Doctors at Work

Send us a textIn this episode of Doctors at Work, Manuela shares her tips on planning a fellowship. It's important to start early and to make contacts with fellowship directors and current fellows, and to ask open questions about the clinical opportunities, timetabling, and trainer support. Every doctor is different and every fellowship is different, so the key for trainees is to know what they want, need, and aim for, and to align their fellowship training with their personal objectives.Manuela Cresswell is a consultant ENT surgeon with interest in Otology and lateral skull base at University Hospitals Plymouth. She is passionate about teaching and humanitarian work and has received grants to teach ear surgery in low resource countries. Find her on instagram @ent_cresswell.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textIn this episode of Doctors at Work, Talia, an A&E consultant with portfolio roles in patient quality, professionalism, and education, shared her career journey, emphasising the importance of taking on new challenges, and having a mindset that learns from failures. Her own leadership career was created by herself, so the career was not about searching for the perfect career out there, it was more about creating the kind of career that is right for her. Having mentors is important, and we talk about how one might find one. We also talk about the importance of networking when it comes to developing yourself as a leader.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textHow you think about the world will influence what you do and what you achieve. In this episode of Doctors at Work, Thibaut tells me about the importance of mindset and its impact on leadership, and we talk about boundaries, procedural skills, and career progression. We discuss growth vs fixed mindset, self-awareness, self-sabotage, and the importance of seeking help when needed, and we highlight the importance of reconnecting with one's purpose and passion in work. Thibaut Ottomer is a certified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) coach and founder of Liberty Coaching. His mission is to empower leaders and entrepreneurs to break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their true potential, both personally and professionally. He guides his clients to lead from the heart, fostering balanced lives and joyful achievement. Thibaut has coached over 500 people worldwide, including leaders from organizations like Google, Facebook, and SAP. He has a proven track record of facilitating transformative change, and his experience with major company executives ensures his coaching strategies are practical and effective. His approach blends innovative coaching techniques with a deep understanding of human behavior, enabling clients to achieve clarity, confidence, and genuine connection. He is passionate about creating supportive environments where conscious leaders thrive, grow, and lead authentically. Find him at https://www.libertycoaching.eu/, https://www.instagram.com/liberty_coaching/, or https://www.linkedin.com/in/thibautottomer/Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textSharmi is a medical student, and also works as a strategy consultant, and teaches leadership. In this episode of Doctors at Work, she discusses her diverse roles and experiences. We talk about the importance of understanding leadership theory, and she shares tips on how to get leadership experiences which includes the need to capture achievements and look for opportunities. We discuss the importance of networking, and of knowing how to pitch yourself, especially since many career opportunities are not found on jobs websites but are instead created by you.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textIn this episode of Doctors at Work, Elle Todd tells me about her journey from full time medicine to pursuing a portfolio career, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and proactive exploration in determining one's career path. The discussion covers various aspects of career transition, including the challenges of burnout, the benefits of a portfolio career, and the importance of aligning one's values and interests with their profession. Some key questions to ask is what is it that you want, and where do you want to be in 10 years time. The conversation concludes with us emphasising the need for thoughtful decision-making, awareness, and self-care in the process.Elle Todd is a part-time A&E doctor, business owner, creator, and coach. She started her businesses with her brother during her foundation training, which include Doormarked (a property-tech platform) and Not Another Gift Company (an e-commerce business selling personalised prints & motivational gifts). She has managed to combine her interests in medicine & entrepreneurship to create a portfolio career where she finds fulfilment in various pursuits that align with her values. This hasn't come without its challenges though.... She shares her journey and lessons she has learnt on the way through her Instagram, weekly newsletter & blog to help others navigate career doubts, overcome burnout & follow any entrepreneurial dreams. She is on a mission to educate and empower others facing similar challenges in their careers! Find her at www.gabrielletodd.com, https://www.instagram.com/ellejeantodd, https://doormarked.com, and https://www.notanothergiftcompany.co.uk/.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textAll of us have a reputation and a personal brand. In this episode of Doctors at Work, Greg and I discuss the concept of personal branding. We talk about where our reputation comes from, including the importance of digital presence. There are benefits to a positive personal brand, both financial (if working in private systems) and reputational, but there are costs too including professional help and the headspace needed. Changing one's personal brand is definitely possible, and indeed may be desirable as the world around us changes.Born and raised in Harlem, New York City, Gregory Williams was instilled with a deep set of patriotic values and “life to service” by his grandfather a U.S. Army World War II veteran. Growing up, Williams always dreamed of becoming an actor and fulfilled that dream by being on shows such as Law & Order SVU, White Collar, The Blacklist, and served as host for PLAYTV USA (a call-in gameshow). In 2007, Williams began his marketing career with a movie screening company and for the next decade worked on his craft in promotional marketing. While working as a marketing manager, In 2008, Williams decided to fulfill another boyhood dream, which was to follow in his grandfather's footsteps by becoming a U.S. Army soldier. After balancing a close to two decade-long marketing career and military career, Williams completed multiple combat tours, overseas training missions and became the first-ever “Meet Your Army Facebook LIVE” event host (garnering 400,000 views). In 2020, Williams began his journey into the non-profit sector and produced the award-winning podcast “The PHIner Life Show,” which aimed at highlighting veteran experiences from around the nation. In 2024, Williams joined ParadeDeck TV as an official on-air personality, interviewing celebrities, military veterans, and community leaders. A life long learner, Williams prides himself as being known as “The King of Knowing Nothing But Open To Learning Everything.”Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textMarie Lyons is an ENT consultant who has held multiple senior leadership roles. In this episode of Doctors at Work, she shares her leadership journey from medical school to her current role, highlighting her experiences and motivations along the way. She discussed the importance of formal training, cross-divisional collaboration, and personal growth in leadership roles, emphasising the need for humility, self-reflection, and open communication. Marie also reflected on the challenges faced by aspiring medical professionals and the importance of fostering resilience and a healthy attitude towards failure in younger colleagues.Marie Lyons is an ENT consultant, deputy Medical Director, and Responsible Officer. Her interests include leadership development, swimming and singing. You can find her on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-lyons-50861a35/, on X @marielyonsent, and on facebook.  Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textLearning practical skills such as surgery is challenging. In this episode of Doctors at Work, Brian Westerberg tells me about mental imagery. This is a technique that he has found through his elite sport contacts. It helps him anticipate and "practice" surgical steps, and is a way to train new surgeons too. We also talk about mindfulness, exercise, the importance of having non-judgemental support.You might also like episodes 56, 80, 82, 108 on performance psychology, and episode 98 on the impostor syndrome.Dr. Brian Westerberg, an Otolaryngologist specializing in Otology and Neurotology is based at the B.C. Rotary Hearing and Balance Centre at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver British Columbia. Dr. Westerberg graduated from Queen's University Faculty of Medicine in 1989, completed two years of Residency training in General Surgery at Queen's before transferring to University of British Columbia to complete further training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.  He subsequently completed a Fellowship in Otology and Neurotology at the California Ear Institute at Stanford University in 1996 and a Master degree in Health Care and Epidemiology at UBC in May 1999. He is currently a Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Westerberg has served the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as a Program Director at UBC, as a member of the Examination Committee, and as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Specialty Committee for his specialty. In addition, he has been a member of the Residency Accreditation Committee and a member of the International Residency Program Review and Accreditation Committee. He has supervised numerous Master and PhD candidates, and Clinical and Research Fellows. His interest in global surgery is apparent in his involvement in Zimbabwe and Uganda Hearing Health Care Programs, and local outreach to improve access to care for patients in rural and remote communities within British Columbia. As former Medical Director of the Branch for Global Surgical Care, he has been instrumental in improving education within the field of global surgical care through approval for and subsequent development of a Master degree program in Global Surgical Care at UBC.​ As an amateur athlete and as an academic surgeon, he has always been interested in the influence of our mental state on physical performance.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textIn this episode of Doctors at Work, I have a conversation with Bu whose career spans multiple countries. She is now in Australia working as a GP, and also as a voluntary assisted-dying practitioner. She tells me that her career has evolved though a series of organic steps, focused on what she was enjoying, and what the opportunities were. With a backbone of General Practice that she can always return to, it has been easy for her to explore work as a breast physician as well as in voluntary-assisted dying. Her top tip is to look after yourself, life changes all the time and a focus on life balance is important for a satisfying career and personal life.You can find out more about voluntary-assisted dying at https://www.health.wa.gov.au/voluntaryassisteddyingListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textSui is a neurologist who has had a creative career pathway - she took time out of training to do charity work, is a trained yoga teacher, she studied lifestyle medicine, and wrote a book. In this episode of Doctors at Work, she talks about how her own career decision making, and tells me how she developed innovative ways to deliver clinical care using her knowledge of lifestyle medicine. We focus on wellbeing for doctors, and talk about the mind-body connection, and the importance of healthy eating and exercise.Dr Sui Wong is a Consultant Neurologist & Neuro-Ophthalmologist based at Moorfields Eye Hospital & Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trusts. She is passionate about supporting doctors in training and delivering person-centred care in clinical and research settings. She has written several bestselling books  on self-care and health, including Mindfulness for Brain Health, Sweet Spot for Brain Health, Sleep Better to Thrive, and Quit Ultra-Processed Foods Now. Her Thursday Tips newsletter for bitesize brain health tips to thrive is at bit.ly/drwongbrainhealth, and you can find her at drsuiwongmd.comListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textYou are coming to the end of your training, what next? Many doctors choose to do a fellowship. In this episode of Doctors At Work, Simon talks about the different reasons for doing a fellowship, the different fellowship types, and we discuss how to actually obtain one. The key is to recognise that fellowships are a deeply personal decision, so really know what you are wanting out of one, and start planning early.Simon Fleming is an orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon, medical education Ph.D and culture change advocate, with an international reputation for his work. He is a founding and Executive board member of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance (IODA). He also sits on the Executive board for the NIHR Clinical Education Incubator and is an Associate Editor for Medical Education, The Clinical Teacher and the British Journal of Surgery. He is a past-Vice Chair of the United Kingdom's Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Trainee Doctors' Group (ATDG) and past-President of the British Orthopaedic Trainees' Association (BOTA). He is Clinical Advisor to the Methuselah Foundation, supporting the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge. He has delivered over 250 keynotes globally on his landmark work around diversity, inclusion, improving medical and surgical training as well as challenging toxic cultures. He works with individuals and organisations to transform healthcare education and culture, as well as how to start having those uncomfortable conversations. Find him on X @orthopodreg and on www.simonfleming.co.uk.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textGreg tells me that perfectionist tendencies can be very useful, but when they get in the way of a good career or patient care there is a problem. At the core, perfectionism is about excess expectations and rigid thinking. In this episode of Doctors at Work, we talk about how perfectionism shows up in clinical work, we talk about fear of failure, and discuss some ways that we can help ourselves and others. See transcript for meeting summary.Gregory S. Chasson, PhD, ABPP, is an esteemed psychologist, board-certified cognitive-behavioral therapist, researcher, educator, and international invited speaker helping organizations, communities, and individuals address mental health challenges, such as perfectionism, using practical and feasible strategies. He sees the inner workings of perfectionism and its pitfalls, as well as how best to dismantle it with tips and insights grounded in science and honed through real world practice. He is the author of Flawed: Why Perfectionism is a Challenge for Management. He has served on the Board of Directors for a variety of professional non-profit organizations (e.g., Maryland Psychological Association) and owned and operated two mental health practices, giving him an intimate familiarity with how organizations and teams function. Dr. Chasson is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, where he's also the Director of Behavioral Interventions of the Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders Clinic. He specializes in the nature and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions (including perfectionism), high-functioning autism spectrum conditions, and anxiety disorders. He has provided cognitive-behavioral therapy for clinically severe perfectionism for nearly 20 years. As an active scholar, Dr. Chasson has authored or co-authored more than 70 scientific publications and one academic book (Hoarding Disorder: Advances in Psychotherapy – Evidence-Based Practice). He serves as the Editor of the scientific journal, the Behavior Therapist. Find him at www.gregchasson.com, Twitter GregChasson, www.facebook.com/DrChasson, www.linkedin.com/in/gregchasson, and www.instagram.com/gregorychassonListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textAll of us are leaders and need to have good leadership skills. In this episode of Doctors at Work, Nitin and I reflect on how we learnt about leadership, the challenges we faced, and we discuss what good leadership looks like. Top tips include learning to manage yourself, knowing what success means to you personally, observing others, and asking for others' critical feedback. See transcript for meeting summary.You might also like episode 98 on impostor syndrome, and Doctors at Work has multiple other podcast episodes on leadership.Nitin Shrotri is a Consultant Urologist, who was awarded the BAUS Gold Medal for 2022, and has recently been appointed as Visiting Professor at the Institute of Medicine at the University of Bolton and also as Vice Chair at the Centre for Race Equality in Medicine. Before this he was BMA UK Council member between 2020-22 and a member of the GMC BME Forum last year. You can connect with Nitin on LinkedIn, on X and Insta (both @PeaPeaspot), and read his writings at nitinshrotri.com.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textGreat leadership at all levels is essential. In this episode of Doctors at Work, Fiona Day tells me that it start with knowing your own values and strengths, and consciously choosing the behaviours that you display. Much of what senior leaders do is highly complex, and this potentially can contribute to burnout - so regularly checking your own stress levels and proactively managing these is really important. We are all leaders, and leadership is an ongoing journey of learning, and she encourages us all to always have some leadership development in our personal learning plans.Dr Fiona Day is the world's only Leadership Coach with advanced coaching psychology, medical and public health qualifications (MBChB, FFPH, BPS Chartered Psychologist in Coaching Psychology, EMCC Master Practitioner Coach & Mentor) and is in a unique position to help medical leaders and their teams to flourish. She specialises in coaching medical and public health leaders, is an accredited Coach Supervisor and Coach Educator, and holds EMCC's EQA Foundation Training Award. Get 3 hours of FREE CPD with Fiona's ‘Health Career Success Programme' here. Find out more www.fionadayconsulting.co.uk ; read her three recent peer-reviewed articles in BMJ leader here; and connect on @fionadayconsulting.bsky.social and https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionadayconsulting/Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek

Send us a textMichael Akadiri is a doctor and a comedian. In this episode of Doctors at Work, we talk about how he made career decisions that pivoted from full time surgery into mostly comedy. He tells me that managing uncertainty can be challenging, and this can be helped by focusing on what he can influence. We talk about the importance of recognising how a career fits into one's whole life, and the need to marry up your passion with realistic career prospects in the future. See transcript for meeting summary.Michael Akadiri is multi-award winning comedian and junior doctor who has starred in Comedy Central LIVE, ITVs Stand Up Sketch and most recently Channel 4s Stand Up to Cancer. His natural charm and charisma saw his debut show, No Scrubs nominated for the Biggest Award in Comedy. He is touring his sophomore show, Trust Me I'm a Daddy, around the UK Sept-Nov 2024. Find him at https://www.instagram.com/michaelakadiri/; https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelakadiri; https://x.com/MichaelAkadiri; https://youtube.com/@michaelakadiricomedy?si=WoCuuL0TkCqB1GPRListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textCharles is a core trainee, and recently won two prizes with different projects. In this episode of Doctors at Work, he tells me that great ideas often come from noticing an issue and doing something about it; but you need time and headspace. Great ideas can also come from consultant supervisors, but it's important to assess whether the project idea meets your needs. When you present, your enthusiasm and the quality of the presentation matters, and each poster or presentation should be tailored to your audience. Telling a story is a great way to get your message across. Projects often take over a year to come to fruition, so start early. Find others that can help, and aim not just for the next application cycle but maybe also for ones after that. And finally, if you can do a project that ticks multiple boxes at the same time, this will help your appraisals and career progression.Charles Carey is a core surgical trainee working in the South East and pursuing a career in urology. He has completed multiple projects and has been able to present and win prizes for some of them. He enjoys contributing to medical research and education and hopes to fulfil these alongside his training going forward. Outside of medicine he enjoys playing and watching football, playing music and travelling. You can connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-carey-sots/.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textSteve and I discuss the parallels between high performance sport and the medical world. He tells me that high performance requires focus on the individual, the team, and the whole organisation. As doctors, we need to know ourselves well, including our strengths, identities, and how we deal with stress. Performance, whether operating, an on call, the ward round, or something else, requires preparation, and routine, including ensuring that we arrive in the optimum state. He shares a simple breath technique that helps us transition from one context to the next, and need not take more than a minute or so. We cannot just keep trying to go faster and faster, we need to refocus on human sustainability, and as leaders we need to look at both excellence and compassionate care.Wellbeing Science Institute CEO and presenter, Steve Johnson, is a leading wellbeing expert. He is a qualified and registered psychologist. Steve consults with leading organisations including elite sport, defence, government and corporate sectors.  He is the current Wellbeing Advisor to the National Rugby League (NRL) (AUS), the EPL (UK), the League Managers Association (LMA) (UK) and the Football Association (F.A.) (UK) Steve also developed the world's first Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management qualification for people who work with elite athletes. The program currently runs in Australia and the UK. In addition to his extensive experience working as a performance psychologist and wellbeing advisor in the elite sport sector, Steve has spent over a decade working as a senior executive with leading global organisations across a range of sectors in Australia, UAE, Europe and the United States. Steve's academic credentials include M.A. Management and B.A. M.Sc Psychology.  He spent 7 years as a University Lecturer; was the course author of Australia's first undergraduate sport psychology degree and was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School's Post Graduate Leadership Program in Boston, USA.About the Wellbeing Science InstituteThe Wellbeing Science Institute is one of the worlds leading wellbeing organisations. The backbone of the Institute's approach lies in their holistic, positive and developmental wellbeing perspective that is supported by evidence-based science. The Wellbeing Science Institute strongly believes that self-determination leads to higher levels of engagement motivation and higher quality wellbeing outcomes. Therefore, learning and capability transfer is central to everything they do.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textWe will all know that a certain department or hospital feels a specific way. But what is culture and how can it be changed? In this episode, Simon Fleming and I talk about culture, how it develops, and we discuss both good and bad aspects. Simon shares tips for changing culture, whether as a senior doctor or as someone early in their career.Simon Fleming is an orthopaedic hand and wrist fellow, medical education Ph.D and culture change advocate, with an international reputation for his work. He is a founding and Executive board member of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance (IODA). He also sits on the Executive board for the NIHR Clinical Education Incubator and is an Associate Editor for Medical Education, The Clinical Teacher and the British Journal of Surgery. He is a past-Vice Chair of the United Kingdom's Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Trainee Doctors' Group (ATDG) and past-President of the British Orthopaedic Trainees' Association (BOTA). He is Clinical Advisor to the Methuselah Foundation, supporting the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge. He has delivered over 250 keynotes globally on his landmark work around diversity, inclusion, improving medical and surgical training as well as challenging toxic cultures. He works with individuals and organisations to transform healthcare education and culture, as well as how to start having those uncomfortable conversations. Find him on X @orthopodreg and on www.simonfleming.co.uk.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textIn this episode, Ross and I talk about how to set yourself up for a satisfying career, and not be a medic zombie going through life without noticing what's going on. He talks about the importance of reflection, of actively setting up strategies to protect you from inevitable stresses, and of having quality connection with others. We discuss how important it is to notice what's going on, make conscious decision, and actively be aware of the choices that we have. And whilst planning for the future matters, this cannot be done at the expense of blindly sacrificing the present.Ross, a recently qualified GP, is the visionary founder of Medizom, a resource dedicated to revitalising the spirit of doctors at every stage of their training. Medizom's mission is to offer hope and inspire doctors to REFLECT on their values, PROTECT against systemic threats and personal ego, and CONNECT with peers, mentors, and career coaches. With its tagline "Be more human, and find your own path," Medizom emphasises a holistic approach to medical careers through the principles of REFLECTION, PROTECTION and CONNECTION. Ross created Medizom.com after facing burnout during his work as a medical registrar in New Zealand, realising the urgent need for a supportive platform for healthcare professionals that flipped the tired out concept of burnout, instead introducing people to the idea of doctors becoming ‘medic zombies' when exposed to ‘zombigenic' environments, and offered solutions on how to be more human. Medizom offers online resources aimed at helping doctors navigate their careers with resilience and purpose. Ross's vision is to extend Medizom's impact beyond the digital space by delivering workshops at medical schools and conferences ‘IRL', fostering face-to-face connections and inspiring the medical community.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textAs doctors many of us have things we wish to change, be it life balance, our exercise, or our work. Yet change itself is often difficult. In this episode, Michael and I discuss why change is so tricky, what holds us back, and how the beliefs that we have get in the way. He tells me that change is most certainly possible, and it is necessary to identify what you want to change, and why.Dr. Michael Hersh is a Gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching.  He coaches physicians on creating work-life balance, goal setting, stress management, reducing overwhelm, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed at work.  His goal is to help physicians stop feeling trapped in medicine so that they can finally enjoy the life they worked so hard to build.  He also co-hosted a podcast called Doctors Living Deliberately, highlighting physicians changing medicine by learning to live life with intention and purpose.Website: www.betterphysicianlife.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterphysicianlifecoachingIG: https://www.instagram.com/betterphysicianlife/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hersh-md/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctorslivingdeliberatelyListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textIn this episode, I talk about coaching for performance. I draw upon the world of sport performance, and link to the world of medicine. I talk about the GROW model, and discuss how a coaching approach can help us perform better as doctors.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Send us a textAndrew Kadar is an anaesthesiologist, and quite unexpectedly developed severe heart disease needing immediate open heart surgery. He has written a book, Getting Better, A Doctor's Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal, about his experiences where he discusses emotional, spiritual, and psychological foundations of getting better. The goal of the book is to help make the experience of a major illness easier for others and their loved ones. In this episode of Doctors at Work, we talk about the fact that as physicians, we struggle to be objective when it comes to our own health, and his tip is to ask what advice you would give to someone else if they had the same symptoms. Part of the issue also is our self image, for if we see ourselves as a healthy person who cares for others, it can be challenging to accept that you are the one in need of care. And I love his attitude for recovery, he suggests accepting what is, focusing on solutions, and asking so what do we need to do.Dr Andrew Kadar is a physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He graduated from the Yale University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Stanford and Harvard Universities (Massachusetts General Hospital). He has served on the faculties of the UCLA School of Medicine, Charles Drew University, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has appeared on Good Morning America and NBC Nightly News, as well as Air Talk with Larry Mantle and The Dennis Prager Show. Dr. Kadar studied in the UCLA Writers' Program and the Antioch University MFA writing program. Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek

Send us a Text Message.Jamie is a world champion obstacle racer. In this episode, he talks about his love of challenge, and we discuss the importance of having a mindset that welcomes challenges. He tells the that it's not possible to prepare for every race because they are all different, and we draw parallels to the world of medicine where all patient encounters are different - he tells me that he practices specific steps, which is also something that as doctors we can do in our own worlds. And he stresses the importance of prioritisation, having strict boundaries between different activities, and the importance of having clarity on what matters to you.About Jamie: An athlete who thrives on pushing boundaries, both on the obstacle course and on the tatami. Ranked #1 in Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) and a former top-ranked Judoka, I proudly represent my country, showcasing resilience and proving that anything is possible. But my passion extends far beyond the thrill of competition. I'm a passionate speaker and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using my platform to empower and inspire others. My story is one of overcoming adversity, and I share it with the hope of igniting a spark in others to chase their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face. My journey began with the Army Cadet Force, where I discovered a love for sports and the desire to represent something bigger than myself. Always on a pursuit of higher education, I completed a personal training qualification, an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, and most recently, I embarked on the challenging yet rewarding path of a doctoral program. Many years ago, I encountered the Parasport program, leading me to explore Powerlifting and athletics. Powerlifting provided a solid foundation for strength, while unforeseen complications from my amputation forced me to adapt. Judo re-entered my life, and I simultaneously discovered the world of OCR, conquering over 100 Tough Mudder courses. My dedication to this sport led me to create the international classification system for adaptive/para athletes, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the sport. On the international-level, I have created the classification criteria for para OCR and have spearheaded the movement towards an inclusive OCR environment for those with disabilities. Beyond the competitive arena, I find solace in music, weaving melodies on the piano, clarinet, saxophone, and guitar. My heart also lies in giving back, volunteering with youth charities and sharing my experiences to empower the next generation. Today, I'm constantly learning and growing. Studying for a doctorate has opened new avenues for intellectual exploration, and I'm constantly striving to be the best version of myself, both in and out of the academic and athletic spheres. My greatest motivation comes from connecting with others and seeing them reach their full potential. Whether it's through my athletic feats, motivational talks, or simply lending a helping hand, I believe in the power of community and shared experiences. Let's connect and embark on this journey together!Find him at https://www.instagram.com/jamieganeadaptiveathlete/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-gane-75291859/Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekFind out more about Mat at www.MatDaniel.net

Send us a Text Message.We all know that we are in the midst of a climate emergency, but what can we as doctors do? In this episode, Rammina tells me that at personal level, we can do what we can (it doesn't have to be perfect!) and share out stories to inspire others. As a profession we need to think differently, and aligning financial with patient-centred and environmental agendas is often very compatible; this is about practicing with the planet in mind. And she argues that the climate emergency is a healthcare emergency, and as doctors we need to also be aware of the wider political discussions because healthcare is already being affected by climate change.Dr Rammina Yassaie is a Senior Lecturer in Leadership at the Centre for Leadership in Health and Social Care at Sheffield Hallam University. Prior to this, she worked as an NHS doctor for over a decade and is alumni of both the Yorkshire and Humber Future Leaders Programme and the FMLM NHS Regional Clinical Leadership Programme. She is an Associate Editor with BMJ Leader and the co-lead for Planetary Health and Climate action in the journal and curates the BMJ Leader Greener Leader blog series in light of her passion for leading for planetary health. She strongly believes in doing everything we can to ensure we have a safe and liveable future for all.Social Media: Twitter @ramminay Linked in: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ramminaListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Shiv is an anaesthetics trainee, a clinical entrepreneur, and he co-founded the Portfolio clinic which is a peer mentoring social enterprise helping junior doctors' career development. In this episode, we talk about his own journey from the conveyor belt into autonomous career decision making. He tells me about the mindset needed to change challenges into opportunities, and shares his tips to help budding medical entrepreneurs succeed.Shiv Sharma is an anaesthetics trainee, clinical entrepreneur, and co-founder of the portfolio clinic. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and find him at https://theportfolioclinic.com/.If you liked this episode, you might also like episodes 60, 65 and 85 on portfolio careers, and episodes 23, 24, 38, 66, 70, 72, 81 and 85 on career decision making.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

In this episode, Ibifunke tells me about some of the challenges faced by doctors moving to a new country. Extensive preparation to understand the new system and new ways of working is key. But doctors moving to a new country are not a homogenous group, and those welcoming them need to understand them as individuals with specific skills and experiences. There needs to be a mindset shift to seeing new starters (whether international or not) not as liabilities, but as an asset bringing a range of new experiences and ideas with them. Those of us welcoming new doctors should take responsibility for how we impact others, and organisations can also focus not just on up-skilling the IMG, but also on helping existing staff understand their unconscious biases.Ibifunke Pegba-Otemolu is a Higher Surgical Trainee in Dundee and the Author of Thriving in the NHS; an International Medical Graduate's Guide to starting in the NHS. She is also the convener of a Community by the same name of International Medical Graduates thriving in the NHS.LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibifunkeInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibifunke?Instagram Thriving in the NHS - https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthenhs?Twitter - https://x.com/ThrivinginNHS?t=XX_I7-wv0tS0dKIQMeoEFg&s=08YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@thrivinginthenhsWebsite: https://www.thrivinginthenhs.co.uk/Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Work is always busy, there is so much to do and little time. So why should we take the time to smile and ask others how they are doing? In this episode, Tom Wright tells me that smiling and socialisation need not take much time, it can be as simple as a nod with a welcoming face. In fact, aiming for small changes may be better than trying to organise a big event. The action of smiling is likely to not only make others feel better, it is also likely to put you in a better mood. This way we can create a different culture, filled with kindness, and overall better connections with others at work.Tom Wright is a family physician, personal and team coach, wellbeing advocate, and adventurer. You can find him on LinkedIn.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

What kind of a life do you want after retirement? What sorts of stories do you want to tell in your old age? What would your 90 year old self say to you today? Most of us will go through the retirement transition. This involves a psychological adjustment, and a change in identity. Denise tells me that the key is to spend time thinking about what it is that you want, and to plan ahead to help you thrive in retirement.Denise Taylor is a chartered psychologist, with an MBA, and her doctorate (gained at 64) investigated retirement transitions. It's not just about the qualifications, Denise is noted as being creative, visionary, and fun to work with. She loves to gather new information and resources to best serve her clients. She is a coach specialising in senior-level career transitions, mid-career reinvention, and retirement transitions. She loves the outdoors, wild camping, and bushcraft. You can find he at  https://www.amazingpeople.co.uk/ and on LinkedIn.You might also like episode 96 on planning your retirement.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Communication is a key skill for all doctors, and particularly those working within teams or in leadership roles. In this episode, Felicity Dwyer tells me about her top tips for great communication. Be a good listener, be flexible with your communication styles, and have self-awareness. We talk about what gets in the way of good communication, and how to adapt to each other so that we bring everyone into the conversations that we have.Felicity Dwyer helps leaders, teams, and individuals to think deeply, communicate effectively, and generate an environment of trust and psychological safety. Felicity is a CIPD-qualified trainer, an accredited Time to Think Facilitator, a Clean Language Facilitator, and an experienced executive and career coach. Her book, Crafting Connection, has been described as “a must-read guide to communication and building better relationships.” You can find out more and get in touch with Felicity via her website https://felicitydwyer.com or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicitydwyer/Crafting Connection is available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crafting-Connection-Transform-communicate-yourself/dp/1788604016/ Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Frances is a maternity coach, and in this episode we discuss how to successfully navigate the maternity transition. Frances tells me that planning is key, before the maternity leave even starts. Becoming a mother is a transition, and everyone experiences it differently. There is no right way to return to work; planning ahead helps, as does a discussions about what the woman's career will be like on returning from maternity.The Maternity Coach was founded by Frances Cushway, a licenced registered Career Coach who specialises in supporting women to return to work following maternity leave and continue to thrive in their careers. Frances has a Postgraduate certificate in Career and Talent Management and a degree in Psychology. She is a RegisteredCareer Development Professional with the CDI where she was a finalist for Career Coach of the Year 2018, 2021 and 2022 for her work with mothers on maternity leave. The Maternity Coach offers a unique coaching experience that brings together the psychology of becoming a mother with the practicality of planning the return to work that is right for you and your family. The Maternity Coach's mission is to support mothers through maternity leave and their return to work; to help them rediscover who they are and what they want from their career after maternity leave and give them the courage and tools to return to work with confidence so they can continue to make their unique contribution to the world.www.thematernitycoach.com; uk.linkedin.com/in/francescushway; linkedin.com/company/the-maternity-coach; https://www.instagram.com/thematernitycoach/Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

We may not like to talk about money, but the reality is that it matters. In this episode, Hugh Massie and I discuss the role that money plays in doctors' careers. Doctors need to establish what their identity is, what legacy they want to leave, and how they want to be held to account. Money then becomes something that is a part of the whole, supporting the rest of one's work, rather than a source of stress or envy.Hugh Massie is the Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International – the Behavior and Money Insights Company.  As a widely recognized Titan 100 CEO and Behavioral Solutions Architect, Hugh helps growth-minded leaders create an Exponential Future by developing a 109 (ten to the power of 9) Quantum Leap Growth Mindset and by building a plan for over 1 billion people impact. With that framework, he addresses every opportunity and challenge through a behavioral lens. Hugh's purpose is to empower people worldwide to optimize their natural “hard-wired” talents and financial behaviors which drives quantum leap capacity, reduces stress, and enables greater happiness, more success, and improved health for longer. Further, Hugh empowers organizations and teams to build “category king” people-centered businesses, and in the process, enhance decision-making, culture, and performance. Applying the pioneering behavioral finance research Hugh has undertaken since 2001, his moonshot goal is to implement an AI-driven BeSci Tech Platform that by 2030 fully informs 1 billion people annually on how to enhance their decision-making and relationships for increasing life, financial and business longevity by 30 or more years. Hugh partners with clients to create an Exponential Future by developing trail-blazing financial behavior apps for building the “New BeFi Economy” impacting all key areas of life, finance and business. Hugh has authored the following books and eBooks:1.     Leadership Behavior DNA – Discovering Natural Talents and Managing Differences2.     Financial DNA – Discovering Your Financial Personality for a Quality Life3.     Business DNA – Growing a People Centric Organizational Identity4.     Mastering Your Money Energy – Unleashing the Quantum Power of Money 5.     Mastering Entrepreneurial Talents – Behaviorally Smart Entrepreneurship Hugh Massie Social MediaWebsite: www.dnabehavior.comWebsite: www.boyswithoutfathers.orgLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hugh.massie/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hughmassie/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@behaviorallysmartHugh hosts “Behaviorally Smart Identity Conversations” which is a podcast for which he has done circa 70 episodes in the past 2 years – they can be found on Youtube.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek You can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net.  

In this episode, Clare talks about her career and we particularly focus on her leadership roles. She tells me that as doctors we are all leaders, and often don't appreciate the skills that we actually have. Her leadership wasn't part of a big master plan, she worked hard as a front line GP, had her eyes open to identify problems, and then went on and did something about it. She advises others to work hard, say yes to opportunities, and always be kind.Having first trained in psychiatry at the Maudsley hospital, Clare Gerada followed her father's footsteps and became a general practitioner, working in her practice in South London for more than thirty four years. Over this time, alongside her clinical practice, she has held several national leadership positions including both the Chair and President of the Royal College of General Practitioners, only the second women in its history to hold both position. Clare has also set up and led, until 2021 the award winning service for doctors and dentists with mental health problems, NHS Practitioner Health.  She has also set up and leads the Primary Care Gambling Service, a unique GP-led multidisciplinary service straddling the primary, secondary and third sectors. Clare was awarded an MBE in 2000 for her services to drug misuse and received a Dame hood in 2020 for services to mental health.With Phil Hammond, Clare is appearing at the Edinburgh fringe in August 2024: Fifty minutes to save the NHS. Book tickets here.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

In this episode, I am having a conversation with Dr Valerie Young who is a world thought leader on impostor syndrome. She tells me that impostor syndrome is about feeling that you are not as good as others, attributing your successes to external factors, and a pervasive fear of being found out. It is common in healthcare professionals, linked at least partially to the stakes being high, and our culture of criticising each other. Dealing with impostor syndrome requires recognition that it is common, and normalising it's presence. It requires reframing to a humble realist response where people have a realistic appraisal of their skills and a healthy response to feedback. And it requires separation of feelings of confidence from actual competence, they two are not the same, and thinking and acting competent is likely to come before one feels confident.Dr. Valerie Young is widely recognized as the foremost thought leader on impostor syndrome. In addition to speaking at over 100 universities including Harvard, MIT, Yale medical school, and Oxford she's spoken at such diverse organizations as Pfizer, Google, the National Cancer Institute, and NASA. Her award-winning book “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: And Men, Why Capable People Suffer from Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It” has been published in 7 languages. And her advice has been cited in Time, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Science, The New York Times, on the BBC, and elsewhere. In 2021 she co-founded the Impostor Syndrome Institute to bring solutions to organizations. You can learn more about Valerie's work at ImpostorSyndrome.comIf you liked this episode you might also like episodes 19 and 69 on the inner critic.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

In this episode, Professor Rebecca Jones and I discuss inclusive leadership. She tells me that inclusive leadership is about enabling everyone to contribute and be their authentic self. In order to generate the best team performance possible, inclusive leaders need to be focused on enabling everyone to contribute, and ask what this person brings rather than merely focused on how they fit in. Whilst it may be more difficult to display inclusive behaviours during times of stress, it is our own responsibility to educate ourselves, develop self insight, and have the curiosity and courage to include every team member.Professor Rebecca J Jones PhD CPsychol is a Professor in Coaching and Behavioural Change at Henley Business School, a Chartered Psychologist and Co-Founder of Inclusive Leadership Company. Her research interests lie in examining the factors that influence coaching effectiveness and her consultancy practice focuses on working with organisations to create diverse and inclusive workplaces using coaching and psychological theory and research to achieve sustained behaviour change. Rebecca is the author of the book ‘Coaching with Research in Mind', host of ‘Coaching@Henley' podcast and has published her research in globally renowned journals.Website: https://inclusiveleadershipcompany.com/Inclusive leadership research paper: https://inclusiveleadershipcompany.com/the-inclusive-leader-system/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-jones-35ab8526/Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

In this episode, Nitin talks about his retirement. Whilst he has finished clinical work, he remains involved in professional aspects of medicine. He outlines the challenges of going from being a consultant to, as he puts it, nothing, and stresses the importance of people both peri and post-retirement.If you enjoyed this episode you might also like episode 72 on retirement. Nitin's previous episode on supporting SAS doctors is episode 69.Nitin Shrotri is a Consultant Urologist, who was awarded the BAUS Gold Medal for 2022, and has recently been appointed as Visiting Professor at the Institute of Medicine at the University of Bolton and also as Vice Chair at the Centre for Race Equality in Medicine. Before this he was BMA UK Council member between 2020-22 and a member of the GMC BME Forum last year. You can connect with Nitin on LinkedIn, and read his writings at nitinshrotri.com.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Tommy is a GP and the co-founder of Medics' Money (https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/) . In this episode, we talk about portfolio careers. He tells me where the initial ideas for his business came from, and how even a weakness can become translated into a unique advantage. We discuss how to progress an idea, and what happens as the business grows. And we talk about how to balance the time and energy to work towards enjoying both the clinical career and the side venture.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Burnout affects many professionals in healthcare. In this episode, Ami Foster and I discuss how to spot when you are in the middle of it, and what can be done about it. Better than dealing with burnout would be prevention. We talk about how as doctors we are constantly on sympathetic system over-drive, but actually we need to invest in our wellbeing for the sake of the future including our own career success and longevity. The reality is that the world will always want more from us, so it is for us to put in some boundaries and strategies to help set us up for short-term and long-term success.  It's not selfish to practice self-care, and you can be both patient focused and interested in your own wellbeing.Ami Foster is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. 20 years post-residency experience in patient centered medical care with a holistic approach including teaching Family Medicine residents, medical students, and PA and FNP within the clinical setting. By exposure to a wide variety of practices during my career, I have a unique understanding of the complexities and challenges of providing patient centered care, managing practices with cost containment and collaboration across the care continuum. Experience with ACO, value based care contracts, HCC coding, closing care gaps and working with care teams to promote quality patient care and cost containment across the care continuum. Physician advisor experience with Commercial, Medicare, Medicaid. MCG certified 2024. Experienced with Interqual guidelines. Utilization management experience: outpatient imaging procedures; Specialty Pharmacy-Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Commercial; Medicare: inpatient concurrent reviews, prior authorization review, waivers and post acute care review including SNF, IRF and LTACH. Knowledge of Interqual, MCG and NCQA guidelines. Collaboration within physician and care teams and peer to peer interactions.  I have a passion for facilitating physician wellness especially at the medical student and residency level of training! I am licensed to practice medicine in Texas, Colorado, Michigan and Hawaii. I am also a licensed real estate agent in Texas.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

For many doctors a career in medicine seems like a conveyor belt, but increasingly people are willing to take stock and consider what it is that they want in their lives, and what kind of a career suits them. This may be decisions relating to specialties, locations, allied roles, leadership roles, or wholesale changes. In this episode, Giles Croft tells me about career decisions that he has made. We identify that slowing down matters, happiness is an inside job, and we create a six point plan for career transitions.Giles is a psychology graduate and former NHS surgeon who stepped aside from clinical practice to seek happiness in a number of alternative career paths, including health informatics, cycling journalism, public speaking and high street retail with his wife. Ultimately he realised what we all know to be true — that happiness is indeed an ‘inside job' — and since 2018 has been helping individuals and groups to rediscover their own ‘Innate Health' as a speaker, coach and trainer. He has worked extensively with busy Health & Social Care staff, and his 6 week Reconnect Programme was recently found by the UK's What Works Centre for Wellbeing, to be the most effective way to improve staff wellbeing and mental health, out of more than 200 different interventions across the UK. Giles writes a monthly wellbeing column in the South Wales-based Focus Magazine, runs a free monthly online meet-up called ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays' and lives in Abergavenny with his wife and 10 year old daughter.You can connect with him:Email: dr@gilespcroft.com Website: https://gilespcroft.comWellbeing Wednesdays: https://gilespcroft.com/wellbeing/ YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/drgilespcroftFacebook page: https://facebook.com/drgilespcroftTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/gilespcroftLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drgilespcroftListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Leadership is a key quality that all doctors need to posses. But sometime it is challenging to lead in a way that sits comfortably with you, whilst accepting the external reality. In this podcast, Ross tells me that authentic leadership is about specifically choosing the best response for a situation, based on what matters to each person as an individual. We talk about values, psychological flexibility, and he shares his top tips.Ross is an organisational and coaching psychologist. As a practitioner, he uses evidence-based psychology in all areas of his portfolio career. In his research role at City, University of London, he works alongside Dr Paul Flaxman in an academic/practitioner partnership where they design and deliver ACT Workplace Training for both the public and private sector. He also lectures in organisational psychology at City, University of London and Birkbeck. Nine years ago, he founded the start-up, People Soup, which aims to cultivate well-being, adaptability, meaningful action and awareness in organisations. He has designed and delivered evidence-based training to over 23 NHS Trusts, HM Treasury, Nectar Loyalty, teachers, a global tech company, a global drinks company, hedge fund managers and a variety of ballet companies and independent dancers. Prior to his portfolio career, he spent over 20 years in Senior HR roles in the UK Civil Service. He has a BSc (Hons) in psychology from the University of Dundee and Masters degrees in Human Resource Management and Organisational Psychology. He's a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD), the Association for Coaching and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He's also the founder and host of the award winning People Soup Podcast - which aims to make behavioural science, accessible, useful and fun for adults at work.You can find all of Ross' links here - https://linktr.ee/PeopleSoupListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

As doctors our training focuses on clinical skills, yet sooner or later we all find ourselves in a position of being a team leader. In this episode, David tells me that leadership is a different set of skills, and one that can be learnt and developed. A mindset of listening, asking questions, and being open to try things is important, and modelling psychological safety through acknowledging uncertainties is key to creating an environment where others feel safe to belong and speak up. I love his idea that leadership is something that can move around the team depending on what is needed and what expertise team members have. Perhaps a key insight is noticing what's going on in the team, what it is that the team needs, and asking how things could be better.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like 87 how to become a senior medical leader, 86 how to become head of school of General Practice, and 59 how to create great teams.Dr. Declan Woods is a ‘top team' Psychologist and Professor of Leadership Practice at King's College London (KCL) who specialises in working with boards and leadership teams in international blue-chip corporations and public sector bodies. He has significant experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and with the NHS. He is the founding CEO of teamGenie, an international venture specialising in designing, coaching, and developing teams with the mission of transforming organisations through teams (see teamgenie.com). Declan used his expertise and research on teams to create the award-winning diagnostic tool, teamSalient, to help teams radically improve their impact (see teamsalient.com). Declan is the world's first team Master Coach accredited with the Association for Coaching (AC), and a Chartered and HCPC-registered Psychologist. Declan created the global industry standard for team coaching (see associationforcoaching.com/page/TCADetails) and previously co-authored and launched coaching's global code of ethics (globalcodeofethics.org) signed by the world's leading coaching and mentoring bodies and companies. He was made a lifetime Fellow of the Association for Coaching (AC) for this work raising standards of coaching in organisations globally.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

David noticed a problem, got an idea, and brought it to fruition. The result was a book featuring 100 different voices and aiming to improve doctors' wellbeing. In this episode, we talk about creativity -  we all already are creative. It is important to notice to what excites and frustrates us, and to wake up and bring our whole selves to work. Great ideas might be sabotaged by fear of failure or worrying about what others think, but he advises that we cannot please everyone, and the attitude of trial and error is more important than aiming for perfect outcomes.In the spring of 2003, David Tamale-Sali [surname pronounced: Tah Mah Lay Sah Lee] attended a surprisingly life-changing lecture, and then four months later found himself kicked out of Medical School at the start of resitting his third year. He then spent the next two decades off the beaten path, having experiences such as summarising patient Medical notes in a GP surgery, selling products on the high street for a Hollywood makeup artist, freelance copywriting, raising a family whilst on benefits, hosting a Franchising podcast, being blackmailed by his Dad into going back to medical school, getting kicked out of Medical school during Lockdown…all while continuing to encourage distressed and frustrated Medics from around the world via email, private forums and his blog at Okaydoctor.net. David is married with 7 kids, a writer/bass player, and an encourager of all who are ready to leave Medicine to enjoy a fulfilling and abundant life. You can get a free copy of his latest project, Medic S.O.S, by going to www.okaydoctor.net/sosListen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Being an early career doctor is a stressful time, and how medical work is structured may lead to few opportunities for support. Ollie Burton and I discuss that despite workload challenges, senior doctors can seek and create opportunities to support and train younger colleagues. This requires clinical leadership, and real understanding that training must be prioritises in order to develop future clinicians.Ollie is presently (at time of interview) a clinical research fellow in neurosurgery with interests in simulation, education and workforce development. He runs a YouTube channel and blog to help give insight into training as a doctor, and to educate students and patients. You can find him at https://ollieburton.com/.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.You can find out more about Mat at www.MatDaniel.net.Production: Shot by Polachek

How do you get into leadership roles in medical education? In this episode, Komal Atta tells me that you need to be a good negotiator, open to change, and willing to experiment. We discuss how at the start of one's career it's good to have an overview of all different facets of education, but with seniority it better to become a real expert in one specific area. We talk about publishing in medical education, and discuss the importance of networking.Dr Komal Atta is Director Medical Education at University Medical and Dental College the University of Fiasalabad, she also serves on many national and international medical education boards, is an Associate Fellow of AMEE , an active member of ASME , an ambassador for Diversity In Medical Academia (DIMA) and also Director Media Medical Women Association Pakistan. Her interests are around curriculum development, social media in MedEd, Equity , diversity and inclusion and Technology enhanced learning Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

Helen has had a range of senior leadership roles, and in this episode she tells me how to get into leadership, how to progress, and the skills needed to succeed. Many people will have great skills, but they don't put themselves forward, they wait to be asked, or they wait for the perfect opportunity. However, this means that they may struggle to have the impact that they want, and Helen's tip is to go for it, learn and develop, and don't be afraid to fail. She tells me that it's important to keep eyes open for exciting opportunities, and this also means having to create space by letting go of other things. Our careers are not linear, they evolve all the time, and every step opens up a myriad of new doors and opportunities. Getting to know yourself is key to good leadership, as is knowing the people around you, and picking the battles that you choose to fight. I love her mantra "don't just moan, do something".Helen Stokes-Lampard, Professor of GP Education, is back at UoB following a three-year secondment (2020-23) as Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) through the Covid19 pandemic. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges is the national body that represents and coordinates the UKs 24 Royal Colleges, Colleges and Medical Faculties that in turn represent all the main medical specialities that award higher professional medical qualifications. AoMRC ensures that patients are safely and properly cared for by setting standards for the ways doctors are educated, trained and monitored throughout their careers. She sits on the Expert Panel which advises the national AI Frontier Taskforce and Chairs the Independent clinical oversight group for the GRAIL/Galleri study. Additionally Helen is a GP Principal in Lichfield, the founding Chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), the founding Chair of the Dames Commander Society (DCS) and a Trustee of Macmillan Cancer. She was Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) 2016-2019 and has held many other national medical leadership positions. Helen was awarded a DBE for services to General Practice in the New Years Honours list January 2022. You can find out more at https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/clinical-sciences/stokeslampard-helen and on her LinkedIn page.Listen at https://matdaniel.net/podcast/; https://open.spotify.com/show/1j8uLaUU1g5bYTRVuwUX7j?si=672ec26a73164d7f; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doctors-at-work/id1701284564; or watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by PolachekYou can find out more about Mat's coaching to help doctors create successful and meaningful careers at www.MatDaniel.net. 

In this episode, Manjiri tells me how she became Head of School. We talk about the importance of role models in career planning, and discuss how as doctors we often have a very narrow view of the skills that we have. We discuss how some people have a tendency to talk themselves out of going for roles, and of the importance of confronting the fear that we have and consider what are the worst and best things that can happen. Manjiri tells me how one opportunity often leads to another, and that's it's important to have a mindset that looks for opportunities, development, and growth.You can also watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by Polachek

How do you make career decisions? Our careers are never static, they change, we change, and the world around us changes. In this episode, Fiona Setch and I discuss our own career decisions, and identify the importance of doing moves that take you towards your desired future, rather than moves aimed at escaping the current challenges. The key to dealing with career dissatisfaction and critical incidents is then to identify what it is that you want, and to take your life and career in that direction. This might not mean large moves, sometimes small adjustments can help, as can conscious focus on what you enjoy about your current role.Fiona Setch is a coach. You can find her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-setch-3540a0a/If you liked this episode you might also enjoy episode 72 on career reinvention after 50, episode 70 in mid career reinvention, 66 on career decisions, 53  and 46 on life balance, episode 23 which contains my tips for making career decisions, and episode 38 and 9 that talk about career coaching.You can also watch at www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by Polachek

Ellen Welch is a GP and a book author, and has had a variety of different roles in the past. In this episode we discuss portfolio careers. She outlines how she has reinvented herself multiple times, based on what she wanted and on how work fitted into the rest of her life. She outlines how being flexible is a real asset, even if flexible careers have both up and downsides. Making decent income from portfolio careers might not be easy, but as doctors we should always remember the value that we bring and the skills that we have. I love her can-do mindset, instead of moping about what is wrong, she has repeatedly gone out and made her desired future happen based on what she wants.Ellen is an NHS GP and writer based in Cumbria. With 20 years clinical experience, she has pursued a variety of portfolio roles worldwide, including stints as a a ski field doctor in New Zealand, an expedition medic in Tanzania and a Cruise Ship Doctor and repatriation doctor around the world. She holds a BA in medical journalism and has pursued her interest in writing alongside her clinical career. She has written  several books and has been published widely in both trade and National press. She has also appeared on TV and Radio in her previous role as co-chair for the Doctors' Association UK. Her latest book “Why Can't I See My GP: the past, present and future of General Practice” was released in February 2024. Find out more about her at https://linktr.ee/DrEllenWelchYou might also like Episode 81 on how to define career success, 77 on a career in General Practice, 66 on making career decisions, and 65 on portfolio careers.Watch at www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos. Production: Shot by Polachek

Careers in medicine are rewarding, and at the same time full of stresses. In this episode, Matthew Fuller and I discuss how to manage challenging situations at work. Matthew tells me that it is important to distinguish emotions from facts, to recognise that emotions are data, and that it pays to step back and focus on what it is that you really want. Some challenges may not be easy to fix, but making a conscious choice on how to engage puts you in a powerful position going forwards.Matthew Fuller is an ICF-accredited coach specialising in stress and anxiety. He knows firsthand what it's like to be immobilised by stress and anxiety. The emotions and beliefs we carry with us have a huge impact on our success, the success of our teams, and our happiness. That's why he works with people to explore their internal blocks, be they outdated beliefs, negative thought patterns, or unhelpful habits. He works with others as a travel partner, exploring their internal world through a blend of mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC), and neuroscience to help them overcome the challenges in front of you. You can find him at  www.matthewctfuller.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/MatthewCTFuller/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/matthewctfuller.You can also watch on www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by Polachek

Phil is a doctor and an Irish Olympian rower. In this episode, we discuss how his understanding of elite sport performance can help doctors at work. He describes a great analogy of his whole life / career being a four legged stool, and that whilst you might only be able to function on three, you cannot do so on two legs. I love the idea of always making choices about what is prioritised today, and always understanding that there are long term as well as short term goals. He tells me that pressure is important for learning, and that the key is to understand what the pressure is and how it helps you progress. And I love how he talks about the importance of having mental clarity instead of jumping into situations in the middle of an adrenaline rush.If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like Episode 56 how to perform under pressure, 82 what doctors can learn from elite athletes, and 80 optimising mental performance.You can also watch at www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by Polachek

Career success means different things to different people. However, as doctors we compare ourselves to each other, and when applying for jobs we are compared against other candidates. In this episode Jason, who is a PGY3 doctor, tells me about his experiences of defining career success. We talk about how comparison with others can be good, but it can also be problematic. His advice is to focus on learning, people, and the "why", as much as on external indicators of success.Jason is a postgraduate year 3 doctor currently working as a medical education HMO in Melbourne. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, or on twitter @drjasoncottle.You can also watch at www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by Polachek

As doctors we have to perform to a high standard in many settings, whether this is leading a ward round, cardiac arrest, or operating. Our technical skills are important, and out mindset matters too. In this episode, Krystle and I discuss mental performance. We talk about career transitions and how they relate to our own self identity, and discuss the need to be aware of what matters to you, and the need to let go of some things from the past. We talk about how strengths can also become a weakness, and that doing things at the extreme is probably not going to be good; ask whether this belief is serving you or harming you. Mental performance starts with self awareness, and self awareness is a life long journey not something that you do once and then forget about it. Self awareness includes thoughts, feelings, as well as body sensations; the latter can be particularly useful indicators. When difficulties arise, we need to identify what we are afraid of, what's the worst that could happen, what's at stake, and what exactly the issues are (it may be a learning need or style as much as anything related to thinking); this needs to be done with no judgement, so we convert limiting thoughts into thoughts that serve us. Visualisation is a really useful tool to prepare for the future; visualisation is not about magical thinking, it's about mentally preparing and planning for whatever you need to achieve. And mind is like a muscle, so the more you visualise, self-reflect, and reframe, the better it gets.Krystle Kustanovich, an accredited mental performance coach is renowned for her transformative work with top athletes and high achievers. With a unique focus on the intricacies of the mental game, Krystle empowers individuals to conquer their inner barriers and unleash their full potential. Grounded in neuroscience, Krystle's approach offers practical techniques that drive tangible results, enabling clients to surpass limitations and achieve unparalleled success.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystlekustanovich/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystle.coach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krystle.coachTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.millennialcoachPodcast: "I never thought of it that way" https://open.spotify.com/show/0KvGzdOydPMg1hbMUdhuZj?si=f45cba449107453fWebsite: https://mentalperformance.co.za/You can also watch at www.youtube.com/@dr-coach/videos.Production: Shot by Polachek