Q & A Session - January 2924

Keywords

Resilience – Toxic Resilience – Burnout – Leadership Styles - Adaptability

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Dr Russell Thackeray answers some resilience-based questions that have been put to him recently by listeners. This is the first podcast Dr Thackeray has done in this format and he covers a range of subjects including toxic resilience and how it relates to leadership, how toxic resilience can lead to burnout, different styles of leadership and the relationship between adaptability and resilience.

Main topics

  • What toxic resilience is and its connection to toxic leadership.

  • Why toxic resilience is the result of leaders expecting constant strength and performance from their employees without considering their well-being.

  • How toxic resilience can lead to burnout and a loss of energy needed for the job.

  • The importance of adapting leadership style to fit individual needs and situations

  • Why effective leadership is adaptable and driven by the task requirements, available resources, time constraints, and risk levels.

  • The difference between resilience and adaptability and why adaptability is a subset of resilience.

Timestamps

1. Introductions - 00:02-00 - 00:46

2. Question 1. Is there such a thing as toxic resilience? -  01:11-04:39

3. Question 2. What would Dr Thackeray’s preferred style of leadership be? - 05:48-09:11

4. Question 3. Is there a link between adaptability and resilience? - 12:02-13:47

5. Predictions and Expectations for 2024 - 13:58-18:40

6. Conclusion and Invitation for more Questions - 18:41-18:54

Action items

  • If you have any questions for future Q&A sessions, please send them to info@qedod.com

  You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Individualism and influence

Keywords

Resilience - Individualism - Influence - Leadership - Accountability

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Brian Smith, the founder and senior managing partner of IA Business Advisors, a management consulting firm that has worked with more than 19,000 CEOs, entrepreneurs, managers, and employees worldwide. In this podcast Brian discusses the importance of understanding people in leadership, the role of  accountability in promoting positive learning, the multidimensional influence individuals can have and how their non-participation can affect others.

Main topics

  • Approaching leadership development in small and medium-sized organisations

  • How individualism can mean different things depending on the area of influence

  • Understanding and harnessing our influence in a positive way

  • Why accountability is important for setting expectations and promoting positive learning.

Timestamps

1: Introductions and Background - 00:00-01:39

2: Leadership and Accountability - 02:08-11.40

3: Diagnosing Business Problems - 11:41-14:57

4: Individualism and Influence - 15:00-20:12

5: Conclusions - 20:50-22:51

Action items

Find out more at IABusinessAdvisors.com/the-i-in-team-series/or check out their social media accounts under “I” in Team series handle.

Their latest book is, Positive Influence – Be the “I” in Team which shares how to become our best selves with everyone we influence.

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Gaining strength through adversity

Keywords

Resilience – Trauma Surgery – Spiritual Beliefs – Hope – Inspiration - Motivation

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Craig Thayer, a general surgeon of over 30 years, talks about his experiences in the field and how he got into surgery. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being a surgeon, particularly trauma surgery and touches on advancements in medicine, such as monoclonal antibodies for melanoma treatment. He also shares his belief in evidence-based science while also acknowledging the potential for spiritual beliefs to provide hope.

Craig also talks about his experiences growing up as an orphan and later reconnecting with his natural family and opens up about his struggles with dyslexia.

 Main topics

  • What inspired Craig to become a surgeon?

  • How does Craig deal with the stress of being a surgeon?

  • Craig’s thoughts on spiritual beliefs and their impact on health

 Timestamps

1. Introductions - (00:00 - 01:09)
2: Writing a book to inspire, motivate, and give hope in today's society - (01:09 - 02:16)
3: The emotional toll of surgery and the impact it can have on a surgeon - (02:27 - 05:38)
4: The different responsibilities of a surgeon - (05:38 - 08:33)
5: Changes in Medicine - (11:22 - 13:10)
6: The philosophical questions in science and the limitations of science -  (15:55 - 16:28)
7: Craig talks about his book and the inspiration behind it - (17:30 - 22:22)

Action items

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Renee Joyal – Living beautifully

Keywords

Resilience - Wellness – Lifestyle Change – Self-healing

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Renee Joyal, a newly published author and wellness enthusiast shares her personal journey with lupus and how she made lifestyle changes to overcome it. She emphasises the importance of nutrition, exercise, and self-healing practices in maintaining good health and also talks about having a holistic approach to health instead of restrictive diets.

Renee discusses her approach to wellness, emphasising the importance of focusing on both physical and mental health and shares techniques for strengthening the mind, such as journaling and meditation, which can help in handling life's challenges.

Main topics

  • Making specific lifestyle changes to overcome autoimmune disease.

  • The functional medicine practices Renee implemented in her life.

  • How being in an abusive relationship affected Renee’s health and autoimmune disease.

Timestamps

1: Introduction. The host welcomes the audience and introduces the guest, Renee, who is a newly published author and wellness enthusiast. Renee talks about her passion for helping people expand their health journey - 00:02-01:03
2: Overcoming Life's Obstacles. Renee discusses how to overcome life's obstacles, live healthily, feel good, and enrich your life to live it to the fullest. 02:12-02:29
3: Renee's Health Journey. Renee shares her personal health journey, including her debilitating illness, Lupus diagnosis, and how she made lifestyle changes to improve her health - 02:29-07:31
4: Focusing on Healing. Renee talks about her focus on healing and what she added to her life to make it better and live fully without restriction - 09:16-11:32
5: Strengthening the Mind. Renee discusses the importance of strengthening the mind and shares techniques such as journaling, meditative experiences, and empowering mind techniques - 11:32-17:56
6: Live Beautiful Book. Renee talks about her book, Live Beautiful, a compassionate balance guide to everyday wellness and well-being. She shares where to find it and discusses the rewarding process of writing and connecting with the community - 17:57-20:43

Action items 

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Thinking differently about disruption.

Keywords

Resilience - Change - Transitions - Disruption - Changing Narratives

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Linda Rossetti, a business leader and pioneering researcher on individuals’ experience at the crossroads of their lives discusses her work in helping people respond to disruptions in their lives. Linda emphasises the importance of thinking differently and responding with hope and expansion and explains the differences between changes and transitions. She also highlights the emotional response that accompanies change and disruption, acknowledging its significance alongside practical considerations and touches on the limitations of traditional change management approaches before suggesting a new narrative around disruption and transformation.

Main topics

  • The power of changing narratives and shifting from a chronological narrative to a value-based narrative.

  • Why educating people about the options and new perspectives during times of disruption can be enlightening.

  • The importance of anchoring on things that hold meaning or value in times of transformation.

  • Why we need to ask new questions and explore different narratives to move forward.

  • The different levels of response to change.

  • Focusing on the practical and emotional aspects of transformation.

  • Why people should see disruption as an opportunity to engage more of themselves and amplify their voices.

  • Why there is a need to change the way society responds to disruption.

 Timestamps

1: Welcome and introduction - 00:02 - 00:19
2: Traditional ways of responding to disruption - 02:06 - 06:51
3: The power of transformation - 08:03 - 10:03
4: Changing the narrative - 12:16 - 14:09
5: Leadership and change - 15:18 - 19:58
6: Empowering individuals to respond - 21:47 - 24:38
7: Addressing values and the book "Dancing with Disruption" - 26:39 - 28:48
8: Conclusion and contact information - 29:59 - 30:26

Action items

You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

The increase in unpaid overtime

New research from Ciphr has shown that some UK employees are clocking up three hours of unpaid overtime per week with 11% of those surveyed putting in an additional five hours a week.

The survey, of 1,000 employees, showed that there are more employees who work unpaid overtime (49%) than those who do receive payment (23%). Employees most likely to work the unpaid extra hours include senior managers, 25-34-year-olds remote workers and those working in legal services and education.

Employees can work unpaid overtime for a variety of reasons. It might be an industry or work culture norm, a dedication to their work, a desire for achievement or to achieve their personal goals, in understaffed or resource-constrained environments, they might work unpaid overtime to cover gaps, ensure essential tasks are completed or because of pressure from managers and colleagues. Alternatively, there may be a fear of falling behind through heavy workloads and tight deadlines or of being seen as less dedicated particularly if job security is low.

Employees might also work unpaid overtime to ensure that a project is completed successfully on time or because they don’t have a clear understanding of their job responsibilities or how long tasks should take whilst some employees resort to working unpaid overtime to catch up on tasks they couldn't complete during regular working hours, something that can be particularly noticeable if people are hybrid or home working.

Although employees might need to put in extra hours to meet business needs, (and be happy to do so), It's important that both employees and employers understand the negative consequences of unpaid overtime. The aim should be to create a workplace culture that values the work-life balance, fair compensation, and sustainable workloads. Employers should communicate clear expectations, manage workloads effectively, and discourage a culture of overwork whilst employees should prioritise their well-being and consider the long-term impact of consistently working unpaid overtime.

Navigating an organisational pivot

Keywords - Resilience - Organisational Pivots - Change - Personal Growth

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Jason Shen, an executive coach with a focus on resilience and reinvention who is renowned for guiding entrepreneurs through crucial transitions.  A former national champion gymnast Jason faced multiple setbacks including layoffs, lawsuits, company failure, and traumatic knee injuries, so he understands what it takes to adapt and overcome adversity!

Jason talks about the importance of continuous learning and personal growth and talks about his background in the commercial world, including working in marketing roles and starting companies. The conversation focuses on organisational pivots and the importance of making changes earlier rather than later and Jason emphasises the need for leaders to adapt their leadership approach during these transitions. They also touch upon personal resilience and how taking care of physical and creative/emotional needs is essential. Cultural considerations are mentioned, such as differences between men and women's expressions of emotions or vulnerability based on Eastern/Western philosophies.

Main topics

  • The concept and process of organisational pivots

  • The impact of founders in organisational pivots

  • The relationship between resilience and pivots.

  • Cultural considerations in coaching

  • Exploring different coaching approaches

Timestamps

1: Introduction and Background - 00:02-00:44
2: Understanding Organisational Pivots- 02:17-04:06
3: Navigating Organisational Pivots - 04:06-06:23
4: Developing Leadership Capacity during Pivots - 07:21-07:30, 07:55-08:59
5: Cultural Considerations in Pivots - 09:46-12:07
6: The Cycle of Learning and Support - 14:46-16:02
7: Overcoming the Fear of Not Knowing - 16:35-17:32
8: The Role of Coaching in Organisational Change - 20:37-22:19
9: The Path to Pivot Book - 22:19-23:41

Action items

Jason’s book is called "The Path to Pivot," or find out more at jasonshen.com

You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Navigating workplace bias

Keywords

Resilience – Bias – Navigating Bias – Unconscious Bias – Workplace Bias

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Buki Mosaku, one of the world’s foremost bias-navigation experts. Buki is the founder and CEO of Diverse City Think Tank, a workplace bias and diversity-and-inclusion consultancy.

In this podcast Buki discusses the impact of bias in the workplace and suggests a new approach to addressing it by equipping individuals with the skills to navigate bias, rather than labelling certain groups as victims or perpetrators. He talks about the concept of directional bias (bias towards certain groups) and reverse bias (misinterpreting unfavourable decisions as biased) and emphasises the importance of calling out bias and engaging in dispassionate developmental inquiry to address it effectively.

Main topics

  • What unconscious bias is

  • Why individuals and organisations need to be aware of unconscious bias in order to address it effectively.

  • Why the traditional model for addressing workplace bias focuses fails to equip individuals with skills to navigate bias themselves.

  • Creating an awareness and culture profile within organizations that promotes a bias-free environment.

Timestamps

1: Introductions - 00:02 - 04.57

2: Examples of Workplace Bias - 4.58 - 10:26

3: Navigating Workplace Bias - 10.27 - 21:21

4: The Power of "I Don't Understand" - 21.22 -

5: Navigating Bias Strategies – 21.23 - 31:58

6. Concluding remarks

Action items

You can find out more about Buki at www.bukimosaku.com His book is Navigating Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Self-awareness. The number one leadership skill?


Keywords

Resilience – Leadership – Self-awareness – Engagement – Emotional Intelligence – Bad Bosses

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Rob Kalwarowsky, a TEDx speaker and the co-host of the Leadership Launchpad Project, discusses his experience with bad bosses and the impact it had on his mental health. Rob shares how he overcame depression and launched a career in leadership coaching.

Before transitioning into leadership coaching and speaking, Rob spent over 10 years as an engineer within mining, oil pipelines, and consulting in heavy industry. He was also a 3-time Academic All-American in NCAA Water Polo and played on the U18 Canadian National Water Polo team.  Now he uses a combination of high-performance coaching, technology, and analytics to build winning teams and help leaders achieve their goals. 

Main topics

  • The negative effects of toxic bosses on company performance and employee well-being

  • The qualities a manager needs to build engagement

  • Employee engagement as a measure of good leadership

  • How work can provide meaning and purpose

  • Mindset, self-awareness, and the importance of self-management

  • Internal and external awareness

  • The need for emotional intelligence in leadership

  • Resources for dealing with bad bosses

  • Internal family systems and how it breaks down the internal world into parts or masks.

Timestamps

1: Introductions - 00:02 - 02:29
2: The Importance of Deep Work - 02.30 - 05:19
3: Self-Awareness as the Key Leadership Skill - 05.20 - 07:22
4: The Link Between Leadership and Engagement - 7.23 - 09:10
5: The Role of Managers in Building Engagement - 09.11 - 12:51
6: Leveraging Strengths and Purpose in Leadership - 12.53 - 18:01
7: Emotional Intelligence and Relational Intelligence - 18.02 - 23.02
8: Conclusion and Further Resources - 23.03 - 26.43

Action items

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.   

Using anger for positive change

 Keywords

Resilience – Anger – Change – Abuse – Personal Growth – Speaking Up

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Alyse Maslonik shares her inspiring story of overcoming poverty and domestic abuse to become a successful advisor. Despite facing numerous hardships in her life, Alyse maintains a positive perspective by focusing on the good people and communities around her. She discusses the importance of resilience, how anger can be transformed into a tool for growth, how past experiences shape us as people, and how women are often discouraged from expressing anger. She shares her personal experience with abuse and how she had to transform her anger into something positive.

Alyse also highlights the need for funding social programs to prevent future problems and save lives and touches on the societal pressures that prevent women from speaking up for their rights and changing the status quo. The mission of her organisation RedefinED Advisors is to redefine education in the United States, particularly for underprivileged students. The organisation raises funding for public school students who are failing due to lack of resources and provides scholarships for those experiencing financial hardships or trauma.

Main topics

  • The idea of resilience and how it can be learned.

  • How anger can be used as a tool for good.

  • The importance of learning from past experiences.

  • RedefinED Advisors, and their work in the education sector.

  • The need for action and creating actionable items to create change.

  • Why women are discouraged from expressing anger

Timestamps

1: Introductions Russell introduces Alyse Maslonik. They briefly discuss Elise's upcoming appearance on the news and her recent achievement. Elise talks about her background and starting her life in a domestic abuse shelter. - 00:00 to 01:50

2:  Resilience and Overcoming Adversity. Russell and Alyse discuss the importance of resilience. They talk about how people can rise above difficult backgrounds and use their past experiences to propel themselves forward. Elise shares her own story of going through a criminal trial after experiencing abuse. They discuss the idea that people should not be ashamed of their anger. - 04:46 to 13:49

3: Redefining Education and Scholarships. Alyse talks about her organisation, RedefinED Advisors, and their mission to provide scholarship funding for underprivileged students. Russell and Alyse Elise discuss the importance of education and scholarships. They briefly touch on Elise's upcoming book. - 25:08 to 29:46

4: Taking Action and Creating Change. Russell and Alyse discuss the need for action to create change. - 31:07 to 32:39

Action items

You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Make anxiety your friend

Keywords

Resilience – Anxiety – Mental Health – Emotions – Anxiety Toolkit

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr David Rosmarin, the founder of the Centre for Anxiety (New York, Boston, Princeton), associate professor at Harvard Medical School and Director of the McLean Hospital Spirituality and Mental Health Programme talks about anxiety and how to make it your friend. Often, people who suffer from anxiety either exhaust themselves trying to cure it or resign themselves to a lifetime of fear and worry but Dr Rosmarin suggests that instead of fighting their anxiety, people can turn it into a strength. 

Dr Rosmarin defines anxiety as a response similar to fear but triggered by uncertain or future events rather than immediate danger. He emphasises that anxiety can be a normal and potentially positive emotion if managed correctly, challenging the notion that it is always negative or pathological.  He also discusses exposure therapy as a technique to deal with anxiety and how leaning into anxiety can be liberating.

 Main topics

  • Tools for managing anxiety.

  • The importance of spirituality in mental health and how it often gets ignored in psychiatric treatment.

  • The concept of increasing tolerance of uncertainty as a way to cope with anxiety.

  • The role of community and social connections in managing anxiety and improving mental health.

  • How exposure therapy can be used to manage anxiety.

 Action items

Find out more about Dr Rosmarin at https://dhrosmarin.com/
His book Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You is published in October 2023.
Connect with Dr. Rosmarin on LinkedIn for further engagement and updates.

    You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Resilience, vision and innovation

Keywords

Resilience – Vision – Innovation – Sudan – Digital Economy – Social Enterprise

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Aziz Musa, a transformative leader in the digital marketing realm, talks about his story which led him from Blackpool, to Dubai, Sudan and finally Egypt.

As the youngest public company CEO in the UK, Aziz had already made significant strides in the corporate world. However, in 2017 against a backdrop of political unrest and war, he founded Cush.Digital with the vision of building both a social enterprise and the digital economy in Sudan, 

In this podcast Aziz shares his experience of living through a civil war in Sudan and of having to relocate to Egypt. The process of leaving Sudan during the war was difficult and he discusses how he approached some of the decisions he had to make for his family and employees. This includes evacuating people from a war zone, going through military checkpoints, crossing the border, providing employment and support for families.  He also shares some of the background to his business life and talks about growing a digital agency through client satisfaction and how his company trained over 4,000 people in Sudan in digital marketing, on a pro bono basis.

Main topics

  • The importance of making deliberate decisions and having a higher purpose when facing adversity.

  • Planning ahead and being proactive in managing anxiety and building resilience.

  • Creating a social enterprise alongside a business

  • The 10th Man Experiment

  • Why we need backup plans and to be prepared for changing scenarios.

  • The importance of having a plan to manage anxiety and build resilience.

  • The process of using logic and expertise to determine the real threats.

Timestamps

1: Introductions (00:02-01:41
2: Aziz's Background and Work (01:41-04:01)
3: Aziz's Experience of War (04:47-09:00)
4: Escape from Sudan (09:18-14:37)
5: Building Resilience and Managing Anxiety (14:37-19:17)
6: Planning for Unlikely Scenarios (19:52-23:15)
7: Aziz's Work and Contact Information (23:58-27:33)

Action items

   You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Happiness or satisfaction?

 Keywords

Resilience – Satisfaction – Happiness – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Beyond Happiness

 Dr Jennifer Guttman received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Long Island University and began her career working at a family homeless shelter in New York. When she found that traditional protocols made it difficult for people to access her services, she fought to ensure that every resident could meet with her as often as they needed, working day and night to fulfil requests for services.  

Motivated by a desire to reach even more people, she started lecturing and opened a private practice where her approach fuses traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques with her own core methods, which have been developed over thirty-plus years of personal interaction with her clients. The combination of these innovative methods and her unparalleled empathic abilities has enabled her to have a profound impact on thousands of patients from diverse walks of life.

Jennifer has just published a book called "Beyond Happiness: The Six Secrets of Lifetime Satisfaction." In it she differentiates between happiness and satisfaction, stating that happiness is fleeting and dependent on external factors, while satisfaction is within one's control and achievable through certain techniques. She believes that resilience can be found within satisfaction as it includes confidence, self-reliance, and self-respect and that happiness can be a choice to some extent.

Main topics

  • The concept of resilience

  • Why we should aim for long-term life satisfaction rather than constant happiness.

  • The importance of not making assumptions and waiting for concrete evidence before acting.

  • Differences in communication styles between genders

  • The impact of people-pleasing behaviours on relationships.

  • Facing fears as a means of personal growth and building confidence.

  • The six techniques for sustainable life satisfaction

Timestamps

1.  Introductions: 00:02 - 00:51
2. Background and Expertise: 00.52 - 03:25
3. Agreement and Challenging Questions: 03.26 - 04:28
4. Moving Beyond Happiness to Satisfaction: 04.29 - 07:28
5. Defining Sustainable Life Satisfaction: 07.29 - 12:51
6. Exploring the Six Factors of Satisfaction: 2.52 - 14:14
7. Communication and Persuasion: 14.15 - 17:19
8. Communication Styles and Preferences: 17.20 – 20.56
9.  Overcoming Avoidance and Focusing: 20.57 -22:31
10. The Birth and Genesis of the Book: 22.32 - 25:16
11.Conclusion and Book Availability: 25.16 - 28:13 

Action items

  You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Defeating SAD

Keywords

Resilience – SAD – Light Therapy – Brain Science – Circadian Rhythms – Vagus Nerve – Transcendental Meditation

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Norman Rosenthal, a psychiatrist and writer discusses his background in psychiatry research and writing. Norman talks about how his career has emerged from various opportunities and interests in science, art, and literature. He explains his involvement in the discovery of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the role of light therapy in treating it. He also touches on the challenges of conducting reliable research in brain science and the potential benefits of light therapy for other psychiatric conditions. Additionally, he discusses the importance of using proper lightboxes for therapy and mentions jet lag as another condition possibly influenced by circadian rhythms or light exposure.

Main topics

  • The importance of light in regulating circadian rhythms and its effects on mood.

  • How transcendental meditation can help with winter depression

  • The role of the vagus nerve in relaxation

  • The therapeutic power of poetry.

  • The need for multiple approaches to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

  • The benefits of using different techniques such as light therapy, exercise, cognitive interventions, socialisation, and meditation to treat SAD

Timestamps

1: Introduction and Background -: Introduction to the guest. 00:02-02.37
2: The Convergence of Science, Art, and Literature - 02:57-04:47
3: Reproducibility in Research - 07:55- 09:03
4: Seasonal Rhythms and Bright Light Therapy -10:22-11:31
5: Transcendental Meditation (TM) - 15:08 - 18:43
6: Multiple Approaches to Well-being - 19:59-20:54
7: The Power of Poetry - 21:26-24:44
8: Research Challenges and Instincts - 25:21-26:31
9: Audience Interaction and Book Recommendations - 27:22-28:39

Action items

  You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Mindfulness for organisations

Keywords

Resilience – Mindfulness – Performance – Leadership – Workplace Culture - Stress

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Andrew MacNeill, a leadership consultant who helps individuals and teams thrive under pressure, discusses how mindfulness can be used as a tool to improve both well-being and performance in high-pressure environments.  Andrew spent 20 years in senior leadership and throughout his career led large teams in high pressure environments. He is also an accredited mindfulness teacher and brought these two worlds together in his book Organisational Mindfulness - a How-to Guide in 2019.

By integrating his leadership experience and insights from being a mindfulness teacher Andrew has developed a method to help leaders and their teams embed and implement techniques which improve performance, build psychological safety and support their own and their collective wellbeing. 

In this podcast Andrew shares his personal experience of discovering mindfulness while in a high-pressure leadership role and how it helped him cope with stress. He also explains that mindfulness is about non-judgmental present moment awareness and choosing where we place our attention intentionally.  

Main topics

  • The implementation of mindfulness in organisations, particularly in meetings.

  • The importance of noticing one's own biases and reactions, choosing to respond rather than react, and being present for effective decision-making.

  • The need for cultural change towards mindful practices but acknowledging that it should be done thoughtfully as some people may not want to participate.

Timestamps

1: Introduction - Russell welcomes the guest, Andrew, and introduces the podcast. 00:00-00:23
2: Andrew's Work - Andrew explains that he is a leadership consultant who helps individuals and teams thrive under pressure. 00:56-02:03
3: Mindfulness - Andrew discusses how he discovered mindfulness and how it can be applied in a work context. He provides a practical example of how to practice mindfulness, and explains that it is a life-long practice. 02:05-08:28
4: Organsational Mindfulness - Andrew speaks about his book, "Organisational Mindfulness," which explains how mindfulness can be applied in a work setting. He discusses how mindfulness can help organisations support their people and deliver objectives. Andrew also explains how to implement cultural change and build skills to navigate high-stress environments.  08:51-15:24
5: Mindful Meetings - Andrew provides an example of how a program board meeting can be a practice in shared mindfulness. He explains how mindfulness can help people choose to respond rather than react in difficult meetings. 15:35-19:41
6: Conclusion - Russell and Andrew wrap up the podcast and provide information on where to find Andrew's book and services.  19:41-25:05

Action items

  • Find out more about Andrew's book Organisational Mindfulness. http://www.organisationalmindfulness.co.uk/

  • Find out more about Andrew at https://lxleaders.com/

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Still Positive. From an HIV diagnosis to building affordable healthcare  projects.

Keywords

Resilience – HIV – Grief – Loss – Caregiving – Affordable Healthcare – 30/30 Project

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Julie Lewis, a 38-­year HIV survivor, and mother to Grammy Award winning musician, Ryan Lewis, talks about how she was infected with HIV in 1984 following a blood transfusion. She was not diagnosed thorough until the early 1990s when she was given three to five years to live. After years of silence about her disease, she found an unlikely community of friends to fight alongside and began using her story to make a difference. Her experiences as a woman living with HIV offers insights about grief and loss, caregiving, spirituality, and the importance of community.

More than 38 years later and she is living life to its fullest and her priority is to make quality affordable healthcare available to those in underserved communities. Through the non-profits she founded the, 30/30 Project and has raised funds to build 30 health facilities in 9 different countries including Africa, India, South America and the US for those who need it most can access quality affordable healthcare.

Main topics

  • How one phone call can change the track of your life

  • Navigating an HIV diagnosis

  • Preparing your family for your death

  • The importance of having a foundation for the future

  • Building the 30/30 Project

Timestamps

1.     Introductions – 00.00 – 01.54
2.     Getting an HIV diagnosis – 01.53 – 02.30
3.     The 30/30 Project – 02.31 – 04.46
4.     Navigating an HIV diagnosis – 05.17 – 10.53
5.     Building a foundation for the future – 10.54 – 14.52
6.     The motivation for the 30/30 Project – 14.53 – 20.56
7.     Information about Julie’s book and contact information – 20.57 – 25.04

Action items

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Navigating Leadership and Finance: Smart Budgeting Strategies for Success by Katie Pierce

Leadership often occupies the limelight, but there's an unsung hero in the room—finance. Yes, while charismatic leaders receive applause, smart financial management hums quietly in the background, keeping the gears of the business turning smoothly. 

Through success or failure, understanding finances will help you navigate the rocky seas of business. In this article, we’ll break down the importance of finance, the pitfalls many leaders face, and how to overcome them. 

What is the importance of finance for business leaders?

The criticality of finance transcends industry sectors. Whether you manage a tech start-up or a local bakery, the rules are the same. Understanding your balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow gives you a dashboard view of your business health. Money talks, and when it speaks, leaders listen. It informs you when to expand your team, scale your product, or maybe pull the brakes on an aggressive marketing campaign.

In essence, financial mastery equips leaders with foresight. You forecast trends and navigate challenges before they escalate into crises. Furthermore, investors and stakeholders have an affinity for companies with sound financial management. It builds credibility and attracts investment, so make it a priority.

Do You Need Advisors?

Advisors can bridge the gap between financial literacy and strategic application. Unless you're a finance wizard who moonlights as a CEO, chances are you'll need some guidance. Advisors handle complex taxation, help with asset management, and even manage risk. They bring expertise that extends beyond crunching numbers.

However, advisors come at a price. Make sure your business genuinely requires this level of expertise before investing in an advisory team. Sometimes, a robust finance software package and a talented in-house team will suffice. But if you decide to seek outside counsel, choose advisors who understand your industry, your scale, and your growth aspirations.

Common Pitfalls

Now let's talk about the dark alleyways of financial management—the pitfalls you want to avoid. 

Avoid poor cashflow management.
First on the list is poor cash flow management. Without adequate cash, you'll find it difficult to cover basic expenses. It's like trying to run a car without fuel; it simply won't work.  Keep personal and business accounts separate to make bookkeeping straightforward.

Keep your invoices in order.
Don't overlook the significance of unpaid invoices either. They look harmless but can rapidly escalate into a financial bottleneck. Have a systematic invoicing process and make sure to follow up on unpaid dues aggressively. Invoices are evidence of expenses within your company and are crucial for knowing how well your financial plans will go. 

Ignoring the state of finances
Ignoring financial metrics is another misstep. Net profit, gross margin, and customer lifetime value are not just fancy terms. They're vital indicators of your business health. Keep an eye on these metrics and adjust your strategies accordingly. Finances are quite literally how you’ll stay afloat, so it’s important to take it seriously.

Best Strategies

Solid strategies act as the scaffolding for your financial architecture. Let's delve into some proven methods. 

Zero-Based Budgeting
Start each budgeting period with a clean slate and consider every cost anew. Effective budgeting will start with identifying your assets and liabilities, and it’s much easier when there’s nothing from last year to distract you. This approach instils a culture of cost-consciousness throughout your organization. Rolling Forecasts

Ditch the static yearly budgets.
Markets are dynamic, and your budgeting should be as well. Adopt a rolling forecast method, wherein you constantly update your budget based on real-time data. This keeps you agile and prepared for market fluctuations. This pairs really well with zero-based budgeting strategies because there’s never the expectation of the budget getting more complex over the long term. After all, it’s resetting every year.

KPIs and Benchmarks
Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure your financial performance. Identify industry benchmarks and strive to meet or exceed them. This not only gauges where you stand but also directs your strategies effectively. With rolling forecasts, it’s even more important to know these benchmarks for better planning. 

Strategic Outsourcing
Consider outsourcing non-core functions like bookkeeping, payroll, or even customer service. This saves costs and allows you to focus on your core competencies. Alternatively, implement automated finance solutions to streamline your processes. Automation minimizes manual errors, reduces the burden on your team, and most importantly, enables real-time tracking of your financial data.

Liquidity Maintenance
Liquidity equates to survival in the business world. Ensure you have enough cash or easily convertible assets. Don't tie up all your resources in long-term investments; keep a part of them liquid. Investments are smart, but they are not great for immediate emergency expenses. If you happen to be caught between investments,  utilize small business loans, to at least build up some credit for your business instead of cashing out a young investment.

Regulatory Compliance
Adhere to financial regulations and norms diligently. Non-compliance doesn't just result in penalties but also tarnishes your reputation. Maintain a compliance checklist and review it regularly. The one thing consumers will never forgive is their money being mishandled.

Final Thoughts

In the complex maze of business leadership, finance serves as your compass. The integration of sound financial planning and adept leadership cultivates a fertile ground for business growth and sustainability. Avoid pitfalls by being proactive rather than reactive. By following these fundamental strategies, you can make your finances flourish.

Guest Author

Katie Pierce is a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning.

The Human Animal

Keywords

Resilience – Autonomic Nervous System – Nature – Martial Arts – Human Biology 

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Frank Forencich, an internationally recognised leader in health and performance education with black belt rankings in karate and aikido talks about the autonomic nervous system and its influence on our health and performance, as well as our relationship with the natural world.

Frank introduces two African concepts: ubuntu, which refers to social identity and group membership, and biophilia, which is an innate love for nature, and he discusses the concept of biophilia and its importance for humans to connect with nature in order to thrive. The conversation also touches upon the importance of debate and dialogue in resolving conflicts, using examples from martial arts such as Aikido where opponents harmonise with each other's movements rather than fight against them.

Frank shares the importance of meditation, relaxation, exercise, and sleep for overall health. He also talks about his book 'The Enemy is Never Wrong' which is aimed at educating young activists on strategies and tactics for making a difference in the world. He emphasises the need to approach activism as medicine, as it can have positive effects on mental health and well-being.

Main topics

  • The study of human history and how people perceive the world.

  • How to turn on the autonomic nervous system at the appropriate moment to avoid chronic stress.

  • How martial arts develop the whole person and help people understand the environment to take appropriate action.

  • The importance of education and not criticising the enemy

  • The need for engagement to improve people’s health.

  • The lost art of conversation and verbal dexterity and the importance of harmony in martial arts to avoid conflict.

  • The value of sleep.

Timestamps

1: Introduction and Background. The host introduces the guest, Frank Forencich, and asks about his background in martial arts and human biology. - 00:00-01:10

2: Martial Arts and Philosophy. Frank talks about how martial arts is about understanding the world and taking appropriate action, and how this philosophy is present in Eastern culture and philosophy - 01:10-06:17

3: Ecology and Understanding Our Place in the World. Frank discusses the importance of understanding our place in the natural world and how modern ecological science is telling us this story - 06:17-09:34

4: Human Animal and Physiology. Frank explains why he uses the term "human animal" and how it relates to his background in human biology and physiology - 09:34-12:56

5: The Enemy is Never Wrong. Frank talks about his book, which is written for young activists, and emphasises the importance of being fluid and adaptable in conflict situations - 12:56-18:29

6: Engaging in the World. Frank discusses the importance of engagement and how it can improve our health and verbal dexterity - 18:29-23:04

7: Dialogue and Debate. Frank talks about the lost art of conversation and how dialogue is more effective than debate in conflict situations - 23:04-27:18.

8: Conclusion - 27:18-28:40

Action items

Check out Frank's website at https://www.exuberantanimal.com or get social with him on Facebook  | Twitter His book is The Enemy is Never Wrong: Martial Art, Activism, and the Fight for a Functional Future.

 You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Develop your bold voice

Keywords

Resilience – Bold Voice – Communication – Self-talk – Verbal Regulation

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled Vasavi Kumar talks about the power of resilience and developing a bold voice. She emphasises the importance of being kind to oneself and how negative inner voices stem from external sources like parents or authority figures. Vasavi stresses that tone of voice is crucial in communication, especially when giving feedback, and offers training programs to help people play with their voices. Furthermore, she believes that discovering one's bold voice can empower marginalised communities who often lack representation.

 Vasavi also discusses the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's own voice and beliefs, while also acknowledging the role of collective responsibility and helping people overcome negative self-talk and organise their thoughts through verbal regulation.

Main topics

  • How did Vasavi come up with the concept of developing a bold voice?

  • What are some practical ways to get clear on what you want and don't want in your life?

  • How can verbal regulation help organise your mind and ideas?

Timestamps

1: Introductions - 00:00-01:14

2: Understanding the Power of Resilience - 01:15-03:59

3: Inner and Bold Voices - 04:21-06:03

4: Tone of Voice - 07:33-09:47

5: Using Your Voice for a Force of Good - 10:11-11:34

6: Practical Ways to Organise Your Life - 13:18-14:46

7: Conclusion - 15:10-15:24

Action items

You can listen to the podcast in full and find out further information here. Our upcoming guest list is also available along with our previous blogs.
Find out more about our innovative
Resilience and Burnout solutions.  

Adversity to Advantage: Navigating Life's Setbacks and Emerging Stronger Than Before by Regi Publico

Life is like a trip with good and bad times, successes, and tough moments. Everyone faces adversity, but what matters is how we handle it and use it to do better and be better. 

In this article, we shall explore the skill of transforming adversity into advantage. We'll tap into emotional resilience's power and adopt a mindset that propels us to emerge from life's challenges even stronger than ever before.

Understanding What Adversity is All About 

Adversity presents itself in various forms—personal struggles, professional hurdles, health challenges, and setbacks in relationships. 

What’s crucial is recognizing it as an inherent facet of life. It’s natural and inevitable, and it signifies neither failure nor frailty. Adversity is the gateway to growth, transformation, and fortified emergence.

Shifting Perspective: Seeing Challenges as Catalysts

Adopting a new outlook is key to facing adversity. Instead of succumbing to negativity, we can see challenges as opportunities for change. 

Adversity pushes us beyond our comfort zones, compelling us to innovate, adapt, and explore. This shift in perspective ignites determination to conquer challenges.

The Role of Emotional Resilience in Overcoming Adversity

Emotional resilience is at the core of conquering adversity. It's about bouncing back and staying steady when life gets rough. Growing emotional resilience gives us the tools to face tough times with strength and bravery. Here’s how: 

Building Emotional Reserves

Emotional reserves resemble a reservoir of strength we can tap into when facing challenges. This entails nurturing our emotional well-being through self-care practices, fostering positive self-communication, and cultivating meaningful relationships. A surplus of emotional reserves equips us to readily navigate the emotional impact of adversity.

Developing Coping Strategies

Coping strategies are the practical techniques we use to manage stress and overcome challenges. These strategies can range from mindfulness exercises and deep breathing to seeking support from friends, family, or professionals. Developing a toolkit of effective coping strategies empowers us to face adversity with a clear mind and a steady heart.

Transforming Setbacks into Personal Growth

Setbacks and failures act as the building blocks for personal growth. They offer valuable lessons and insights that can shape our journey towards becoming better versions of ourselves.

Learning from Failures and Mistakes

Mistakes and failures are not indicators of incompetence; they're opportunities for growth. Analyzing what went wrong, understanding the contributing factors, and learning from these experiences help us refine our approach, make better choices, and build resilience.

Cultivating Adaptability and Flexibility

Adversity demands adaptation to new situations and challenges. Being adaptable helps us navigate new things easily. It's about embracing change, being open to new ideas, and getting good at doing well in ever-changing environments.

Strategies for Emerging Stronger from Life's Challenges

When faced with life's challenges, it's essential to have some strategies that can help us not only endure but also thrive. Here are some effective approaches to emerging stronger from adversity:

Setting and Pursuing Resilience-Driven Goals

Resilience-driven goals are aspirations rooted in the desire to grow and overcome. 

By setting goals that focus on building emotional strength, adapting to change, and learning from setbacks, we create a roadmap for our personal development. These goals serve as beacons of hope and motivation, guiding us through adversity toward a stronger future.

Seeking Support and Connection

One of the most powerful strategies is seeking support and fostering connections. Adversity doesn't imply solitude; remember, we're not alone. 

Reaching out to friends, family, mentors, or support groups gives us access to diverse viewpoints, motivation, and understanding. Sharing our challenges serves as a means to unburden ourselves emotionally and reinforces our belonging to a supportive community.

Prioritizing Wellness

Incorporating wellness into our journey can offer a transformative experience. So indulge in a luxurious facial spa to rejuvenate your skin or a wellness retreat to revitalize your soul. 

These practices can serve as a much-needed pause from life's challenges, allowing you to reset and gain a fresh perspective.

Embracing Change and Reinvention

Adversity often prompts change, and embracing it can be a powerful strategy. Instead of resisting change, view it as an opportunity to reinvent yourself. 

Use the momentum of challenging times to explore new interests, acquire new skills, or pursue passions you've set aside. Embracing change with an open heart can lead to unexpected personal growth.

Celebrating Small Wins

Amidst life's challenges, celebrating small wins can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your morale. Recognize even the smallest achievements and milestones along your journey. 

These celebrations aren't just about recognizing your advancements. They're also powerful reminders of your resilience and the strides you're taking, making you even stronger.

Conclusion

Life's setbacks might feel overwhelmingly difficult, but they can be overcome. By shifting your perspective and leveraging the lessons they offer, you can navigate adversity and emerge stronger than before.

Guest Author

 Regi Publico is a full-time writer who is also an artist for fun. She takes pride in her towering collection of books and loves reading about anything under the sun. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge through every article that she writes.