Beyond The Water Cooler

Man up.

Does that phrase make you squirm or is it acceptable to you? 

We've all been brought up with a set of beliefs and thoughts about how we should behave. But that puts pressure on people to show up in a certain way. It may no longer be considered acceptable or helpful. And it may mean we're covering up what's really going on.

So, what about permission to be authentic? 

My guest, Daniel Glyde, Life Coach & Founder of Positive Masculinity, explores a different approach to mental health. We talk frankly about:

• high performance and mental fitness
• camaraderie instead of safe spaces
• emotional intelligence and soft skills
• vulnerability and mindset

Failing to meet the underlying needs for good mental health to be possible reinforces the disconnect between 'my' reality and the support that's available. 

We cannot support people to improve their mental health if they don't feel it's relevant and understand the connection with their experience. 

Listen to or watch this episode of the podcast for practical advice about improving your own mental wellbeing, mental health, mental fitness or what ever YOU want to call it, and that of your team. 

It's time to rip off the badges of honour men can wear when attributing stress and anxiety to being male.

Success is about authenticity, vulnerability, role modelling and giving permission for others to engage in conversations that are critical. Otherwise we continue to do 'good' mental health a dis-service. 

Daniel Glyde is a transformational life coach and founder of Positive Masculinity. He coaches men who feel stuck and want to change by providing a supportive and empowering environment for them to explore their self-worth, navigate relationship challenges, clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, cultivate confidence, connection, empowerment, purpose, and clarity in their lives.

LinkedIn:

Daniel Glyde

Positive Masculinity

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - A Team Discussion Framework | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Mental Health: Missing the Point | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Emotional Intelligence; Empathy vs Sympathy: Brené Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy (youtube.com)

Let Men Drive The Mental Health Bus – Nick O’Neill - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting. Stronger. With Stewart Codling, Chief Inspector, Thames Valley Police - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Do Soft Skills Need a Rebrand? with Andrew Bardsley | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1) – Dr Shawn Andrews | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2) – Dr Shawn Andrews | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide – Shawn Andrews Ed.D. M.B.A (amazon.co.uk)

Men's Health Week 2024 – Men's Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)

We need to share our stories | Men's Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)

MANUP? | Men's Mental Health Charity

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani (amazon.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

Nick O'Neill of Oriel Chambers outlines a modern approach for mental health in a traditional industry that is the legal sector.

He explains that law is known for being a male dominated culture, attracting alpha characters. And that presents a challenge for addressing a very human need, particularly when you consider that many men of the generation that struggle to engage with mental health, are managers. Their perceptions and behaviours have a far-reaching impact.

Add to that Nick's view that most lawyers hate being told what to do and the challenge of billable hours, and you will understand that this is a complex issue.

Nick outlines how the Bar is addressing the layers of cultural complexity to break down barriers.

He shares advice about the need to keep women out - a controversial but informed perspective. 

He explains the need to get more people on the bus by creating a commercial case.

And Nick describes the impact of the Merseyside Men's Legal Wellbeing Group, discussing topics such as professional happiness, imposter syndrome and professional goals.

We both detest tick boxes. This is about real life.

Don't let Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Global Wellness Day tomorrow, and International Men's Health Week next week become token gestures. Instead, do something that impacts long term by creating engagement and momentum. 

Once you've listened to this podcast, check out what Stuart Codling had to say about the same topic in the police.

These guys have found ways to make a real difference. 

How are YOU going about that?

After a successful career as a litigation solicitor/partner at KLS Law, Nick O'Neill recognised his real passion for people / operational management. Following the completion of his MBA at Nottingham Trent University, Nick moved into full time legal practice management in 2010. Nick has managed at 3 private sector law firms and spent 5 years as the Legal Governance and Practice Manager at Wirral Borough Council. In January 2021, Nick moved to take up the role of Chambers Director at Oriel Chambers in Liverpool. Nick struggled with his own mental health as a young solicitor and after a period of self-development and study, became a Lawcare support worker in 2010. Nick is a Lawcare Champion and regularly speaks on the legal circuit on behalf of Lawcare, communicating the services that this amazing charity provides. Nick is a qualified ILM Level 5 mental health / career coach and regularly coaches young lawyers to assist them with their career goals. In 2024 Nick became the Chair of the Merseyside Legal Men’s Wellbeing Group.

LinkedIn:

Nick O'Neill

Oriel Chambers

Watch this episode on YouTube

Make a real difference to your mental health by exploring topics that significantly impact at Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Removing the Cape: Listening. Supporting. Stronger. With Stewart Codling, Chief Inspector, Thames Valley Police | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Are you making the most of the Happiness Advantage? - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Imposter Syndrome Podcast - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Prioritise People: unlock the value of a thriving workforce - Business in the Community (bitc.org.uk)

Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

LawCare - the mental health charity for the legal sector

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

• psychological safety - by experiencing it
• compassion - by thinking about our own limits before looking to care for others
• emotional intelligence - by recognising the need to step outside our comfort zones...

➡️ Sick notes are on they way out, according to Sunak. 

What does that mean for people needing support to get themselves into a place where they feel ok enough to re-engage with work?

➡️ Employees are more aware of their rights and expect more in terms of 'care', with access to services that aren't about making them 'better' but about enhancing their lifestyle. 

How do companies know which specialists are credible, who work as a team, and that provide data to leaders to inform them about their work environment?

Individual and organisational wellbeing go hand-in-hand 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼. 

That's why I invited Jamie Humphrey, CEO of ReechUs Wellbeing, to join my podcast. He brings the employee part of the solution to the table, around which I sit, with leaders looking to do something different, meaningful, and that has impact. 

Are you looking at the whole solution or have you zoomed in one just one part? 

Reech out to Jamie to find out more about ReechUs Wellbeing. He's got space for one more foundational member! 

While you're at it, let's chat about the bigger picture in terms of your culture. 

It's time to join the dots. It's time for change that reverses the decline in the health of our workforce.

Jamie Humphrey is the CEO and founder of ReechUs Wellbeing, a corporate wellness program that gives employees remote access to Therapists, Nutritionists, Personal Trainers and Financial Coaches.

LinkedIn:

Jamie Humphrey

ReechUs Wellbeing

Website: www.reechus.com

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Wellbeing by Design - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Why are we so ill? The working-age health crisis - BBC News

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) by Jonathan Haidt (amazon.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

From dodging bullets to becoming an executive senior leader of Defence, Phil Holdcroft knows a thing or two about leadership and teamwork. 

Phil is a decorated combat pilot with a 20-year military career that culminated in designing and delivering the senior leadership programme at the UK Defence Academy. Drawing on life-lessons and experience, he created the ultimate playbook for leadership, resilience and high performance. And that’s what we discuss on the podcast today.

Now officially a veteran (and he's younger than me!), Phil is continuing to pursue his life’s purpose, having founded High Performance Journey, helping others to conquer their Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

Join us to find out...

• what resilience is really about 
• how to reverse being unprepared in leadership roles
• the power of purpose (and how to find it)
• how the 'grandad test' can measure shared vision
• how adversity allows us to grow
• how increasing diversity reduces blind spots

Phil shares his very moving story that proved pivotal in how he engages with others. 

What has been your 'a-ha' experience that caused you to question your practice? 

Or are you still sitting comfortably? 

A twenty year first career in the Royal Air Force spanned from leading missions on the battlefield as a helicopter pilot, through to senior leadership roles, designing and delivering strategy for Defence.

Phil's journey took an unexpected turn in 2014 when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. Helplessly sitting on the side-lines led to an epiphany. Phil realised his passion for endurance sports could be channeled towards raising critical funds for the miracle workers who saved her life. A near-impossible series of extreme challenges followed, culminating in a 3,000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Now a military veteran, Phil has set up 'The High Performance Journey' to pursue his passion for equipping others with the knowledge, skills and mindset for high performance.

LinkedIn: Phil Holdcroft

Website: www.thehpj.com

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

13 Skills to Build Resilience (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Future Ready by Experimentation – with Gemma Ellison - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Transcending Leadership - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

'Peak Performance' by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness (amazon.co.uk)

'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday (amazon.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

Two psychotherapists in conversation...

This episode of the podcast is an interesting one. James Elliott, of the Sarena Clinic, explains what needs to be done now to shape a healthier workforce for the future. And it's simple stuff. 

We need to equip employees with the knowledge and tools to empower themselves and their children to experience meaning and fulfilment, and that supports good mental wellbeing.

And we need to demonstrate empathy, based on knowing our teams well, so that we enable human needs to be met....

You know those days when your head is elsewhere because something significant is occupying your brain? Your teenager has become alien to you and you're concerned. Your finances are too tight. You're worried about a medical issue.

What do you need most? 

Probably, someone who knows you, who trusts and respects you, and who will give you the time and space you need.

What happens then? You're able to focus on what is front of mind and resume work. 

That's better than the common alternative which is to continue work as normal whilst holding the strain of being unable to do what feels most important. Think about the different outcomes in terms of performance, sick leave, burnout and resentment.

What gets in the way of you being human?

James Elliott is a psychotherapist, resilience coach, ex British airborne forces, multiple world record holder, father, and author, with an MSc in War + Psychiatry.

As the Head of Psychotherapy at Sarena Clinic, he leads a team of qualified and compassionate professionals who provide high-quality and personalised health care to our clients. James has over 4 years of experience as a psychotherapist, working with veterans, prison leavers, and other vulnerable groups to help them cope with their challenges and find their way in life. He is passionate about using his clinical and academic knowledge to create a supportive and respectful environment for clients, where they can explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviours, and achieve their goals.

LinkedIn: James Elliott MSc

Website: james-elliott.mykajabi.com

Instagram: @jameselliottofficial

The Sarena Clinic: Sarena Clinic

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Engagement Action Plans - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Tackling Anxiety Collectively - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Think Yourself Resilient: Harness Your Emotions. Build Your Confidence. Transform Your Life. - James Elliott (amazon.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

Luckily for us, Dr Jill McGarry is "a geek!"... her words, not mine!

The good news about that is she has a real love for actionable solutions to improve sleep. 💤

And who doesn't need a bit of that in their lives? 😴

In this episode of the podcast we hear, very clearly, why we need to banish beliefs such as...

"YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE!"

And we get to grips with practical advice for individuals and employers, including: 

✔️ coffee as a recommendation (yes... from a sleep expert!)

✔️ what to do when you can't sleep

✔️ equality

✔️ flexible working

✔️ 4 key factors for sleep hygiene - do YOU know what they are? Are you putting them into practice?

Check out the excellent resources that Jill shares, including those for managers, in the show notes. STOPBANG should become part of your toolkit.

Dr Jill McGarry is a consultant clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in working with mental health issues in the NHS. During this time she has become skilled and experienced in supporting people with sleep issues. In October 2023 Jill decided to leave the NHS because she recognised that companies were a missing piece of the jigsaw in improving sleep for individuals. By focusing on providing support and training to companies regarding sleep we can joinlty reduce staff fatigue, improve team effectiveness and ensure that companies excel.

LinkedIn: Dr Jill McGarry

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk

Watch this episode on YouTube

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Leveraging ’Shuteye’ for Resilience (youtube.com) - Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce webinar

NHS choices (www.nhs.uk)

YouTube Matthew Walker TEDx Sleep talk, others and his book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker | Waterstones

Fast Asleep by Michael Mosley | Waterstones & BBC programme in 2022  

Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires (ESS) Epworth Sleepiness Scale | Asthma + Lung UK

(asthmaandlung.org.uk)

 STOP BANG questionnaire: Is it possible that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)? STOPBang Questionnaire (britishsnoring.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

What is self-harm? Possibly not something you associate with yourself. And not a behaviour that you attribute to your colleagues, friends or family members. 

But the reality could be very different and that is why this episode of the podcast and the free resource is so important. Self-harm is not uncommon and therefore you need to know about it.

Yaj Buljeean is a trainer and clinician at Harmless, the national leader in this field. She joins me to explore what we mean by self-harm, the stigma around it, and the prevalence and risk factors. Crucially, Yaj provides practical advice for companies to support their employees who are using this behaviour to cope with underlying distress.

If you're reading this thinking this topic isn't relevant. Think again. 

According to the WHO, 16 million people worldwide are reported to self-harm. We know that is likely to be an underestimate. My experience alone is that clients hide their behaviour... from their partner, their friends, their employers. 

Shame and embarrassment keeps mouths shut.

Convenient for companies? That's no longer okay. 

No idea how to think about it or where to start? That's understandable. 

And that's why the free, downloadable resource that covers a breadth of mental health disorders, as well as self-harm, has been created. It is a must for anyone looking to demonstrate care towards their workforce. You can get hold of your copy here: It's Time for Change: Resources

Stop passing the buck. National Self Harm Awareness Day is on 1st March. Be part of raising awareness around what is often a misunderstood topic. Find out more and request your media pack to help coordinate your effort here: National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024 - Harmless

Additional resources and podcast conversations about Depression & Anxiety and Addiction can be found here: It's Time for Change: Resources

Yaj works for Harmless CIC, a user-led self harm prevention service based in the East Midlands. With nearly 3 years of professional experience and 20 years of personal experience, Yaj aims to normalise the conversation around both self harm and suicide to enable anyone who's struggling to be able to reach out for support. As a trainer and clinician, breaking down barriers to access support is a high priority for her.

LinkedIn:

Yaj Buljeean

Harmless

Website: harmless.org.uk

Facebook: The Academy at Harmless: Letstalktraining

X: @Yaj_Harmless

Email: [email protected]

Watch this episode on YouTube

National Self Harm Awareness Day 2024 - Harmless

Harmless has created a Self Harm Work book which aims to help people of all ages to understand and develop insight into their self harming behaviour. If you know anyone who might be struggling, this can be a really great resource and can be purchased through the Harmless online shop: HARMLESS WORKBOOK: WORKING THROUGH SELF HARM (ELECTRONIC DOWNLOAD)

Understanding and Responding to Self Harm. The One Stop Guide: Practical Advice for Anybody Affected by Self-Harm - Allan House

Download the Resources and listen to/watch the episodes: It's Time for Change: Resources

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

My LinkedIn post in January that asked the question, 'Do soft skills need a rebrand?' attracted over 40 comments. 

Clearly people are interested in this topic.

So it seemed only natural to continue the conversation with someone who shared his view on that post, Andrew Bardsley, Founder of JackHR. As someone who focuses on helping tech companies stand out and keep good people, Andrew has some great insights into a world of both hard and soft skills. 

💻 We unpick how soft skills sit alongside tech.

🧠 We consider how AI and human skills will feature in the future of work.

♂️♀️ We explore gender differences and the teaching of soft skills.

🚧 We tackle some of the barriers to investing in the development of these critical skills.

💥 We offer our opinion on how soft skills should be positioned in business to have greatest impact.

🌙 And we discuss getting lost on the moon!

Whether you're interested in leadership development, management development, recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, emotional intelligence, coaching, or psychological safety, there are some little nuggets of wisdom that could just shift some important parts of your practice.

Listen to or watch us talk, and let us know how you go about positioning and developing the not-so-soft-skills in your organisation.

If you want to find the right space for developing such skills in your organisation, Leadership and Manager Labs might just be your thing. Check them out here: Leader & Manager Labs | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Employee retention is a £1Billion problem here in the UK which is why, in 2023, Andrew decided to launch JackHR - a business dedicated to helping scaling tech companies keep hold of their amazing talent.

Andrew's journey started in the North West of England, before making the 300 mile trip north to study Philosophy at The University of Stirling. When he left in 2013, the job market for ancient Greek philosophers was quiet, so he started in HR instead.

Andrew has spent the last decade working with businesses to better support their managers, provide teams with amazing growth opportunities and help individuals thrive through 1:1 coaching.

LinkedIn:

Andrew Bardsley

JackHR

TikTok: @jackofallhr

Website: jackhr.com

Watch this episode on YouTube

Focus on 'soft skills' at our Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

The Most In-Demand Skills for 2023 | LinkedIn

11 Essential Soft Skills In 2024 (With Examples) – Forbes Advisor

"Soft Skills"​ Need A Serious Rebranding Effort. How about "Differentiating Skills"​? - Rick Heffernan (linkedIn.com)

Prioritise People: unlock the value of a thriving workforce (www.bitc.org.uk)

Female leadership: the wrongly called soft skills (ie.edu)

Why Soft Skills Are Harder Than They Look (forbes.com)

How women’s leadership programs can boost a company’s organizational health | McKinsey

Balvinder Singh Powar | IE Insights

Liberating Cultures: Putting Psychological Safety into Practice – Sonali Kumarakulasinghe

(itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 1) – Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

7 Superpowers of Women in the Workplace (Part 2) – Dr Shawn Andrews - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Men: Developing Allies – with Seb Randle - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

This Fixable Problem Costs U.S. Businesses $1 Trillion (gallup.com)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]

Do you know...

🏢 What your office is for?

✅ Which elements to consider when designing workplace where people actively want to spend time?

🌍 What global research tells us about how we can help people do their best work in the many places that work happens?

😊 How to cultivate a joyful workplace environment?

💭 The link between physical workplaces and psychological wellbeing?

🙌 Strategies and frameworks for building a work environment that amplifies productivity, happiness and job satisfaction?

As part of Leicestershire's Innovation Festival session at De Montfort University on 12 February, I'll be joining Rob Day and Chloe Sproston of Blueprint Interiors, Kris Newman of Steelcase, Nicky Harding and Lis Ku from De Montfort University to discuss 'Designing Tomorrow's Workplace'. 

Blueprint Interiors have a unique approach to designing workplaces, based on putting people first.

In this podcast, Rob focuses on the psychology behind design, encompassing the Human Givens. 

Find out more by listening to or watching the conversation and then book your place at the event here: Event Details for Designing Tomorrow's Workplace: A Blueprint for Innovation (evolutive.co.uk)

Having studied at the University of Lancaster for a degree in Management Science & Marketing, Rob Day spent a 15-year career in Sales, Design & Project Management in the Commercial Office and Leisure sectors.

In 2001 he founded his business - Blueprint Interiors Limited, a specialist design & fit-out company focused on designing and redeveloping commercial interiors. The company is now recognised as the leading workplace consultancy in the Midlands and this approach has led to significant growth as the economy comes out of the pandemic crisis.

They are firmly established in Ashby de la Zouch – celebrating their 23rd birthday this year - and employ 18 staff directly with many more subcontractors indirectly dependent upon their business throughout the Midlands.

As Chairman & Founder, Rob has successfully overseen the growth of the business and the succession plan to bring the next generation of leaders into the organisation.

LinkedIn:

Rob Day

Blueprint Interiors Limited

Facebook: @BlueprintInteriorsLtd

Instagram: @blueprint.interiors

Website: www.blueprintinteriors.com

Watch this episode on YouTube

Human Givens Institute: Holistic & Scientific Approach To Your Needs (hgi.org.uk)

The Emotional Needs Audit - It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Blueprint Interiors: Latest Research on the Future of our Workspaces (www.blueprintinteriors.com)

Cognitive Strategies to De-stress (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Stress Mapping (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Blueprint Interiors News and Insights (www.bluprintinteriors.com)

Leadership & Manager Labs (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

Resources | It's Time for Change (itstimeforchange.co.uk)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisapsychology

Website: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk

Sign up to be kept in the loop: www.itstimeforchange.co.uk/jointheclub

Email: [email protected]