Your Time With James Sweetman
Your Time With James Sweetman is a personal development and well-being podcast hosted by James Sweetman. Each weekly episode offers insights and practical strategies on a range of self-improvement topics. In a busy world, the show encourages listeners to refocus on what matters most. Its intention is to inspire people to live the fullest, truest expression of themselves.
Episodes
Episode 216 The culture that creates a leadership gap
What happens when people find themselves in leadership roles, but the culture they’ve worked in has never allowed them to develop as leaders? This week I look at how command and control environments can unintentionally create a leadership skills gap and why asking people to take more ownership and be more proactive is rarely as simple as it sounds.
I look at how organisations can begin to close th
Episode 215 An evening with Oprah
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the 'Up Close with Oprah Winfrey' event in Dublin. Like many people, I've admired Oprah for many years and being in the room was a special experience.
This week, I explore the ideas Oprah shared that resonated most deeply with me, including the importance of ‘owning your number’, trusting ourselves, shifting from asking ‘what am I earning?’ to ‘what
Episode 214 Where did the joy go?
Have you ever found yourself asking the question - where did the joy go? This week I look at why we can lose our connection with the things we love. How a passion can become a pressure, how a talent creates an expectation, and how something that once energised us, can now drain us.
I share my own experiences of falling out of love with my business and how I reconnected with that original spark. I
Episode 213 In conversation with Carole Kelly
To launch a new series of episodes, I’m joined by Carole Kelly, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner and coach, for a conversation about change and the beliefs that shape how we live our lives.
Carole shares her own journey from a highly stressful work environment to starting her own business. We chat about what that transition taught her and what it takes to step away from what’s no
Episode 212 The pressure to catch up
Have you ever felt like you’re behind? Behind where you thought you’d be, behind your peers, behind the version of yourself you imagined you would become.
This week, I explore a pressure many of us carry, the pressure to ‘catch up,’ something that sits at the intersection of comparison, expectations and our relationship with time.
I share a simple ritual to help us shift from ‘catch-up’ mode, whic
Episode 211 When does self-improvement stop improving us?
When does self-improvement actually stop improving us? This week, I reflect on the shift that can happen when ‘living our best lives’ begins to feel like an obligation rather than an invitation. I explore how self-improvement begins with the assumption that something needs fixing and contrast it with self-understanding and self-acceptance.
I also introduce the idea of horizontal and vertical lear
Episode 210 Am I pushing or being pulled?
We live in a world obsessed with discipline, optimisation and productivity. But what's driving our effort? This week, I explore the difference between pushing and being pulled, and why the most sustainable discipline is actually rooted in devotion. I also look at the hidden role of shame and the pressure of all our ‘shoulds.’
If you've ever felt tired of striving, constantly chasing the next goal,
Episode 209 Feeling stuck or feeling lost?
We often use the phrases ‘I feel stuck’ and ‘I feel lost’ interchangeably, but as I explore this week, there are important differences between these two experiences. I look at how labels we place on situations can become identities and how we can intellectualise our emotions rather than feel them. I also share tips for getting ‘unstuck’ and for navigating those times in life when we feel lost. If
Episode 208 The art of receiving
This week’s episode is for those of us who are natural givers and doers but who can struggle with receiving. I explore why receiving is a skill, how self-worth and control influence our ability to receive, as well as the connection between endless giving and burnout. If you’re someone who brushes aside compliments and feels guilty when resting, you’ll find this week’s episode helpful.
Episode 207 What if your desires are trying to teach you something?
What are our desires really trying to teach us? In this reflective episode I look at the deeper emotional needs hidden beneath our goals, ambitions and dreams. In other words, why do we want what we want? I share my thoughts about striving and self-worth, and why the life lesson hidden inside your desire may be every bit as valuable as the desire itself.
Episode 206 The cost of convenience
This week I explore the hidden cost of convenience and how it masks what economists call opportunity cost neglect, the unseen trade-offs when it comes to how we spend our time, energy and attention. From self-service checkouts to AI tools, tasks once outsourced now land in our ‘to do’ lists, stealthily sapping our mental bandwidth. I reflect on why a little inconvenience isn’t always a bad thing a
Episode 205 Seeking Permission
After a break from recording, I’m delighted to return with a simpler and more reflective format of my podcast. In this new episode, I explore the concept of psychological permission, those moments in life when we already know what feels true for us, but struggle to give ourselves permission to act.
At a time when we are bombarded by information, it’s important to recognise that wisdom is not alway
Episode 204 Behind the Pendulum Summit: Frankie Sheahan on Leadership and Focus
In this special episode, I sit down with Frankie Sheahan, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Summit, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation.
As well as chatting about this year’s Pendulum Summit, taking place on Friday 23rd January at the Convention Centre Dublin, Frankie shares insights into the thinking behind the event, the evolution of Pendulum over the years and what makes this y
Episode 203 Book Review 2025
This week’s episode, the last in the current series, is one of my favourites, my annual book review. I speak about 10 books that have inspired, entertained and stretched me over the past 12 months, five non-fiction books and five novels.
From books about creativity, awareness and purpose, to stories that explore connection, courage, and the human condition each one reminded me why reading is high
Episode 202 Lessons for Leaders with Gerry Duffy
In this week’s episode, I’m joined once again by international keynote speaker and high performance coach Gerry Duffy (www.gerryduffyacademy.com) We chat about his latest book Lessons for Leaders, a collection of 28 practical and thought-provoking insights designed to help leaders reflect, grow and inspire. Our conversation explores what leaders are hungry for today and how common sense is not alw
Episode 201 The hidden cost of visibility
We all run the gamut between waiting to be found and waiting to be found out. On one hand we long to be seen and appreciated, on the other, we fear criticism and rejection. In this week’s episode, I explore the hidden cost of visibility, how it takes courage to show up, speak up and share our work with the world, but it’s the courage to rest and refill the well that keeps us whole. If you’ve ever
Episode 200 Celebrating 200 episodes: Turning the microphone around
To celebrate 200 episodes of my podcast, I’m handing the microphone over! My friend and fellow podcaster Sharon Fitzmaurice interviews me in an open, heartfelt and often humorous conversation about life, purpose and my the journey so far. I share stories I’ve never spoken about before, from childhood challenges to coming out, from leaving the corporate world to finding my true calling. It’s the mo
Episode 199 'The things I no longer chase' - A meditative journey
This week’s episode is a reflective piece titled - “The things I no longer chase.” It’s a meditative journey that includes a meeting with my future self. It's also an opportunity to pause and consider what we can finally set down. If you’re in a season of reassessing what really matters, join me for this week’s reflection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the things we let go of allow peace to catch
Episode 198 In conversation with Samantha Kelly
This week, I’m joined by social media expert and entrepreneur Samantha Kelly. We chat about everything from practical social media strategies to the deeper power of connection and authenticity. With her trademark warmth and generosity, Samantha shares insights on courage, community and creativity, reminding us that, as she says, ‘If you can’t find what you’re looking for, create it yourself.’
Episode 197 Return on Attention
We’re all familiar with the idea of return on investment, but in today’s 'always on' world, I believe the real metric is return on attention. This week, I explore why multitasking is a myth and why busyness has become a hollow badge of honour. I share practical ways to reclaim focus, from creating white space for quality thinking, to practising the discipline of exclusion.
When you manage your at
Episode 196 Productivity Anxiety
Do you feel guilty when you’re not being busy? Do you struggle to relax because your head starts listing all the things you should be doing? Do you fear that if you stopped, you’d fall behind? This is productivity anxiety and it’s the theme for this week. I explore where it comes from and why so many of us believe we have to earn the right to rest. I’ll share how productivity anxiety has shown up
Episode 195 Trusting your intuition - recognising when life is guiding you
Have you ever felt nudged in a certain direction, or sensed something before it happened? This week I’m exploring the gentle power of intuition and guidance. Whether you call it gut instinct, soul wisdom, or divine guidance, I believe there’s an inner compass available to all of us. I share practical ways to recognise these signs and explore how guidance differs from the noisy demands of the ego.
Episode 194 'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' - A reflection
'I just thought I wouldn’t have to still be trying so hard.' This weary confession from a friend was the inspiration for this week’s episode. It’s a reflection piece for those tired of proving, efforting and chasing. I hope my words provide solace and encouragement for those of us who care deeply and still show up consistently.
Episode 193 In conversation with Michael Dunlop
This week I was fortunate to sit down with Michael Dunlop (www.powerofchoice.ie) It’s a heartfelt and uplifting conversation where Michael shares a personal story of loss, love and resilience. We explore the power of choice and practical coaching insights and frameworks from the world of NLP, where Michael is a recognised expert. I find Michael’s quiet heroism and wisdom so inspirational. It’s an
Episode 192 Building momentum after a break
In this first episode of a brand new series, I explore the reality of ‘getting back to normal,’ after a holiday, or a break from work. It’s a time when our inner critic loves to show up with a storm of ‘shoulds.’ I share practical tips to help you build momentum and I close this episode with a reflection called 'The Day After Holidays,' a soft landing for anyone who’s returned from a break, but ha
Episode 191 A new chapter - sharing wisdom, creating community
In this special edition of my podcast, I’m sharing something personal and professionally significant. After years of hesitation, I’ve launched a new subscription-based membership community. But this episode isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a story. I talk about the internal resistance, the pivotal conversation that shifted everything, connecting with my creativity and courage and why now, after two decad
Episode 190 Soulful living & self-worth with wellness coach Sharon Fitzmaurice
This week, I’m joined by Holistic Wellness Coach and author Sharon Fitzmaurice. Our heartfelt conversation is a fitting way to close this series of episodes. We explore the power of surrender, the wisdom of the inner child, and how healing often begins by simply allowing ourselves to feel worthy. Sharon shares insights from her own journey of overcoming trauma, as well as practical tools for recon
Episode 189 Why are we meeting?
We’ve all left meetings wondering -‘What was the point of that?’ This week, I share 10 practical strategies for making meetings efficient, engaging, and worthwhile. I also explore how meetings are culture in action, the power of questions over statements, and why a meeting without psychological safety is a performance, not a conversation. And if you’ve never heard of ‘the meeting within the meetin
Episode 188 Change, fear and the power of feeling safe
Change isn’t just a strategic challenge, it’s an emotional one. This week I’m exploring why so many change initiatives fail before they even begin, namely because of the absence of psychological safety.
I’ll also look at the emotional barriers to change, the common pitfalls to avoid, and how leaders can create environments where growth feels safe. I’ll go beyond the workplace too, because personal
Episode 187 Resilience - from 'why me' to 'let me'
This week I’m exploring the topic of resilience, not as an heroic soundtrack moment, but as a soft, steady strength, a whisper that helps us move from ‘why me’ to ‘let me.’ We’ll look at how resilience helps us navigate uncertain times and why it’s less about bouncing back and more about recalculating, like your inner GPS when life takes an unexpected turn.
I share practical tips for building resi
Episode 186 How to deal with a difficult co-worker - whilst keeping your cool!
We’ve all encountered people who drain our energy, test our patience, or trigger us in ways we can’t always explain. This week, I’m sharing tools, insights, and fresh perspectives to help you deal with a difficult co-worker. I’ll show you how to respond rather than react, and how to protect your peace of mind without losing your integrity. We’ll explore how to reclaim your power in difficult dynam
Episode 185 I met my younger self for coffee
This week’s episode was inspired by a beautiful poem ‘I met my younger self for coffee at 10.15’ by Jennae Cecelia. I imagine sitting down with my 18-year-old self, the one just out of school, starting his first job and full of questions. It began as a private journaling exercise, but the more I wrote, the more I felt it might resonate with others. It’s a reflection on choices, resilience, and sel
Episode 184 Is it confidence you're lacking - or permission?
We often think we need confidence before we can act, to speak up, to take a risk, to try something new. But what if it’s not confidence we’re lacking. What if it’s permission?
This week, I look at how we’ve been conditioned to seek permission from others, but how real change happens when we stop waiting for approval, and start giving ourselves permission to begin.
I also delve into the quiet but p
Episode 183 Know thyself - cultivating self-awareness
This week, I’m unpacking self-awareness not just as a concept, but as a practice. I explore how self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence and I make the distinction between the small ‘s’ self and the capital ‘S’ Self and how self-awareness helps us move beyond ego and reconnect with our authentic nature. And of course I share ways to help you enhance your levels of self-awareness.
Episode 182 The power of doing nothing
What if the key to greater clarity, creativity, and leadership isn’t doing more, but doing less? In our fast-paced world, we glorify the grind, chasing the next goal and filling every moment with activity or distraction. But what if the real breakthroughs happen in the gaps, in the space where we allow new ideas to emerge? This week, I look at why stillness isn’t laziness, but a strategy for bette
Episode 181 Will we ever break free from power-based leadership?
We’re all familiar with power-based leadership, where authority comes from titles and roles. But what about authentic leadership that is grounded in integrity, and character? This week, I explore the difference between role-based power and human-centred leadership. I look at why we seek certainty in times of crisis and how leading with authenticity fosters trust, inspires growth, and creates lasti
Episode 180 The Courage Project: A Conversation with Carol Mannion
What does it mean to be courageous? This week, I’m joined by Carol Mannion, co-founder of The Courage Project. We discuss how to walk with fear rather than be held back by it, as well as the quiet, everyday acts of bravery that often go unnoticed. Carol shares many insights including the enablers of courage—perspective, power, purpose, and presence. It’s a conversation packed with inspiration, and
Episode 179 Prioritising Health: A Conversation with Nichola Flood, The Queen of Health
I’m kicking off this 6th series of my podcast with a first. I’m welcoming back one of my first ever guests, Nichola Flood, also known as The Queen of Health. Nichola shares valuable insights on how she overcame recent health challenges that prompted her to reassess her approach to work. We discuss the importance of listening to our bodies, believing in ourselves, and taking time for rest. Nichola
Episode 178 A New Year tonic
I've always loved the idea of starting afresh and January is a great time to refocus on what’s important. In this special New Year episode, I share 10 powerful and slightly unusual questions to help you set some meaningful intentions and goals for the year ahead. We all know the adage, ask and you shall receive, well this episode is all about helping you fine-tune your asks. If you’re more interes
Episode 177 Closing out the year
In this week’s episode, the last in the current series, I share 20 powerful questions that have the themes of gratitude and completion running through them. Contemplating these questions has become something of a ritual for me and this year, not only do I pose the questions, I also share my own answers to them. My invitation to you is to grab a pen and notebook, and perhaps a mug of something warm
Episode 176 Book Review 2024
Back by popular demand, this week’s episode is my annual book review where I get to indulge in my love of reading and wax lyrical about the books that stood out for me over the last 12 months. There should be something for everyone - biographies, new novels, classics, and self-help. I also speak about a book with a strong family connection, a true crime book written by my brother!
Episode 175 How I manage my mental health
This week I'm sharing the habits and rituals I practice that help me to manage my well-being and mental health. There is no doubt the world is going through challenging and stressful times and we all need ways to help us manage our fears and sense of overwhelm. I hope by sharing my self-care routine that you will be inspired to take a proactive approach to your own wellness and mental health.
Episode 174 Lost and Found
This week, I’m offering some suggestions to help you during those times when you feel lost or stuck. They’re my go-to insights and strategies, what I reach for when I feel directionless, demotivated and distracted. I explore themes including getting curious as to what change is trying to take place, how clarity is not certainty, but the quality of our seeing and how unexpressed creativity will alw
Episode 173 Managing nerves before a big presentation
This week I’m looking head on at the challenge that is front and centre for most people tasked with delivering a presentation and that is managing their nerves. Even if you’re an experienced presenter, there will be times when anxiousness and fear kicks in, as they do for me. So if you want to feel more confident at the top of the room, then this week’s episode is for you. I share many practical t
Episode 172 Patience - the forgotten virtue
Today more than ever, patience is a forgotten virtue. When so much is accessible by the touch of a button, instant gratification has replaced the slow burn of anticipation. Decisions driven by immediate benefits rather than consideration of future consequences impact our lives at an individual and global level. This week, I explore the different causes of impatience, and offer some tips for dealin
Episode 171 The moments of truth that shape your leadership brand
This week, I’m exploring the synergy between two related business topics – personal or leadership branding and moments of truth. If you think about your leadership brand as the mechanism through which you market yourself to others, moments of truth are those instances when customers or colleagues form an impression of you, for good or for bad. I’ll take you through the steps that will help you to
Episode 170 The midlife chrysalis
The word most associated with midlife is crisis, but this week I suggest a new word – chrysalis. I delve into the challenges and opportunities of midlife and how we can see our middle years as something more than a crisis to navigate. I speak about the ‘U-Curve of Happiness,’ make the case for pro-aging and how mid-life gives us an opportunity to explore an encore career, a chance to harness our e
Episode 169 Burnout or bored-out?
We’ve all heard about burnout, but what about bored-out? Bored-out gets far less attention than it’s workaholic cousin and because some of the symptoms are the same, it can be misdiagnosed. I explore the difference between your core work and phantom work, the politics, the red tape of bureaucracy and the personality management that drains the spirit. Whilst the behaviours that lead to burn out are
Episode 168 Am I successful yet?
Many people struggle to enjoy their accomplishments or to find lasting satisfaction in their successes. If you’re dragging yourself along, with so-called success always seeming to be just out of reach, then this episode is for you.
Success in one area of life, does not guarantee satisfaction in life. I suggest that it’s time for us to redefine success and we start by viewing success and satisfacti
Episode 167 Curing the disease to please
Are you a people pleaser? It’s nice to be nice and we will do kind and thoughtful things for many reasons, but that’s not the same as people pleasing which is defined as ‘striving to please others in order to gain their approval, or to avoid criticism or conflict, whilst sacrificing your own needs and wants in the process.’ This week, I’m taking a deep dive into the ‘disease to please’. I explore
Episode 166 Reframing pain - in conversation with Paul Rock
In the first of a new series of episodes, I’m delighted to be joined by Paul Rock. Paul is a musculoskeletal physical therapist who specialises in pain management. I started working with Paul a few months ago for back pain and I’ve found his work and approach not just worthwhile, but eye opening. His holistic approach prompted me to question many of the unconscious rules I’d established for myself
Episode 165 Harnessing the power of not knowing
This week, in the last in the current series, I’m posing the question - what if your effectiveness as a leader expands from not knowing? I look at the
dangers of managers thinking they know it all and why delighting in the unknown is the secret sauce of leadership. I also share 12 tips for harnessing the power of not knowing, including suspending our desire to be the smartest person in the room
Episode 164 Are you in the home stretch of your career?
At what point do we accept that we are no longer climbing a career ladder, but on the final rung? When does the finishing line of our working lives first come into view? At what point do we shift down the gears of ambition? These are some of the questions I’m pondering this week. Over the last 20 years I’ve helped countless clients navigate a career transition, often from roles where they’ve achie
Episode 163 The shackles of perfectionism
I’m James and I’m a recovering perfectionist. That’s the declaration I’m making upfront this week. Perfectionism can be a point of pride, but under the surface of high achievement often lurks a need to control and ultimately low self-esteem. We can endeavour to do our best and set high standards, but we can also sacrifice too much at the altar of perfectionism. This week, I look at the different t
Episode 162 My cancer journey
This week I’m stepping outside my comfort zone, because I’m speaking about a personal topic – my journey with cancer. Thankfully, earlier this month, I received some great news, all my tests were clear and my consultant doesn’t need to see me again for a year. Over the last 7 years, I’ve attended hospital for tests, operations and treatments every few months, so it’s such a relief to be able to fo
Episode 161 The neuroscience of well-being - in conversation with James Parnell
This week I’m joined by James Parnell to chat about the neuroscience of well-being. Amongst his many qualifications, James is a mental fitness coach, is an expert in the area of applied neuroscience and brain health and he’s the founder of The Wellbeing Gym. James shares many tips, techniques and insightful acronyms, including ‘PROMISE,’ a way to achieve balance across the different dimensions of
Episode 160 Am I addicted to self-improvement?
This week I’m pondering the question – am I addicted to self-improvement? It might sound like an odd question for someone who has worked full time in the personal development industry for the last twenty years, but too much of anything is not so good, and there is a dark side to self-help, one that presupposes that who you are isn’t enough. I’ll take you through some of the warning signs that sugg
Episode 159 How to present confidently to senior managers
As someone who has worked as a professional motivational speaker for 20 years, and who has delivered countless presentation skills workshops, this week I’ll show you how to present confidently to senior managers. In addition to best practices around opening strongly, handling questions and using visuals, because delivering presentations is also about self-belief, exercising courage and moving beyo
Episode 158 The 6 different types of courage - how many do you recognise?
What role does courage play in your life? There are six different types of courage and this week, I’ll take you through each one, so you can see how many you recognise. I also look at why being brave is not the same as being courageous. Courage is often associated with grand acts of heroism, but in reality, courage is more nuanced and deeply personal. Courage underpins so many facets of our lives.
Episode 157 Self-Confidence & Worthiness - the key to enhancing both
Most of us operate a belief that goes something like -one day when I achieve enough, earn enough, am successful enough, slim enough, spiritual enough, loving enough, qualified enough, or selfless enough then I will feel worthy. On my podcast this week, to that limiting belief I’m saying, enough. I’m delving into the topic of worthiness. I’ll take you through what has been a gamechanger for me when
Episode 156 The life draining power of habits
This week I’m exploring the topic of habits and how even well-intentioned habits can be the hidden cause of boredom in our lives. Just as organisations apply kaizen techniques to enhance productivity, we can personalise that drive for continuous improvement in our quest for greater prosperity, or success. But life is not an assembly plant and we are not machines. So this week, I posing the questio
Episode 155 When life gives you lemons!
We all know the adage - when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. That’s the theory, but in reality, sometimes life just punches you in the guts. I’m currently experiencing just such a time. In fact, over the last few years it seems that I’ve had so many lemons thrown at me that I could open a lemonade factory! On this week’s episode I speak about how I cope with life’s curveballs and how I t
Episode 154 In conversation with Jack Kavanagh
I’m starting this new series of episodes with an inspirational guest, Jack Kavanagh. In 2012, Jack suffered a life changing spinal cord injury leaving him with 15% muscle function. In the years since, Jack has challenged the perceived limitations of his situation. I was honoured to chat with Jack about his story. Jack poses some insightful questions to reflect upon, including how am I showing up f
Episode 153 Overcoming Overthinking
In the final episode of this series, I’m exploring a topic that I’ve been working on personally and that’s overthinking. In particular, I share 8 strategies we can use to stop us falling into the bottomless pit of worrying excessively about the future, or ruminating on the past. When I realised that overthinking was the source of my exhaustion, I researched ways that would help me to quieten my mi
Episode 152 Reflections on 20 years in business
This week I’m marking a milestone. Twenty years ago this month, I jumped from the corporate career ladder and set up my own coaching and training business. I’ve been looking back and reflecting on what I wish I’d known back then. This week, I’m sharing 7 lessons I’ve learned, many the hard way. Despite a financial crisis, a pandemic and many personal challenges, I’m still standing and I’m as passi
Episode 151 Intention, Attention, No Tension
I’m kicking off the New Year with a special episode titled ‘Intention, Attention, No Tension.’ If you’re like me and don’t buy into all the ‘New Year, New You’ hype, or the old 'strive until you arrive' approach to goal-setting and resolutions, then this is the episode for you. I share the questions that I reflect upon at this time of year and give many examples of how the intention, attention, no
Episode 150 The best gift of all - A Christmas Reflection
Emotions are amplified at Christmas and for many people it’s a stressful and challenging time. So this week, I’ve created a moment of calm, a reflection piece, words and music to help quieten the mind and soothe the soul. If you get overwhelmed by everything that clamours for your attention at this time of year, if you’re carrying the loss of a loved one, or if you simply want a moment of respite
Episode 149 Book Review 2023
This week, I’m speaking about my favourite books of 2023, so this is an episode for the books lovers. I’ve narrowed down everything I’ve read over the last 12 months to my top 10 books. There should be something for everyone, from insightful biographies of figures I admire, page turning novels and of course some personal development books that generated plenty of ‘aha’ moments.
Episode 148 Oh wow! The importance of awe
This week’s I’m focusing on a topic that is gaining more traction when it comes to general well-being and that’s awe. It’s a tiny word, but a vast concept. Awe is a deep, rich feeling, that I believe we all crave. We want to feel the wonder of the world, not the weight of it. I speak about how awe benefits us, the humility, compassion and creativity it stimulates, as well as the ways we can open o
Episode 147 My journey through burnout
This week, the tables have been turned as Nichola Flood, aka the Queen of Health, interviews me about my experiences of burnout. This conversation was first broadcast on Nichola's YouTube Channel (where you can see us as well as listen to us!) In our open and honest chat, I speak about my health challenges, the symptoms of exhaustion I experienced and how I’m navigating a path forward.
Episode 146 How do I know if it’s time to change jobs?
How do I know it’s time to change jobs? It’s a question most of us have asked ourselves at some point. This week I’ll take you through the different motivations for changing jobs, the push and pull factors, criteria to consider and the pitfalls to avoid. I also pose some coaching questions to help you gain clarity on your specific situation.
Episode 145 Five minutes for me
There are 1440 minutes in the day, and this week I’m ensuring that we take just 5 minutes for ourselves. This is a new type of episode for me, as it’s a reflection piece, a combination of words and music that hopefully encourages some introspection. Most of us are busy managing responsibilities and juggling commitments that we rarely have a chance to pause, reflect and remind ourselves of how far
Episode 144 The 5 disciplines of the ruthlessly efficient!
A conversation with a man with 100K unanswered emails and a woman who realised she couldn’t be in two places at once, were the joint inspiration for this episode on time management. We all know the fundamentals of effective organisational skills, so this week I’m focusing on 5 key distinctions that make all the difference when it comes to being focused, proactive and productive. These tips gives u
Episode 143 What am I shedding?
This is the time of year when trees shed their leaves. It prompted me to think, what can I shed? In this week’s episode, I suggest 5 areas where we can contemplate what we can drop, including goals or ambitions that no longer serve us, as well as habits and routines that may be beyond their sell-by date. By pondering the question – what I can shed, or drop we are aligning with the cycle of nature.
Episode 142 Why my sabbatical wasn’t enough
This week, in the first in a new series, I speak about how taking an extended sabbatical wasn’t enough. Yes, I need physical rest, but burnout is not the same as tiredness. I share how overthinking was the root cause of my exhaustion and how I learned that you cannot skip any of the of stages of change, including that sense of feeling lost. I also speak about how our lives transform when we are co
Episode 141 An alternative approach to the New Year
If, like me, you don’t buy into the ‘New Year, New You’ hype, then this is the episode for you. I believe that we are all perfectly ourselves whilst still works in progress. So in this special episode at the start of 2023, I share the questions that I reflect upon at this time of year including - What have I been resisting? How can I nourish my soul? How can I exercise my creativity? In 2023, let’
Episode 140 Reflection questions to close the year
In this special episode, I share my thoughts on what makes Christmas meaningful as well as some self-care tips for this time of year. At the heart of this episode I share 18 self-reflection questions, a great way to close out the year. These are ideal to ponder curled up with a journal and a cuppa, or to discuss with a friend or family member. Wishing you all a wonderful and wonder-filled Christma
Episode 139 In conversation with Gerry Duffy
This week, I’m delighted to be joined by international speaker and author Gerry Duffy. In the past 12 years Gerry has delivered over 2,000 presentations at conferences and workshops in Ireland and overseas. His sporting CV has seen him complete many extreme endurance challenges, including running 32 marathons on 32 consecutive days. He is an expert on corporate performance, effective leadership, g
Episode 138 Words to Inspire - celebrating the launch of my new book
This week, I’m celebrating the launch of my new book Words to Inspire. As it says on the back over – ‘this book serves as a calming reminder of the resilience, wisdom and courage that we possess when we slow down.’ Words to Inspire comprises over 60 short chapters on themes that have become part of modern day living. From feeling stuck to coping with change, dealing with challenging people and lea
Episode 137 Leveraging your personal brand
Personal branding is how we market ourselves to others. It’s not about being someone other than who you are, it’s a mechanism by which you can leverage your authentic self. Personal branding is relevant when attending an interview, delivering a presentation, and is also important from a career development perspective, and of course if you run your own business. This week I look at factors that imp
