"We love to talk about failure in hindsight...the question is not whether youll fail or not, the question is will you learn, from the failure?"

Redefining our understanding and relationships with failure and challenges, is what set certain people apart. You know the ones that seem to remain so calm and zen regardless of whats happening?

The one thing they have in common, alongside this week's guest, is knowing that failure is a potential lesson, and its definitely an opportunity for something new. So how do you get out of your bubble and learn to listen to yourself rather than others? How do you discover doors and reach the success, that you want, the true authentic you?

In this weeks episode, Laura Gassner Otting and I discuss how you can positively move through any space with authenticity and understanding of yourself. Its about trying to get some hindsight before it happens. So dont always look and listen for help externally, as you are the only one that can lead yourself.

About Laura Gassner Otting

Author, Catalyst, and Coach Laura Gassner Otting inspires people to push past the doubt and indecision that keep great ideas in limbo by helping audiences think bigger and accept greater challenges that reach beyond their current, limited scope of belief.

She delivers strategic thinking, well-honed wisdom, and a catalytic perspective informed by decades of navigating change across the start-up, nonprofit, political, and philanthropic landscapes.

Lauras rebellious and entrepreneurial edge has been well-honed over a 25-year career that started when she dropped out of law school to join an unknown southern governors presidential campaign, and ended up as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clintons White House, where she helped shape AmeriCorps. Some topics discussed

• Finally finding your people
• Listen to others & listening to your gut
• Fake it till you make it can lead you to gold handcuffs
• Easy to connect the dots backwards
• Are we getting over-gurud?
• Recognising the bumpy journey of life and falling forward
• The 3 lies stopping our authentic journey
• The power of manifestation

Connect Laura Gassner Otting

• Linkedin
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
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I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

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We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

My work ethic made me strive for bigger and better things, which is excellent, right? But it was at the sacrifice of my health to get there

Our work ethic, strive for excellence and the want to have more, can be a huge driving factor in our success, but can also be a detriment to our lives. Growing up in certain environments and cultures show us how to live our lives, and what a good life looks like, and we just believe it without any question.

But what happens when you lose yourself in this quest for societys definition of happiness?

In this week's episode, Lydia Lee takes us along her journey of self-discovery, navigating stress and how to move downstream with life. It can be scary to unlearn, break down what you know and rediscover who you are. And we all have to start somewhere, so...What are you responsible for, and accountable for creating this reality for yourself?

About Lydia Lee

Lydia Lee is the Founder and Executive coach to Screw the Cubicle, where she supports solopreneurs and freelancers to create a business they love.

With over 7 years in the corporate world, Lydia built her name and brand, with personal sacrifices along the way. In March 2012, things completely stopped after severe burnout and an emotional breakdown from the 60 hours a week, 6 months of travelling (in a year) and no holidays in year stretches. This is when she asked herself is this all there is, which slowly but surely led her to found her business.

Some topics discussed

• The strive for excellence as an immigrant
• The search for security
• Knowing the role of others in your life
• Staying open to your growth and new opportunities
• Unlearning what we think life is
• Creating doorways you can walk through in your current reality
• Definition of leadership

Connect with Lydia Lee

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Screw the Cubicle Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

When you choose something, being on the fence does no favours to anyone involved

It can be difficult to make a decision, yet the next step can be where the real challenge starts. Fully committing to yourself, and your decisions may seem harder, as now youve got to put the actions behind the words. You can no longer be entertaining habits, views and opportunities that take you away from your path.

In this week's episode, were taken on insightful learning of what transformation can mean to us. As seasons change, and complexities grow, its important to not only understand ourselves in the wider world but also take the time to create stability.

About Ciela Hartanov

Ciela has a doctorate in Culture and Human Behaviour and has applied her knowledge of human behaviour to tech organisations for almost two decades. Ciela was part of the founding team of The Google School for Leaders and Head of Next Practice Innovation and Strategy at Google, where she developed projects designed to help shape the future of work. She is an expert in creating organisations that are more effective, wise and future-ready and is currently working on a book about building contemporary leadership and organisations entitled Reclaiming Sensitivity

Some topics discussed

• Making the choice to be fully committed.
• Creating stability in a complex world.
• What does true transformation look like?
• Having the right intention behind faking it till you make it
• Does self-awareness exist when youre by yourself?
• Balancing other people's opinions and knowing yourself.
• Creating & maintaining your identity.
• Designing emergent strategies for your business.

Connect with Ciela Hartanov

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• HumCollective Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

Quick wins always keep you looking for quick wins

In a world where self-gratification and pretence are the norms, it can be challenging to be yourself, authentically - especially if you are the only one in the room. But we know with all challenges, comes great opportunities to design and create a career (and life) that is not only surviving but thriving in the world.

In this week's episode, Madeline McQueen shares her journey to uncover unique understandings of how we can all do and be the best version of ourselves. And even if we fall down, its time to just get up and keep moving. As Madeline shared It goes wrong when you try to emulate other people, you become a poor version of them

About Madeline McQueen

Madeline is the Co-Founder of Q Squared, as well as the Compass Club. As a passionate advocate for professional women, she provides a space for them to find the resources, support, and community they need to thrive.

As a sought-after global speaker, host, trainer, executive coach, and entrepreneur, Madeline has supported a range of leaders and companies. They include Salesforce, GIC Limited, Investec, PHD Global, Sainsbury's, M& C Saatchi, Virgin Management, O2, UCL and others.

Some topics discussed

• Life is to be lived, even with risks
• Doing things on my terms
• Independence vs interdependence
• Holding your own to get those numbers
• Being authentically yourself to get back up
• What is the real cost?
• Stop trying to be someone youre not
• Quick wins always keep you looking for quick wins
• Light bulb moments
• Creating true generational wealth
• Definition of leadership

Connect with Madeline McQueen

• Linkedin
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

I didnt think of it like that..I just did it!

Sometimes the reason something hasnt been done before, is because you werent involved? Or is it just actually just a bad idea?

It can be easy to question why someone hasnt done something before, but theres so much more opportunity and excitement when you see it as how can I be the first one to do it. Sometimes - most of the time - its just about doing it!

In this week's episode, Im joined by Akua Gyamfi as we jump feet first into the foundation of The British Blacklist. Akua shares the realities of creating and building something for the Black British community to not only see themselves but celebrate the diversity when it comes to Black Art.

If it aint there, sometimes youve just got to do it yourself

About Akua Gyamfi

Akua Gyamfi has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning fashion, film, television, theatre, print and online media.

Starting out behind the scenes, Akua carved out a reputable career as a hairstylist on Londons Portobello Road, her hairdressing reputation lead to her first foray into the entertainment world. In 2012, Akua launched multi-award winning platform The British Blacklist, a media outlet for BAME entertainment professionals. The British Blacklist is a media brand respected throughout the industry for its dedication to news of British black professionals in screen, stage, sound, and literature and its database documenting and championing their achievements in a way that hasnt been done before.

Some topics discussed

• Lean in on what youre good at
• Taking up space as black creatives
• Just doing it without any reservations
• Recognising the cause as part of the healing
• Doing something for the UK black community
• Learning from history to create power
• Not being a leader, but a driver

Connect with Akua Gyamfi

• Linkedin
• Twitter
• Instagram
• The British Blacklist Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

Leaders can train themselves to respond more consciously, with more choice, more quickly through practice

Communication is a complex, multi-layered life skill that we are all constantly learning from (if we are aware of it or not). We know there is the verbal and the physical, but have you thought about your empathy, compassion or even patience, when it comes to how you talk to the world?

In this week's episode, we peel back the layers when it comes to communication; by delving into the world of non-violent communication. Nati Beltran shares the common pitfalls and opportunities to elevate how we talk to ourselves to master how to communicate and positively connect and lead those around us.

Its time to become intentional!

About Nati Beltran

Nati helps leaders and managers become more resilient and more empathic communicators so that they can work in line with their values and advance towards their goals of making the world a better place. She uses insights from Neuroscience and Nonviolent Communication to help them raise their emotional and social intelligence so that they can motivate their team and dissolve conflicts and barriers to collaboration.

Nati is currently doing a Masters in Neuroscience and has a Masters in Montessori Education and Leadership. She has been a Nonviolent Communication coach and trainer for nearly a decade. Some topics discussed

• The Myth of the Introverted Leader
• Different types of Violence - its not just the physical
• Creating Resilience through Emotion
• Becoming Less Reactive and More Responsive
• Difference between Sympathy and Empathy
• Finding the Need in all Situations
• Taking your Listening to the Action Phase
• Signs of When you May Need Help
• Changing the Game by Playing the game

Connect with Nati Beltran

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

"Its fascinating to think where life would have been if I had gone down that route. The thing that turned me away ended up being the very thing that changed the rest of my life

Our experiences help us navigate life, through what we experience, what we turn down or what we walk towards. Yet, sometimes it doesnt always work in our favour, which is where our instinct, our vision and our faith come into play.

In this weeks episode, Ndidi Okezie, CEO of UK Youth leads us on the path of finding fulfilment - and not the chasing kind, but the one that gets you up every morning. This in itself is something that people are looking for their whole life, but once you know how to find it.Youll have a path to impact and success like never before.

About Ndidi Okezie

Ndidi is the CEO of UK Youth; a leading national charity with an open network of over 8000 youth organisations and national partners. Prior to joining UK Youth, Ndidi's career spans the education, charity and corporate sectors. Her former roles include teacher, school leader, Executive Director of Teach First and Vice President at Pearson PLC.

Ndidi currently sits on the Board of The Mulberry Schools Trust, NCS, Teach For All and Sky's Diversity Advisory Council.

Connect with Ndidi Okezie

• Linkedin
• Twitter
• Instagram
• UK Youth Website

Some topics discussed

• You dont know you dont like something until you try it
• Following your instincts to discover unknown opportunities
• Sacrificing for now to achieve the goal down the line
• Finding your innate love of life
• Fundamentally believing change can happen
• Influencing from your own perspective
• The lonely reality of being a CEO
• Finding self-worth even before youve made it

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]

Theres a difference between sight and vision. For me, I had a vision, and for other people they have sight. Somebody may see wood, but I see a table

There are so many obstacles and challenges that impact our lives from day to day to the life-changing. Yet, we still put ourselves in a position of struggle, through self-doubt and fear. When you walk in your purpose, the only person that can truly hold you back is yourself.

In this week's episode, Emmanuel takes us on the journey of self-belief, even when he had fallen off track. Our titles, our environment and even our dreams arent representative or big enough for us. We need to stop staying within our reality and only dreaming what feels really right now.

About Emmanuel

Emmanuel Asuquo is a qualified Financial Adviser and has worked in Financial Services for over 15 years. Emmanuel is privileged enough to give financial education talks all over the UK and has spoken to over 30,000 people in the last three years. Emmanuel has been featured in The Times, Telegraph, The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers and invited to speak as an expert guest on BBC Radio on multiple occasions. Emmanuel has a passion for helping people, and his vision is to become the financial adviser to the nation.

Some topics discussed

• Finding the people you need to speak to
• Difference between sight and vision
• Going past your limits to live in your purpose
• Not allowing a title to tell you where you belong
• Do you really want it? Or do you just like the idea of it?
• Finding the child in you
• Being the change you want to see
• Being intentional with the life you want
• Living and breathing servant leadership

Connect with Emmanuel

• Linkedin
• Twitter
• Instagram
• The Eman Effect Website

Connect with Sope

• Website
• 
  

I am always keen to hear your thoughts and connect with the community of listeners. If you have any comments, feedback or thoughts, please drop me a voice message: https://mindsetshift.co.uk/#ask-me-anything

Connect with Sope

Website | Youtube | Instagram | LinkedIn

Did you find this helpful? If you like this episode, please leave a review or share it with someone who could benefit from listening. 

We’re always keen to get feedback so if you have any thoughts, send us an email at [email protected]