Whistle While You Work

DE&I has fallen off the priority list for a lot of organisationsRoles are getting chopped and/or DE&I professionals are running for the nearest exitsIs it a natural evolution of the DE&I space and do we actually have too much group-think (ironically) in the field of diversity and inclusionAlso, when does having a familial culture benefit inclusion and when does it become a barrier to diversity

Not quite sky-diving, jumping off buildings or racing fast cars, more like working at such a frenetic pace we get bored when things slow down. Why are we all so stressed, desperately seeking "busy" and so easily annoyed these days?Emma and Sheryl don't have all the answers but here are our humble opinions.

It's been a whole 9 months since Emma and Sheryl have done one of these storytime-style episodes.We've come through an intense period of work (separately :) and have also managed to get some rest (separately).What did we learn and have we managed to rediscover the path?

Richard Loftus is a highly experienced Marketing Director and diversity champion within the Arts and Entertainment sectors.Join this live chat where we explore why The Arts are still perceived as lacking when it comes to diversity, and the positive steps that are being taken towards inclusion.

Fellow bookworm Emma Vandore joins me to talk about the power of book clubs in creating safe spaces for inclusive conversations

Everyone has them but does that mean they're always worth sharing?Freedom of thought and expression are protected human rights but are there boundaries we need to observe?Are the opinions of some people more important than others?

To what extent does a private school education help you get your foot in the door and make it easier to climb the ladder.I'm excited to be joined by educator, Eric Sterling as we discuss the pros and cons of private vs state school education and how we can best equip young people for the world of work, regardless of background.

Spain has recently approved a bill that would give 3 days leave per month for menstrual leave.Add that to maternity leave and potential leave for menopause-related issues and you might be left wondering whether it's right that females, or those 'assigned female at birth' (AFAB), are paid less than males.Is the gender pay gap in fact fair?We discuss.

4-day work-week is still a hot topic but how's your remote working going?Belinda Simpson heads up HR at BusinessMobiles(dot)com where they have enabled their business to work fully remote

Being yourself and being vulnerable is all well and good but is there a line that shouldn't be crossed? Is there such a thing as over-sharing at work? What should we keep private and how much of ourselves should we shamelessly share?

Listen to the replay of me and Sal Naseem in this fascinating Linkedin Live.Religion and politics are two things we're told to avoid bringing up. Yet freedom of religious and political beliefs are fundamental human rights which are protected in most societies, including in the workplace.So what does that mean when we're at work?For people whose beliefs are a core part of their identity - whether about politics, religion, the environment, social justice, or veganism - are we allowed to express these freely at work or are there lines that shouldn't be crossed?How do we show up authentically at work if we cannot express our deepest of beliefs?How do we stop code-switching when it comes to expressing our religion at work?

15% of employees surveyed on the 4-day work-week trial said NO AMOUNT OF MONEY WOULD MAKE THEM GO BACK TO A 5 DAY WEEKIs the 4-day week here to stay?Sainsbury's now adds to the list of companies giving it a go.Could a 4-day week work at your organisation?I've read the reports and unpacked the findings so that you don't have to.In this 30-minute Linkedin Live chat I cover:Why 5 out of 61 companies are not yet convinced?What type of companies took part in the trial?What type of roles were included/excluded?Did everyone take the same day off?Is this the future or just a fad?

Recording of Emma and Sheryl in this live chat about whether gender equality has gone too far? What do you think? Has it gone too far or not far enough?Spoiler alert: we don't necessarily share the same perspective.If you enjoy listening to us on the Whistle While You Work podcast then the live chats are a chance to get involved in the convo.

Trigger Warning: Weight loss, diets, obesityNone of us would ever body-shame someone else. We even believe that we don't judge others regarding weight. But why is it that we don't extend the same no-judgement kindness to ourselves?In some fluke of coincidence, Emma and Sheryl stepped on the scales this weekend and saw numbers that were higher than they had ever seen before.Which tipped them into a mild panic and a commitment to lower the number.But why? We discuss the social conditioning and internal dissonance that leads to our pursuit of the perfect body.

If you're fed up of talking about women's rights, abortion and Roe v Wade then this week's podcast isn't for you ;-)We also go down the rabbit hole of male circumcision so if you're a tad bit squeamish on that front, you might want to skip it as well.Apart from that, just a regular chat-cum-rant about the evolution of women's rights and how all approach these tricky topics differently.Books mentioned in the podcast include:The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided By Politics And ReligionWe Can Do Better Than This

Inspired by Emma's decision to cut a mini-break short and head home, we're talking about the discomfort we sometimes feel at leaving things early.Whether it's leaving a party, a relationship or a job, why do we sometimes find it difficult to leave?Leaving can cause discomfort, both for the person leaving and others. This sometimes leads to us not being brave enough to make those difficult decisions and remove ourselves from situations that no longer work.But before you throw in the towel how do you know whether it's just a minor bump in the road or whether it really is the final straw.Tune in to join in the conversation and let us know what you think.

...You'll regret it later...... Don't leave it too long...... You're being selfish......Have you considered adoption......Why not?...These are just some of the responses that follow when women are asked if they want children and follow it up with a "no, thank you".But why is it that women get asked and men don't? Why is it that women are even asked at all? Why aren't women who decide TO have children asked why they have CHOSEN to have children?All this and more in today's discussion.

This episode was either going to be about holidays or funerals.We're not shying away from difficult topics on this season of the podcast.We want to talk about what is front and centre - things that bring joy but also things that cause us pain, even if only temporarily, and how we deal with them.So with the recent loss of Emma's cat Edna, who turned up this week in a 'shake n vac' style tube (beautiful), and Sheryl's funeral-arranging skills being tested yet again with a family funeral to attend the next day, it seemed befitting to talk about loss and endings.If you're going through a loss of any kind - change in job, loss of your sense of identity, the ending of a relationship - you might find you identify with some of today's conversations and find it a source of comfort.Please do reach out if we can help you in any way, although we can't promise we'll organise a funer for you.The books we mention in today's podcast are:The Book About Getting Older by Dr Lucy PollockAncestors by Alice Roberts  https://amzn.to/3txvli8

It's been almost a year since we last recorded a podcast and it feels great to be back.What have we been up to?  Why haven't we been recording? We'll fill you in on what's been keeping us busy this past 12 months and share what's coming up on this season of the podcast.We talk about everything from work-life and grief to 'And Just Like That' and Mental Health.Stay tuned for more episodes with guests, interesting topics and longer conversations.

We hear the phrase all the time but is there ever a situation where we draw the line that means we will not agree to disagree?This is what we mull over in this week's episode.In an increasingly polarised society, why is it so hard for people to agree (to disagree) and how do we draw the boundaries around those things that we cannot compromise on - like homophobia, racism, misogyny, ableism?We talk about key takeaways from The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt as well as delving briefly into politics.We'd love to know what you think so get in touch at https://www.reboot.global/

What does your career path look like?Is there a clear line of sight where it's obvious how you get to the top or are you taking sideways moves and facing lots of crossroads and dead ends?Or... are you jumping between seemingly disconnected passions and interests? Like hopping between lily padsTune in to hear about the challenges of each approach and how you can get clarity for your next move.One way of finding out if you're moving in the right direction is to take time out and join us on retreat.  If you're looking for some clarity or just some downtime and would like to know more, please get in touch.

How do you know when it's time to knuckle down on your current path or move on and try something else?In this episode we talk about how to know when to call time on relationships, jobs, friendships...In our work in particular, how do you know whether your level of dissatisfaction is 'normal' and just every day, 'typically British' moaning or whether it is a result of deep-rooted unhappiness that needs to be addressed?

How does one go about getting simplicity in their lives?For some people, it's saying no and sticking to firm boundaries. For other people it's living a slower pace of life and for others it's having less physical stuff - decluttering their way to minalism.What does simplicity bring to our lives?In this episode we talk about decluttering, stuff, minimalism and how it brings the clarity to know when we need to push through and when we need to rest.Oh, and now that lockdown restrictions are lifting we're planning our next retreat!!!Watch this space for the dates.https://www.reboot.global/

Award-winning author Grace Marshall joins us to talk about the inspiration behind her latest book, Struggle.Why are we all in such a rush to move on from discomfort? Why do we only want to see and share the showreels of our work and our lives, the happy endings, the triumphs, and the overcoming? What can we learn about the process of struggle?Grace, who is a self-styled 'productivity ninja' and 'recovering perfectionist' shares her thoughts on why there is so much more to gain from moments of struggle. Indeed, it's where the 'magic' happens.We talk about all of this and more, including the beautiful and effortless writing style  Grace uses to put her points across so eloquently.Head over to Amazon to get hold of the book that has already reached number one in its Amazon categories on the day of release! Connect with Grace to find out about the work she does with teams and individuals:https://gracemarshall.com/https://twitter.com/gracemarshallhttps://www.instagram.com/gracemarshallninja/

In this episode full of laughs and realness we discussed what it means to be lucky.Are we born lucky or is it a function of how hard we work, how much we truly believe in manifestations, or how open we are to the abundance from the universe?Of course, we don't have the answer for sure but we share our thoughts with you in the hope that it will get you thinking and feeling more confident in your ability to create your own good fortune and ease in your life.To connect with Emma or Sheryl and find out more about their retreats and coaching, visit: https://www.reboot.global/

Join this lively chat with Dawn Morton-Young, founder of Employee Angels where we talk about what the last 12 months have taught us about the future of work and the progress, or lack of, on D&I matters.We discuss how flexibility suddenly became possible for so many employees, even though working from home is not so rosy for everyone.And with the Hampton-Alexander review, we talk about whether real progress has been made in gender balance and bemoan the lack of women of colour in the upper echelons.Dawn is an HR Consultant, Career coach and founder of Employee Angels, the first employee-focussed consultancy offering employment law and HR advice.You can contact Dawn and find out more about  her work here:https://www.employeeangels.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/employeeangels/info@employeeangels.co.uk 

As one of us recently discovered, Imposter syndrome can strike at any time.Whether you're starting a new job, have a recent promotion, or are asked to step up to do something different, that nagging voice tells you you're not up to it and will be found out at any moment.We talk about what, when, how, and why imposter syndrome shows up, as well as 'Expert' syndrome. That thing where, particularly on social media, but often in work meetings, people pretend to know more than they do.Listen to the end where we share practical tips for keeping imposter syndrome at bay.If you're facing your own imposter-fuelled demons and want real life help, get in touch with Emma or Sheryl to find out about our coaching.https://www.reboot.global/

Why does this lockdown feel so much harder?Join us to get our thoughts and coping strategies as we talk about lockdown 3.0 and more.Will the pandemic change the way we live, work and consume or is this just a blip? Will people take the opportunity to build back better and 'bin off' some of the things that weren't working in life.All this and more.To connect with Emma and Sheryl, learn out more about our coaching and retreats, and book a free consultation, you can find us here:https://www.reboot.global/

Realising he was in an unfulfilling job that where the only thing keeping him there was the office banter was what eventually made Chris Brown decide he needed to make a change.For many people, like Chris, who have a strong calling to do something different, they have vivid moments of clarity when they know they can't keep doing the same thing. They HAVE to make a change.That moment came for Chris when, after 5 years of being in a safe, steady office job, he was in a meeting discussing pensions, looked around the office and thought, "Is this it?"He decided then that he needed to make a change, retrained as a personal trainer and hasn't looked back.Check out this amazing interview about finding the work you were born to do.To find out more about Chris, you can find him here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sf_fitness_chris_brown/?hl=enemail: chrisbrown.2k10@live.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/browncnew16

Listen to this funny and insightful chat about getting bored with jobs, finding out what your value is and leaving employers that don't value what you offer.Viren Mistry is a marketing, social media, SEO, web, branding - you name it he's done it! So far most of his job stories ended with...."that happened... and so I quit".Well worth a listen if you get itchy feet every couple of years and feel like you need a new challenge.You can connect with Sheryl Miller and Emma Howard on Linkedin.

With the monumental change that 2020 brought to how we work, live and interact it's easy to forget to set boundaries until we realise we're living our lives on other people's terms and crowding out our own needs.In this episode, we talk about the importance of drawing lines around work when you're working from home and the things we will or will not tolerate.We also discuss how we navigate boundaries that affect the wishes and needs of other people and the challenges that brings.

Oh how we've missed you!In this episode we explain why we haven't recorded for a couple of months - frankly 2020 was a beast of a year and towards the end of it we started to flag and were busy settling into new life routines.We also talk about our one-word intentions for the new year and the routines we're employing in yet another lockdown, in order to stay on a level.Now that we're back, get ready for a weekly dose of guests, conversation, laughter and the occasional f-bomb.

Our first returning guest - Mayokun Mac Alonge is back with Emma and Sheryl to talk about how companies have responded to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the killing of George Floyd (and others) and the global protests.Mac is founder and CEO at The Equal Group, a data-driven diversity & inclusion consultancy based in the UK.We discuss several prominent corporate board moves - the resignations of Alexis Ohanian (Reddit), Karen Parkin (Adidas) and the stepping down of Dame Louise Martin from Birmingham's 2022 Commonwealth Games board.Have companies done enough? What should they be doing and what, in particular, is the role of HR. Listen in for some honest and upfront convo.To find our more about The Equal Group or connect with Mac go to:https://theequalgroup.com/Twitter and Instagram @theequalgroup

When you've been in the same place for a while things can get stale.Not so for Kristen who has taken the bull by the horns at every and made sure that each role, each step, and each opportunity not only worked for her employer but also worked for her.Kristen is the Senior Director of Staff Development & Talent Acquisition at Robert Half International and has enjoyed a long and happy career.In this episode we talk about what a long career can look like when you truly find work you love, which aligns with who you are and what your values are.We also talk about how COVID has changed the world of work forever.You can connect with Kristen here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-mcnamara-4609459/You can find out more about Reboot - our coaching, retreats and  online courses - here:https://www.reboot.global/

This is the episode we had been wanting to have for a while...Shakil Butt is both a qualified accountant and a HR professional - combing both Sheryl and Emma's areas of expertise. He is also a CIPD Board member.In this episode we talk about why and how Shakil moved from Finance to HR and the evolving role of HR, particularly in the wake of recent Black Lives Matter conversations.A fascinating episode that will spark further debate. In fact, we can't wait to have Shakil on again soon.You can connect with Shakil here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakil-butt-hr-hero-for-hire/

We continue to focus on diversity and authenticity in conversation with Mac Alonge, founder of The Equal Group.With a firm foundation in data-driven interventions, The Equal Group offers sustainable and practical solutions to approach diversity and inclusion in a way that delivers real results.In this episode we talk about why data is important, as well as the authenticity of leaders in driving real change for equality in organisations.You can find our more about Mac and The Equal Group here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayokunalonge/https://theequalgroup.com/https://twitter.com/theequalgrouphttps://www.instagram.com/theequalgroup/

In this episode we talk about how we're feeling coming out of the lockdown with COVID still very much a feature.We've all been in such a different routine and environment, how have you found settling back into some sort of 'normal' routine? What's your new reality?We also talk about the importance of getting away from it all, which is why we're so excited to be re-launching our next retreat of 2020.In August we will be holding a retreat in our lovely Market Harborough venue.For more on our retreats and coaching, connect with us at https://www.reboot.global/

As lockdown restrictions are being eased in UK we talk about how it feels to be returning to some sort of normal.Where are your fears? Are you feeling optimistic? Are you pleased to be closer to your normal routine?We mull over the changes that are affecting us personally as a society, at work and in business. In particular, how does the fact that location is less relevant affect the job market and going for your next role.We also talk about the joy of being able to schedule our next retreat - yay! We'll definitely need it! 14th August is the date so put it in your diary and get in touch to find out more or book on. Find out more here https://www.reboot.global/

Alastair Lechler has a background in recruitment.Finding candidates a 'good home' where they could be themselves and also be a good fit with the organisations they were placed in was always his objective.Seeking an escape from the rat race north of the border, Alastair realised the importance of getting away from it all and the benefits of reconnecting with nature.Alastair founded Reboot Adventures as a place for reflection, tackling burn out, team building and development. Not to be confused with Reboot Global, which is the name of our self-discovery retreats led by Emma and Sheryl.Listen in to hear the inspiring story of Alastair's journey.To find out more about Alastair's Reboot, connect here:https://www.rebootadventures.com/https://www.instagram.com/reboot_adventures/https://www.facebook.com/ReBootAdventures/

Meet the founder of recruitment agency Nikky Lyle Creative.She has built not one but two recruitment agencies form scratch in the past few years it's easy to see why. She does what she loves.A Graphic Designer by profession she has always enjoyed matching creatives with the right opportunities.After noticing that many creatives also have passion projects on the side, she got involved in the world of side-hustles, judging the D&AD award where she is now president judge and mentor.She recently formed The Good Gang and is about to launch Side Hustle School - an accessible program for those wanting to explore their passion.You can connect with Nikky here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolalyle/https://www.instagram.com/the.goodgang/https://www.instagram.com/nikkylylecreative/If you want to connect with Sheryl or Emma for business coaching or career support, head over to our website https://www.reboot.global/.

In this episode, the start of a new series, we talked to Lizzie, a D&I specialist who works for a global organisation.We talk about how line managers, teams and colleagues can talk openly about race. We also ask questions about race and colour that some may have been afraid to ask and give practical advice on how to broach those topics.Diversity & Inclusion is not just the responsibility of HR or the D&I lead but they play a key tole. In the light of recent challenges, we discuss the strategies and changes we need to see in D&I training, education and initiatives.If you are a line manager who would like to know more about how to have difficult or challenging conversations, please get in touch with Emma, who has a new series of resources coming out especially for line managers.You can contact Emma here:hello@reboot.globalhttps://www.reboot.global/

In this episode we discuss thoughts on authentic leadership and how this has changed over the course of lockdown.Where do you look for leadership and how is this different if you are an employee vs an entrepreneur?Are some leaders better equipped for dealing with crises and others less so? Is this excusable, understandable or forgivable in these strange times?How do we encourage everyone in an organisation to look to themselves for the leadership skills that will get them through this and future challenges?To find out more about our retreats and coaching, including the F-Word 10 day Reboot tackling Fear, head over to https://www.reboot.global/

Thoughts are starting to turn to how life will be when the lockdown restrictions are lifted, kids go back to school and people 'go back' to work etc.Some people are fearful, some people are excited to get back into their 'normal' routine and some people have quit their jobs in the hope of doing something completely different.Companies have been 'forced' into 'allowing' people to work from home in roles that previously were deemed to be fully office-based. Expectations of employees in particular have shifted so how do we ensure we settle back into an existence that works for us, where we don't 'de-prioritise' the things that are important to us.We talk about how to feel the fear and still be hopeful for the future.Here are the resources we mention:The F-Word 1- Day Reboot - free online 10 day support - daily activities and coaching videos.You Are A Badass - online book clubIkigai - book on finding meaning and the secret to a long and happy life

We loved chatting with Dan Hoff-Rodrigues about his inspiration for setting up his own recruitment firm.Not content with just running a new company he's also working with local businesses and schools to promote progression in digital and leave a strong legacy across the city.You can connect with Dan here:https://www.cx-squared.com/https://twitter.com/dan_techrecruit

Mel Riley has been a counsellor for 15 years, having left corporate life a long time ago.She is a psychotherapist who works with families and young people.Check out this fascinating and insightful conversation on fear. We know we are in lockdown but why is fear at an all-time high?And what coping strategies can we use for regaining and control and taking care of ourselves.To get in touch with Mel, head over to https://www.meljriley.co.uk/ or find her on LinkedIn.Join the F-Word 10 Day Reboot, where we're supporting you to face your fears with daily emails, coaching videos and online support, all for FREE.

In this, one of our favourite lockdown episodes so far, we talk to Clair Stevenson who runs her own business, Upwrite.She provides copywriting, content creation and social media management for clients and is now teaching others to do the same. If you'd like to find out more about Claire's exclusive course on how to set up your own copywriting and social media business, then click this link to find out more. Registration closes Fri 8th May 2020. Dissatisfied with working for a company where she didn't fit in, with a 3-hour daily commute, she took a leap of faith and started out on her own.What was the worst thing that could happen? Nothing. Even a job stacking shelves was preferable to staying where she was.Check out this episode for some insight and inspiration into how to find work you love.

The COVID-19 lockdown/quarantine has brought about higher than normal levels of suffering and anxiety.So it's only natural that emotions are running high. But how do we avoid swinging between the extremes of toxic positivity and toxic negativity?We discuss why so many environments, like social media, and especially corporate spaces are so 'overly' positive, to the extent that the truth is often swept under the carpet. There is a difference between optimism and toxic positivity. And then we discuss how the media - news channels and press are often negative out of all proportion.The answer is for each of us to find our own happy medium - what works for us. Allow ourselves the time and space to feel real feelings while keeping an optimistic sense of perspective.If you want to connect with us and find out more about our coaching and retreats, head over to https://www.reboot.global/

The lockdown period has been extended and understandably this has caused some of us to have a bit of a wobble emotionally.Whilst most of us could face 3 weeks of things feeling very different, we're now being asked to live in this alternative reality for another 3 (at least)!!!! And this has some of us sad, spooked, sulking or seriously hacked off, which is all completely normal.We revisit why and how we are feeling and share the coping mechanisms that help us deal with the uncertainty of this unprecedented situation.We'd love to hear from you so if you'd like to connect, head over to the website and book some time with us.

Today we talk to Edward Clark who is a mortgage broker with a passion for ethical and sustainable finance.We talk about Edward's early years, introduction to finance and why he decided to create a business which aims to do things differently in an industry which is typically associated with greed and disregard for integrity.In fact it was this early exposure to life as a Finance Analyst in the city that led to Edward turning his back on traditional definitions of 'success'. With a passion for modular homes, Edward has an interesting perspective on the future of sustainable property development and financing.If you are looking for mortgage or financial advice from someone who thinks differently, then you can contact Edward's contact details here. 

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn are funny places to hang out at the best of times.Social media has the ability to lift us up, makes us laugh, makes us sad, makes us angry.This period of lockdown has brought funny memes and innovation aplenty, as well as ranty posts about those breaching social distances.in this episode, we discuss everything with Suzie Speaks. Suzie is an award-winning blogger and social media manager, now working with JC Social Media, who are one of Birmingham's most successful home-grown businesses.Who's getting it right and who's getting it wrong? Which platforms are supportive and which platforms are hostile. And how are people and companies 'showing up'?Listen in for tips from Suzie and if you'd like to get in touch for blog sponsorship or PR, please contact Suzie here 

So we're 3 weeks in...In today's podcast we talk about the new or old habits we've developed over the last few weeks and the things we might want to change going forwards.Routine is a comfort but sometimes we need to change things up and now is as good a time as ever.We discuss changing or ditching the schedule altogether, moments of reflection, making time for feelings, making big life decisions and all sorts of fun stuff!Connect Sheryl or Emma on Linkedin or head over to https://www.reboot.global/ where you can book a 1-2-1 and find out more about our retreats and coaching.