In this reflective episode of Janet Generally Speaking, Lauren Edmunds shares the personal journey that led her to create a child-led educational model for children with learning and behavioural challenges.

Lauren opens up about parenting a child who struggled within the traditional school system, navigating denial and grief, and eventually building a school grounded in empathy, flexibility and holistic support.

The conversation explores:

Parenting children with diverse learning needs

The emotional impact of educational diagnoses

Why academic performance should not define identity

The role of teachers beyond academics

Building resilience through adversity

Personal growth, grief and reinvention

Books, climbing and finding motivation

This episode is an honest and compassionate discussion about education, humanity and seeing the full child beyond marks and labels.

Lauren's website for Omatas Learning Centre: https://omatas.co.za/

Link to Lauren's podcast: https://omatas.co.za/category/the-lauren-edmunds-podcast/ LinkedIn

There are rules around advertising on any medium and platform, and we see that many companies are asking their marketing or communications team to be responsible for buying adverts, but do they know the laws? Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Revenue Board, answers the question about education around advertising.

Gail on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-schimmel-9366b255/

ARB website: https://www.arb.org.za/ LinkedIn

Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Revenue Board, answers the question about social media and advertising. If you are an influencer or are working with influencers in your marketing and social media campaigns, this one is for you. The responsibility lies with you, not the influencer.

Gail on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-schimmel-9366b255/

ARB website: https://www.arb.org.za/ LinkedIn

The advertising landscape and societal opinions change over time. We asked Gail Schimmel, the CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board, whether they are receiving different kinds of complaints today than a few years ago. The answer will surprise you!

Gail on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-schimmel-9366b255/

ARB Website: https://www.arb.org.za/ LinkedIn

Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Revenue Board answers our question about the rules that apply to advertising in a podcast.

Gail Schimmel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-schimmel-9366b255/

ARB website: https://www.arb.org.za/

SAPG website: https://www.sapg.co.za/ LinkedIn

Gail Schimmel says advertorials should follow the same rules as ads, and you need to make sure that you stand out.

Gail Schimmel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-schimmel-9366b255/

ARB website: https://www.arb.org.za/ LinkedIn

Samantha Perry from SJ Perry PR answers the question, " Is it ok to DM a journalist through their social media profiles?" LinkedIn

I ask Samantha Perry from SJ Perry PR to discuss whether, in a much busier world, journalists still leave their desks to attend media events and interviews. LinkedIn

In this episode, the first where I will talk to an NPO and find out who they are, how they work and what they are doing for the community and the people, or animals they are working to help, I talk to Tracy McQuarrie, the founder of BarkingMad SA about the start of the NPO and the initiatives it has to raise much needed funds for rescues. We find out about Not Without My Dog and the important research they are doing to create minimum standards for the rescue sector - created by them for them. LinkedIn

I ask Samantha Perry from SJ Perry PR where the disconnect is between social media and PR, and discover that it could be communication, among other things. LinkedIn