This month, I’m taking some time for deeper reflection, and I wanted to share some of that with you. This special episode is a collection of standout moments from this year's conversations, all woven around the central theme of purpose.

You'll hear clips from all of my incredible 2025 guests, each sharing insights that made me pause and think. We explore why we do the work we do, what gets in the way, and what this idea of 'purpose' truly means. I've created this as a space for you to reflect, too. As you listen, I invite you to consider what resonates, what challenges you, and what small steps you might want to take next in your own journey.

• Your Past Shapes Your Leadership: Our personal histories and childhood experiences create patterns that show up in our leadership. To lead effectively and authentically, we must do the work to understand our own "stuff" and how it impacts our teams and mission. It's not about becoming a different leader, but a better version of yourself.

• Purpose is an Evolution, Not a Destination: The values that drive you are not set in stone. As you grow and experience the world, your understanding deepens. A value of 'kindness' might evolve into 'fairness,' which might then become a commitment to 'justice' and 'liberation.' This non-linear journey is a natural and powerful part of living a purpose-driven life.

• Small Actions Create Big Ripples: You don't need to have all the answers or a grand plan to start making a difference. Change can begin with something as simple as changing your language to be more inclusive, starting a conversation with your community, or simply sharing your story. These small, deliberate acts have a ripple effect you may never fully see.

• Ground Yourself Before You Act: In moments of pressure, it's easy to fall into old habits like people-pleasing. Before making a decision, use a simple framework like the 'Five Cs' to check in with yourself: How Calm, Clear, Curious, Courageous, and Compassionate am I? This pause allows you to act from a place of intention rather than reaction.

10:00 Astrid Korin introduces the Five Cs model—Calm, Clear, Curious, Courageous, and Compassionate—as a practical tool for leaders to ground themselves before making decisions.

18:23 Keri Jarvis shares the story of how her values evolved from 'freedom' to 'liberation' and how the despair following a general election catalysed the creation of the Southend Care Bank.

24:40 Siobhan Strode on the pivotal childhood experience that shaped her mission to combat apathy and ensure women's stories are heard and no longer silenced.

35:45 Accountant Kirsty Heywood-MacDonald describes the practical and empowering support her firm offers, including bespoke accommodation plans and mental health check-ins, to create a truly disability-inclusive service.

• Leah Brown: Mediator and founder of The WayFinders Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbrown-frsa/

• Astrid Korin: Executive Leadership Coach. Connect with her on LinkedIn and at astridkorin.com.

• Katherine Powell: Coach, trainer and Founder of The Curious Coaching Company. https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-powell-ceo-coach-coach-training/

• Keri Jarvis: Coach and Co-founder of the Southend Care Bank. https://www.instagram.com/keri_l_jarvis/

• Siobhan Strode: Advocacy consultant, mentor and founder of This Sister Speaks. https://www.instagram.com/siobhan.strode/

• Catherine Mack: Travel writer specialising in responsible tourism https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mack/ and https://www.instagram.com/thenaturaladventure_/

• Kirsty Heywood-MacDonald: Founder of the multi-award winning Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy Services Ltd. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyheywoodmacdonald/

• Nora Bateson: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9781913743857

• Book: Real-Time Leadership by David Noble and Carol Kaufman.https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9781647823931

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on Linked In.

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

Welcome to a deeply insightful episode of Do Good and Do Well with the brilliant Katherine Powell. Join us as we explore what happens when we truly listen to our inner selves, the wisdom of slowing down, and how stories we've inherited shape us. Katherine, an executive coach, supervisor, and transactional analytic counselor, shares her journey and philosophy of leading "just as they are." This conversation is not about quick fixes, but about the profound power of self-respect, curiosity, and non-judgment as ultimate superpowers.

Key Takeaways:

• Our early life experiences and inherited stories can shape our behaviour and beliefs, often leading to patterns that may not serve us in adulthood.

• Recognising when our strengths become Achilles' heels is crucial for personal and professional growth.

• Pausing and creating space for self-reflection can help us connect with our inner knowing and make choices that align with our true selves.

• Cultivating self-respect, non-judgment, and curiosity are powerful tools for personal well-being and effective leadership.

• Understanding and working with our internal narratives allows for deeper, long-lasting personal and professional transformation.

Episode Highlights:

• 04:10 - Katherine discusses her "people curious" nature and career path leading to coaching.

• 10:50 - The concept of internalised messages from childhood and their impact on adult behaviour.

• 16:15 - How understanding her own "Achilles heel" allowed Katherine to choose self-respect.

• 21:00 - The role of coaching in creating a pause and focusing on what can be controlled.

• 38:00 - How to let go of attachment to identity when considering a career shift.

• 40:20 - A practical exercise for exploring identity.

About the Guest:

Katherine Powell is an executive coach, supervisor, and transactional analytic counselor. She is the director and founder of KP&A, offering executive and team coaching supervision and action learning. Katherine also founded The Curious Coaching Company, providing EMCC accredited coach training and CPT programs. She specialises in working with senior women leaders, helping them to lead authentically.

• Website: http://www.curiouscoachingcompany.co.uk

• Email: mailto:[email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-powell-5a23603/

Episode Links:

• The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk- https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9780141978611

• The Chimp Paradox by Prof Steve Peters https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9780091935580

• Victor Frankl - man’s Search for Meaning - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9781844132393

• Eddie Stern - One Simple Thing: https://www.youtube.com/live/W9ICgUFxIWM?feature=shared

End Credits:

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/). This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ). If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

Hello, and welcome to the new and improved Do Good and Do Well podcast!

In this episode, I speak with Catherine Mack, a travel writer with nearly two decades of experience in ethical and sustainable travel. I was wrestling with the dilemma of wanting to explore the world with my children while holding onto my values of community and responsibility to the planet. This conversation with Catherine brought a sense of hope, exploring how we can travel in a way that has a positive impact. We delve into alternatives to mass tourism, the power of slow travel, and how our choices as travellers can create meaningful change.

• Slow Travel is Sustainable Travel: Slowing down allows for a deeper, more responsible travel experience. This involves reading about your destination beforehand, including its responsible tourism issues, to manage expectations and travel with an open mind. 
• The Power of the Traveller: Travellers have the power to influence change in the tourism industry. By making conscious choices and using social media to voice concerns, such as the impact of cruise ships, we can encourage tourist boards to move beyond a numbers-driven approach. 
• Engage with Local People: Making an effort to speak with local people can transform your travel experience. It fosters a genuine cultural exchange and reminds us that we are guests in their homes. Referring to them as "local people" rather than "the locals" is a simple but powerful way to show respect. 
• Think Beyond the City Break: Many cities have incredible natural landscapes and walking or cycling trails on their doorstep. Extending your trip to explore these areas supports local economies beyond the tourist hotspots and offers a richer experience. 

• 04:35 Catherine shares what led her to become a travel writer focusing on ethical and responsible tourism.
• 08:35 The moment Catherine realised the profound impact of tourism on local communities, particularly through her work on a story about the Maasai in Kenya.
• 15:15 The concept of "slow travel" and how reading about a destination in depth before visiting can lead to a more meaningful journey.
• 18:40 Discussing the complexities of flying and suggesting alternatives to carbon offsetting, like supporting local conservation charities.
• 40:15 The significance of language and referring to "local people" instead of "the locals" to foster respect and connection.

Catherine Mack has spent nearly two decades writing about ethical and sustainable travel for publications such as The Guardian, National Geographic Traveller, and The Independent. 17 She is the author of Eco Scape Island and is the content manager for The Natural Adventure, a company specialising in walking and cycling holidays. 18

• The Natural Adventure: https://www.thenaturaladventure.com/
• Instagram: @catherinemacktravel
• Bluesky: @mackcatherine.bsky.social
• Blog: http://www.ethicaltraveller.co.uk/

• The Man in Seat 61: For all things train travel. https://www.seat61.com/
• Rewilding Europe: https://rewildingeurope.com/
• Bradt Guides: https://www.bradtguides.com/
• An Hour from Paris by Annabel Simms: https://annabelsimms.com/
• Rail Europe: https://www.raileurope.com/en
• Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman
• Interrail: https://www.interrail.eu/en
• Emma Gibbs' Substack: https://rewriting.substack.com/
• JRNY Travel Magazine: https://www.jrnymag.com/
• The Cure for Sleep by Tanya Shadrick

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/).

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk).

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I had a brilliant conversation with Siobhan Strode, an advocacy consultant, mentor for change-makers, and the founder of This Sister Speaks. With her rich background in communications, education, activism, and politics, Siobhan helps people and organisations find their confidence, raise their voices, and make real, lasting change.

We talked about the incredible power that comes from sharing your own story, the importance of leading from your core values, and the idea that true leadership begins with understanding who you are and what you stand for. Siobhan shared such valuable insights into how we, as purpose-driven leaders, can speak up confidently, build movements that truly matter, and create change that endures. This conversation is a reminder that doing good and doing well isn't about having the loudest voice, but about having one that is clear, honest, and true to you.

• Your Story is Powerful: Sharing our experiences, even the ones we think are small or ordinary, is a vital act. It helps combat the historical erasure of women's voices and builds connection.

• Lead as Yourself: Trying to fit a mould or maintain a purely 'professional' front can squash us down. Leading authentically, embracing all parts of who we are and what we care about, builds trust and attracts the right opportunities.

• Find Your Sisterhood: Having a community of people who support you is crucial. These spaces offer solidarity, a place to practise using your voice, receive constructive feedback, and gain the confidence to take risks.

• Small Ripples Make Waves: You don't have to run for Parliament to make a difference (though Siobhan did!). Speaking up against injustice or apathy, even in seemingly small ways like challenging a comment or sharing your perspective, creates a ripple effect and shows others what's possible.

• Sustain Your Energy: Activism and change-making require energy. Looking after ourselves through rest, getting outdoors, setting boundaries, asking for help, and nurturing connections isn't a luxury; it's essential for sustaining our efforts long-term.

• [04:52] The pivotal childhood experience that ignited Siobhan's drive to combat apathy and speak out.

• [08:37] Discussing the importance of creating safe, encouraging spaces where women can share experiences without taboo.

• [10:55] Exploring why visibility matters and how seeing others speak up, even imperfectly, can empower us.

• [20:51] The shift from trying to 'fit in' and appear professional to the power of leading as your whole self.

• [23:46] How to navigate decisions about work or collaborations when values don't align, and the privilege involved in saying no.

• [35:10] Practical ways Siobhan looks after herself to sustain her energy for activism, focusing on nature, boundaries, and sisterhood.

Siobhan Strode is an advocacy consultant, mentor, and founder of This Sister Speaks. She helps change-makers raise their voices and lead with impact.

• Instagram: @‌thissisterscribes

• LinkedIn: Siobhan Strode

• Programme: This Sister Speaks Waitlist 

• Carl Jung quote “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed”.

• Tricia Hersey - Rest is Resistance Rest Is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life a book by Tricia Hersey.

• Keri Jarvis Keri Jarvis | Composting- Group Coaching for the Polycrisis. Keri Jarvis, Accredited Coach & Community Activist

• The Portal Collective: A community platform mentioned for finding connection and support. Join The Portal Collective

• Audre Lorde: Influential writer and activist mentioned in the conversation.

• Merlin Bird ID App: The app Sarah uses to identify bird sounds.

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/).

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ).

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I chat to Kirsty Heywood-McDonald, the founder of Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy Services. Kirsty discusses her mission to break down barriers and create inclusive environments for neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs.

Kirsty shares her personal experiences with redundancy and discrimination, which fuelled her passion to establish a business that supports and empowers individuals with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs with neurodiversity and disabilities often face challenges such as stress, anxiety around finances, burnout, and difficulties with organisation, time management and processing complex financial information.

• Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute their best.

• Simple adjustments and a focus on open communication can make a significant difference in supporting individuals with disabilities, without necessarily incurring high costs.

• Kirsty emphasises the importance of having open conversations with clients and team members to understand their needs and challenges, and then co-creating supportive ways of working.

• Inclusive practices benefit everyone in the workplace by fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect.

Episode Highlights:

02:18 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent and Disabled Entrepreneurs

03:56 Financial Management and Support Strategies

20:39 Creating an Inclusive Workplace

24:22 Access to Work and Grants

34:32 Mandatory Training and Systemic Changes

39:41 Practical Tips for Businesses

About the Guest:

Kirsty (she/her) is the founder of Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy Services Ltd, a multi-award winning practice specialising in supporting neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs. Her mission is clear: to dismantle barriers and foster inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

LinkedIn Website

Episode Links:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

• https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

• https://mhfaengland.org

End Credits:

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/).

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced byhttp://lucylucraft.co.uk.

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.

In this episode, I chat with Astrid Korin, an accredited transformative executive coach, about people-pleasing. We discuss what people-pleasing is, how it shows up in our lives, and what we can do about it. Astrid shares her insights from her 20 years of experience working with senior leaders worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

• People-pleasing can be defined as going over and beyond to accommodate others, even when it is not in our best interest.

• Some common signs of people-pleasing include difficulty saying no, overthinking conversations, and struggling to give and receive feedback.

• People-pleasing can be harmful because it can lead to resentment, burnout, and us not being our authentic selves.

• To overcome people-pleasing, we need to become aware of our triggers and start setting boundaries.

• It is important to remember that overcoming people-pleasing is a journey and not a destination.

Episode Highlights:

• 02:41: What are the common signs of people-pleasing?

• 06:50: How people-pleasing can show up in our relationships.

• 10:15: The difference between people-pleasing and being collaborative.

• 14:10: How people-pleasing can affect our well-being.

• 21:05: How to start creating healthier boundaries.

• 29:35: The importance of having an accountability partner.

• 36:15: How to deal with people's reactions to our new boundaries.

• 41:10: The one thing you can do right now to start overcoming people-pleasing.

About the Guest:

Astrid Korin is an accredited transformative executive coach. She is passionate about putting the human back into leadership and works with leaders and teams to help them connect deeply with themselves and each other so that they can thrive and build successful, sustainable businesses.

You can connect with Astrid on LinkedIn or through her website:

• Astrid's LinkedIn

• Astrid's website

• Inside Out Leadership | Mindful Leadership Coaching

Episode Links:

• How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

• "I spent so much of my life proving my worth, I forgot to play" Gabor Mate

• Brene Brown "Dare to Lead"

• Dr Karen Smith (mindfulness coaching) - https://outsidethought.co.uk

End Credits:

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/).

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (https://lucylucraft.co.uk).

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode of Do Good and Do Well, I'm joined by Keri Jarvis, a coach, charity co-founder, and advocate for social change. We delve into the concept of the polycrisis - the interconnected challenges of our times - and how we can navigate these complexities while maintaining our well-being. Keri shares her insights on the importance of community, experimentation, and self-compassion in creating positive change.

Key Takeaways

• The polycrisis describes the interconnected nature of today's challenges, including climate change, poverty, inequality, and mental health. It's crucial to view these not as isolated issues, but as interwoven threads.
• Embrace experimentation and imperfection when striving to make a difference. There's no single solution, so adaptability and a willingness to learn are essential.
• Community and collaboration are vital for navigating the polycrisis. Sharing experiences, supporting one another, and engaging in collective action can empower us to create positive change and foster a sense of belonging.

Episode Highlights

• (01:58) Keri's journey and how she arrived at her current work
• (03:47) Balancing awareness of global issues with the desire for a "normal" life
• (09:19) Exploring Keri's values and how they've evolved
• (17:47) The story behind the Southend Care Bank and its mission to alleviate hygiene poverty
• (29:25) Understanding the polycrisis and its impact on our lives
• (32:56) Finding the motivation to persevere despite the weight of the world's problems
• (48:11) Keri's composting community and the power of collective care

About the Guest

Keri Jarvis is an ICF Accredited Developmental Coach for life and work in the polycrisis. She helps people to re-imagine their relationships with themselves, their work, and the world, expanding their capacity for contribution and satisfaction. She's also the Co-Founder of Southend Care Bank, alleviating the impact of hygiene poverty and redistributing pre-loved resources.

Find Keri Jarvis on Instagram (@keri jarvis) and visit her website at kerijarvis.com

Episode Links

• Experiments in Imagining Otherwise by Lola Olufemi
• Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
• The Portal Collective: https://theportalcollective.com/
• Composting with Keri Jarvis
• Support the work of the Southend Care Bank 

End Credits

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Connect with me on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/ ).

This episode was written and recorded by Sarah Fox and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk).

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review

066 Meditation with Leah Brown

Sarah welcomes Leah Brown, founder and leader in mediation and to the podcast.

Leah is a corporate lawyer and accredited mediator who transforms dysfunctional boards. She runs The WayFinders Group helping leaders navigate uncharted territory one conversation at a time. Leah is a lecturer, a podcast host, an agented writer, an accomplished violinist, a person of faith, and loves walking her dog.

Leah discusses her journey from a corporate lawyer to becoming an accredited mediator and her passion for reconciliation and restorative justice. The conversation explores the importance of mediation in addressing workplace conflicts, the role of self-awareness in leadership, and the transformative potential of restorative practices.

She shares insights on developing emotional intelligence, psychological safety in the workplace, and offers practical advice for leaders facing challenges. The episode concludes with a discussion about Leah's ongoing work on embedding restorative practices within the criminal justice system.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://linktr.ee/leahbrownfrsa  

Contact Leah: https://linktr.ee/leahbrownfrsa

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in.leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844 https://uk.linkedin.com/company/wayfindersgroup

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/seenheardspoken/  

https://www.instagram.com/broadstairs_wayfinders

x: www.x.com/OnlyOneLeah www.x.com/GroupWayFinders

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@seenheardspoken   

Contact me:

Reach out to me on my Linked In page: https://ww.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/

Sign up to my newsletter: https://dogoodanddowell.myflodesk.com/newsletter

My website: https://sarahfox.co.uk/

Grab the direct link to this episode and share with a friend

This week's Do Good & Do Well guest is the fantastic Claire Plumbly

Claire is a Clinical Psychologist & Director of Good Therapy Ltd, a psychological therapy centre based online and in Taunton, Somerset. Her private practice specialises in trauma-related issues and Claire herself has a specialism in early life traumas and burnout. Claire is also an author the book Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You’. This book is coming out in five other languages in 2025 and will show you how to harness the power of your nervous system, despite the persistent demands of modern life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Understanding Burnout
• High Functioning vs. Clinical Burnout Burnout vs. Other Conditions
• Systemic Issues and Impact
• Setting Boundaries and Finding Safety
• Leadership and Role Modelling
• Writing a Book on Burnout
• Practical Tips for Managing Stress Resources

Mentioned in this episode:

www.drclaireplumbly.com/burnout-book

Contact Claire:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drclaireplumbly/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drclaireplumbly/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrClairePlumbly

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drclaireplumbly

Contact me:

Reach out to me on my Linked In page: https://ww.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/

Sign up to my newsletter: https://dogoodanddowell.myflodesk.com/newsletter

My website: https://sarahfox.co.uk/

Grab the direct link to this episode and share with a friend

This week's Do Good & Do Well guest is the incredible Patrice Gordon.

Patrice has always been passionate about personal development, starting her career as a Chartered Accountant, training to become an Executive Coach and then pivoting into the Commercial Strategy space. In 2022, her book "Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace" was published, and she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey and is now the CEO of Eminere, a bespoke consultancy that is in the business of building better humans so that they can, in turn, run better businesses.  Having held senior positions in Finance and Commercial across some of the UK’s most loved Brands, Virgin Atlantic, Royal Mail, and British Airways. 

In this episode Patrice shares

• what reverse mentoring is and what difference it makes
• the importance of psychological safety and looking after the unrepresented mentors
• when reverse mentoring is not advised and what gets in the way from it working
• how Patrice supports organisations throughout the initial idea to completion
• Women's Development Support
• Patrice's Power to Pivot Programme

Please note that we have had some issues with sound on this episode. If you would like the transcript,  contact Sarah Fox on the email below.

Mentioned in this episode:

Reverse Mentoring - the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4562/9780349435022

Reverse Mentoring - The Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/patrice_gordon_how_reverse_mentorship_can_help_create_better_leaders?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

The Power to Pivot - https://www.eminere.co.uk/the-power-to-pivot

Patrice's newsletter: Elevate with Patrice https://elevate-with-patrice.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Harvard Kenney School's Women's Leadership Board: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/wappp/womens-leadership-board

Barefoot Coaching: https://barefootcoaching.co.uk/

Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter: https://www.wiaacharter.com/about/

Female Founders Rise: https://www.linkedin.com/company/female-founders-rise/

Contact Patrice:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricegordon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspatricegordon/

Website: https://www.eminere.co.uk/contact

Contact Sarah:

Reach out to me on my Linked In page: https://ww.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/

Sign up to my newsletter: https://dogoodanddowell.myflodesk.com/newsletter

 My website: https://sarahfox.co.uk/

Grab the direct link to this episode and share with a friend and watch the epsiode on You Tube - https://youtu.be/-TCf5bSIwfc