The Lockdown Sessions

For our last ever episode  of the Lockdown Sessions we've bought in Brad's parents Meta and Henry Solomon to reflect on their lockdown. Sat in a flat for a year Brad's parents explain how they kept themselves motivated, fit, both mentally and physically and share how they connected more with their friends and family to try to sustain some form of social world. They share the ups and downs and all the things in between. It's a fitting end to this series of podcasts that gave people from all walks of life and from all over the world the chance to reflect on their lessons in lockdown. Thanks for listening. #LockdownSessions #CTG Group #Gratitude #MumAndDadBrad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co

Richard Norton, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, NHS England joins the session this week to shine a light on what the last year has been like working on a covid ward. As an advanced clinical practitioner he was right on the front line during each of the three waves in the UK and he talks openly about how it felt to be making ruthless and tough decisions every day and how it felt literally getting dressed to go into battle every day. He describes the influencing and negotiating that took place every hour of every day in the search for beds or equipment and he talks eloquently about the more challenging times and how humbled he felt by the weekly clap for the NHS. This humble service - oriented human offers an insight into why health and health care workers are so incredibly valued. The sense of responsibility and courage to confront the pandemic head on and provide care and support for everyone who asked is equally moving as it is humbling. Enjoy this episode of reflections from a front line NHS worker. Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #NHS #ACP #Humility #JustNormalLife

Dr Tamar Koch, GP and Lecturer joins the lockdown sessions and helps shine a light on life in lockdown through the eyes of a GP. Her stories and insights into working on the front line, are both poignant and inspiring. We hear what it was like in a ICU Covid ward, how as a doctor there were some real adaptations to make overnight and not being agile and flexible wasn't an option. Tamar shares her observations and stories with both humour and respect and there is even a chance to discuss favourite football moments. Whether it was assessing and diagnosing (triaging) people over the phone or having patients hang up on her when advising them to seek a covid test the anecdotes keep coming that offer us a completely new perspective on this last year of lockdown life. Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #NHS #GP #Agile #JustNormalLife #Humility #Football

Shalev Nymark rejoins the lockdown for a final time before the show comes to an end to share his new insights on Lockdown. How living in a care home kept him from his mum and family and friends and how he coped by having scheduled planned activities to look forward to every day. He talks about his dreams for travelling again, especially to see his sister in Australia and how he feels now with lockdown ending we should just have the best 20231 and make it happen. Just like last time, Shalev's energy and resolve comes through and his self - deprecating humour is a joy to watch. As we approach our last sessions please have a listen and enjoy the musings of Shalev Nymark. Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co/#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Travel #MakeitHappen

Sabina Messent, a Masters Student, joins the lockdown sessions to talk through observations over the last year and what learnings have been taken through lockdown. The honesty and compassion are instantly noticeable as Sabina shares vulnerable moments throughout the last 12 months and even more importantly how they were able to move through them without getting too sucked in. Sabina's perspective on mental health is fascinating and encouraging to hear, especially the focus they place on self care… a real positive to come out of the lockdown. Their outlook and values help them remain balanced and as they recount details of some of the key moments in the last 12 months, it is impossible not to feel inspired by the hope and positive outlook. As a Masters Student from the world of humanities Sabina talks passionately about her topic and everything else we touched on. It's a fab episode and begins our countdown to the last 5 Lockdown Sessions. . Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co/#CTG #LockdownSessions #Love #SelfCare #MentalHealth 

Richard Colley, Founder and CEO and Founder, Sladen Consulting, re-joins the Lockdown Sessions for one last time after kicking off the first 5 sessions with Brad at the beginning of the first global lockdown. Today he reflects on lessons learned and how important knowing your why and your purpose has been during the lockdown year we have experienced. He reflects on how susceptible we all our to mental health challenges and that by genuinely noticing ourselves more we can offer a valuable mental health check for ourselves as we move forward into a post pandemic world. He also shares some great insights into genuinely showing an interest in how we listen to people – how to hear what is said as well as what is not and how to make sure that everyone feels safe to communicate both their thoughts and feelings equally. It was a joy to have Richard back in the lockdown sessions and wish him and all the team at Sladen well. Brad Solomon CTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co/Richard ColleySladen Consultinghttps://sladenconsulting.com/#CTG #LockdownSessions #Notice #DeepListening #MentalHealth 

S2 E29: A Musician's perspective of LockdownAshley Solomon, Artistic Director of Florilegium, joins the podcast this week to talk about the world of musicians and how lockdown affected the world of live concerts. With 48 projects some 3 years in the planning being cancelled almost over night Ashley shares how he stayed connected to his players and his audience over the last 12 months. He explains what it was like having three kids home school, how live streaming home concerts saved his sanity and how he was able to create a socially distanced safe way to keep in house lessons going at Music College for his students. Ash talks openly about his experience and how demoralising it was to see two years of concert performances scrapped from the diary but as we start to move out of lockdown and Ashely's ensemble and orchestral look to their 30th celebrations in May 2021 he sees light at the end of the tunnel. This is a story of hope and resilience and so enjoy the session. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify or google pods. Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.coAshley SolomonFlorilegiumhttp://www.florilegium.org.uk/principal-players/#AshleySolomon #CTGGroup #Florilegium #Baroque #Musicians #LiveConcerts 

S2 E28 Lockdown in CaliforniaRuby Barnett, Research Director at the Centre for the Study of the Force Majeure,  joins the Lockdown Sessions from California to share her experiences of Lockdown. It's a real journey through the last year which started off with an early diagnosis of Covid, a 6 week recovery and then long covid symptoms. Ruby shares how although it was a challenging and worrying time she was able to reframe the experience as a learning experience and finally found the stillness she had been seeking. Her honest and vulnerable portrayal of herself is both endearing and insightful. She shares moments of joy and moments of sadness and of course there is a mention or two for her fabulous Dog Maisy who was her main carer when recovering from Covid. As an ex immigration lawyer, Linguist and all round great human being Ruby shares her personal journey of the last year invites us all to confront ourselves and embrace what we find in order to be truly authentic. Showing deep signs of self  -awareness and an openness to her human essence Ruby is a shining light for all of us who want to continually develop and taste adventure. Enjoy the session. Subscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods.Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co#LockdownSessions #CTG Group #Adventure #SelfDevelopment #NonViolentCommunication 

S2 E27: Connecting with 80000 people a yearMartin Berliner, Maccabi Chief Executive joins the lockdown sessions to talk about his learnings and observations from working for a non profit during the pandemic and how he and his team were able to stay connected and on purpose when the world changed and the entire Maccabi organisation had to stop their events. He explains how they went from connecting with up to 800000 young people a year to not being able to even visit a school. Martin also shares some insight into the area of safeguarding and inclusion and how he has seen the importance of it change over the years. With reflections ranging from sporting events to psychological safety and from being responsible for 500 +GB athletes at a World Sporting Games and taking his son to A and E with bruising from a football match and being interviewed by social services this is a fascinating podcast and well worth a listen.  Subscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods. Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.co#LockdownSessions #CTG Group #Maccabi #NonProfit #YoungPeople #Sport

S2 E26: 3 Positives a Day Caz Myers, Award winning Interior Designer, joins the podcast to talk lessons and learning this week and as an interior designer gives us an insight into how working in the pandemic has been. Unable to visit project sites and clients caz operates a totally virtual and remote team of designers, suppliers and builders and explains how her whole team had to adapt to working online and scoping projects virtually. As a mu of two teenagers she shares stories around coping with the lockdowns, trying to keep the kids motivated and how every day she would invite her teens to name 3 things positive from that day. She introduced the gratitude moment every evening at dinner and the family still use the practice every day. Caz talks about influence, client relationships and finding the balance between family and work and, as our first interior designer on the show, offers another completely new perspective for the Lockdown Sessions.   Subscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods.Brad SolomonCTG Grouphttps://www.ctggroup.coCaz Myers Designhttps://www.cazmyers.com#LockdownSessions #CTG Group #InteriorDsign #CazMyers #3PositivesPerDay

Season 2: Episode 25: Lockdown In IbizaAlessandro Boscolo, Assistant Director General, Pacha Group, joins the lockdown sessions to share his insights on what life has been like locked down on a small island for a year. He explains how after 20 years of working in luxury branded restaurants his entire career was put on hold after one phone call last march and he shares some great stories about his coping mechanisms for keeping sane and mentally fit. He even shows us how to work your muscles and biceps with a Magnum of Kristal champagne. Alessandro has been my dearest friend for over 40 years and it was absolutely great to welcome him into a lockdown session as we approach the last ten episodes of our final season. He talks about how to influence guests, build instant intimacy quickly and how he enables trust with his clients and guests to offer them the best experience of their lives. It was a pleasure to talk with Alessandro and I am sure you will love listening to his stories too. Subscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods.Brad SolomonCTG Group: https://www.ctggroup.coAlessandro Boscolo"Lio" Ibiza: https://lioibiza.com#Wine #MentalStrength #LuxuryBrands #LifeLongRestauranteur #LockdownSessions #CTGGroup

S2 E24: It's a dog's lifeWilliam Galton, Executive Coach and Master Change Practitioner, was one of our first guests on the Lockdown so its great he's back for a final chat. This podcast is the shortest podcast yet for Lockdown Sessions and deliberately so. We wanted to have a 15 minute chat about what Leaders can learn from DOGS. In this bite sized pod William talks about Tilly and Betty and We share stories of Rocky and Ginger and between these two old coaches and their 4 dogs we create a top 5 list of key lessons leaders can learn from Dogs. From forgiveness to letting go, from being totally present to having a zen like focus Brad and William extract all the lessons they can from observing their own dogs and the dogs they engage with on their daily walks.  Have a listen, have a laugh and enjoy.#CTG #LockdownSessions #Dogs #DogLessons #NonJudgemental #BePresent

S2 E23: Greater Balance of WellbeingLaura Garner: Executive Coach and Wellbeing Practitioner,  joins the Lockdown Sessions and shares some great ideas about how to look after our own wellbeing including our mental wellbeing. She explains the difference between mental strength and mental wellbeing and offers an insight into how people can start to bring their mental wellbeing into greater balance. Her natural compassionate approach to wellbeing is clear through everything she says and as she shines a light on her Wellbeing Program and some of the exercises she uses to help raise people's self awareness it becomes apparent that looking after our wellbeing is now a critical skill for all of us to move forward healthily and with tiny moments of practice every day can become a part of our daily routines of self care and wellbeing.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.coCTG #LockdownSessions #Wellbeing #Mindful #MentalHealth

S2 E22: ObsessionGeorge De Bono, Senior Sales Leader, joins the Lockdown Sessions from Melbourne this week to talk about his experiences and learnings from Lockdown. His tales of how he and his family stayed sane, how he kept a positive attitude even during more challenging moments and how keeping fit and counting steps truly led to a more positive wellbeing. GDB talks about obsession and discipline and helps shine a light on how even with First World problems the Lockdown has been challenging and by owning a positive mindset, well it felt like winning half the battle. George talks work, the MCG and family with such openness and honesty we are sure you will really enjoy this Lockdown Episode. Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG #LockdownSessions #Obsession #Discipline #Fitness #MentalHealth

S2: Episode 21: Positive IntelligenceFrank Basinski, Executive Coach and Leadership Development Facilitator comes back to the Lockdown Sessions this week to talk Positive Intelligence. An experienced podcaster and now linkedinlive presenter Frank talks leadership and professional development in this weeks episode. He highlights the concepts around Positive Intelligence and how it can help all of us navigate through challenging times in being able to self control and command in order to better respond to situations. He explains how to try and contain the emotional reactions to situations and feelings and shows how to reconnect with the more positive influencers in our minds/brain and then how to build some neuro pathways to adopt new habits. For our 90th episode of the Lockdown Sessions this is really fascinating topic to explore. Thanks Frank and enjoy and have a listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google pods.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #PositiveINTELLIGENCE #ConsciousIntention #Behaviour #Change 

S2: E20: Yearning for Learning, Being a Yogi in LockdownHelen Soden joins the Lockdown sessions this week to talk Yoga. Her compassionate approach is clear from the outset and the positive learnings she has taken from the last year is worth listening to as it offers such a positive framing of what is essentially a very difficult time. From gratitude practice to daily meditations Helen shares her insights as to how Yoga and Meditation helped almost every day of lockdown. The focus, clarity and discipline of practising every day was something Helen found herself leaning into throughout the last 12 months. Both Helen and her husband contracted Covid 19 and were really quite sick so her perspectives carry a different kind if weight as she went through the process of a positive diagnosis, symptoms and then long covid which affected her energy tremendously. This brilliantly vibrant yoga teacher runs virtual classes for both personal and corporate groups and the way she links the benefits of Yoga to corporate wellbeing and results is fascinating - have a listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google pods.  Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#Yoga #Meditation #Mindfulness #Spirituality #Purpose #CTGGroup #Lockdown Sessions

S2 E19: Happy Meaningful Conversations Jose Franca, Executive COACH, Leadership Facilitator, OD Consultant  joins the Lockdown Sessions to chat happiness. Making his fourth appearance on the show he and Brad explore true happiness and where it starts and how to find it. With vulnerability and humour they talk about friends, work, the pub and of course dogs. By exploring how dogs come to be happy so often Jose and Brad ponder the lessons we can learn about being happy from dogs who have simply found a way to live totally in the present moment. They reflect on the nuances of human behaviour and touch on the impact of instant gratification in the hyper connected didgital world to our lack of contentment in the actual physical world… have a listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google podsBrad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#Happy #Authenticity #SelfHappiness #CTGgroup #LockdownSessions

S2 E18: RegenerationDeborah Mendes is on a mission to regenerate people and plants by guiding others to create a better relationship with themselves and to nature and joins the lockdown sessions to talk about the forest bathing community she is building. She explains how the Nature Force Collective works, shares how leaders can regenerate to create more impact and offers some simple steps to take to connect with nature either outside, inside or even inside the mind. With more than 20 years in the corporate environment supporting high level executives, and a Global Health Ambassador for her company, wellbeing sits at the heart of what Deborah does and she shares how by reconnecting with nature and the process of nature, we can learn to heal the challenges we face every day. You can find her hosting on the Bi-Weekly Show on Clubhouse called Nature Speaks. It's a fascinating lockdown sessions episode. Listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google pods.  Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#Forest Bathing#Nature#Regeneration#Connection#Human Connection#CTG Group#Lockdown Sessions

S2 E17: Endurance Training during LockdownNajla Hallit, Endurance Athlete,  joins the lockdown sessions this week to talk endurance sports and how the discipline of endurance training has saved her during long months of lockdown in Dubai. From keeping fit by running up0 and down the stairs of her 25 floor apartment building to cycling around the borders of Lebanon to raise money for a children cancer charity Najla's inspirational story shows us how it is entirely possible to have a full time senior job and live a full life of endurance sports with all the training and lifestyle choices associated with that kind of lifestyle. She shines a light on mental health and how sport has helped her stay sane, physically fit and most importantly mentally fit during the lockdown months. It was fantastic talking to Najla  - have a listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google pods.  Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#Endurance#Resilience#Triathalon#SwimBikeRun#Focus#Determination#Purpose#CTGGroup#LockdownSessions

S2 E16: Inclusion and working togetherSwati Bharteey – Buck, Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant joins the Lockdown Sessions from Chicago to share her experiences with us and talks about how Leaders need to act responsibly but at the same time have grace with themselves to explore new ways of doing things – every day. She talks with real optimism around inclusion and how corporates are now turning attention to designing programmes with inclusion at the heart of them. Her overwhelming message sits around doing stuff together and navigating the landscape as a collective and how leaders, all being asked to be vulnerable, can actually step into that vulnerability with the help of their team. From Leadership to innovation, diversity and talent acquisition Swati discusses strategy, choices, coming back to work and what she has found herself being grateful for during this last year of lockdown. Listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google pods.  Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#Leadership #InclusionPrograms #Optimism #Together #DoitTogether #CTGGroup #LockdownSessions

S2 E23: Greater Balance of WellbeingLaura Garner, Executive Coach and Wellbeing Practitioner,  joins the Lockdown Sessions and shares some great ideas about how to look after our own wellbeing including our mental wellbeing. She explains the difference between mental strength and mental wellbeing and offers an insight into how people can start to bring their mental wellbeing into greater balance. Her natural compassionate approach to wellbeing is clear through everything she says and as she shines a light on her Wellbeing Program and some of the exercises she uses to help raise people's self awareness it becomes apparent that looking after our wellbeing is now a critical skill for all of us to move forward healthily and with tiny moments of practice every day can become a part of our daily routines of self care and wellbeing. Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Wellbeing #Mindful #MentalHealth

E15: Coaching, Yoga, and following your true pathMegan Eloff, Executive Coach, joins the Lockdown Sessions this week from Uruguay and explores how Yoga and Coaching have helped through the pandemic. She highlights some great insights into the links between personal and professional discovery through Coaching and how the discipline of yoga and reconnecting with the self, offer a similar path for those willing to try. Her naturally compassionate approach is on display throughout and Megan has a zest for life and the experience of life which really comes out through our conversation. Megan explains how metaphors are helping her with clients explain context and perspective and this honest and vulnerable conversation is a great metaphor for what the lockdown sessions are all about. A chance to step back and listen to someone elses' perspective and learn from their journey. Listen and subscribe on Spotify or Apple or Google pods.  #Coaching #Yoga #TruePath #StartwiththeSelf #Connection #HumanConnection#CTG Group #LockdownSessions

S2 E14: Leveraging Resilience.Tim Leonard, Trainier and Exec Coach joins the lockdown sessions this week to share his stories from the last 10 months and how he has been able to leverage his own resilience in dark times through adopting mental states he learned when he was younger and recovering from an accident. He humbly shares how he got comfortable with being inside his head after 12 weeks in hospital and how this skill enabled him to keep moving forward during the pandemic and some excellent stories about flying and building inner self confidence came singing out of his anecdotes. He shares his insights on lockdown and the learnings he has taken from the last year and it really is a fab episode to listen in on. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Resilience #Authenticity #Flying #SelfEsteeem 

S2 E13: Culture ShiftsLola Chapado, Executive Coach & Facilitator, comes to the Lockdown Sessions this week to share her experiences during lockdown. Starting with her observations around resilience and the different skill sets she has had to use or learn to exploring culture and belonging and how its been forced to shift during the pandemic. This wide ranging talk explores Inclusive Leadership and how to tap in to inclusivity from the top down, and how if leaders fail to adopt inclusivity they will fail to attract the best of the most diverse talent pool we have ever had access to. Lola shares how hard it was to home school during the first stages of the pandemic and how she learned to support her daughter through the process while also learning things herself, especially about how to be more human. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Connect #collaborate #communicate #Thisisnormal

S2 E12: Let's Talk MarketingAlia Khatib, Marketing Coach and Content Marketer joins us from Barcelona to share some of her lockdown experiences as a business owner and what running an online business has been like during the pandemic. She shares her thoughts on content marketing, how choosing a coach or any kind of consultant today requires social proof as part of the trust building process, and qualifies why having a video marketing presence online is so critical to today's success. Her insights are great for any business owner or individual looking to create a positive online presence with relevant content. Her natural empathic approach makes for very easy listening and the way she has turned the pandemic into a positive experience for herself and her business are inspirational whilst at the same time keeping a balance between Life and Work. Enjoy the podcast and subscribe via Apple, Spotify or Google Pods. #CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #ContentMarketing #AliaKhatib  #Content #OnLineBusiness

E11: Talking CreativelyNoah Max – Artist, Creative Collaborator, Facilitator  joins the lockdown sessions to give us the view of a twenty something creative living through Lockdown in London. He talks openly about how he has had to learn to respect his energy and listen to himself more during the different lockdowns. He explores relationships and friendships in the pandemic world and how connectivity has been so important to him. We explore how “now is normal” rather than the new normal and then unpick the challenges facing the Arts world which has been hit so hard by the pandemic and what Noah has been doing to keep art and music alive within his own world and the world of his audiences. We also get to explore Noah's concept of The Three C's and how by connecting, communicating and collaborating we can unlock our own and new levels of creativityListen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #Connect #collaborate #communicate #Thisisnormal

S2 E10: A Teen's view of LockdownConnor Gill  - Journalist Apprentice joins the Lockdown Sessions to share a teenagers view of lockdown and it's a fascinating chat where he shares real quality insights into what lockdown has felt like for a teenager… the challenges, the high points, the dark moments. He speaks passionately about his peer group and explains the coping mechanisms he and his friends have used to deal with the variety of mental health challenges they sometimes face. He speaks with real candour about moods, shares his own struggles and by shining a light on his world I found it both enabling and inspiring… especially when  he shared his technique for how parents can help their young people get through these difficult times.  I hope when listening to this you will draw out some personal learnings as this erudite young person shares the reality of what lockdown has been like and felt like. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #MentalHealth #Teens #Friendship #CopingMechanisms #ConnorGill 

S2 E9: The Learner's MindsetScott Masciarelli - Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant -  joins the lockdown sessions for a half hour chat about his observations on lockdown. He talks about learner mindsets and coming out of the lockdown more positively than before. He share his ideas on generating ideas from within teams, how the leader doesn't have to do everything themselves. He shares some great stories about some real positive examples from the pandemic and how keeping a learner's mindset can enhance innovation & creativity. Scott explores how Leaders can learn how to be more vulnerable in a positive way and how connecting with ourselves is a great place to start. He shares ideas on how to learn to trust our intuition and how to listen more to feelings whilst maintaining a structured and balanced approach. It's a great lockdown session and Scott will definitely be back for more sessions in the coming months. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTG Group #LockdownSessions `#ProfessionalDevelopment #Leaders  #Positivity #TeamSupport #Creativity #Intuition #TrustInFeelings

S2 E8: Wellbeing in the workplaceExpert Wellness Practitioner Julie McGann, Executive Coach and Corporate Wellness Director at Unicorn, joins The Lockdown Sessions for her second visit this year and continues to explain how important and present Wellbeing in the workplace is. From mindfulness to meditation, from compassion to heart centred leadership Julie explains how she works with clients to introduce meditation and wellbeing into the workplace. She highlights the difference between physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and explains why leaders and organisations have a responsibility to ensure that their people are looking at all three layers of wellbeing and not missing any to the detriment of the team dynamic and the results achieved. Julie's empathic approach to understanding needs is plain to see and she walks us through how guided meditation can really help us connect with our inner selves and ultimately slow down to be able to be the best version of ourselves in spite of the pandemic. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions `#Wellness #Wellbeing #Mindfulness #GuidedMeditation #Meditation

Season 2: Episode 7: The Evidence of AwesomeAura Mckay, Business Coach for Creative Entrepreneurs, joins us from Canada to share her lockdown experiences and explores with us the evidence of being awesome, the power of knowing you can fail and its OK, the creative process to truly live with meaning without being too caught up in business planning. As a business coach to creative entrepreneurs Aura has a delightful insight into what makes people tick in business and whether talking about photographers or musicians or artists she is equally at home finding real learning in every situation. This is a great podcast and Aura has already agreed to come back soon for another Lockdown Session episode.  Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Awesome #Creativity #FlexiblePurpose 

S2 E6: Transformative EnergyVALENTINA HINTEREGGER, ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE COACH joins the Lockdown Sessions this week to share her observations as an org design and change consultant. She explains how leveraging transformative energy can really help in managing expectations, controlling what we can and learning to let go of the things that hold us back. Valentina and Brad discuss showing the way, inclusive leadership, adaptability and being flexible as ways of coping with lockdown. Change comes up as well and Valentina explains her observations on the capacity to change, the impact of change on being comfortable with ourselves and our situation and shares some ideas on how to embrace the challenges and how to learn how to be part of the change in order to accept it more readily. Valentina will be back in a few months' time to share more insights and experiences in coping with change in a credible way and how to maintain the focus on how to keep up with your own plans whilst the world continues to learn to cope with the pandemic and all the changes being forced upon them in the various lockdowns. Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.coSubscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify or Google.#CTG #LockdownSessions #TransformativeEnergy #Change #LettingGo #Adaptability #Acceptance

S2 E5: Bring it OutEllina Watanabe, Mindfulness & Executive Coach, Platform Speaker,  joins the Lockdown Sessions from Sochi in Russia to talk about human essence an dhow the pandemic has given us the opportunity to become more connected with ourselves. Ellina shares her ideas on how to thrive and move forward by leading with compassion and from the heart and how by taking away the layers of how we are supposed to behave we can truly connect with our authentic self and lead ourselves from the inside out. She explains how by looking inside we can connect to the real truth of ourselves, how by being vulnerable and showing courage by being honest with ourselves we can present our true selves to the world and with this benefit of being human we can learn to sustain these new behaviours as we move out of the pandemic. With so much talk of mental health challenges created and heightened by the pandemic this is a fascinating lockdown episode showing us all how to lead ourselves, maintain our inspiration and move forward with compassion, first for ourselves and then for others. Brad Solomon CTG Groupwww.ctggroup.coSubscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify or Google.#CTG #LockdownSessions #HumanEssence #LookInside #Authenticity #BeYourTruth 

S2 E4: Creativity and Muscle MemoryWILLIAM GALTON, EXECUTIVE COACH AND FACILITATOR is back for a third visit to The Lockdown Sessions and as always is great fun to chat with as he reflects on the new lockdown and the observations he has made. He shares his learning from previous lockdown and how its helped him create new muscle memory, how to take positives from the situation we are all going through and how to learn something new without putting pressure on oneself. He explains how to make time for oneself and reconnect with your passions, how to cope with fatigue and most interestingly what we can learn about living in the moment by observing animal behaviour and specifically dog behaviour. Brad and William even have time to reference Friends and trying to cook new dishes. Enjoy this great episode and look out for William joining a future lockdown session in the coming weeks.  Subscribe and listen via Apple, Spotify or Google.#CTG #LockdownSessions #MuscleMemory #Reconnection #Fatigue

S2 E3: Herd EvolutionSajeeve Bahl, Vice President Red Hat APAC joins the lockdown sessions to talk business, behaviour, lockdown and how to keep your eye on everything at the same time. He shares his own vulnerability during covid times and explains how he was able to motivate his team and enable them on a global scale to embrace the unexpected and to move towards the uncertain times with a positive nature whilst still delivering results. He shares how he struggled at the beginning to really focus on what could be done rather than acting like a deer in the headlights. He was able to pivot his thinking and as a result encourage his team to do the same and through constantly reflecting on his actions and how he operated create a safe environment for people to thrive in spite of the circumstances. He shares his tips and tricks for remote management and how to create a herd evolution… constantly adapting, being agile and changing with the times. With 30 years of corporate experience Sajeeve is able to shine a great light on ways of successfully operating during the pandemic and offers hope to all leaders that through sharing vulnerability and being transparent about what needs to be done we are all able to evolve and thrive and ultimately scale our business. His 3 buckets metaphor is simply enlightening and so sit back and enjoy the podcast. Sajeeve will be back later in the year and we look forward to welcoming him again on the Lockdown Sessions. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #pivot #vulnerable #3Buckets

S2 E2: Finding the right balanceChartered Psychologist and Business owner Nadia Nagamootoo, Founder and CEO of Avenir Consulting joins the Lockdown Sessions to talk about learnings during lockdown and explores how behavioural change has taken hold of us at a national and a global level. She shares her thoughts and feelings on inclusion and how engagement is taking place across socio economic levels, how people are tending towards looking out for themselves and how we can afford to spend a little more time thinking of others and how we can connect more with others. Nadia explains how we can learn to feel safe, she touches on organisational approaches to D & I, and shines a light on how organisations can really unlock new ways of inclusive behaviour. Nadia works in the D and I space and explores ways of moving towards a true meritocracy and how we can create the space for fairness and equality and how Covid times has given us the opportunity to re evaluate equality and equity to create that meritocratic Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #Equity #Equality #D&I #Inclusivity

S2 E1: Climbing out of our mental prisonExpert Wellness Practitioner Julie McGann, Corporate Wellness Director and owner at Unicorn and Executive Coach joins The Lockdown Sessions for our first session of 2021 to share her thoughts on how we can all bring Wellness into our lives, especially important as we get deeper into the third national lockdown. Julie explains how uncertainty can really affect us emotionally and how through realigning to our natural ways through nature, meditation and being grateful we can start to humanise our bodies and minds. She shares techniques on how to stop living in our heads, curtailing the worry and stopping stress from taking over giving us all techniques to climb out of our own mental prisons. Julie offers us all a new lens with which to view the world and gain inspiration so we can all live healthier and more meaningful lives. She will be back very soon to share with us her new year meditation.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.coListen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions `#MentalPrison #Nature #ControlWorry #StressFree #Wellness #Wellbeing

Episode 65: Don't get sucked into all the dramaSusi Altrichter, Director of Talent and Acquisition, Red Hat Europe, joins the Lockdown Session for this new episode and this week our topic is Talent Acquisition and teamwork. Susi is Director of Talent Acquisition for Europe at Red Hat and has known Brad for over 7 years. In their discussion Susi shares her insights into how she has enabled her totally remote team to maintain high levels of motivation throughout lockdown by helping her people focus on talents and passions. Having always worked in a remote team her observations on inter-team dynamics during the pandemic are both insightful and funny and she shares how the whole team were able to train their empathy muscles in order to maintain high levels of emotional intelligence throughout the lockdown and how it helped keep emotions in check and not get sucked into to too many dramas. You can watch the whole episode on You tube as well. Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #remoteteams #interteamdynamics #talentacquisition #redhat

Episode 64: I'm not here to answer your questions… I'm here to question your answersJohn Poelstra, Executive Business and Life Coach, is back for another dose of fun insights… this time he joins the lockdown sessions to discuss coaching the coaches and Brad and he explore tips and ideas that can help and be valuable to anyone training as a coach. They unpack topics galore here from Coaching vs Mentoring, listening to your body, trusting your intuition and How do you feel questions. John shares insights into how to really listen with deep engagement and be fully present as well as how to speak up and ask those questions that really count. In their usual self -deprecating way these two coaches share the meaning of their experience in a fascinating podcast episode. You can watch the full episode on You Tube or listen via Apple, Google or SpotifyListen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Coaching #Development #Questions #Listening Deeply #Intuition

E63: Leaders Go FirstDon Lang, Executive Leadership Coach, joins the Lockdown Sessions for the first time and share his ideas around why Leaders need to go first to set the scene and enable their teams. He talks about how leaders can really create new perspectives around productivity and intimacy and how showing vulnerability first can enable others in the team to develop and enhance trust levels. Don and Brad unpick how modelling the way as a leader can be a true enabler during these different times and how the new landscape of work can actually help the growth of TRUST within organisations. He emphasises the need for teams to build up muscle in adopting new perspectives and how in the long term these changes that organisations have experienced will be for the benefit of the people delivering on the front line. You can watch the whole episode on you tube or subscribe to the audio via Google, Apple or Spotify.Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #LeadersGoFirst #Trust #Intimacy #ModelTheWay

Episode 62: The Inner Critic vs The Inner MentorAndrea Hotton, Executive Leadership Coach is back for her second episode of Lockdown and this time she's talking about motivation, goal setting and What do we really want. Her expertise as a coach is on full display as she unpacks some of the key topics people are currently challenged with during lockdown… motivation, fatigue and endurance. With simple questions like “What do you really want right now” Andrea shows us how to try and build a fulfilling life when things are tough and how endurance comes from deep within when you least expect it. Brad and Andrea discuss running and races and digging deep when pushing oneself and how to stop fighting and discounting feelings by naming and starting to understand the difference between the inner critic and inner mentor. This is a fab episode of Lockdown and Andrea will be back in the new year to share more coaching observations with us. Subscribe and hit the bell icon so that you don't miss an update!#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #WhatDoYouReallyWant #InnerCritic #InnerMentor  #Endurance #Fatigue #Motivation

Dr Sally Ann Law, Executive Leadership and Business CoachEpisode 56: Replenishing CompassionSally Ann Law joins the Lockdown Session this week to explore a collection of topics around coaching and Leaders. From the normalising of feeling down during lockdown to how to generate new coping mechanisms Brad and Sally Ann discuss how both Leaders and Coaches can show up and step forward not just to create safety for teams but to help with some simple questions like “how is that helping you” or “how do I replenish my compassion for myself and others”. The discussion weaves its way around to talking about showing vulnerability, learning to download from work after a day at the home office (or the kitchen table) and how to maintain a level of positivity with life when the winter months make lockdown even tougher. Sally Ann shares insights into how to create coping agreements with oneself and how to apply them in a positive way. This is an exciting episode so watch the full episode on You Tube or listen to the audio versions on Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co #CTG Group #LockdownSessions #compassion #replenishmyself #download #help #StepForward

E60: Transitions and “What is” Language | Terri Reuter, Executive Coach, Facilitator, Platform Speaker,  joins the Lockdown Session for an episode to talk about her observations during lockdown and offers and insight into the art of REAL communication. She shares her insights into how people are becoming more concentrated versions of themselves during lockdown, finding happiness and fulfilment when communicating and touches on how coping with big changes starts with changing the messaging in our own heads. We talk about “What is” Language, how to NOT be available 24/7 and how to become more explicit and nuanced in our communication for maximum impact in our relationships. Terri shares her formula for communicating with reciprocity and equality to truly listen and even considers the future of development work after the pandemic filters away. This is a cracking episode of the Lockdown and Terri will be back in the new year so look out for the next episode.Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad Solomon CTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #NuancedCommunication #Reciprocity #Equality #WhatIsLanguage 

E59: PaddleBoard Coaching and Vulnerability | Brian Formato, Executive Coach and Founder of Groove Management, joins the Lockdown Session from North Carolina this week to talk about his insights as and Executive Coach and Founder of Groove Management. Brian and Brad start of talking about leadership and vulnerability and how Brian helps leaders touch that vulnerability by running his coaching sessions whilst paddleboarding. He unpacks how to strip things down from the perfect outward image to the real core purpose within and how working with the rough edges not the perfect image is the way to approach true authentic leadership. They talk about the changes in the workplace touching on working from ANYWHERE (not just working form home), the difference between leadership and management programs and how to help leaders practice servant leadership. This is a fascinating episode of Lockdown so have a listen or watch the full episode on You Tube.Listen via Apple, Spotify and Google pods and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #GrooveManagement #ServantLeadership #PaddleBoarding #Fitness #RiughEdges #Coaching #ExecCoaching

E58: Be Nice to Yourself, Becoming the best version of Ourselves | TERESA PETERS, EXECUTIVE BUSINESS AND PERSONAL COACH, FOUNDER OF ACCELERATOR COACHING,  is back for a second episode and this time is talking about gratitude and strengths. With her warm engaging style and approach Tess explores some key questions like “what's the one thing you could do that would make the biggest impact on your life?” or “what one habit could you break that would allow you to be the best version of yourself?” Brad and Tess discuss fitness habits, working patterns and how to share personal “stuff” that can really engage with people and as a result how leaders can build stronger and more intimate relationships with their team members. Tess uncovers how to audit language to have greater impact in communication exchanges, how to take risks and be more challenging with clients and how to find the balance to really look at ourselves and develop our self awareness. They even find time to reference Dolly Parton and doing things on purpose. This is a great episode so enjoy and don't forget to subscribe. Listen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Selfawareness #BreakingHabits #AuditYourLanguage #Empathy

E57: Developing empathy with your public and creating opportunity for success | Gareth Nicholas, Change Agent in Service Design  at Southend on Sea Borough Council joins the lockdown sessions this week to talk about how in local authority they have really leaned into working more collaboratively in teams during lockdown. Despite the disconnection and physical distance Gareth explains how they used command and control techniques really helped drive their work with the public and internally to remove silo working and really engage people in dealing with crisis and the how they have moved into the recovery phase much quicker than expected, His stories are enlightening and he shines a light on how the change in behaviours have had a really positive impact on everyone at the council and how their focus on getting things done for others has helped elevate them above the pandemic and the uncertainty.  Gareth shares how design thinking has helped him and his colleagues move forward and learn from their earlier experiences so that the second lockdown doesn't have as much of a negative impact as the first. This is a fascinating episode of lockdown so enjoy and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode. Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.coListen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#CTGGroup #LockdownSessions #Test&Learn #Adaptability #ChangeAgent

E56: Get a Dog, Get a Coach and Coach out your Boggart |Jo Roberts, Executive Coach, joins the Lockdown Session for this week's episode to share her insights from the last few months and unpacks some of the challenges leaders are experiencing right now… from leading through uncertainty and dealing with a drop in confidence to trying to find clarity and direction in the months ahead. Jo uses her years of experience to offer ideas on how to drive up personal confidence through inner mindtalk and creating mini characters to use when the confidence wanes. Making mindtalk more creative and leaning into the coaching version of the Harry Potter Boggart is one of the techniques Jo shares with us. Jo goes on to sharing ideas in how to find meaning and joy in what we do and explains what freestyling journaling has done for her. As always dogs come up too so enjoy the episode.Listen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #MindTalk #FreestylingJournaling

E55: Curating, Engagement and Networking |Michael Doyle Executive Leadership Coach, is back for a second episode and this time he shares with Brad ideas around curating interesting content and generating engagement on social media. With his experience he offers tips and ideas that have helped him grow his following and create engaging content. As a coach Michael is able to reflect and learn from his experience in a deep way and this episode would be valuable to anyone looking to grow their following on social media in a meaningful way. From how to show up, how to be authentic, how to get people talking about your post and how to engage an audience with your ideas Michael and Brad explore a whole range of ideas that all end up with the same fundamental common denominator – if you want to post something or produce something  - just make sure you have fun with it as then it will come quite naturally. Listen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad Solomon CTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #Engagement #Curating

E54: Paying it Forward and the Agile Way | Lia Frid, Founder and CEO of OPT3 Solutions,  joins the Lockdown Sessions for a second time to talk about how to pay it forward and thrive in the current chaos. With 30+ years of experience Lia shares some insights into how leaders need to step back from their teams to truly engage with the development of those teams. Removing the ego, drawing on external support and becoming comfortable with handing the reigns to others are just some of the topics Lia shares with Brad. During the discussion they explore how although legacy is important the only thing that really matters are the people we help along the way. Listen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#CTG Group #LockdownSessions #Thrive # NavigatingChaos

E53: Natalia Cohen, Mindset Coach and International SpeakerOne Stroke at a Time… Lessons from Rowing Across the PacificMotivational Speaker and Mindset Coach Natalia Cohen joins the Lockdown Sessions for a very special episode where Natalia shares how her learning garnered from rowing across the Pacific for 9 months has helped ready her for the two lockdowns we have had this year. Her positive mindset and ability to focus on the moment, what is happening right now has been a real positive growth element for her and enabled her to celebrate the small successes both out on the ocean and during lockdown. Being mentally strong and able to cope with everything that is happening and using the mantra “stroke by stroke” “day by day” has really helped Natalia be mentally fit for this period of lockdown. She learned it on the Pacific but has been able to lean into it during lockdown. Natalia and Brad explore how Natalia built trust within her team and how it was fundamental to the success of the expedition, how open and honest dialogue was key to their success and how reflecting on her own and with each other became the norm. Delivering each other feedback became the key to how they grew as leaders in their team and enabled them to offer and garner support throughout the 9 months on the ocean. Natalia shares her HEY mantra creating human connections, connecting with the environment to be fully present and then being connected to Yourself and how to maintain the most positive mindset possible. This is a fantastic episode with loads of interesting input from Natalia. You can watch the whole episode on You tube or have a listen via Spotify, Apple or Google podcasts. Listen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions. Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#LockdownSession #CTGGroup #thePacificRow #MentalStrength #PositiveMindset #EnhancingStrategies

E52: Choosing to be well | John Poelstra, Executive Coach and Facilitator He's back… John P joins Brad for another Lockdown Episode. As they riff their way through the benefits of future journaling, learning to “just be” and learning from animals they uncover new ways of finding that balance and peace of mind that can help all of us find what we really want. With simple questions and statements they explore how to answer the question “what do you really want?” By trying to find the answer to what do you really desire they unpick the difference between the “reported on world” and the “world you want to create”. John is a regular on Lockdown and he doesn't disappoint in this episode with some great insights from his coaching experiences and some simple techniques to really embrace the needs and desires we all have by peeling back the layers in a healthy and constructive way.  Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.coListen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.#Lockdown Session #CTG Group #PeelingtheLayers #FutureJournaling #WhatDoyouReallyWant

E51: Leading from a Quiet Place | Clive Lafferty, Executive Coach and Facilitator and Founder of Tandem, joins the Lockdown Sessions to talk about Team Coaching, helping groups find their purpose and how building psychological safety is something that can be done in a virtual setting. Clive's 20 years of experience working in HR and Learning and development has helped him build Tandem over the last five years and offer his clients a really safe space to explore communication issues, solve problems and how creativity can really help organisations tackle some of the most difficult challenges we are all facing right now. Brad and Clive chat openly about working flexibly, how they run their sessions, how to integrate team coaching into workshops and how leading from a different even a quiet place can really engage people with delivering excellence. Clive talks about how to use Musical Conducting as a great tool for bringing teams together to deliver results – we hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it. Listen and subscribe below so you don't miss an episode of Lockdown Sessions.Brad SolomonCTG Groupwww.ctggroup.co#Lockdown Session#LeadingfromaQuietPlace #CTG Group #Tandem #Expertise