Unsaid @ Work

In the final episode of Season 2, I reflect on our two-year journey and the incredible conversations we've shared. From navigating the fallout of a failed coaching program to Unsaid at Work making it into the top 5% of global podcasts, it has truly been an amazing ride. I delve into the profound, sometimes messy, often unseen, and always meaningful discussions that have marked this series. Whether it's dealing with jerks at work, addressing systems of oppression, or sharing deeply personal stories, this episode is a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners. Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

23% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they can apply their organization's values to their work every day, and only 27% “believe in” their organization's values.And yet every organisation has them. In today's episode, we are reclaiming the role of organisation values with my guest, Jackie Le Fèvre. We put common corporate values in the hotseat – like integrity and ethics – and explore why they make cynics out of us all.  Jackie has her PHD is human values psychology and is the perfect person to geek out on this question. This episode is a follow on from the last week – so if you haven't listened to that one, go back and listen to that first. Curious to determine your personal values? Get my tool here.https://skilled-artist-1209.ck.page/a973c65125Connect with Jackie:Twitter: @MagmaEffectLinkedIn: Jackie Le FèvreWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

If you think most organizational values aren't worth the paper they are written on, then this is the episode for you.Today, on UnSaid at work,  we explore why having organizational values matters and what good values look like.My guest, Jackie Le Fèvre, is the perfect person for this discussion. With a PhD in human values psychology and a background in zoology and human behaviour, Jackie brings deep insights into understanding people.We tackle questions like: 

"Bring yourself to work" is all the rage in workplaces, but are we truly accepted for who we are?In today's episode, I explore this question with my guest, Amethysta Herrick. She shares how she had to "squelch who I was because I had to."We dive into the challenges of the transgender experience, the pressures of capitalism, and the importance of staying true to oneself. We chat about her personal journey in the tech industry, her experiences bouncing between societal expectations and her true self, and the profound impact of truly listening and valuing others' perspectives.About Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.: Amethysta is a writer, podcaster, and activist focusing on the origin and nature of identity, especially gender. With a background as a geneticist, chemist, software engineer, and manager, her greatest challenge has been addressing the misconception that identity and gender are concerns only for the LGBTQ community. Instead, she teaches that identity is an ongoing process every human engages in throughout life.Connect with Amethysta:Website: amethysta.ioRead her work and find her podcast: genderidentitytoday.comWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Steven Writer-Maguire and Wei Wang about the magic of mastermind groups and the incredible growth they foster. We dive into shared challenges, the power of vulnerability, and how these groups create a safe, non-judgmental space for leaders to evolve. From their personal journeys of navigating leadership during the COVID lockdown to the transformative feedback loops in mastermind sessions, Steven and Wei share insightful stories you won't want to miss. Plus, we explore the often-overlooked skills in leadership—like storytelling and relationship building—that truly make a difference.  Join the waitlist to be the first to hear about the next mastermind: https://www.conversationsattheedge.co.uk/safespacesquadWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Painful, tender personal experiences can often feel overlooked, especially when you're leading through them.In this week's episode of Unsaid at Work, Rebecca Mander shares her heart-wrenching journey through some of life's most challenging moments---the loss of her son Charlie, the death of her mother, and steering her organization through the 2008 economic downturn.She shares how she's used this painful human experiences to help others find resilience through their hard times.This is an episode for anyone looking to find strength in vulnerability and turning personal trials into transformative triumph.Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guruyoucoach/Other episodes that address grief:The human experience at workhttps://www.podpage.com/unsaid-at-work/acknowledging-loss-honouring-the-human-experience-in-the-workplace-with-bryony-wildblood/Grieving a 4-legged friendhttps://www.podpage.com/unsaid-at-work/grieving-for-a-four-legged-friend-a-personal-story/Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week's episode we talk about finding direction and meaning in our lives featuring James Cobbett. We discuss his journey of discovering his purpose and the importance of uncovering one's "why" statement.He reflects on his transition from working in a charity part-time to pursuing freelance web design full-time, highlighting a shift in his search for meaningful work beyond just financial stability.James mentions reaching a point of disengagement and questioning the purpose of his work before coming across Simon Sinek's work on the significance of having a strong core purpose. Inspired by Sinek's ideas, James embarked on a personal quest to identify his own "why" statement, leading to the creation of a statement focused on sparking individuals into action to live life with purpose.This process not only shaped his business approach, focusing on serving purposeful organizations, but also empowered him to make strategic decisions aligning with his newfound clarity.You can connect with James on LinkedIn, check out his work on purpose, or his website building for charities.https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cobbett/https://jamescobbett.co.uk/https://goodbear.co.uk/Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this conversation, Nikki St. Paul discusses the importance of rest and how she discovered its value in her own life. She shares her personal awakening to the need for rest and the impact of burnout.In this conversation, Nikki and Catherine discuss the importance of rest and its impact on well-being and productivity. They explore the concept of trusting one's intuition and seeking external validation, as well as understanding and meeting personal needs. They emphasize the value of bringing elements of rest into daily life and the significance of micro moments of rest.They challenge the notion that rest is solely for productivity and highlight the need for self-compassion and reframing rest as non-doing. They also discuss promoting rest in organizations and the role of leaders in modeling rest.Nikki St Paul is a mind, body, and breath coach and the Founder of Breathing Mindful Coaching. She guides ambitious women, workplaces & communities to embrace rest and rise to achieve sustainable success and thrive in their lives.Connect with Nikki here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkistpaul/Instagram (@breathingmindful)Her monthly rest circle: https://buytickets.at/breathingmindfulcoachingWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Ever thought about the impact that 100 coffee conversations could have on your career and networking opportunities?In this episode, we dive deep into Matt Ballantine's 100 coffees project, exploring the ins and outs of making meaningful connections in a post-COVID world.Matt Ballantine, has almost 3 decades of experience in transformation initiatives -- as he puts it -- getting people and tech to work together better. He's worked for a wide range of organisations like Reuters and BBC. And today, he's an engagement manager at Equal Experts, a London based consultancy. And a podcast host of WB-40 where he talks to guests about tech and how it's changing the way we work.In our conversation, which feels much like what I expect a coffee conversation would be like with him, I ask him all about the project -- the origin story and lessons learnt.And we still manage to cover topics like:-       The liminal spaces at work vs water cooler moments-       Apophenia -- the human ability to make connections in unrelated things,-       how protestant work ethic gets in the way of a project like 100 coffees.Inspired by our conversation? Book your place in the 100 Coffee projecthttps://calendly.com/matt-ballantineYou can find out more about how tech is changing the way we work on Matt's podcast, WB-40 https://wb40podcast.comTricia Hersey, author of the book Rest is Resistance, used to have a similar offering around coffee and connect:http://www.triciahersey.com/coffee-and-tea-chats.htmlWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week, we dive into a leadership skill that might just surprise you: Improv!

In this episode, we delve into the topic of "good girl" conditioning and its effects on women in professional settings.Our guest, Michelle Minnikin, author of "Good Girl Deprogramming," shares insights into her personal journey of recognizing and overcoming this conditioning.She delves into the research surrounding coercive control tactics and discusses the complex interplay between likeability and credibility that women often navigate in the workplace, along with the negative stereotypes and labels they face.We also get to:examine the performative aspect of International Women's Day,advocate for a reimagining of workplace structures to better align with the unique rhythms and energies of women,explore the implications of traditional dating practices,the fragility of masculinity and the evolving dynamics of power within society.Michelle Minnikin, a Chartered Psychologist and Coach with over two decades of experience in leadership, organizational development, coaching, and personal development.Discover more about Michelle's work, including her quiz and book, at her website: Good Girl Deprogramming | Michelle Minnikin Coaching.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

On this week's episode, we talk about the silent struggle of managing menopause symptoms while juggling professional responsibilities and why understanding and support in the workplace are paramount.  My guest is Sharon MacArthur, founder of Miss Menopause, who shares her journey and mission to normalise conversation at work on this topic. As we uncover the overarching effects of menopause on personal well-being and work life, we touch on why is acceptance and support lacking, and how can we encourage authenticity in the workplace. We also discuss how can men play a role in this conversation, and why is a collective shift in attitude essentialFind out more about Sharon's work on her website or Linkedin. Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week's episode is about first times and we'll discuss mindset and expectations when trying new things, sharing personal experiences and insights.From launching a podcast to getting back into activities after a hiatus, we'll uncover the vulnerability and discomfort that comes with taking on something new or revisiting old pursuits.If you're interested in delving deeper into conversations like these and exploring ways to work through the challenges of navigating first times, consider checking out the opportunities for one-to-one executive coaching and team coaching in the links below.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this week's episode, we dive into the often enigmatic realm of workplace grievances. For most of us, the need to either lodge a grievance or become the recipient of one is a rare occurrence, possibly happening only once in our entire career. Our guest today, Katherine McCord, unveils the mysteries surrounding this process and provides valuable advice on how to navigate it should you ever find yourself in such a situation. The conversation delves into critical aspects like safety concerns, breakdowns in communication, and the pivotal role played by HR in resolving workplace conflicts. Katherine McCord, a globetrotting People Operations entrepreneur and an internationally recognized speaker, joins us for this insightful discussion. Connect with her on Linkedin Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we're embarking on an enlightening journey through the maze of tough talks.Joining me is the COO powerhouse, Ghilaine Chan, a maestro in setting clear expectations and a veteran in steering through the toughest of conversations with honesty and directness. We're delving deep into how to confront those uneasy truths head-on and how to anchor ourselves in integrity even when the waves get rough. This episode is your guide through the stormy seas of difficult dialogues. Get ready to uncover the art of staying composed in the heat of the moment and the priceless insights that come from facing communication challenges. This isn't just about getting through tough conversations; it's about mastering them, coming out on the other side not just intact but enriched and empowered.If you're intrigued by the prospect of enhancing your confidence and skills in handling hard conversations, I invite you to join my upcoming masterclass at the end of March. It's designed for those eager to transform their approach to difficult dialogues and to navigate them with grace and effectiveness. 

Feeling stuck and dissatisfied with life?This was where my guest found herself 2 years ago. My guest today is Rachel Peacock, CEO of Making Space, a charity that provides care for adults with support needs. She's worked in the charity sector for  much of her working life – and as you will hear has a really strong sense of purpose about the work she does. She's very motivated by social justice and equity. In this episode, Rachel shares her journey of self-discovery and transformation through coaching with me, exploring what leadership means to her and the importance of aligning her head and heart. She had huge doubts about coaching and is now a huge advocate for its therapeutic. Listen in as Rachel opens up about her leadership struggles, the power of values, and the benefits of journaling.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

You may find your tactics of managing your to-do list no longer work. We face so much choice, and therefore millions of decision each day, it's no wonder we feel overwhelmed.Today, I'll talk you through • Core principles of time management• 10 transformative tips from my mastermind group coaching sessions designed to tackle the to-do list conundrum.Even if you are a to-do list jedi master, I promise you will find ONE tip worth trying.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Ready for some workplace secrets? In this episode, we dig into what HR REALL wants you to know: from office romances and dealing with disruptive colleagues to addressing the pitfalls in DEI and the hiring process. My guest is Katherine McCord, a globetrotting People Operations entrepreneur and international speaker. Whether it is revolutionizing HR Tech, innovating DEI, Recruiting, and HR for clients, or being the Founder of The Neuroverse, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building inclusion and elevating neurodiversity, Katherine always brings everything back to her three missions: integrity, inclusion, and innovation.  With her unique blend of humour and insight, Katherine brings a light-hearted perspective to these serious matters, making our discussion both enlightening and enjoyable. Connect with her on Linkedin Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this week's episode, I share practical tips for anyone who has been made. I discuss the emotional impact of redundancy and the importance of taking care of one's mental health.You will get my advice on assessing finances, updating resumes and LinkedIn profiles, networking actively, reassessing career paths, applying to jobs strategically, and prioritising emotional resilience.I'm not a career or recruitment specialist. This insight is based on over 10 years of journeying with clients through this transition period.Remember, redundancy is not a personal failure. It's a result of external factors beyond your control.Links I mention in the episode:Adam Karpiak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akarpiak/Headshot generator: https://www.aragon.aiWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week, we embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of personal branding. My guest, Victoria Pelletier, is not just your average corporate executive. With over two decades of experience, she's also a Board Director, a #1 bestselling author, and a professional public speaker. Victoria's reputation in the industry is solidified by nicknames like the "Turn Around Queen" and the "CEO Whisperer," bestowed upon her by former colleagues and employers. In our engaging interview, you'll acquire insights into the art of defining and differentiating your personal brand. Victoria will unveil strategies for creating meaningful content on LinkedIn and demonstrate how to harness this newfound self-awareness to your advantage in job interviews and beyond. We dive deep into practical advice, with Victoria generously sharing tips for crafting your own personal brand, standing out in a competitive landscape, and forging meaningful connections that can shape your future success. Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn and Instagram.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Ever wondered how you get rid of that shitty voice in your head? The one that tells you to play small? Today's episode is all about understanding the impact of the imposter syndrome, and how deeply ingrained beliefs of self-worth are at the root cause. My guest today is Tara Halliday, is renowned Imposter Syndrome Coach. Her work is all about eliminating imposter syndrome and replacing it with energy, focus, calm resilience and confidence.  She is the author of Amazon #1 best-sellers ‘Unmasking: The Coach's Guide to Imposter Syndrome' and ‘Outsmart Imposter Syndrome'.Listen in for practical strategies to tame your inner critic.Find Tara on Linkedin,  YouTube  and do her free quiz.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Join me in this episode as I break down the top 4 predictions for leadership trends in the upcoming year based on insights from working with senior executives.These predictions reflect the evolving landscape of leadership in 2024 and offer a glance into the skills and mindsets that leaders need to cultivate.My takeaways are informed by real-world experiences and validated by fellow seasoned executive coaches, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in staying ahead of the leadership curve in 2024.The podcasts references in the show as additional resources:Chat GPT and the AI revolution5 things to know about AI as a non-techie leaderThanks to my coach colleagues who helped shape my thinking:Aly King-SmithJill McMillanWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week's episode is an unusual one – I get put in the coaching hot seat!

Our emotional brain reacts quickly without thinking, often driven by biases.In this episode, my guest Lori Shook, helps us gain a deeper understanding of how our brain and body react to stress and emotions in the workplace.In our conversation, we seek to:Understand the neuroscience behind our need for belonging and its influence on our well-being and performance at work.Gain insights into the connection between neuroscience and coaching techniques for personal and professional development.Discover the role of the prefrontal cortex in managing emotions, making logical choices, and problem-solving.Learn about the limbic system and its influence on our emotional responses and decision-making processes.Gain practical strategies to create a sense of belonging, fairness, and certainty as a leader in the workplace.Lori Shook has been a coach for 27 years and has been training coaches for 25 years.  Along the way she's also developed other talents, especially in training others. Her superpower is to demystify what's going on and present it back to people in a palatable way – which is why she's accumulated a pretty big fan base. She believes that neuroscience is one of the key factors that helps to people understand themselves, their interactions with others and to develop “people skills”. Lori refers to her model, Be SAFE and Certain, and you can follow along with the visual here.Follow Lori on Linkedin and check out her program, Rewired to RelateWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

The powerful question is like a mini adventure. You don't know where the question will take you, but you know it's going to be meaningful and it's going to be impactful. Join me in this episode as I share the 5 most powerful questions that have transformed my life and lives of my clients.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In every workplace, you'll inevitably come across a few jerks. These individuals are often tolerated for various reasons, but today's conversation takes an unexpected turn as we consider that it might not entirely be their fault.Our guest today is Dr. Katie Ervin, the founder of Catalyst Development in the United States. Dr. Ervin's research focuses on workplace motivation through the lens of the self-determination theory and explores the impact of an employee's perception of their organization's support. Her latest book, titled "You Might Be a Jerk, but It Might Not Be Your Fault," was released on April 21, 2023, and quickly claimed the #1 New Release Best Seller spot in both the Human Resources and Educational Leadership categories on Amazon.Join us as we delve into the world of workplace jerks and gain a deeper understanding of what drives their behaviour, and why it might not be entirely their fault. The book Katie references in our conversation is “Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when the stakes are high.”Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Grieving whilst still having to show up at work brings its own challenges.Today, I share a personal experience of navigating grief earlier this year, and what I learnt from that process. Learn why it's essential to feel your feelings, adjust your expectations of yourself, and seek the support you need. Whether you're a business owner, an employee, or a team leader, this conversation about grief will resonate with you. For more on this theme, see my interview with Bryony Wildblood - “Acknowledging loss”Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this week's episode, I discuss the often overlooked topic of work friendships with my special guest, Kat Vellos.Kat Vellos is a trusted expert on the power of cultivating meaningful friendships. She's a speaker and author of the book, We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships. She's also the creator of the Better than Small Talk conversation cards and the Better Conversations Calendar. Kat's writing is read in over 100 countries and she's been interviewed by The New York Times, NPR, Communication Arts, The Good Life Project, and many more.In exploring adult friendships, you will .....Learn strategies for creating long-lasting friendships at workUnderstand the fragility of work friendships Discover the importance of balancing work and personal boundariesExplore the impact of time and proximity on friendshipsIf you're interested in creating stronger connections at work and navigating the nuances of friendships, this episode is a must-listen. Find more about Kat's book, newsletter, coaching and events: on her website. https://weshouldgettogether.com/Connection Club: https://weshouldgettogether.com/connection-club                                          Instagram: @katvellos_authorTwitter: @katvellosWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this week's episode, I dive deep into the importance of celebrating and acknowledging ourselves at work. We often overlook our own achievements and milestones, constantly pushing ourselves to the next goal without taking the time to appreciate our accomplishments. I share how I've done just that myself! So this week, let's get into … 

This episode is the second part of an interview with Jamie Clements, Breath work coach and facilitator. We take 25,000 breaths a day without a second thought. And yet our breath is the key to regulating our nervous system, resulting in better decision-making, effective discernment, and improved communication. Your breath is the greatest leadership hack you probably didn't know about. And that's what my guest, Jamie Clements discussed with me on this week's episode. Jamie Clements is a breathwork coach and facilitator based in London, and the founder of The Breath Space. After discovering breathwork four years ago, Jamie experienced a profound transformation in his physical and mental wellbeing, even overcoming severe anxiety and panic attacks.  

We take 25,000 breaths a day without a second thought. And yet our breath is the key to regulating our nervous system, resulting in better decision-making, effective discernment, and improved communication. Your breath is the greatest leadership hack you probably didn't know about. And that's what my guest, Jamie Clements discussed with me on this week's episode. Jamie Clements is a breathwork coach and facilitator based in London, and the founder of The Breath Space. After discovering breathwork four years ago, Jamie experienced a profound transformation in his physical and mental wellbeing, even overcoming severe anxiety and panic attacks. 

Are you ready for some game-changing tips on running transformational offsite events?

Burnout is not just a buzzword—it's a real and serious issue that affects many of us in the workplace.This is the second of a two part conversation where I invite Antoinette Daniel to share her personal experience with burnout. Continuing the conversation, we delve into the recovery process after burnout. Antoinette highlights the importance of taking breaks, both small and big, and shares her experience of going on a solo trip to a desert island as a form of self-care. She discusses the need to set boundaries, prioritize well-being, and focus on self-care without feeling guilty. Antoinette also addresses the challenges of being an overachiever and perfectionist, and how she learned to prioritize and say no to additional commitments.Antoinette is a former PE teacher, now entrepreneur who is passionate about seeing justice done in all areas of her life. She is the founder of an award-winning London cleaning agency called ‘Just Helpers' and they are aiming to make the world a better place, one clean at a time.  Strong justice Ethics are at the heart of all they do. Find more about one of Antoinette's business, Just Helpers And connect with her on LinkedInWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This is the first of a two part conversation where Catherine invites Antoinette Daniel to share her personal experience with burnout. Antoinette discusses her early teaching career, the overwhelming responsibilities she faced, and the moment she realized she was burned out. She talks about the lack of support she received and how she resorted to alternative health practices to cope. Antoinette also shares her decision to leave her job and take a break by working in Africa. This episode concludes with Antoinette emphasizing the importance of being honest with oneself and seeking help to recover from burnout.Antoinette is a former PE teacher, now entrepreneur who is passionate about seeing justice done in all areas of her life. She is the founder of an award-winning London cleaning agency called ‘Just Helpers' and they are aiming to make the world a better place, one clean at a time.  Strong justice Ethics are at the heart of all they do. Find more about one of Antoinette's business, Just Helpers.And connect with her on LinkedIn.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Ever wondered how to create a culture of happiness within your organization? Nic Marks, reveals his unique approach to fostering employee well-being leveraging the science of emotions.Nic is the founder and CEO of Friday Pulse, an organization focusing on changing the world of work. He has been featured in publications including the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Wired UK, and The Huffington Post.In our conversation, we talk about:

This week's episode takes a practical turn as we tackle a listener's workplace dilemma.Procrastination.Even if you don't identify yourself as a procrastinator (and this episode might change that), you probably know someone who is. We often overcoming procrastination as just a matter of discipline and hard work. But as you will see from this conversation, it can go so much deeper.We kick off with a useful coaching tool that can help when you get unstuck on this topic or anything else.We also touch on:

In this episode, Sophia continues the conversation on fat stigma and workplace discrimination. She discusses the flawed focus on weight and BMI in workplaces and the negative impact it has on fat individuals.Sophia shares personal stories that highlight the challenges faced by fat employees and the need for systemic change in workplace environments. She emphasizes the importance of refraining from commenting on appearance or food choices and urge leaders in positions of power to incorporate weight stigma into diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.The episode highlights the importance of knowing one's rights as an employee and the impact of workplace wellness programs that perpetuate fatphobia. We also explore the concept of the body hierarchy and Sophia advocates for breaking down barriers to promote equity.Sophia Apostol (she/her) is a Professional Certified Coach who specializes in leadership coaching. And, she's also a fat activist who created and hosts the podcast, Fat Joy with Sophia Apostol . The intersection of anti-fat bias and workplace culture is of particular interest to her, as she's both experienced and witnessed the deep harm caused by diet culture norms when adopted by workplaces. Sophia uses the art of storytelling to share stories of marginalized identities in hopes of creating more empathy, furthering representation, and deepening belonging.   Connect with Sophia on her website, and listen to her joyous liberation podcast, Fat Joy with Sophia Apostol (https://www.fatjoy.life/). Continue your learning journey with Aurbery Gordon (https://www.yourfatfriend.com),  Virgie Tovarhttps://www.virgietovar.com and Lindy West https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/lindy-west-shrill-fat-positive-representation-interviewWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

In this episode exploring anti-fatness, Sophia Apostol opens up about her personal journey of self-acceptance and how it led questioning prevalent fat-stigmatising practices in the workplace. She discusses her experience with body image and the influence of societal beauty standards, and shares her discovery of body positivity and the authors and activists who empowered her to challenge harmful beliefs.This episode discusses grown up topics and includes swearing so caution is advised.Sophia Apostol (she/her) is a Professional Certified Coach who specializes in leadership coaching. And, she's also a fat activist who created and hosts the podcast, Fat Joy with Sophia Apostol . The intersection of anti-fat bias and workplace culture is of particular interest to her, as she's both experienced and witnessed the deep harm caused by diet culture norms when adopted by workplaces. Sophia uses the art of storytelling to share stories of marginalized identities in hopes of creating more empathy, furthering representation, and deepening belonging. Connect with Sophia on her website, and listen to her joyous liberation podcast, Fat Joy with Sophia Apostol https://www.fatjoy.life/Continue your learning journey with Aurbery Gordon (https://www.yourfatfriend.com),  Virgie Tovar https://www.virgietovar.com and Lindy West https://www.bitchmedia.org/article/lindy-west-shrill-fat-positive-representation-interviewWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week's episode takes a practical turn as we tackle a listener's workplace dilemma. Our listener wants advice on addressing the issue of a newly hired direct report who has offensive body odour. As this isn't a coaching session, our approach is to ask a lot of questions as doorways into deeper understanding of what's really going on. I know there will be nuggets in here for you like…

Did you know unresolved childhood trauma can affect your work life? This  episode delves into the impact of attachment wounds, coping mechanisms, and the importance of feeling safe and supported. My guest is Laura Reagan, LCSW-C is an integrative trauma therapist and owner of a group practice, the Baltimore Annapolis Center for Integrative Healing. She is also the host of Therapy Chat and Trauma Chat podcasts and the founder of the Trauma Therapist Network, a website for learning information about trauma and finding resources and help for trauma.We uncovered some fascinating points, like... ✨ How office dynamics can strangely resemble good ol' sibling rivalry. ✨ The intricate link between our personal and professional relationships. ✨ How those attachment wounds can seriously sway our work experiences. ✨ And, let's not forget, the unhelpful cultural habit of sweeping trauma under the rug We shared loads of personal anecdotes that I am sure you will be able to relate to!Tune in to uncover the connection between personal history and professional struggles. Let's create a healthy, supportive workplace environment together!  Check out Laura's podcast Therapy Chat and Trauma Chat Connect with her on Instagram and Linkedin. The book Laura refers to is “No bad Parts” by Richard Schwartz. If you'd like support from a therapist, here are some resources:                   https://www.mind.org.uk (UK)https://traumatherapistnetwork.com/therapists/ (US/Canada)Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Season 2 of this podcast has arrived. And this week's episode is a sneak peek into what to expect in the coming months. The themes of Season 1 continue in this new season:✨ How to grow and nurture great cultures✨ Building workplaces that are inclusive and fair✨ Tools and tips for leaders to grow into their full leadership potential.Listen into to hear why I'll be talking about being fat, altered states, breathwork, and happiness. And some of the fabulous guests that will be popping up each week. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being here with me on this journey. Your support and engagement mean everything to me. For the behind the scenes wrap up of Season 1, check out Episode 37 for the Season Finale here.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This episode is a re-release from earlier in the season whilst I take a break over summer. ADHD is an invisible disorder that is often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed or sometimes masked from boss's and peers. This episode is in the top 3 of most downloaded episodes which suggests the latent hunger for a better understanding about this condition. Brooke Schnittman joins me on this episode to tell us about her journey to becoming an ADHD Coach. Brooke started out as a special education teacher working with students with ADHD disability and the whole time didn't know that she herself had ADHD. In an effort to make a bigger impact, she found ADHD coaching and now works with a team of coaches currently on a path to help 10 million individuals with ADHD over the next 5 years. We cover:The negative messaging about ADHD from various sourcesHow many women with ADHD go undiagnosed and whyPeople with invisible conditions like ADHD face unique challenges at workAnd how boss's can retain staff with ADHDAs Brooke says,  "People with an invisible disorder very often do that because they're afraid to show their true colours and be themselves." Let's continue to build workplaces where we all feel we can show up truly as ourselves. Connect with Brooke on her website, instagram or youtubeWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This episode is a re-release from earlier in the season whilst I take a break over summer.* This has been the second downloaded episode of series 1. My guess is that there are a lot of people considering freelance as an option to have more freedom in their life, and to get away from problematic corporate cultures. With my guest, Caley Dimmock, we explore:✨ The upsides and downsides of being a freelancer✨ How worst case scenario can be your best friend✨ How freelancing will require and update with your relationship with failureCaley Dimmock is a multi-six figure freelancer providing clients across the globe with market business coaching services. Knowing she wanted to be an entrepreneur from the age of 4, she got into the world of full-time self-employment in 2017 and hasn't looked back. She now has a passion for helping others to also build a life and business that they truly love and don't need an escape from. And don't forget to get Caley's free guide “7 Steps to Start Freelancing”You can find her on instagram. Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This episode is a re-release from earlier in the season whilst I take a break over summer. This has been the most downloaded episode of series 1 which is not surprising and at the same time heart warming. This episode is packed with insights and tips that are just as relevant today as they were when we first aired it. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting it, there's plenty to take away.Let's have the hard conversation about racism – again. With my guest, Michelle Tackie Obende, we discuss:The importance of educating yourself about bias and racism without relying on marginalized communities to do all the work.Recognizing and challenging biasHer own experiences as a black woman, emphasizing how being alert to discrimination is an essential part of her everyday life.How her perfectionism is both a survival mechanism and a challengeHow she now feels she can speak up, representing and advocating for those who may not feel as empowered in her own organisation.This is an open and honest communication about experiences of discrimination and I'm grateful to Michelle for sharing her experience on this episode.  The episode aims to shine a light on the often-unspoken truth of racism in the workplace and to start important conversations around this topic.You can connect with Michelle on LinkedIn,  check out the anti-racist reading lists here, and test your own  conscious and unconscious preferences by taking test here.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week, join me for a special behind-the-scenes look into the first season of this podcast. We have a unique twist as my friend and colleague, Aly King-Smith, takes over the microphone and interviews me about my personal experience with podcasting and putting myself out there. In this candid and no-holds-barred conversation, we delve into what inspired me to start this project and the journey of experimenting and taking risks. My hope is that by sharing both the successes and challenges, you will feel inspired to step forward and pursue that dream role or project you've been longing for. During the episode, Aly and I cover a range of topics, including:Why I embarked on this podcasting ventureHow I go about finding guests for the showThe significance of 'unsaid conversations' and what it means to meReflecting on whether I would continue creating episodes even if no one listenedMy guest-turned-host, Aly King-Smith is Managing Director of Clearworks Coaching for leaders in STEM. She's also a writer and podcaster who successfully launched "A Listening Life" in 2022, to support coaches who are running out of steam commercially. (@alisteninglife on Instagram).  A life-long advocate for women's sport, Aly is in the process of launching her passion-project podcast "Older & Wilder" in Autumn 2023 to share stories of women in their 50s, 60s and above who are using the magic of sport and exercise to thrive. Her mission is to raise the profile of sporty, older women, to remind the world that they're here, and that they're wonderful. Aly's on instagram @olderwilder and will be crowdfunding the podcast in September by walking the 180 miles of Offa's Dyke Path from Chepstow to Prestatyn while getting noisy about older sporty women. Connect with Aly on LinkedIn: Aly King-SmithYou can also check out Aly's podcast, "A Listening Life," at Listening Life Podcast. Tune in to this insightful episode as I peel back the curtain on the podcast's first season, revealing the highs, lows, and valuable lessons learned along the way.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week's episode is answering a listener's dilemma – “How to influence a peer who thinks they know best?”As this isn't a coaching session, our approach is to ask a lot of questions as doorways into deeper understanding of what's really going on. I know there will be nuggets in here for you like… 

Questions about your money mindset are a great way of getting clear about the rich life you want.This week's podcast is an interview with Ian Dempsey, IFA and funny Geordie. He has an unusual and refreshing approach to money which is apparent in his social content, and how he onboards his clients.In this episode, we really dig into our behaviours around money and talk:

This episode is a candid exploration of how to make work enjoyable, the balance between certainty and uncertainty, and how corporate dynamics often shape individual work experiences. My guest is Matt Cheung, CEO of Clarasys, a consulting company that's won so many awards for being a great place to work that we can't list them all here. So he makes for the perfect guest to talk about creating meaningful, cool workplaces. He shares personal stories and insight into the question of what makes work "cool". And we cover:His journey to being an (accidental) CEOHow purpose and meaning are key to a ‘cool' workplaceThe social contract at work between employer and employeeWhy we both wanted to leave our previous jobsA different way to look at work-life balanceCheck out Matt's book, “Trust and patience” that takes you on the journey of how Clarasys was built around very human centered principles (leveraging Teal and Team of Teams).Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

This week, I'm getting personal and sharing how I burnt down my life, not once but twice! The times when I stripped back my life to the bare bones -  got rid of relationships, people and jobs that weren't working.In both occasions, I didn't realise what I was doing or the long term impact. My hope in sharing my story is that we can get to have open conversations about how we navigate change more consciously in our lives. To the benefit of ourselves and all the people in our lives. CW: I cover some difficult topics in this episode, so please choose if this is the right time to listen.Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Ready to supercharge your decision-making skills?This week's guest is Matt Mower, a former developer and CTO, who works with business owners to grow and build their business. Matt has created a framework for decision making that he teaches to his clients and shares this with us on this episode.We talk about: The importance of knowing your destination and stripping away assumptions to reveal your true goals.The significance of strategy in decision-making, including sequencing challenges and prioritizing actions.A concept Matt's borrowed from the military to help with decision makingMatt shares with us a concept he's borrowed from the military to help frame decisions and  I found it super useful.As Matt says, "Decisions shape our destiny – choose wisely."Listen in to supercharge your decision making skills today.You can find out more about Matt and his work at The Art of Navigation | Software Business Consultant LondonWeekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!

Ever wish people at work came with a User Manual? Tune into to find out how! This week, I delve into the overlooked and under-discussed topic of building and maintaining 'right' relationships in the workplace. I talk about the concept of 'right relationships' and how it differs from 'good relationships'.I share with you the 'User Manual' - a tool designed to help you express how you work best and learn the same about your colleagues. I cover what to include in your own 'User Manual' and how to apply this approach in different workplace scenarios. Here's the link to my own User Manual in the resources below for a useful guide to creating your own. https://www.dropbox.com/s/te2sywdseb0qcq7/Catherine_usermanual.pdf?dl=0Weekly newsletter | Ask Catherine | Work with me | LinkedIn | Instagram Big shout out to my podcast magician, Marc at iRonickMedia for making this real. Thanks for listening!