunity to contribute to our growth, creating a network of support and collaboration. Migena Gjerazi MBA, CPCC, PCC had a stellar career with over 20 years in HR and Finance and is now an award-winning coach and facilitator in Copenhagen, a TEDX-er and an award-winning entrepreneur in her native diaspora (Albania). Migena has led countless coaching & leadership programs for UN agencies, engineering institutes, Amazon, Mars and many more, and many hours spent in the coaching chair. Her magic is supporting her clients to shine, inspire, and create empowering change. She is the queen of facilitation and the slayer of imposter syndrome. Migena is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Certified Leadership Coach trained by the Co-Active Training Institute; Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by International Coach Federation, Organizational Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) and LCP certified. Connect with Migena Through her website On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Episode 120, Reconnecting with Sam Allen Influence is your Superpower by Zoe Chance Untaming Femininity Podcast

"There is something about setting intentions and having it written down or saying it out into the world that makes a difference, especially if it's something you want to do." In November 2022 I spoke about my intention to write a book in episode 110, Four Week Streaks. I reflect on the year that followed with a focus on the power of setting intentions, building habits and consistency and the fact that life can change in an instant. Resources Mentioned Episode 110 Four Week Streaks Episode 122 What Matters Most Episode 138 About Time Episode 87 Susan Speaks

I'm celebrating! Submitting Leading Beyond the Numbers: How Accounting for Emotions Tips the Balance at Work to the publisher. and A milestone birthday. Connect with me: On LinkedIn Through my website

"If you can demonstrate to someone that you have their back and you're fair, you're a fair person. I think that's all you need to ask for, isn't it?" James Perry James Perry talks about his experiences with different bosses, emphasising the significance of fairness and support in the workplace. We talk about the importance of creating a relatable and empathetic work environment to engage employees and retain staff. James also reflects on his journey of self-awareness and the impact it had on his career. We touch on topics such as defining success, finding balance, looking honestly at ourselves, building rapport and the power of human connection. James Perry holds a Certificate in Executive Coaching from Cambridge University. He runs a unique business coaching Accounting Students on mindset, motivation, study & exam techniques. He is one of Northern Ireland’s Top 40 Under 40 and a TEDx Speaker. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, an Associate Lecturer at the University of Ulster, a former Associate Director in a global Accounting firm and Financial Controller of a multi-million pound group. Connect with James On LinkedIn On YouTube Resources Mentioned TEDx: Does Passion Need a Purpose? "The Possibility Exists" by Eoin Scolard "The Highly Sensitive Man" by Tom Falkenstein

**Please note that the episode that went out on Oct 14th was a repeat of episode 102. This was my mistake - apologies. This is now the correct version of episode 148 "Difficult conversations by definition are difficult, but the relationship, just like in anything in life between skill level and how much courage it takes, the more skill, the less courage you have to summons." David Lee In this episode David Lee is asking the questions - well it is more of a riff about constructive conversations, creative, courageous conversations, psychological safety, etc. We both share stories and insights on addressing difficult topics, separating the behaviour from the person, creating cues of safety and a psychologically safe environment for open and honest communication. We also explore strategies for emotional self-regulation, the significance of silence and the impact of body language and non-verbal cues. 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 David On LinkedIn Through his website Human Nature at Work Resources Mentioned David Whyte Don't Bite the Hook: Finding Freedom from Anger, Resentment, and Other Destructive Emotions by Pema Chodron Polyvagal theory and Dr Stephen Porges Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real Margaret Heffernan Lisa Feldman Barrett Approaching Difficult Conversations, the Polyvagal Way | Psychology Today by David Lee Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain Permission to Feel by Professor Mark Brackett and the "How We Feel" App

In 2018 I walked from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, or The Camino. I reached Santiago on Sept 30th and on the 5th anniversary of that milestone I've put together an episode to share some of the stories, thoughts, lessons learned and emotions from that four week journey: Week 1: Survival Week 2: Struggle Week 3: Stride Week 4: Satisfaction

A selection of insights from guests who featured in earlier episodes including Episode 1 with Sue Rosen Episode 4-5 with Gary Cox Episode 6 with Helen Joy Episode 9 with Jerry Harris Episode 13 with Mags de Valois Episode 14 with John Hayns Episode 15 with Marcus Thompson Episode 17 with Kim Bowden Episode 20 with Aoife O'Brien Episode 21 with Mark Samowitz

"Leadership [....] it's a lot about trying to create environments where people could thrive and facilitate people being successful and therefore the team, the agenda and the organisation being successful." John Fairhurst John Fairhurst and I discuss his leadership style and philosophy. He emphasises the importance of facilitating and enabling people to be successful. He reflects on the changing nature of the private sector and development sector. And we talk about the crucial need for voices from different sectors, including the private sector, in advocating for change and addressing global challenges. We touch on the importance of not being solely reliant on key individuals in driving change. And we discuss the importance of well-being in the workplace and the need for a broader assessment of what it means to have a thriving workforce. John Fairhurst is the head of Private Sector Engagement at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. John has worked in both the private and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining the Global Fund John was Executive Director at UBS Optimus Foundation and COO at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). He was involved in the establishment and management of the portfolio of programmes of one of the largest international development private foundations, the Children's Investment Fund (CIFF). He oversaw development and humanitarian programs for Oxfam in various geographies including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, and Afghanistan. Connect with John On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned The Global Fund Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

"We're not as young as some people who move internationally, which is one thing I think that I've learned a lesson from. And that's one of the harder things here, is that you've left almost your network and everything you've built up in your 25 years experience. You've almost gotta park that to one side and say, well, that was that country - now I have to start again." Kery Boucher Kery Boucher moved from South Africa to Ireland having never even visited Ireland previously. We talk about the cultural differences you encounter when you move internationally. And what it is like to adapt to a new work environment as well as build a new network. When it comes to networking Kery talks about the importance of connecting on a human level. Kery encourages everyone to take risks and embrace new opportunities. She explains the challenges of living in Johannesburg, including social inequality, lack of basic services, and high crime rates. She also highlights the beauty and potential of the city. Kery Boucher is an experienced CA(SA) with a demonstrated history of working in multiple industries including financial services, asset based finance and pharmaceutical. She is a passionate facilitator who works in adult education equipping candidates with improved financial and sustainability tools and skills. Connect with Kery On LinkedIn

"I think all of leadership and all of executive presence starts from within. It starts with a need. You need to actually take time for reflection. I always describe it to people as, you've got to slow down to go faster. You've got to stop and reflect on what's important to you. What are your values? How do you want to show up as a leader?" Sue Rosen Sue Rosen and I discuss the topic of executive presence. Sue defines executive presence as inspiring confidence in one's capabilities and potential, especially in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of authenticity, genuine connection, and consistency in building trust and confidence. Sue introduces her model for developing executive presence, focusing on confidence, humility, and intentionality. We cover the need for personal growth and development, challenging oneself, seeking feedback, and adapting to different situations. And we touch on the challenges individuals face in maintaining executive presence and the importance of using our voice in support of challenging inequities to bring about change. Sue Rosen is passionate about empowering professionals to become courageous and compassionate leaders, leading purpose-driven organisations. She loves working with people as they develop their capacity for authentic leadership, whilst finding freedom and fulfilment in their own lives. Sue was drawn to coaching after years of working in roles which didn't energise or excite her. Having over 25 years in senior finance roles Sue has real world experience that counts, as it has inevitably shaped the coach she has become. Connect with Sue On LinkedIn Through her website Resources Mentioned Stepping into the Unknown, Episode 1 of Life Beyond the Numbers with Sue Rosen

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And I hope to be back next week with the regular format.

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And I hope to be back in September with the regular format. Resources Mentioned Episode 109 Collective Joy with Pete Bearder Laughology by Stephanie Davies

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And I hope to be back in September with the regular format.

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And we will be back in September with the regular format.

Until the end of August '23 there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. As I'm focusing on a specific writing project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I am sharing a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. These episodes will be on average about 15-20 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And we will be back in September with the regular format.

Over the next six weeks there will be a slightly different format to Life Beyond the Numbers episodes. As I'm focusing on a specific project I needed to free up space and time. So, instead of the regular format I will share a brief update on the week - the progress, struggles and insights as well as a short story, or speech, that I wrote during my time at Toastmasters - these will focus on different aspects of work-life. These episodes will be on average about 15 minutes duration. It is up to you whether you come along on this brief detour or not. And we will be back in September with the regular format.

"We always stand for something. And fulfilment and success [ ] is gonna come from actively choosing that thing that you stand for. We are not neutral. [ ] The way I translate that into the work I do is by helping the people I work with to work out what they stand for. I'm politically agnostic about what they choose to stand for. It's about them [ ] It's about knowing what you stand for. Deciding what you stand for." Phil Dorman Phil and I talk about that point people reach in a leadership trajectory where they need to actively choose and define what they stand for. And how many people allow external factors, such as societal expectations and professional success, to define their identity and values. We talk about the importance of developing self-awareness and raising levels of consciousness. We touched on the tension between having a holistic view of the world and the narrower focus required to drive progress. According to Phil, the route to fulfilment starts from within. And for him fulfilment is a journey towards making a positive impact on the world and leaving it better than we found it. Phil Dorman is a leadership coach and founder of Not Neutral. He partners with rising leaders in fast growth companies to unlock their potential. Through 1 to 1 coaching he supports them in building strong performance that drives business results. His work is grounded in the belief that by building deep and true connections to ourselves, to our colleagues and to the context in which we operate, each and every one of us has the capacity to deliver meaningful impact in the world and find fulfilment and joy in the process. Prior to founding Not Neutral, he worked as an entrepreneur and innovator in the media, marketing and management consulting sectors. He lived and worked in China for 16 years before relocating to the UK in 2017. Connect with Phil: Through his website On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh Paulo Freire

"The Shamans, from the Native American people, talk about the twin trails. This whole going inward, going outward, going inward, going outward. The more we grow internally, we can grow externally." Achim Arnold Achim Arnold and I discuss his interest in purpose-driven connections which is largely influenced by his upbringing and desire to be part of a community. We explore the concept of having aspirations instead of putting immense pressure on oneself to constantly do things. We talk about finding our inner team. And about slowing down, the importance of caring for oneself and others and the need to resource oneself properly in order to support others effectively. We wrap up with a discussion on staying connected to our humanity and the impact of technology on our sense of self. Achim Arnold partners with clients to find innovative solutions, from boardroom to field; procurement to sales. He uses his experience in the Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Agricultural, Automotive and Social Media sectors to bring different cultures and diverse groups together to collaborate and co-create solutions for more sustainable business. Over almost two decades he has worked in 25 countries and speaks English, German, Portuguese and Spanish. He holds a graduate degree in business and management as well as a postgraduate degree focused on organisational behaviour, change management and strategic decision-making. He is certified as a systemic coach and change manager and accredited as a holistic counsellor. He is a trustee and a non-executive Director in two educational charities. His favourite activities are ultra trail running and mountaineering. He is a father of 2 young sons who bring joy to his life and fuel his commitment to work on ESG challenges. Connect with Achim On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned Craigberoch Business Decelerator Cologne University Systemic Coaching & Change Management

"I thought, oh, now I feel relaxed. Now I feel like me again. And so it wasn't about removing imperfection, it was like just busting out of my being, so full of love and of happiness that I was like, oh yeah, why would I box myself in with that again?" Jo Hunter Jo Hunter shares her personal journey with perfectionism and how it affected her life. Jo eventually broke free from the constraints of perfectionism and rediscovered her creativity. Jo also discussed the need to nurture creativity in all individuals. She believes creativity is essential, and it should be cultivated from an early age. Creativity allows us to transcend ideas, rules, and patterns to create new ones. We also talked about creating work environments and cultures that foster creativity. Trust and safety play a crucial role in these environments, and they can be cultivated through creative activities. Jo emphasised the importance of embracing uncertainty and delving into difficult issues to find creative solutions. If you are unsure how to explore your creativity Jo suggests engaging in micro-creative moments. It can be as simple as writing for five minutes or noticing patterns in your environment. These small creative practices can lead to significant changes over time. Jo Hunter is the co-founder and CEO of 64 Million Artists, an organisation dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of every human being in Britain. She started the company back in 2014 and now leads the company day to day. One of her favourite things about being the CEO is having space to think big and strategically, and empower others in the team to dream up ideas, respond creatively to briefs and develop themselves as people. She loves running leadership programmes, seeing the way that being in a different environment can help people find the space to discover more about themselves and challenge themselves to think and act in new and interesting ways. Connect with Jo 64 Million Artists website Creative Switch Newsletter Resources Mentioned Brené Brown - The Gift of Imperfection Street Wisdom website

"It's about who we can be and how can we be the best version of ourselves, and we owe that to ourselves. You are the only one who truly knows how you feel, how you think, and why you act the way you do. And increasing our own self-awareness is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves. Taking an honest look at ourselves, our thinking, our feelings, our behaviour, and asking ourselves when are we at our best?" Susan In this episode I reflect on the impact of stress in a work-life experience and how it can gradually increase to an unmanageable level. However, many of us might normalise our stress levels and believe we are coping. Are we? I look at some of the factors, such as workplace stress, lack of support and toxic work environments, that contribute to stress and overwhelm. I talk about the importance of taking responsibility for our own part in maintaining our own well-being. I work with leaders and teams who want to feel more like themselves at work. I focus on inner growth and development for impactful social connection and collaboration. My vision is to create more emotionally aware workplaces where we can all be at our best. I do not have a one-size fits all approach and adapt my style to the uniqueness of the individuals I work with. I also facilitate workplace events and leadership development workshops. Connect with me: Through LinkedIn Through my website Resources Mentioned: Javed Bobat - Episodes 12 and 117 Moving the needle on burnout: what does the data say? McKinsey Health Initiative

"The whole idea around the IDGs emerged a few years ago with a few institutions in Sweden sitting together looking at the current status of the world and wondering why it is that we are not really progressing further and faster towards the SDGs and why crisis are to the contrary getting bigger and bigger and more complex and everything seems to be just more daunting." Katharina Moser Katharina Moser and I talk about the importance of inner work for outer change. She introduces the IDGs, a framework that describes the 23 inner science-based skills and qualities that help us to live purposeful, sustainable, and productive lives. The skills fall into five categories: Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating and Acting. And she emphasises that inner development is not just an individual pursuit but a collective one. We discussed the potential impact of bringing these frameworks into workplaces and society. Katharina shared some insights on companies that are embracing the IDG framework, such as Google, and how they are incorporating the IDGs into their programs and tools. She also mentioned the upcoming IDG conference in Stockholm, which she is organising, and how it aims to create an experiential space so people can learn about the IDGs and how to use them. Katharina shares her own story of how she became involved with the IDGs and talks about how to deal with your own 'critical guardian' as she calls it. Katharina Moser is a designer of meaningful connection to foster collaboration on global challenges. She has designed, organized, and moderated around 300 events, focusing on making them more human. In 2022 she joined the Executive Board of the Inner Development Goals, leading the design of the summit 2023. Previously, she worked for the Austrian Foreign Ministry, the British Council, and the European Forum Alpbach, before she founded the creative agency MOSAIK in 2015. (one of her projects was awarded the State Prize on Europe). She is on the board of Bürgerforum Europa; the Austrian Society for European Politics, a founding member of Alliance4Europe, and a member of the BMW Responsible Leaders Network. Connect with Katharina: Through her website Resources Mentioned: Inner Development Goals (IDGs) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) IDG Tools website IDG Summit October 2023

"How do we start to understand ourselves enough that we can say our expectations might be realistic to the situation we're in, but they mightn't be the optimal expectations that we could have of ourselves." Paul Karvanis Paul Karvanis and I talk about how to have a good life well lived. A former corporate lawyer, Paul shares his journey from feeling unhappy with his life to pursuing a satisfied and contented one. We delve into the concept of personal potential and how it's already within oneself. Personal growth is not about becoming someone new but rather about flipping the coin and looking at the other side of oneself. We also talked about the importance of self-compassion and realistic expectations. Paul emphasises that choosing less is more important than choosing more, and choosing what matters most is key to success. Paul Karvanis is a lawyer turned coach committed to living life all-out and without regret. He spent long portions of his life being miserable, and so he has made it his life's mission to be content and to fully live life. He is also doing his best to make a difference broadly and in the lives of others. And he is a Runner, Reader and Proud Nerd. Connect with Paul: Through his website Leader Rising Resources Mentioned: Episode 121, Courage with Robbie Swale Giovanni Marsico Archangel Nick Wignall's weekly newsletter called "The Friendly Mind" James Clear's Atomic Habits "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron Behold Retreats

"Doing the right thing probably starts when you go into the organisation rather than when you leave it. Because at that stage, you may not have actually have the chance to do the right thing." Dan Foley Dan Foley and I discuss the importance of doing the right thing in business and the role of values, leadership, and collaboration in driving positive change. Dan shares his experience of working with a leader who had a who had a significant impact on his leadership style and introduced him to the JEDI concept of leadership. One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of common sense, collaboration and diversity in achieving success in business. And Dan highlighted that the ability to honestly self-reflect and identify areas for improvement is also crucial in building a high-performing team. Dan Foley is a renowned international award winning senior professional and leader with over 20 years’ experience in various dynamic blue chip organisations, such as Premier Foods, ITV, Mouchel and M&S. He is a well-known figure in the world of financial shared services and a respected speaker at international events on topics that affect financial strategy, governance and management. He has significant business transformation, organisational, operational and change delivery/management experience; excellent operational, commercial, business, process and finance knowledge as well as matured CRM and programme management skillset. Connect with Dan: On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: The Frank & Walters

"Brian was in charge of team engagement. And it was interesting because he said 30 plus years ago, Brian was talking about things like empowerment, self-motivation, involvement, personal responsibility, voice and alignment." In this episode, I relay the remarkable story of Derek Redmond, a former 400-meter sprinter turned business coach, and his experience preparing for the Olympics in 1992. I talk about the importance of teams and team engagement, expanding your comfort zone, making small changes that can lead to greater results and self-awareness. I work with individuals, teams and organisations who know that putting people first generates the greatest return. If you would like to feel more like yourself, at work, let's have a confidential conversation about coaching. If you are interested in creating more emotionally aware workplaces let's chat about your requirements. Or if you are looking for a facilitator for team workshops or leadership development workshops I'd love to hear from you. Connect with me: On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Helen Joy of People-Spark Derek Redmond Tokyo 1991 Barcelona 1992

"For me this concept of embodiment is very related to being in alignment. So an alignment between what I feel, what I think and what I do." Ana Bernardes Ana Bernardes and I discuss the concept of embodiment and how it relates to being in alignment with our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Anna shares her personal experience of discovering her superpower through an embodiment exercise, where she explored different shapes and movements of her body. We explore ways for listeners to start expanding their own awareness of their body and emotions and how crucial it is to reduce dissociation between our mind and body. Ana emphasises the importance of bringing embodiment work to how we work together and we chat about inner leadership and how it relates to connecting with oneself and others in the workplace. Ana’s core work is to create spaces where people can grow. She guides learning journeys towards the development of inner leadership using awareness-based tools. By accessing body wisdom through conscious movement, somatic awareness and human connection, each person can promote the connection with oneself, improve the quality of relationships and rediscover creativity. Ana holds a degree in Psychology and is trained in Holistic Dance and Movement Pedagogy, Social Presencing Theater and Embodiment, which she combines with her experience of working in Business Consulting, Corporate Training, Event and Experience Design and Game Design, as well as 20 years of teaching social dances. Her path made her a believer that only by bringing more consciousness into organisations we can create a lasting impact in living a purposeful and balanced life, both individually and collectively. Connect with Ana: Through her website On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Gabor Mate Frederic Laloux

"That's the performance paradox at play. It's through dedication. We're trying to do the best that we can, but it's just so easy to let go of what we know restores us and gives us energy in that quest to keep going. And the more we do that, the more disconnected we are from what gives us energy. That's what I mean by the performance paradox." Kerry Cullen Kerry Cullen explains the concept of "the performance paradox". To break the performance paradox, she suggests bringing awareness to the body and challenging some of our assumptions with compassion. We go on to discuss embodiment coaching which she describes as enlivening awareness about the resources and wisdom in the body that we are born with but may lose connection with during our life. We also touch on the nervous system and Kerry talks about her work with polyvagal theory and how understanding the nervous system can be a game changer in helping us to connect and collaborate better. Kerry Cullen is a charted business psychologist (BPS) who has been coaching for 20 years. She aspires to create a coaching environment where people can come home to themselves. Her works spans the public and private sector and she works internationally. She loves exploring new edges in coaching, and discovering and training in polyvagal theory felt like coming home to herself. Connect with Kerry Through her website Resources Mentioned TED Talk: Confessions of a bad exerciser by Christine Carter (TEDx) Microsoft Research Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges Deb Dana Polyvagal Guided Living Nancy Kline, Time to Think

"Engaging in activities like walking as compared to faster forms of transportation or doing yoga or things that really slow down the body are important but it's active things that slow down the body. In other words, not just laying on the sofa, which we all like to do at the end of a hard day of work, but it's active slowing down." Giana Eckhardt Giana Eckhardt and I chat about some of her research into the concept of deceleration or people's desire to slow down. Giana explains that deceleration involves three elements: embodied deceleration, technological deceleration, and episodic deceleration. We share some experiences of walking the Camino de Santiago. We chat about the benefits of deceleration and the positive impact it can have on our lives. The conversation then shifts to how businesses are responding to these needs. We also touches on ethical consumer behaviour, such as the slow fashion and slow travel movements, and the surprising benefits of inconvenience in bringing meaning and joy to people's lives. Giana M. Eckhardt is Professor of Marketing and Vice Dean, Executive Education and Engagement, at King’s Business School, King’s College London, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. Giana is a leading expert in the field of consumer behavior, consumer culture, consumer ethics, branding and the sharing economy, publishing regularly in journals such as Harvard Business Review, Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, and Journal of Consumer Research. She is co-author of The Myth of the Ethical Consumer (Cambridge University Press) and co-editor of Handbook of the Sharing Economy (Edward Elgar). She is past co-chair of the Consumer Culture Theory conference, and current co-chair of the Association for Consumer Research conference. Giana is Associate Editor of Journal of Consumer Research, and is on the editorial review board of Journal of Marketing. Her research has won awards and has been featured in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Atlantic, Fortune, Vogue, Scientific American, The BBC, and on National Public Radio. She teaches brand management to MBA and executive MBA students. Connect with Giana On LinkedIn Resources Mentioned Craigberoch Business Decelerator The Myth of the Ethical Consumer by DeVinney Timothy, Giana M. Eckhardt, and Pat Auger