Jo's journey is a fascinating one. From law graduate to HR leader before starting the highly impactful In Good Company Coaching training provider.We uncover how Jo came to heed the call to follow her own path, alongside her business partner Zoe Hawkins.

The path has not always been smooth but by staying true to their intuition they have built a fantastic community alongside a remarkable company.

They co-host the number 1 coaching podcast - The Coaching Crowd, and have co-authored the Amazon bestselling book, "Deciding to Coach".

Key takeaways:

* The focus on people and conflict resolution have been constant themes in Jo's career.

* Jo started In Good Company to have greater flexibility and control over her work-life balance, whilst demonstrating to her children that they could follow any path they put their minds to.

* Spending time in nature, travelling and trusting her intuition are some of the tools that have supported Jo's development.

Episode resources:

Jo Wheatley: www.linkedin.com/in/joannewheatley

In Good Company: www.igcompany.co.uk

Deciding to Coach: www.igcompany.co.uk/book_launch

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

Lee and I delve into his passion for showcasing rich and diverse talent that can often be overlooked in traditional employment searches.

We discuss how he came to be where his is today and how he now brings individuals insights into their unique talents, and development areas blending technology with decades of experience.

One of the things I love about the Diverse Talent "Skills & Role" Fit Analysis is the way it outlines the potential challenges to an individuals role from the advancements in AI, whilst suggesting alternative career paths.

Key takeaways:

* Lee's entrepreneurial journey stems from a desire to challenge conventional thinking and do things differently.

* Diverse Talent Networks' "Skills & Role" Fit Analysis tool aims to give people more control over their careers through skills analysis and networking tools.

* Lee's key leadership lessons include: recognise team members' diverse strengths, communicate the organisation's mission clearly, and maintain persistence.

Episode resources:

Lee Higgins: www.linkedin.com/in/higginslee

Diverse Talent Networks: www.diversetalentnetworks.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

After 14 years, Andrew and I delve into his journey from school drop out to CEO!

An incredibly inspirational story highlighting that where we start never has to be where we arrive.

Key takeaways:

* Andrew's path from school dropout to psychology graduate to CEO showcases the value of perseverance and continuous learning.

* Blinker, Andrew's current venture, aims to simplify hiring for small businesses through a blend of technology and human expertise.

* Key leadership lessons: focus on elevating others, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and maintain work-life balance.

* Success comes from consistent effort, not luck; "just get up and get on" is Andrew's motto for progress.

Episode resources:

Andrew Finn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrewf1

Blnker: www.blnker.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

Over coffee we discuss Ellie's career journey and leadership insights.

12 years on from our first meeting and supporting her move in-house, it is fair to say she has been on a remarkable journey whilst still making time to enjoy the ride!

Key takeaways:

* Ellie's career progression from a "Big 4" professional services firm to in-house roles demonstrates the value of seeking new challenges and variety.

* Transitioning from professional services to in-house roles requires adapting to different work structures and developing new skills.

* Understanding personality types and using tools like coaching can enhance leadership effectiveness.

* Balancing governance with entrepreneurial culture is key in Ellie's current role at Nando's.

Episode resources:

Eleanor Christie: www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-christie-tax

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

Over coffee we catch up about her career journey and new consulting business, Metochi Consulting which is dedicated putting people at the centre of business transformations.

Melvina's dedication to continuous learning and finding people-led solutions is a thread that weaves through her academics (Masters, MBA, PhD, FCIPD) AND throughout a stellar career that saw her leave the corporate world as the Head of HR for Wealth EMEA & the UK for a global bank.

Key takeaways:

* Melvina transitioned from a long corporate HR career to founding Metochi Consulting, focusing on helping businesses navigate critical transitions.

* Her approach combines people-centred, context-aware, and evidence-based strategies to unlock organisational potential.

* Key leadership attributes she values are allowing people to be their authentic selves and genuinely caring about employees beyond just KPIs.

Episode resources:

Melvina Metochi - www.linkedin.com/in/melvina-metochi

Metochi Consulting - www.linkedin.com/company/metochi-consulting-ltd

Chay Executive Coaching - www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

In this episode I catch up with Martin Sealy, Executive Coach and Managing Director of MS Impact Group.

Martin is a rare gem of a man. The transformational power of his presence is evident in his ability to hold space for others and then ask questions with an intentionality to elevate thinking exceptionally.

He holds an MBA and numerous coaching qualifications alongside a wealth of global leadership experience. Over coffee we cover we explore his career journey, leadership approach, and insights on coaching and how it supports personal development.

Key takeaways:

* Martin's career trajectory led him from high profile international corporate roles to founding MS Impact, driven by a desire to focus on transformative conversations and coaching.

* Continuous learning and self-improvement form part of his core values. He was inspired by his Mother's influence and curiosity about different cultures.

* Some of his key leadership lessons include creating conditions for followership, servant leadership, and ensuring people feel genuinely cared for beyond just words.

* His coaching often addresses themes like imposter syndrome and helps executives in high pressure roles find a greater sense of balance.

Episode resources:

Martin Sealy: www.linkedin.com/in/msealy

MS Impact Group: www.msimpactgroup.com

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

In this episode I catch up with Emma Freivogel, Founder & CEO of Radical Recruit and Co- Founder of Be Radical. Her incredible organisations bridge gaps in employment for marginalised individuals often invisible and unsupported in society.

This was one of my favourite episodes as Emma keeps it REAL and had so many uplifting stories to share about the power we have to make the world more awesome!

Over coffee we cover:

* How her businesses have placed 750+ people into work with an impressive 92% 6-month retention rate!

* Her key leadership traits including connecting through storytelling, vulnerability, and authenticity.

* The power of LinkedIn which has been a crucial tool for building her network, fundraising, and driving impact.

Episode resources:

Chan's story (A radical being #radical): www.youtu.be/R6kUYJrYASo

Radical Recruit: www.radicalrecruit.co.uk

B-Radical: www.b-radical.co.uk

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

In this episode I catch up with Marina Ebrubah, Global Head of KYC (Know Your Client compliance), at Man Group. Marina plays a key as a mentor with EnCircle Mentoring as well as Bridging Barriers.

Over coffee we cover we discussing her career journey, leadership insights, and involvement in various impactful diversity initiatives whilst being the mother of 3 lucky children and a partner!

Key takeaways:

* Marina's career pivoted from accounting to compliance, demonstrating the value of transferable skills and opportunistic career moves.

* Balancing a demanding career with family life remains an ongoing challenge, requiring flexibility and self-compassion.

* Marina's involvement in mentoring initiatives like EnCircle and Bridging Barriers stems from a desire to give back and create opportunities for others in the Financial Services industry.

* Authentic leadership and relationship-building are crucial for career progression and making an impact.

Episode resources:

Marina Ebrubrah: www.linkedin.com/in/marina-ebrubah-60b49b21EnCircle: www.encirclementoring.comBridging Barriers: www.bridgingbarriers.co.ukChay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

In this episode I chop it up with Jackie on her journey from graduate, to high-level corporate law career, and now founder of the incredibly impactful Black Women in Asset Management network (BWAM). Driven by her desire for greater impact and fulfilment she has reached incredible heights, and there is so much more to come!

Over coffee we cover:

* How BWAM provides crucial community, networking, and career support for Black Women in Asset Management globally.

* That despite DE&I rollbacks, the need for BWAM's work is greater than ever as Black women face job losses and career challenges.

* The importance of valuing one's worth, not discounting rates/services, and building a strong team when starting a business plus so many more gems from her experiences.

Episode resources:

Jacqueline James: www.linkedin.com/in/jacqjames

Black Women in Asset Management: www.bwam.network

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com

In this episode I catch up with Sanjay Gulati to hear how he made the unlikely pivot from a career in IT to elderly care provision leadership as CEO of AGE UK Croydon.

Over coffee we cover:

* His transition from an IT corporate career to the charity sector that saw him eventually become CEO of Age UK Croydon after roles in Canada and Ireland!

* Sanjay's leadership approach which focuses on "Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement" (ICE) while staying calm under pressure.

* A deeper understanding of the vital services Age UK Croydon provides to support older people's independence and wellbeing.

* The future strategy of the organisation which centres around improving data intelligence and embedding client voices to shape future services.

Episode resources:

AGE UK Croydon: www.ageuk.org.uk/croydon

Donate to AGE UK Croydon's vital services: www.justgiving.com/ageukcroydon

Chay Executive Coaching: www.chayexecutivecoaching.com